A home inspector recently found a long list of serious defects in a brand-new $2.7 million home, including electrical hazards and loose handrails. The findings sparked a huge online debate about the quality of new construction.
The inspector, known as USA Inspections on TikTok, shared a video of a walk-through of the newly built property. According to The Mary Sue, the video went viral, getting 24 million views, as he exposed problem after problem in the multi-million dollar home.
One of the biggest concerns was the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, or GFCI, protection. GFCIs are safety devices that automatically shut off power when there is an electrical imbalance, helping to prevent shocks and electrocution. When the inspector tested two different switches in the house, neither of them tripped, meaning they would not work in the event of an electrical fault, a serious safety hazard.
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New construction quality is clearly a major problem even at the luxury end of the market
The inspector also found that the stairway handrail was loose and missing a bracket, creating a fall risk. He pointed out an uneven shower floor, which would cause water to pool in the wrong areas and potentially lead to water damage and mold over time. In other news making waves online, a botched flyover at the Angels’ home opener left their anthem singer stranded on the final note for the second year in a row.
Other problems included doors that did not lock properly, loose carpet at the top of the stairs, and a misaligned vent. The vent, which should have been firmly secured, was instead held in place with silicone. The inspector noted it would push most of the air behind the brick rather than into the house, a poor, temporary fix for something that should be permanent.
After the video spread online, many viewers questioned whether these issues would actually be fixed before the home was sold. One person commented, If the cost of these homes have these problems I fear we are cooked for quality”
While builders are generally required to fix code violations, like the faulty GFCI protection, other issues can fall into a gray area depending on what the builder’s contract says. Different states also have different rules around home inspections and what must be fixed before a sale, making things more complicated for buyers. Meanwhile, Cooper Flagg breaking his own NBA teenage scoring record has been another story capturing a lot of attention this week.
The reaction online was largely one of frustration and disbelief, especially given how much the home cost. One commenter said, “No way that straight plain handrail is in a $2.7M house.” Another wrote, “2.7 M for a cardboard house.” The video touched a nerve with many people who already have concerns about the quality and value of new homes being built today.
Published: Apr 6, 2026 02:15 pm