Furnaces Used for Completion of Construction

[randynavarro]

Does anyone else write this up on new home inspections?

All install instructions I've ever read always detail specific provisions must be made to the system if they're going to use the furnace to complete the home.

Even though I've never seen it, I know the builders ain't doin' it.

I include an informational blurb in my reports that if there's premature problems with the sytem, the warranty may be void if they trace it back to contamination, construction debris etc..

This is one of those things that's always done wrong and the builders ain't ever gonna do it right so why am I reporting it as a problem issue.

[kurt]

I do. Real simple, but I have a comment in the report about the furnace being operated during construction, may void warranty, cause problems, etc.

[Jim Katen]

Originally posted by randynavarro

. . . This is one of those things that's always done wrong and the builders ain't ever gonna do it right so why am I reporting it as a problem issue.

They'll start doing it right when it costs them money to do it wrong. I take pictures, tell people that their brand new furnaces are filthy, and advise them to have the builder either restore the furnace to like-new condition or replace the furnace. Two of my more hardheaded customers have insisted on new furnaces and gotten them.

If you already owned your home and you bought a new furnace, would you accept it if it were in this condition? I wouldn't. Why accept it in new construction?

- Jim Katen, Oregon

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