Q: We are buying a new home. Do we really need to pay for an inspection?

A: If you are buying a new home, consider what could possibly go wrong. The answer is more complex than you might think.

The truth is, any house whether a modest ranch or an expensive, custom-made home is an intricate maze of structural, heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical systems, and its not unusual for even the most responsible and dedicated subcontractor to inadvertently miss something that could become a real problem.

Most fit-and-finish work in a new home is very good, and small flaws are easy to spot. The problems you need to worry about are those that occur in the subsurface work.

Occasionally, new homes have improperly designed or installed furnace flues. This can result in a failure to properly carry out furnace exhaust, which can create a serious health risk.

Another common problem occurs in the crawl space beneath the house. Construction debris can sometimes be inadvertently left behind. Other defects that are not uncommon are poor grading or an inadequate vapor barrier, either of which can allow water to pool under the house. This standing water creates excess moisture, which attracts wood-destroying insects and may lead to rot.

Sometimes the lugs that secure the electrical wires in the service box do not get properly tightened and can cause sparking. Occasionally a new-home inspection will reveal that bathroom and kitchen fans are venting into the attic instead of outside, as required by code. Plumbing fixtures may not properly connect to the drain system.

Another issue that can arise is improper flashing around the fireplace chimney, which may allow water to run down the chimney and into the house.

Most new homes go through what is called a shake down period in which problems are discovered and corrected. Having a professional inspection will make sure there are no unpleasant surprises and allow you to solve any issues with the builder before you take title to the home.

Many builders off a one-year guarantee, but problems sometimes dont become apparent until several years after construction was completed. And though many homeowners buy new construction and experience no problems, the cost of an inspection is small compared to the potential costs for repairing defects. Plus, most builders are quick to correct any defects once they have been identified by a professional building inspection report.

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Inspection a smart investment, even on new home | HomeWork

Neighbors in Eastmoreland trying to protect a home from being demolished, were successful in preventing the home from being demolished Thursday.

KOIN 6 News has obtained a copy of an official Eastmoreland Neighborhood Association (ENA) letter that claims the developer of 3620 Southeast Rural Street has circumvented the ENAs 120-day delay for demolition.

Randy Sebastian, the president of Renaissance Homes, the company that owns the property and home, said the will agree to meet with the neighborhood association to discuss the future of the house within a week, and the would not demolish the house today.

The letter states blocking the bulldozers access may be the only way to prevent this violation of public trust.

According to a permit request filed with the city, the work to be completed on the property includes a new two single-family residence with a finished basement.

Rod Merrick, who is the land-use chair for ENA, said about a month ago, the city issued notification that there had been a permit submitted for demolition.

The plans, according to Merrick, called for splitting of the current lot and sought to build two new properties.

ENA requested that the notification process be extended to 120 days so the city, neighbors and developer could talk and work out a mutual agreement.

Merrick said ENA is contesting the lot splitting permit.

According to Merrick, there is a loop hole that developers are able to use to end the 120 day delay period.

Excerpt from:
Eastmoreland home demolition delayed

At Heritage Manor Homes, we take great pride in helping our clients turn their ideas and dreams into reality. Heritage Manor Homes is the collaboration of Bob Rau and Rich Bower, two exceptional, award-winning builders with decades of experience in the construction, management and marketing of fine properties. Bob and Rich offer the consummate blend of knowledge and results. We build New Jerseys finest new custom homes with an emphasis on better quality, higher standards and careful customization. As a long-standing company built upon an extensive list of satisfied clients, Heritage Manor Homes experience in the planning and design of quality residences is rarely surpassed in the industry.

We have worked extensively as custom builders throughoutSomerset, Morris, Union and Essex Counties. We provide a wide range of services. We offer new home construction, custom homes, green building, home renovation and construction management. If you already have a home, we offer high quality remodeling and renovation, including kitchen and bathroom remodeling.

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Heritage Manor Homes LLC | Custom Builders | New Home ...

Oct. 14, 2010 Jay Schafer, owner of Tumbleweed Tiny Houses is seen inside one of the homes he built for himself in Graton, Calif.

Ben Margot, Associated Press

Doug Immel recently completed his custom-built dream home, sparing no expense on details like cherry-wood floors, cathedral ceilings and stained-glass windows in just 164 square feet of living space including a loft.

