(NC) It’s always exciting when moving into a newly built home. But what you may not expect is that it can come with some surprises.
As your home “settles,” so will the natural materials used in the construction. As a result, here are a few common things that can normally appear within the first year:
Nail pops. These happen when the head of a drywall fastener rises out or shrinks into the drywall, causing the popping of the drywall compound from the surface. They may occur after lumber or other materials that were used to build your home dry after construction.
Shrinkage cracks. When water evaporates in building materials, these materials will dry out, which can cause small cracks in surfaces such as your walls or concrete basement floor. This a normal occurrence that may require some minor repair work.
Condensation. Newly constructed homes nowadays are built air-tight and allow very little opportunity for your house to breathe. This means the home is more energy efficient, but it can also lead to condensation or dampness that may fog up the windows or appear as water particles on the walls.
You will need to remove the moisture with proper ventilation, otherwise it can cause peeling paint, mould and other issues. Removing condensation can be as simple as opening your win- dows for a bit of time or turning on the kitchen and bathroom ventilation fans.
Remembering that these common issues may happen during the first year living in your new home can help ease any worries you might have. It’s also good to know that depending on the issue, there is a potential for warranty coverage. Find more information on the website of the warranty administrator at tarion.com.