Proximity noun - having a nearness in space, time or relationship. Synonyms - propinquity, vicinity, closeness, neighborhood.
In this new construction the codes were exactly met regarding the proximity, or nearness in relationship, of the toilet to the wall.
The center of the toilet is exactly 15" from the side wall.
Well done.
There are four toilets in this house.
All were just as well done!
All four toilets shared another characteristic as regards proximity, or nearness of relationship.
Can you see what it is?
Obeying the code as they do, the edges of the toilets are 7" from the wall.
When someone is sitting on the toilet their legs range from 3" or 4" or 5" from the wall.
Given the proximity, or nearness of relationship, of the toilet paper holder, someone sitting on the toilet would have zero access to removing the toilet paper from the roll!
Why? Well, proximity, or nearness!
A smart installation would have those holder perhaps 12" further from the end of the toilet, well within reach and easy to manage.
That way the toilet paper can be accessed! Which is, um, the second goal for being there!
My recommendation: the supervisor and buyers had been in this house many times and had not noticed the proximity, or nearness of relationship, of the toilet paper holders, all of which looked just like this one! The home inspector saw it when walking into the first bathroom. Why? Because he sees stuff like this all the time! Why? Because he does inspections on new construction and for some reason some installations are common. Why? Well, that's an easy one. What is the lesson here? Hire a home inspector for your new construction, or ignore the second goal for being on the toilet. At least in this house...
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC 
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia.
Office (703) 330-6388 Cell (703) 585-7560
Yes, that is dumb and it was obvious to me the second the picture came on my screen. At least it's a fairly easy fix compared to some of the other problems.
All that aside, the style now is not to have them on the walls but have a modern dispenser on the ground.
Nothing much escapes your eye does it Jay? I would have never thought of that one.
It's easy to fix Debbie, but now the walls all have to be repaired and repainted.
James - well, aside from experience doing home inspections I somewhat also have experience on the toilet.
On this has been clear to me for many years. New home builder supervisors have no ability to see the "why" of certain features.
They know the paper holder must be installed but they don't understand that the "where" is essential to practicality.
Oh well.
Lenn - it's because the "professionals" installing things like this are not used to such "luxuries" as toilet paper, or even toilet seats, where they come from.
I am not kidding. I lived there for two years.
If the person placing the TP holder was the same one who would have to make the repairs if it needed to be moved, then I think they would be more aware of the choices they make Jay. :)
Hard to know who is at the 7-11 parking lot on the day the builder goes by Tom.
Yes, that was very sarcastic.
Jay, It is part of a flexibility plan. You need to be able to flex over to finish the paperwork.
OR....there are portable stands....access everywhere !
Something about that photo did look off to me... you clearly know your stuff, Jay!
You need to flex Don, and it helps if you are the "Thin Guy" display at the circus freak show.
We have a portable stand in our powder room and upstairs hall bathroom S&D!
Suzanne - just a' lookin' around! This one is fairly common.
Jay- bathrooms are so put upon.... you'd think that mankind would finally get it right. John + toilet paper holder in the correct proximity to constituent = happy camper.
Good morning, Jay. Golly! You are getting so peaky! Maybe they need to remove the paper holder and just get one of those stands and they can place it where they need. – LOL
Kathy - as I Boy Scout I have to brag that I helped make for happy campers. We dug latrines with a pole across to sit on. In front of that, higher, would be another with rope wrapped around it (padded dash), with a box made out of lashed sticks (windshield), a smaller square lashed to the dash (steering wheel) and a stick shift stuck in the ground. A couple of rocks to step on made for pedals. We could hear everyone, including the men, all making car sounds as they used the latrine!
Michael - we have two of those in our house - powder room and upstairs hall bath. But nothing so fun as my old latrines.