Missing Ductwork for Range Hood Exhaust in a New Construction Home

During a recent inspection of a new construction home in Las Vegas, I found a significant issue—missing ductwork for the range hood exhaust. Not only can this lead to poor indoor air quality, it may indicate incomplete or improper installation.

Why Proper Range Hood Venting Matters

The range hood is designed to remove smoke, steam, grease, and cooking odors from the kitchen. If the ductwork is missing, the hood may not be venting to the exterior as intended, leading to several potential problems:

Poor Indoor Air Quality – Cooking releases airborne particles, moisture, and contaminants that should be vented outside. Without ductwork, these pollutants remain trapped inside the home.

Excess Moisture Buildup – Steam from cooking can increase indoor humidity, which may contribute to mold growth or damage to cabinets and walls.

Grease Accumulation – A properly vented range hood helps reduce grease buildup in the kitchen. Without an exhaust system, grease particles can settle on surfaces, making cleaning more difficult.

Code Compliance Issues – Most local building codes require range hoods to vent properly to the exterior unless a recirculating unit with a filter is used. Missing ductwork could indicate a violation of these codes.

How Does This Happen in New Construction?

Several factors could contribute to missing range hood ductwork in a new home:

Construction Oversight – The builder or subcontractor may have overlooked the installation during the final stages of construction.

Lack of Coordination Between Trades – If communication is lacking between electricians, HVAC contractors, and kitchen installers, essential components like ductwork may be missed.

Misinterpretation of Design Plans – If a recirculating hood was mistakenly installed in place of a vented one, the home may lack the necessary ductwork.

How Builders Should Address This Issue

If missing ductwork is found during an inspection, the builder should take steps to correct it before the homeowner moves in:

Verify the Hood Type – Confirm whether the installed range hood is designed for ducted or recirculating use.

Install Proper Ductwork – If a ducted system was intended, the builder should install the necessary ducting to vent the hood to the exterior.

Ensure Code Compliance – The installation should meet local building codes and manufacturer specifications.

Test the System – Once the ductwork is installed, the builder should test the system to ensure proper airflow and venting.

Missing ductwork for the range hood exhaust in Las Vegas new construction

What Homebuyers Should Do

Before finalizing the purchase of a new construction home, have a professional home inspection to catch issues like missing range hood ductwork. A thorough inspection can help identify installation mistakes before they become long-term problems.

If you’re buying a new build home in Las Vegas, schedule a home inspection with us today. We’ll make sure your home is built to the right standards so you can move in with confidence.