Most people just do not think about it. You buy a new home and think it should not have many problems, you hope!

Now the issue is that you as a home buyer most likely do not know what is required for new construction. Codes and the requirements that come with them are constantly changing, typically every three years. I try to keep abreast of these changes because I do quite few new home inspections and perform quality control/phase inspections for several clients.

On a recent new construction inspection I found the home did not have a fresh air duct or other approved means to bring in fresh air into the home. Since 1991 Washington State has required that whole house ventilation since newer homes are built much tighter that they older counterparts to meet the energy code requirements and to create a healthy indoor air environment.

Typical installation

Now there are other ways to meet this requirement but using the air handler is the most common method and usually one of the easier ways to provide fresh air throughout the home.

So I recommended that a fresh air be provided to the home as required. I suggested using the air handler with a fresh air duct and damper may the easiest solution to achieve this requirement.

On the re-inspection, I found that did install a fresh air duct as I recommended. But…. the duct never made to the exterior and is now pulling air from the attic! Obviously, this does not meet the requirement and will need to be corrected. There were a few other issue with this installation but the main concern was getting that fresh air duct to the exterior.

New fresh air duct                                                    The Attic termination

I often tell potential home buyers that having a new home inspection is a very wise thing to do. We all make mistakes but it is best to find some of these items at this time versus when selling the home when it will be out your pocket versus the builders.

“Codes are minimum standards and most houses are built by the lowest bidder”

Don Hester

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection-  Bellingham Technical College

www.ncwhomeinspections.com                                                   509-670-9572

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If you find any errors or have additional information that would expand on any code, building standards or manufacture requirements please let me know.