A disturbing phenomenon is
leading thousands of Americans to spend millions of
dollars on repairs to new homes. The main cause is the
current building boom and the fast pace of new
construction. Here is what the Consumer Reports
investigation found:
-Americans bought one million new homes last year, a
near record.
-Fifteen percent of new homes have serious problems,
some inspectors say. That's 150,000 new homes a year.
Many only show up months or years after moving day.
-The best defense: Hire a real-estate lawyer and a
building-inspection engineer. (At least a good real
estate broker who can run interference & use some
leverage if trouble appears.) A few key clauses in your
contract and inspections during construction can save
grief , time & money later.
For more tips, log onto
www.consumerreports.org.
CEO David Weekley on
How to buy a New
House without getting hammered.
