Once upon a time in Richmond, Virginia, a young couple, Maya and Chris, found what seemed like the perfect house. It was brand-new—modern fixtures, gleaming floors, and that irresistible new house smell. The builder promised everything was done to code and even handed over a thick folder labeled “Certificate of Occupancy.” Their real estate agent recommended they hire a third-party home inspector before closing, but Maya waved it off.  “It’s brand new,” she said. “What could possibly be wrong?” Chris hesitated but agreed. They moved in with confidence and started their life—new kitchen, new baby, new mortgage.  But just two months in,