Tag Archive for: New Construction

New Construction Red Flags: Mason Ridge by Pulte Homes (Denville, NJ) Inspection Report

Buying a brand-new home in a beautiful community like Mason Ridge in Denville, NJ is exciting, but “new” doesn’t always mean “perfect.” At Craftsman Home Inspection Services, we recently performed a pre-closing inspection on a new Pulte Homes model and found several critical defects that the builder’s own quality control missed.

While the community is a commuter’s paradise in Morris County, our inspection proved that even premium townhomes need a second set of eyes before you sign the closing papers.

1. Disconnected HVAC Ductwork

We found that several sections of ductwork were not actually connected to the floor vents beneath the flooring.

  • The Risk: This leads to massive energy loss, uneven heating/cooling, and potentially forcing conditioned air into “dead spaces” where it shouldn’t be.

2. Undersized Water Heater Wiring & Breaker

The electrical water heater was installed with an improperly sized circuit breaker and wire gauge.

  • The Technical Issue: A standard 50-gallon electric heater typically requires a 30-amp breaker and 10-gauge wire. Using smaller components is a significant fire hazard and a violation of NJ electrical codes.

3. Missing Fireblocking

In the basement mechanical room, critical fireblocking was lacking.

  • Why It Matters: Fireblocking is essential to stop the spread of flames through wall cavities and floor joists. Without it, a small fire in a utility room can reach the upper floors in minutes.

4. Finish & Leveling Issues

Beyond the major safety items, we noted several “punch list” items that impact the longevity and feel of the home:

  • Misaligned interior doors that won’t latch properly.

  • Kitchen and bathroom cabinets that were installed out of level.

The Bottom Line

Don’t let the “new home smell” distract you from potential safety hazards. Whether you are moving into Mason Ridge or any other new build in Morris County, a professional inspection is your best insurance policy.

Protect your investment. Before you close on your Pulte Home, give Craftsman a call.
call or text Craftsman at 201-888-4630

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