The list for new builds can be a lot trickier (poor construction/ construction defects, new materials being used that haven't stood the test of time yet, foundation issues from expansive soils or bad concrete being used (harder to know because the damage isn't visible yet), sewer line might be already jacked up or done wrong, windows or roof may not have been flashed properly but water damage isn't visible yet (I've seen new builds where you could literally see daylight coming in through gaps around the windows), grading or drainage issues, truss rise, nail pops, water intrusion, cheap appliances only made to last a few years or poorly installed, dirty ducts from registers not being covered during construction, wood shrinkage cracking the sheetrock, doorframes off/sticking doors and windows, apparently mold and meth may be present already... both old and new require due diligence and an experienced inspector. 

Which is another reason I wanted to seek help on the process of due diligence because we wasted money on the site plans, soil test, geo tech etc. and the deal didn't go through. 

Even the national flood program has screwed tons of people in hurricane sandy.

There are now billions of dollars of real state in downtown manhattan that is build on what used to be covered with water although i don't think anything of a similar scale will be happening anytime soon.... there is a lot that needs to be done from soil analysis to dealing with local municipalities which is why none would write a book on it just about every zoning board and city council goes about business there own unique way...

I am looking to buy new construction of townhouse and surprised to see that seller passes following fees to buyer in closing costs:Impact Fee - Water: $1129Impact Fee - Waste Water: $2554City Development Review: $8128Environment Review: $275Water Connection: $775Electricity Connection: $112950% Credit for City Development Review: ($4064) Total: $15,426 - $4,064 = $11,362Plus they already want to charge buyer builder fee that is 1.75% of purchase price.I know everything is negotiable but I have never seen that buyer paying any of these impact fees, review fees and utility connection fees (If so, why don't sellers charge buyers soil test, elevation survey, architectural drawing, pluming permit etc.?

I included the excerpts and links in case you are curious.ArbNews_Jun06 (isa-arbor.com)"These statements take form in arboriculture classes andeducational publications as rules of thumb: (1) Tree root systemsextend out 2–3 times the dripline, (2) most roots are in the top foot(30.5 cm) of soil, (3) roots extend out about 1.5 times the height ofthe tree, and (4) more than 60 percent of the absorbing root systemis beyond the dripline."

There is a tree on my neighbor's land that has roots coming on my land, lifting the soil and now dangerously going under my house.

It depends also on how hard the soil is.

Also soil composition, waterways etc can.

If you are selling farms, then you should know about soil quality, land use, etc.