Thinking about buying a new home? Here’s some important advice to make sure your house is built right and can stand up to Texas winds—so you don’t end up with costly damage or worse.
1. Keep an Eye on Construction
If you’re having a new home built, don’t just trust that everything is being done correctly—check on it yourself! Visit the site at least once or twice a week and do a walkthrough. You don’t need to be an expert to notice if something looks off. Pay attention to things like:
Concrete foundation – Any cracks or uneven areas? Wood framing – Are the studs straight and properly spaced? Are the walls missing anchor bolts or anchor bolt nuts (see photo below)? Plumbing & electrical – Any exposed wires, leaks, or missing components?
One smart move is to get a home inspection before the drywall goes up. Once the walls are in place, fixing mistakes becomes a lot harder and more expensive.
2. Don’t Skip the Final Home Inspection
Many buyers assume a brand-new home is defect-free—but that’s not always the case. As a certified appraiser with 32+ years of experience, I’ve seen plenty of problems in new homes, including:
Leaking gas meters or lines
Faulty electrical switches and outlets
Missing insulation
Foundation issues
Builders often offer a 10-year warranty, but those warranties may cover very little. Many issues won’t be covered, and by the time you notice a problem, repairs could be costly.
Always get a home inspection before closing escrow—it’s a small investment for peace of mind.
3. Texas Winds Are No Joke—Is Your Home Secure?
The Dallas-Fort Worth area is no stranger to high winds, and a poorly built house could be at risk. One critical issue to check for is anchor bolts and anchor bolt nuts—these secure your home to its foundation. If they’re missing or improperly installed, your house could be vulnerable to severe wind damage.
And if something as basic as anchor bolts can be overlooked, what other hidden issues or defects could be lurking in your new home?
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