New York home inspector steps inside a $2.5 million property. Then the list of issues started growing: ‘Who tf built this’

At almost every turn, there’s a timely discussion about home prices in America in 2026. However, perhaps the less frequently discussed aspect — but arguably just as important — is the condition some of these homes come in. A New York home inspector on TikTok recently blew the lid off a house going on the market for $2.5 million that appears to need more than just cosmetic upgrades.

The creator’s TikTok page, aptly named inspectionhome, has since gone viral, with one of his videos garnering over 7 million views. In the inspection, he points out crooked door knobs, leaking shower cubicles, and a range of other issues that leave him visibly exasperated, at one point asking, “Who the f– built this?”

In the caption, the creator highlights more serious concerns, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems that allegedly do not meet code standards. He adds that the entire build reflects poor workmanship and finishing. The inspector further notes that if cosmetic issues are visible during a basic walkthrough, it can often signal “deeper quality-control issues” throughout the property.

The comments section was flooded with frustrated Americans, reflecting broader concerns about the current housing market. One user joked, “I, with zero construction experience, can build a better house than that.” Another added, “New construction cleaner here, we clean every nook and cranny before they sell. We see ALL this stuff ALL the time. Cleaned a $2.1M home last week… they’re all built so badly… it’s quite sad.”

But perhaps the most comprehensive comment came from a user who asked, “Why are the majority of new build homes so bad in quality???”

According to construction publication Home Vantage, construction defects are more common than many people realize. The outlet explains that this is often due to tight deadlines, overlooked details, and increasingly inexperienced labor entering the housing industry. It recommends that buyers always hire a home inspector and, depending on the findings, negotiate repairs with the seller.

The homebuyer creator also shared several tips to help buyers protect themselves in an increasingly unpredictable market. He advises first requesting full documentation for any promised repairs, emphasizing the importance of legal protection. He also recommends a follow-up inspection after repairs are completed.

Before any of that, however, he stresses the importance of understanding the terms of the agreement. Buyers should carefully review warranties to know exactly how disputes are handled.

He further suggests that buyers consider holding funds in escrow, arguing that this can be one of the most effective ways to ensure repairs are completed. As he explains, sellers are more likely to comply when payment is contingent on verified completion of the agreed work.

According to Home Vantage, the most reliable safeguard remains vetting the reputation of the builder. Buyers are encouraged to research reviews, prioritize references, and, most importantly, visit other homes the builder has completed.

There’s also an argument for consulting local home inspectors directly for advice — for a fee, of course — because if anyone understands which builders are reliable, it’s them.