New Home, Hidden Problems: What Homeowners Need to Know

In this episode of Chicks in Construction, Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu break down a homeowner dispute involving a new construction home, water intrusion, suspected mold, and questions about the home's construction and waterproofing.The episode follows the homeowner's experience after problems reportedly began within six months of moving into the home. When repeated concerns about water intrusion were met with recommendations to use caulk and reseal grout, the homeowner eventually opened up her own shower to investigate what was happening behind the tile.Mikki and Jessica explain why tile and grout are not the complete waterproofing system in a shower, how water can travel far from its original source, and why simply sealing the visible wet spot may not solve the underlying problem. They also discuss the importance of proper plumbing ventilation, keeping moisture out of attic spaces, and understanding what is behind the finished surfaces of a home.The hosts are careful to point out that the homeowner's lawsuit is still active and that no determination of fault has been made. They also distinguish between the homeowner's reported health concerns and what can actually be established through medical evidence.Along the way, Mikki and Jessica discuss what homeowners should do when they notice recurring water problems, including documenting concerns, getting the right professionals involved, understanding warranty implications, and avoiding unnecessary demolition before understanding the potential consequences.The episode also highlights a larger lesson for homeowners: when something continues to go wrong, do not ignore it just because the visible problem seems small. Ask questions, document what is happening, and make sure the underlying issue is properly investigated.If you have a construction story that could help other homeowners learn from your experience, you can submit it anonymously at chicksinconstruction.com. You can also follow Chicks in Construction on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram at @chicksinconstructionpodcast and on TikTok at @chicksinconstruction.00:00 Welcome to Chicks in Construction06:00 The homeowner story and the mysterious builder08:00 The lawsuit and what happened12:00 The homeowner takes a hammer to the shower15:00 Water intrusion and reported health concerns17:00 Can caulk actually fix a water problem?20:00 Why homeowners should be careful with demolition22:00 Understanding shower waterproofing24:00 Why water finds its own path26:00 Suspected mold and the inspection28:00 The plumbing vent problem31:00 The homeowner's concerns and the builder's response34:00 How construction problems can stack up