The 57-year-old schoolteacher's tiny house near Providence, Rhode Island, cost $28,000 a seventh of the median price of single-family residences in his state.

"I wanted to have an edge against career vagaries," said Immel, a former real estate appraiser. A dwelling with minimal financial burden "gives you a little attitude." He invests the money he would have spent on a mortgage and related costs in a mutual fund, halving his retirement horizon to 10 years and maybe even as soon as three. "I am infinitely happier."

Dramatic downsizing is gaining interest among Americans, gauging by increased sales of plans and ready-made homes and growing audiences for websites related to the niche. A+E Networks has begun airing "Tiny House Nation" a series on FYI that "celebrates the exploding movement."

The pared-down lifestyle allows people to minimize expenses and gain economic freedom, said architect Jay Shafer in Cotati, California, who founded two micro building and design companies and is widely credited with popularizing the trend.

"It shows people how little some need to be happy, and how simply they can live if they choose," said Shafer, 49, who shares a 500-square foot home with his wife and two young children.

Despite gains in the labor and housing markets, Americans choosing mini houses remain wary of tethering themselves to a mortgage.

People want "a more modest lifestyle now," said Derek Diedricksen, who travels nationally to lead building workshops. Those who opt for super-small structures don't want to "waste their time or be a slave to a house they don't fully use."

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Tiny houses big with consumers seeking economic freedom

Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) July 10, 2014

Alair Homes does not follow convention. For example, the multi award-winning custom homebuilder operates 23 franchises across Canada and the United States, and was the first North American new home building company to implement such a business model. They also have a Client-First mantra guiding their corporate philosophy; while each franchise operates independently of the next, Alair insists on a universal commitment to exceptional homeowner care. Indeed it was this insistence that led them to the Conasys Homeowner Care Platform.

Conasys platform leverages the technology that has captivated the modern-day homeowner, and uses it to deliver a more interactive home ownership experience. Using a mobile-ready app, homeowners can access a wealth of home-specific information such as floorplans, appliance manuals and warranty details. The platform will also send regular maintenance reminder emails and warranty alerts, and will allow Alair Franchisees to digitally manage all homeowner service requests from conception right through to completion.

It was this unique set of features that first piqued the interest of Blair McDaniel, President of Alair Homes: In making the Conasys platform available to our franchisees, we are not only elevating the homeowner experience, we are also providing our franchisees with a powerful tool that will fundamentally enhance both their own reputation and that of Alair Homes.

Jerry Bauer, CEO at Conasys, is thrilled by the opportunity to work with Alair Homes: Alairs business model is unique so we wanted to deliver a solution that would reflect their approach. The end result is a platform that will not only enhance the Alair brand, but also allow them to provide franchisees with a tool custom designed to deliver a more comprehensive homeowner experience.

About Conasys: Conasys Inc. (http://www.conasysinc.com twitter: @conasys) is a forward-thinking technology company whose cloud-based homeowner care platform is designed specifically for new home builders and developers. Their industry-leading platform includes homeowner and builder specific portals that provide instant access to all the details and components of each home. Each portal includes a suite of efficiency and communication tools designed to enhance the understanding, service, maintenance, and management of individual homes. Since their inception in 2006 they have built a client portfolio of over 400 builders and real estate developers.

About Alair Homes: Alair Homes (http://www.alairhomes.com twitter: @AlairHomes) is one of North Americas top home building and renovation companies. With its sterling reputation for quality and service, Alair is one of the most respected builders in the industry. Alair Homes offers true transparency to its clients, sharing every project cost and detail.

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Conasys Interactive Homeowner Care Platform Made Available to Alair Homes 23 Franchises

STATE COLLEGE, Pa., July 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- West Virginia and Pennsylvania Home Builder S&A Homes recently launched a groundbreaking new line of floor plans, dubbed the "Signature Series Collection." The new plans were developed after 2 years of in-depth market research and are an instant hit with home shoppers, who appreciate that the Signature Series homes come included with state-of-the-art upgrades that most competitors charge extra fees for.

