I’ve noticed that too—new builds seem so airtight that any little moisture issue just gets trapped. It’s wild how “up to code” doesn’t mean “problem-free.” I’ve seen a few newer houses where the soffit vents were technically there, but insulation or baffles blocked half of them. Have you checked if your attic vents are actually clear and doing their job? Sometimes it’s not even a design flaw, just sloppy install or missed details. Makes me wonder if more folks should be pushing for better third-party inspections, not just relying on the builder’s sign-off.
You’re spot on about “up to code” not meaning much in practice. I’ve seen the same thing—vents technically installed, but then someone sprays insulation right over them. It’s frustrating because you’d think new construction would be airtight in a good way, not just trapping problems. Third-party inspections make sense, but honestly, even those can miss stuff if the inspector’s not thorough. Sometimes I wonder if we’re just trading old drafty houses for new ones with hidden headaches. At least you’re paying attention to the details most folks overlook.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually seen a few new builds where the ventilation was done right and the insulation folks worked around it—so it’s not always a lost cause. Sometimes it comes down to the builder’s standards and whether they’re coordinating trades properly. I do think “up to code” is just the bare minimum, but if you catch things early (like before drywall goes up), a decent inspector can spot most of these issues. It’s not perfect, but I wouldn’t say all new homes are doomed to have hidden problems. Just takes a bit more vigilance than most buyers expect.
I get what you’re saying, but honestly, I thought I was being super vigilant—walked the house with the inspector, flashlight and all. Still missed a vent that was totally blocked by insulation. Turns out “up to code” sometimes just means “nobody’s suffocating today.” If I could do it over, I’d bring a drone or maybe just bribe the insulation crew with donuts to double-check their work...
Blocked vents from insulation are way more common than folks think. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen soffit vents covered up—sometimes it’s just a careless install, sometimes it’s someone trying to get a higher R-value and not realizing the airflow matters. Even with a good walkthrough, you can miss stuff if you’re not poking around in the attic or behind baffles.
I had one job where the builder swore everything was “to code,” but the attic was basically a sauna. Pulled back the insulation and found three out of six vents totally blocked. The homeowner was wondering why their AC never shut off... It’s frustrating because “code” is just the bare minimum. Doesn’t always mean it’s done right.
Honestly, I’d rather see someone spend an extra hour double-checking than have to deal with mold or moisture issues down the line. Donuts for the crew isn’t a bad idea—whatever gets them to slow down and pay attention.
