New York home inspector checked a brand new $3 million build. Then he got to the bathroom: ‘accident waiting to happen’

A home inspector in New York took to TikTok to share a series of alarming defects in a brand-new construction home listed for $3 million. The inspection, a montage of various clips around the house by Hamayun the Home Inspector, has already racked up over 13 million views. 

During the walkthrough, he begins by tapping on various floor tiles to test their integrity, showing how some sections sound different from others, indicating potential installation problems. As he moves through the house, he highlights a chandelier that doesn’t align properly and an outdoor light fixture that turns with a simple touch.

Then he reaches the primary bathroom. He demonstrates that while running three shower fixtures simultaneously, there is absolutely no water pressure in the therapy jets. To make matters worse, he notes, “Not only that, but the valves were installed too close together and cannot be operated simultaneously.” After this, he moves to the points where there can be serious accidents. 

The Home Inspector pointed out that even the stairwell bannister wasn’t spared

While checking kitchen receptacles, Hamayun points out that one of the plugpoints was properly wired while the other wasnt, positing that the neutral was left open. That electrical error can be a lot more dangerous than the simpler grounding error that made a Tennessee woman hear voices from her dishwasher. 

The video then cuts to a shot of the attic ladder, where he tests one of the screws. It just spins freely as he remarks, “Hardware on the attic ladder is loose. I mean, come on now, that’s an accident waiting to happen.” Up on the roof, he points out that he found holes in the tiles. However, more than that, he notes that the plumbing vent sacks are still capped. He explains that this oversight could lead to a “fun smell inside the home” or drainage issues in the HVAC system. 

Inside the utility space, he points out that the insulation for the flue fails to meet the required one inch of clearance from combustible materials in two different spots that he could immediately see. He also finds wires entering the metal coil housing that were not sealed or protected from physical damage, and he notes that the connection to the supply plenum was not even sealed.

According to a Zillow article on the importance of home inspections, this kind of professional analysis is a vital, though optional, step in the home-buying process. A standard home inspection provides a professional assessment of a property’s major systems and structural components. 

As the Zillow guide notes, it is impossible to truly assess the condition of a home and its major systems during a simple walkthrough. Having a professional inspector can help raise a red flag for safety issues or expensive repairs before you finalize such a massive investment.

The reaction from the TikTok community was swift and critical. One user, caligirlsd00, wrote, “So sad and at the end the bank owns it and you pay all that money for crap.” Another user, deezyyneezy, commented, “This is why regulations and standards are required. If a company can cut corners they will.” Others were equally shocked, with Nate_Ski stating, “Never trust new construction,” and Liam adding, “This should be illegal.”

The consensus among the commenters seems to be that buyers must be vigilant. Josh noted, “and this is you ALWAYS get a inspector,” while Wonton Mian said, “Bro when I buy a house I need you!!!” Some users, like michael ohrt, argued that the industry has lost its way, stating, “New homes are a scam. all companies do is build as fast as possible as cheap as possible to move onto the next. No pride in craftsmanship anymore.”

Zillow emphasises that even for new construction, an inspection can provide necessary peace of mind. While it is less likely for a new build to have major structural deficiencies, it is certainly not impossible. Last year, a Nashville-based construction worker walked his followers through a newly framed house to point out flaws that can be common in speedy construction.   

Including a home inspection contingency in a purchase offer, however, gives buyers a better understanding of the home’s condition without risking their deposit. It can allow them to request repairs or even walk away if significant issues are uncovered. As user MKR pointed out, “many people do not realise that if equipment is not installed properly, it can actually void the warranties” on that expensive gear.