PROSPER, Texas — As more people move to North Texas, more homes are being built at a rapid pace.
"Growth has been astronomical," said Chris Shack, a licensed home inspector for 14 years. "They are beautiful homes. They're really attractive."
But as nice as the new construction homes look on the outside, Shack said he's concerned about the quality.
"In terms of these new constructions, about 90% that I find have structural issues," he said. "This is cutting rafters and attaching them so they are flush to the beam. Basic, basic construction practices that we are abandoning for speed."
A buyer told WFAA she put $60,000 down on a $1.2 million dollar listing. She was set to close on the new build within a month.
After seeing concerns on social media about new construction residences, she decided to call Shack. His 52-page inspection report revealed some of her fears.
Shack found water leaking at the post tension cable ports, rafters gapped at the connection point, and more structural issues in the attic.
"You don't even see those kinds of issues in houses that are 100 years old," he said.
The buyer said she called a structural engineer that confirmed some of the issues. She demanded her money back and received it. But she tells WFAA her frustration has grown because the house was relisted within weeks and is under contract again with another buyer.
Shack advises buyers to find private licensed inspectors, especially if they are considering a new construction home. He said every stage of the process should be checked out, including the pre-foundation pour inspection and the pre-sheetrock inspection. That way, the framing is visible to inspect.
"New does not mean correctly built," Shack said.
In Texas, if a buyer shares an inspection report with a listing agent, the listing agent is required to disclose any findings from previous reports.