Most Homes Weren’t Built to Last—Here’s How We Fix That

By Matthew Haraminac | General Contractor & Consultant

Walk into a typical tract home built in the last 20 years and you’ll likely see what buyers are taught to value: open layouts, bright finishes, and plenty of curb appeal. On paper, it checks all the boxes. But live in it for a while, and the cracks start to show—sometimes literally.

Floors creak. Trim separates. HVAC systems struggle. Doors fall out of square. That feeling of “something’s just off”? You’re not imagining it.

These homes weren’t built with longevity in mind. They were built to meet the minimum code and sell quickly. And once the punch list is signed and the one-year warranty expires, you’re left holding the bag.

How Did We Get Here?

For most of American history, homes were built by craftspeople with the intention that they’d last generations. But over the past few decades, residential construction has tried to mimic an assembly line—only without the quality control that makes assembly lines work. Developers buy land, subdivide it, and subcontract everything with minimal oversight, little continuity between trades, and razor-thin margins.

When you build for volume, not quality, you make compromises:

• Windows installed with improper flashing and poor air sealing—sometimes no flashing at all

• Weather barriers installed incorrectly, or not at all

• Sheathing fastened into air instead of studs

• Trusses modified in the field without engineering

• Insulation haphazardly installed—or completely missing

• No air sealing

• Roofing and flashing that won’t survive a season and often aren’t even code compliant

I’ve flagged all of this during pre-drywall and phase inspections. I’ve watched buyers ask for basic corrections—only to be told by the builder: “Pound sand.”

The system doesn’t reward durability. It rewards speed and short-term profit.

Why Cosmetic Renovations Don’t Work

Many clients come to me after already trying to “fix” their homes with cosmetic updates: new floors, fresh paint, kitchen upgrades. But the real issues weren’t cosmetic.

Their HVAC was undersized from day one. The framing was out of square. The insulation was worthless. The subfloor flexed because it was never glued or screwed properly. These are the things that make a home feel solid—or not.

Cosmetic upgrades over bad bones are like slapping new siding on a rotting shed. It might look better, but it won’t live better.

What Fixing It Actually Looks Like

Unfortunately, when the bones are bad, you need more than a cosmetic remodel. The problem is, many homeowners don’t realize just how bad those bones are.

That’s why I always recommend a pre-remodel consultation so you can understand the real issues before you commit to a budget.

And let’s be honest: a lot has changed in the last 20 years. If your home is old enough to drink, it’s probably time to consider:

• Tearing back to the structure when needed

• Correcting poor framing, flashing, and sequencing

• Air sealing and insulating to modern performance standards

• Replacing builder-grade systems with properly sized, high-efficiency equipment

• Reworking layouts so they actually suit how you live

• Using real materials designed to last—not just look good in photos

When you fix what the builder skipped, you don’t just gain comfort—you gain durability, efficiency, and peace of mind.

For Homeowners Already Living With Regret

If you’ve recently bought a home and are starting to realize the quality just isn’t there—don’t beat yourself up. You’re not alone. Unfortunately, this is quickly becoming the rule, not the exception.

Here’s what you can do:

• Get a real evaluation. Hire someone who understands building science and knows how to look beneath the surface—someone who uses tools like infrared thermography and moisture meters, and isn’t afraid to poke around. In Colorado, builders are released from liability fast. If you suspect something’s wrong, inspect it immediately. I’ve personally performed invasive inspections on brand-new homes where every single shower was leaking due to improper installation. But because the homeowners waited, the builder walked away with zero responsibility.

• Fix what matters first. Prioritize performance, durability, and the integrity of your building envelope over finishes and design trends. A beautiful home still fails if it doesn’t function.

• Think long-term. Invest in solutions that will last for decades—not just raise your short-term appraisal or resale value.

• Get an annual maintenance inspection—and follow through. Even poor workmanship lasts longer with preventative care. Don’t wait for failures to force your hand.

Stewardship Over Speculation

A well-built home doesn't just look good—it works, performs, and holds up over time. And for homeowners who value peace of mind, the process starts with clarity and confidence, not guesswork.

Whether you're preparing to remodel, building from the ground up, or simply want to ensure your home is functioning as it should, there are smart steps you can take to protect your investment. Annual maintenance inspections can help you catch issues early. Infrared scans and invasive diagnostics can reveal hidden concerns before they become costly problems. And if you're buying new construction, having a trusted advisor through each phase can make all the difference.

Behind every reliable home is a team that looks deeper, plans better, and puts quality first. If you're ready to go beyond surface-level fixes, there’s a better way to build—and maintain—the home you hoped for.

Tired of builder-grade living? Want a home that actually performs the way it should?
Consulting, inspections, remodeling, and homebuilding support are available for homeowners who want things done with care, foresight, and lasting value.

Let’s make your home one that lasts.