Resources for the Homeowner
How is a Foundation Built?
STEP ONE: DIG HOLE
STEP TWO: POUR FOOTERS
STEP THREE: BUILD WALLS
STEP FOUR: POUR FLOOR
STEP FIVE: BACKFILL
Building Defects: What You Need to Know
Because homes are constructed with human hands, mistakes and imperfections are built right in.
- There is no “lemon law” to protect buyers of defective homes. In truth, the American consumer has more protection when buying a refrigerator or a television than a new home.
- In many states, houses are built by people who are unlicensed and unregulated.
- Inspectors who pass on defective construction cannot be held legally responsible. Local governments and their representatives are immune from lawsuits over defective construction.
- The law is stacked against the consumer: In most situations, a bankrupt builder can continue to build homes under a different name.
Inspections and warranties don’t always provide protection!
“Warranties are not intended to protect consumers.
They’re designed to protect builders from open-ended liability.“
Ernie F. Roberts, Cornell University law professor
Home Maintenance Costs
Virtually all major home building materials require maintenance, updating, or eventual replacement.
