The Walkthrough
What Ethan sees on site that standard checklists miss — structural red flags, envelope failures, and systems that are wrong from day one. Technical but readable. The "why" behind every finding.
new build due diligence checklist: A Cost-Focused Guide for Buyers
Use this new build due diligence checklist to uncover construction defects, hidden repair costs, contract gaps, and warr...
New Construction Punch List Items That Can Cost You Thousands
New construction punch list items: catch costly defects before closing with an engineer's checklist covering structure, ...
How to Hire Inspector for New Build: A Cost-Focused Buyer’s Guide
Learn how to hire inspector for new build projects, what credentials matter, when to schedule inspections, and how to ca...
New Home Buyer Inspection Tips From a Construction Cost Engineer
New home buyer inspection tips can prevent expensive surprises. Learn what to inspect, what defects cost, and how to cha...
Your New Roof Has a "Lifetime Warranty." Read the Fine Print With Me
"Lifetime" roof warranties sound bulletproof but are filled with limitations, prorations, and transfer restrictions. Thi...
Three Things I Find in Every New Construction Attic
New home attics hide critical issues beyond insulation. This walkthrough reveals the three most common problems I docume...
The HVAC Ductwork Passed Code. It's Still Wrong. Here's Why
Code-compliant HVAC ductwork in new homes often fails to deliver comfort and efficiency. This detailed walkthrough expla...
Your New Build Has a Slab Crack. Here's When It's Nothing — and When It's Everything
Slab cracks appear in most new homes, but not all cracks are equal. Using structural engineering principles and real cos...