Beware of Shiesty Builders: Lessons from My Attic Adventure

After eight years of living in my home, I thought I had a solid understanding of its structure, strengths, and flaws. That is until recently, when I discovered an unwanted surprise in my attic—wasps. I’d noticed them flying in and out of the exterior, which meant only one thing: I had an infestation. The only silver lining? Colder temperatures here had slowed them down enough for me to investigate safely, rather than having to fight for dominance over a home they didn’t buy.

Once in the attic, I confirmed the wasps’ presence but also uncovered an even bigger issue—lack of insulation. Now, let’s be clear: insulation is #1 supposed to be installed properly by the builder, and #2 verified by the building inspector which I hired at a cost of $4000. This was a new build, yet, here I was, staring at large uninsulated areas that explained why my wife’s office turns into an icebox in the winter and an oven in the summer.

This led me to an unsettling realization: if they cut corners on insulation—one of the most basic and essential components of a home—what else did they skimp on? As my dad used to say, "If you see one roach in your house, there are at least 1,000 in your walls that you don’t see." I shudder to think about what other shortcuts lurk behind my drywall.

The Warning Every Homebuyer Needs

If you’re considering building a home, don’t blindly trust your builder or even the inspector you hire. Some builders are in the business of making as much money as possible, as quickly as possible, "AS MY BUILDER WAS", often at the expense of quality. Inspectors, unfortunately, can sometimes be just as unreliable—whether due to negligence, oversight, or, in some cases, ties to the builder again, "AS I SUSPECT MY INSPECTOR WAS."

The bottom line? You must do your own homework, research, and due diligence to ensure your home is built to standard.

Cutting Corners in a new build

What You Can Do to Avoid the Same Mistakes

1. Educate Yourself on Insulation – This is where I failed. Granted this was my first home, and I was not yet a real estate agent when I purchased my home, you, should research what type of insulation your home needs and the R-factor (thermal resistance rating) required for your region. A well-insulated home can significantly impact your pocketbook thru energy efficiency and comfort.

2. Be Present During Construction – If possible, visit the site frequently during the build. I understand building supervisors hate it when the customer lurks around the construction site. Many claim that it's due to "possible injury and subsequent law suits", which IS a risk, but if you can visit...VISIT!!! Take photos, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to call out sloppy work.

3. Hire a Third-Party Inspector – Not all inspectors are created equal. Hire an independent inspector, preferably one with no ties to your builder or developer. Preferably someone with whom you have something in common, as ascertained through your meeting with them. I later discovered from other real estate agents, after becoming one myself, that the inspector I hired was quite expensive but essentially useless.

4. Check for Common Shortcuts – In addition to insulation, verify that ventilation, plumbing, and electrical systems are installed correctly. A rushed job today could mean costly repairs later. In my situation, I bought the right insulation and installed it myself. Being an enthusiastic DIYer, I find it to be quick work. It's frustrating, yet quick. Worrisome, yet quick. Annoying... but quick.

5. Talk to Previous Buyers – If your builder has a track record of shoddy work, someone will know about it. Online reviews, neighborhood forums, and real estate agents can be great sources of insight.

The Takeaway

Had I never ventured into my attic, I wouldn’t have discovered this major issue. It makes me wonder how many homeowners are unknowingly suffering from similar builder oversights. Don’t let shiesty builders leave you with a subpar home. Stay informed, demand quality, and never assume the job was done right just because someone got paid to do it.

Because in the end, if they’re willing to cut corners on insulation, what else did they cut corners on?