In this post, we look at new home problems with framing. Home builders excel as magicians; now you see it and now you don't as drywall hides all sins. Framing a home is literally building the skeleton, kind of important to get it done right. The majority of new builds are not "custom homes"; they are common plans that builders prefer. Typically, they have "framing packages" delivered to the site. From there, framing crews get to work. Builders always shop price (some might say always cheapest) for materials and labor. It's all about profit, never forget that.
Trashy Framing Lumber
When I'm stammering for words, it's not good. This builder shops the throw away bins at Home Depot and Lowes; wasn't just this one either. Framing lumber is graded based upon defects, warping and/or knotting. With these issues, it will be graded lower than a piece that is smooth, strong and aesthetically pleasing. In general, framing should be done with material no lower than grade 2 lumber. I think that video shows a grade 26, and this build was cleared by the builder and the county "inspectors".
Support? What Support?
"Luxury home" right here...this was priced $1M+. The fascinating thing here is the insane lack of attention to detail. How is it possible to be this bad? How is it possible to have a supervisor or foreman that allows this to happen? These framers either lack the very basic skills required for this job or simply don't care, just cover it up with drywall. Perfect example of builders hiring crews based only on cost. Some one bought this home.
Moldy Framing Lumber
Why wait for mold to develop when you can just install it at the time of construction? It's not uncommon to see this on new builds; it can develop when lumber is stored outside for long periods of time. Another perfect example of how builders just keep moving; why not take a little time to clean those floor trusses up? Maybe it's treated (highly doubtful) and maybe it's dead (needs a test), but would it be so hard to grab a pressure washer and hit them a day or so before install? Maybe then spray them down with a bleach mix to not have this nastiness sitting there for all to see? Or - maybe not accept this load?
THE AGENT ON SITE REPRESENTS ONLY THE BUILDER, NOT YOU! Production builders are businesses, they are about profit first and foremost. The lowest bidders for labor and the lowest priced supplier for materials; "production" the key word. Their best customer is seen only twice; at contract and at close. They are masters at getting buyers contracted, and most new home buyers (and agents) have no idea how much power that contract gives the builder. New home buyers have NO idea what they don't know.
ALWAYS USE AN EXPERIENCED BUYER'S AGENT WHEN BUYING A NEW HOME.
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