January 25, 2002

Quality New Construction
You Can Make a Difference

This is deep, so don't get lost and please accept it in the light in which it is offered. You may want to forward this to the builders you work with (delete the ad so you don't piss them off!!!). While the subject and the way it is addressed here may stretch your and your builders imagination. Give it some serious consideration and YOU can make a difference in the quality of construction in your market place. 

I have had an unusual week. All of the homes scheduled for inspection this week have been new construction. Can you believe that? Is this an omen of something to come? Is the direction of the wind changing? I can remember just a few weeks ago when a Realtor told me that they just couldn't understand why new construction needed to be inspected. Most builders appear to think it is a big waste of time and expense. If you have been a follower of my writings, you know how I feel about the subject, and if you haven't check out my web site www.chrisdhilton.com. I have been heard to say that I used to think that most builders were good builders, but after three years of inspecting their houses I have decided that most builders are bad builders. If you deal with many newly constructed homes, and pay attention, you should know why I say such. If not you need to open your eyes and take off the blinders. All of that being said, I love writing this. 

This week has been a refreshing experience and one that I hope is repeated over and over again. I had the distinct privilege of stating to a buyers agent, in front of his client, that this particular home was the best I had inspected constructed by this particular track builder. Here is what I wrote in the perspective of the report, if you can believe it:

"This is what appears to be a well built, newly constructed home with mostly punch list type items, which are incomplete. This home had less than the usual issues found in new construction, even on this builders homes. This is reflective of the improving quality control of this contractor that has been observed by this and other home inspectors." 

I went on to state this in the summary:

"Note: This is the least number of issues I have ever had on a newly constructed home, in any price range, and three of the four are very minor." 

The only real issue was flat grade in the rear yard not sloping properly away from the home. The builders representative stated that they were well aware of the issue and intended to repair it as soon as it dried out. Now that's the type response I like to hear. Any builder who receives such comments from me has achieved something, and if you know me and have experienced any of my reports, you know that it is so. Show this to any builder who's home I have inspected and they will probably fall over in shock. 

What makes the difference? Well, I don't know what I am going to offer you for a fact, but based on what I have seen and heard about this particular builder, I think I can offer an explanation. This builder had a quality problem. The difference in this and some other builders is that he addressed it head on and is making an active attempt to correct it. One of the methods which has been employed is to view the home inspector as part of his quality control program which he didn't need to pay for. The expense of the quality control inspection is borne by the buyer. How can you get a better deal than that? 

When a home is inspected, the list of issues becomes the list you make it very clear to your employees and sub contractors had better not show up on the next home. That's how you control quality. First you must recognize that there is a problem, then you must stop it from happening again. Open your eyes and watch for such contractors, seek their listings and direct your clients toward their homes. By doing such, you as a Realtor, become quality control for builders. If your clients don't buy homes from the builders who aren't actively addressing their quality issues, guess what, quality will improve. Bet you didn't know you could make a difference in the quality of construction, did you? I know that this pushes the limits of what you might think of as your responsibilities, but recognize your power, put it to use and be involved in actively changing your market place while protecting your potential liability. Which house would you rather your client purchase? 

 
Thought for the week
 
Never test the depth of the water with both feet.