Signs of Good Construction
Here are some details to examine that indicate whether or not a house is well constructed:

· CHECK THAT THE WALLS ARE STRAIGHT. Find an area or corner, typically in the kitchen or bath, where a row of floor tile or a patterned sheet of vinyl flooring meets a wall. If the last row of tile or vinyl patterning that is closest to the wall runs uniformly parallel to the wall, chances are the wall is straight. If the tile strip is wider at one end and narrower at the other, then the wall may not be straight.

· CHECK THE QUALITY OF THE PAINT JOB. If the builder does the job right, he does it right everywhere, according to one expert. Look at the backside of doors. Step inside a walk-in closet and make sure the door casing on the inside is caulked and painted properly.

· TEST THE WINDOWS AND DOORS. Pull the windows up and down; and push the doors open and closed. Do the windows go all the way up? Do they close and seal properly? Are the cracks around the door uniformly spaced to indicate that the door is hung well and the doorway is standing properly?

· CHECK FOR LEVEL COUNTERTOPS AND TIGHT SEAMS. Place a marble on countertops. Does it remain stationery? Or does it roll because the counter isn't level? Tight seams on countertops will prevent dirt from building up in them and the countertop materials from being damaged with daily use. If laminate is not properly seamed, for example, it will absorb water and swell.

· TEST APPLIANCES AND FIXTURES TO SEE IF THEY OPERATE PROPERLY. Does the toilet flush properly? Is it evenly set on its base? Do drawers in built-in cabinets pull in and out smoothly? Do the floors or stairs squeak when walked upon?

· LOOK FOR CLEANLY DETAILED WOODWORK. Are the cuts and patterns clean, consistent and well-detailed on the moldings and trims? Are the baseboards set evenly against the floor with no gaps?

· CHECK INSULATION UNDER THE ROOF AND IN THE BASEMENT. What is the "R" value? Is the insulation installed evenly? Is the insulation fitted properly?

· LOOK FOR SIGNS OF ROOF LEAKS UNDER THE ROOF. Do the roof shingles lay flat? Leaks can be revealed from discoloration and stains in the interior plywood sheathing, or on ceilings or walls caused by water seeping through cracks and into the house.