The Signature Series plans range in size from 2,700 square feet up to 5,000 square feet and offer an array of customizing features such as first floor guest rooms, dual owner's suites for multi-generational families, and gourmet kitchens normally only offered in expensive custom homes. The collection also features dozens of inclusions that most home builders charge "extra" for such as granite countertops, upgraded cabinetry, open tread oak staircases, partial stone exteriors and built-in stainless steel appliances.

Bob Shoemaker, Architectural & Design Manager explains, "The Signature Series collection was created with the modern family in mind. It was important to ensure we undertook an extensive market research project to incorporate our buyer's feedback directly into each plan. After doing a lot of listening, we learned that custom touches like oversized laundry rooms, expansive cabinetry and supersized kitchen islands are the types of features homeowners want to see included in a new home."

Shoemaker's team worked diligently to integrate those features and many more, such as butler's pantries, wrap-around cabinetry and cozy reading nooks to make each Signature Series plan a custom home without the custom price tag. In fact, the homes are being offered at a competitive price point and include far more luxurious amenities when compared to their custom home counterparts, meaning those purchasing a Signature Series plan can be assured they will get the most for their money.

Chris Schoonmaker, President of S&A Homes, offers a challenge to prospective home buyers. "There is so much to explore with our new Signature Series line that we feel confident those shopping for a new home in our West Virginia and Pennsylvania markets will not find comparable features along with the highest quality products anywhere else."

For more information about the S&A Homes Signature Series, visit: http://www.sahomebuilder.com/signature-series.

About S&A Homes

S&A Homes is a new home builder and ENERGY STAR partner that has delivered more than 15,000 homes and currently operates in more than 60 communities throughout Pennsylvania and West Virginia. For more information, please visit http://www.sahomebuilder.com

Media Contact: Chris Schoonmaker, S&A Homes, 814-231-4780, cps1000@sahomebuilder.com

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

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S&A Homes Introduces New "Signature Series" Floor Plans

QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP CUSTOMER SERVICE

"Quality is never an accident; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives."William A. Foster

Craig Custom Builders is a full service general contractor in business for 25 years specializing in upscale custom residential home construction and light commercial work in New Jersey. Projects include renovation, additions, new construction, specialty rooms and disaster restoration. We pride ourselves on great customer service and work hand in hand with our clients who receive the ease and simplicity of a single source for professional design services, project management, product selection and construction services.

Our dedicated, experienced team will guide you through all aspects of the construction process - from vision to reality - and keep you informed and assured along the way.

Click to view all third party customer satisfaction survey results

We are part of a select group of professionals nationwide, through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), who have earned theCertified Green Professional (CGP) designation and the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation; identifying us as people with knowledge of the best strategies for incorporating green building principles into homes and the technical knowledge to solve the remodeling needs of maturing individuals who wish to remain safely, independently and comfortably in their home for a lifetime.

Take a look at our projectportfolio. Read what ourclients and themagazines have to say about us. Learn about our2012 Guildmaster Award from GuildQuality. Check out our Handyman Services.

Contact us at973-831-8988 to get your construction project started with the team you deserve atCraig Custom Builders.

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Custom Home Builder in New Jersey : Craig Custom Builders ...

(July 9): Doug Immel recently completed his custom-built dream home, sparing no expense on details like cherry-wood floors, cathedral ceilings and stained-glass windows -- in just 164 square feet of living space including a loft.

The 57-year-old schoolteachers tiny house near Providence, Rhode Island, cost $28,000 -- a seventh of the median price of single-family residences in his state.

I wanted to have an edge against career vagaries, said Immel, a former real estate appraiser. A dwelling with minimal financial burden gives you a little attitude. He invests the money he would have spent on a mortgage and related costs in a mutual fund, halving his retirement horizon to 10 years and maybe even as soon as three. I am infinitely happier.

Dramatic downsizing is gaining interest among Americans, gauging by increased sales of plans and ready-made homes and growing audiences for websites related to the niche. A+E Networks Corp. will air, beginning today, Tiny House Nation a series on FYI that celebrates the exploding movement.

The pared-down lifestyle allows people to minimize expenses and gain economic freedom, said architect Jay Shafer in Cotati, California, who founded two micro building and design companies and is widely credited with popularizing the trend.

It shows people how little some need to be happy, and how simply they can live if they choose, said Shafer, 49, who shares a 500-square foot home with his wife and two young children.

