Improper Grading
The picture to the right shows a negative grade in the back of a new construction house. The grade is actually above the slab of the lower level of the house. The back stoop is also slanting back toward the house. Ideally there should be 6 inches of clearance between the bottom of the siding and the ground. Under these situations water can possibly wick back under the siding. Water will also not flow properly away from the house. In this case, after my recommendations, the builder re-graded the adjacent soil.

Screwed in Air to Air vent
The picture to the right shows an air to air exchanger on a furnace in a new construction home. The vent connected to the side of the unit has an interior damper and should not be attached by screws. (notice the screw to the left of the vent pipe) The white lettering to the left of the vent actually explains this with a picture of a screw with a line drawn through it. This is an easy fix but if there is no knowledge of this situation the air exchanger will not function properly.

Broken I-Beam Joist
The picture to the right shows a picture of a broken bottom cord on an engineered I-Beam. Any damage or cuts to the top or bottom cords of I-beams is not allowed. This I-beam is located below the main living room and is subject to heavy weights. Recommendations were made that the builder make proper improvements.