From Boom to Break Down: The Problems of Homes Built Between 1997 and 2007

For some people, being able to own a home is the American dream, and for others building a new home is the apex of that dream. But with an economic boost from the late 90’s to the late 2000’s came a boom of newly built homes that weren’t the dreams many asked for. An injection of new homes into the market can be a great economic sign.

From the end of World War II to the late 70’s there was surge in newly built houses before soaring interest rates in the early 1980’s put an end to the meteoric rise. This midcentury rise in new home building was unprecedented, that is, until the late 90’s. From 1997 to 2007, in just 10 short years an average of 1.7 million new homes were built, compared to the previous home building boom that lasted over 30 years and produced an average of 1.4 million homes. Impressive as that may seem, the key outlier between these two housing booms isn’t the difference in the number houses built but the quality in which they were constructed.

The December 2011 issue of Angie’s List magazine had an article about problem homes built between 1997 and 2007. These paragraphs sum up the issue: “There are more problems with homes built during the 1997 to 2007 housing boom than during any other time period, according to a recent Angie’s List survey of highly rated home inspectors. The sheer volume of houses being built during that time made it difficult for local housing code authorities to enforce proper building methods. Many of those homes today have problems related to hasty construction, poor quality of materials and failure to meet minimum housing code standards. A recent online poll of members reveal more than half who built a home during the boom discovered their homes were fraught with problems after a contractor completed the job. Poor drywall and carpentry work, structural troubles and plumbing problems were the three most widespread issues reported on the poll. Bad roofing jobs, insufficient insulation, dangerous electrical wiring, and improperly sized heating and cooling systems were other common complaints.”

What went wrong? Too much with too little is a phrase that comes to mind. The demand for home building was so strong that companies had to construct a lot of houses in little time. Accompanying this was the rise in the cost of buying new land, materials and labor; companies had to build homes the most cost effective way possible, meaning building at minimum housing standards and at the lowest cost per square foot in order for companies to profit. Often times the builders of the new homes would use low quality wood when framing the homes, or would not allow sufficient time for foundations to dry, or not put in the necessary insulation. From the outside the homes looked great but only time would peel back the true nature of the sub par construction. Bowing walls, foundation cracks, air and water leaks were all common occurrences. The issue of water leaks is especially prevalent in St. Louis area homes thanks to incorrect flashing techniques of builders. Reverse flashing, which actually pushes water into the house, is a problem St. Louis remodeling and repair companies see on a daily basis.

What can be done? If you are purchasing or thinking of purchasing a home that was built between 1997 and 2007, it’s a great idea to have the home fully inspected by an independent inspector that will give honest answers, not just a contractor who’s hoping to sell repairs. The experts at Exteriors by Mosby can help you with any problems you may be having. We have consultants with decades of remodeling experience who are trained in detecting and correcting water and repair issues. To schedule a home consultation, give us a call at 314-909-8383 or contact us here.

Why Work with Mosby Building Arts?

If efficiency, knowledge and quality craftsmanship are of the utmost importance, then Mosby is the partner for you. We are a design build firm that handles every aspect of your remodeling project from beginning to end. All team members needed to complete your project (designers, architects and production crews) are under one roof to provide time and monetary efficiencies, quality control, and seamless communication throughout.

Exterior Home Remodeling

Whether you are considering a new roof, replacement windows, or increasing curb appeal with a front door, understanding the return on investment is important. Homeowners often ask us if a project makes financial sense, or if it will increase the resale value of their home.

Learn more about exterior home remodeling here.

Replace Builder Grade Windows

Replace your builder grade windows with high-quality, premium windows with Exteriors by Mosby.  Mosby’s team of home consultants, architects and craftspeople think as carefully about the look of your home as well as its safety and function. Unlike other window companies who try to push a single window line, Mosby recommends a window matching the architecture of the home with the style and taste of the homeowner.

Learn more about replacing your builder grade windows here.

Home Remodeling Peace of Mind

There’s no need to deal with multiple companies, or the frustration of the left hand unaware of what the right hand is doing. Mosby takes the guesswork out of home remodeling by planning the work and working the plan. You will know the scope of work and price before the first hammer swings. And the work will be done with a commitment to excellence and your happiness. All of Mosby’s remodeling work is backed by our 10-year workmanship warranty.