No Mortgage

Despite gains in the labor and housing markets, Americans choosing mini houses remain wary of tethering themselves to a mortgage.

People want a more modest lifestyle now, said Derek Diedricksen, who travels nationally to lead building workshops. Those who opt for super-small structures dont want to waste their time or be a slave to a house they dont fully use.

Defined as 500 or fewer square feet, tiny houses range from primitive 96-square-foot huts to award-winning displays of sustainable architecture with elegant streamlined design. While many are built on wheels to avoid regulations, mobility isnt the main draw.

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Tiny houses big with U.S. consumers who pursue economic freedom

Hartford, CT (PRWEB) July 08, 2014

Capitalizing on the success of their award winning custom home communities at their premiere phases of Washington Farms, Chimney Hill Estates and Timberbrook in Farmington, By Carrier, Inc. is pleased to announce this newest model home, fresh with new ideas along with the opening of new phases to build new semi-custom built single family homes in the Washington Farms community in Farmington, CT and Burlington, CT. Known for their expert craftsmanship, attention to detail and energy efficient amenities, By Carrier will continue their tradition of excellence at Washington Farms Phase III, by offering unique custom built homes that feature award winning Kohler finishes, stainless steel built-in appliances and sustainable hardwood flooring.

All home parcels feature private wooded locations, all about 1 acre and some with walk-out or day-lit basement options. Each semi-custom home will be carefully designed by The Carrier Team to feature 3-4+ bedrooms, 2 to 3 bathrooms, 2-3 car garages and will include high performance energy efficient systems to save homeowners significantly in utility costs through-out years of ownership. The newly constructed Modified Washington model home in Farmington features 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, a two story foyer and spacious family great room, Pampering Master Bedroom Suite with a few surprises along with oversized 3 car garage perfect for the family needs. Phase I in Burlington also boasts immediate occupancy homes for viewing at our Grand Opening.

In a time when cookie-cutter homes are defining many neighborhood communities, By Carrier stands out by delivering exquisite craftsmanship on each new home construction it is involved in. Understanding the special bond each owner develops with their home, By Carrier is adamant that the homes they build reflect the unique lifestyle and character of the owner and takes great pride in communicating with each client to see that their vision for a low-maintenance, energy efficient home is realized.

By Carrier is very pleased to be involved with new green features homes for sale using many American-made products and supplying economical natural gas heating and cooling. By Carrier will also offer their industry-leading 5-year warranty for the new model homes in Washington Farms that covers basement leaks, roof leaks, structural defects, electrical, plumbing, windows, doors and interior climate control.

By Carrier, Inc. is a family run business dedicated to serving its clients with such basic values as hard work, excellent ethics and integrity in all facets of the home building process. For more information on By Carrier Inc., please visit http://www.bycarrier.com.

For more information on this new community and our grand opening, please visit: http://www.washingtonfarmshomes.com.

To locate this event via GPS, use zip code 06013.

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By Carrier Announces New Furnished Model Home at Washington Farms

Gatehouse Realty, a new real estate firm, opened recently at Shelmore Village in Mount Pleasant (Provided).

Two long-time real estate professionals have swung open the entryways on a new East Cooper venture geared to help people buy and sell their homes.

The "boutique real estate firm," Gatehouse Realty LLC, launched May 1 in the Shelmore Village live-work development off Mathis Ferry Road.

Chris Calabrese and Rex Coyne opened the Mount Pleasant business.

"Rex and I are excited to be part of the growing Mount Pleasant real estate market," Calabrese says.

"We are Mount Pleasant residents and love living and working here, but we also chose a location with easy access from other areas," he says. "We're less than a mile from the (Ravenel) bridge."

The company will assist residential buyers, sellers and investors while offering "high-end, modern services" such as staging consultations and professional photography.

Coyne, whose real estate career spans 25 years, will be recruiting and marketing director. His background includes seven years in new home sales as well as relocation, investment properties and renovation.

Taking the post as broker-in-charge, Calabrese brings "a varied career prior to real estate" including as an engineer and country club manager.

According to Gatehouse Realty, the pair's diverse backgrounds "serve them well in the ever-changing real estate world."

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Realtors start new firm east of the Cooper, home contractor holds grand opening at Moncks Corner neighborhood