WOW… Can’t Believe the Builder Missed This?!
Howdy,
Today’s Field Note comes from a new construction final inspection in Cypress, Texas. There were several findings on this home, but I want to focus on something simple — something easy to miss — and something that can quietly turn into a long-term problem.
Above a window, the exterior finish at the window head was incomplete. The weather-resistant barrier (WRB / housewrap) was left exposed where it should have been properly terminated and protected.
“The biggest problems in new construction aren’t always dramatic — they’re the quiet details no one circles back to finish.”
This isn’t a catastrophic defect. There’s no visible rot. No obvious interior damage. And that’s exactly why details like this get missed — and why they matter.
Most homeowners never walk this side of the house, look up, and verify that the window head is fully completed. Builders move fast. Trades overlap. Small items get overlooked.
The Risk Isn’t What You See Today
The real concern isn’t cosmetic. When the WRB is exposed or improperly terminated, water can enter the wall assembly behind the exterior cladding.
That moisture may not show itself right away. Sometimes it takes years. Sometimes it’s discovered during resale — when a buyer’s inspector flags it and suddenly the seller is left explaining a problem they never knew existed.
“Issues like this don’t usually fail loudly — they fail quietly, over time.”
Why You Don’t See Every Finding on Video
I don’t love making videos about what some might call “low-hanging fruit.” I also wish I had documented more of the major findings I’ve seen throughout my career.
But when you’re in the middle of an inspection, filming is usually the last thing on your mind. It’s a bit like people who claim they saw something unbelievable — Maybe like a Sasquatch — the moment passes before you ever think to record it.
That’s something I’m intentionally changing going into 2026. Better documentation means better education — and fewer homeowners being blindsided later.
Why Phase Inspections Exist
This is also why new construction inspections shouldn’t stop at the final walkthrough. Phase inspections — from pre-pour to pre-drywall, final, and builder warranty — exist to catch problems when they’re easiest to correct.
A missing detail today becomes a negotiation tomorrow. A small oversight during construction can grow into a much bigger question down the road — especially when moisture is involved.
“New homes aren’t perfect — they’re products coming off an assembly line. Quality control still matters.”
If you’re building or buying new construction, don’t assume the simple things were handled. In my experience, that’s often where the problems begin.
Building or Buying New Construction?
If you’re in Cypress, Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Rosenberg, Austin Point, or anywhere in Fort Bend County, a third-party inspection can help catch both the major issues and the easy-to-miss details before they become expensive surprises.
Schedule Your Inspection
Neil Arnold
Professional Home Inspector · TREC#23450
