[Moneyguy1]

Some of the blame for poor construction work lies with the building regulations in the area where the home is being built. One individual spoke about Arizona. Where else are homes built without sheathing but 2" dense foam insulation, covered with screening and 1/4" of stucco added for appearance? And, who lobbied for this type of construction to be acceptable to local and state juristictions?

Sorry, guys....Home construction is not regulated as it probably should be. Back on the East Coast, I was in the real estate/construction business for a number of years. I understand the game and how it is played. If the fault can be covered with plasterboard or calk and will last until the warranty is complete, then the builder/subcontractor is home free. Not just the nail driver.....How about electricians with undersized 14 gauge wire in enclosed spaces, or wire nuts to join two pieces rather than cut one the proper length?

There are craftspeople out there that are dedicated and professional, and there are those who are not. The trick is to separate them. If one is going to have a home built, I recommend obtaining a copy of the local building codes, reading and rereading, making notes where necessary. If, for example, the code allows for 24" centers, ask how much ot would be to construct with 16" centers on studs/roof joists. Ask about the materials allowed for plumbing etc and how these materials react with the local soils, especially if the pipes are buried under a concrete slab. Make friends with someone from the Building Department, ask which contractors are the best to deal with, and when you get names, then ask the prospective contractor for references. Find out if there have been complaints registered against the contractor or his subs. They will be public record.

I also recommend daily visits to the site, inconvenient tho that may seem. After all, your $$$ are on the line for 30 years. The thing you buy had better last at least until it is paid for.

To sum up, an educated customer who asks questions and questions methods is more likely to have the job done right. It's a little late after you move in and have the "warranty truck" pull in with a case of calking tubes........