What to Expect During Your New Construction Inspection Visit

Are you about to schedule your first new construction inspection? Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced real estate investor, understanding what happens during these crucial evaluations can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the inspection process for newly built homes. From pre-drywall assessments to final walkthroughs, we’ll cover the essential details that will help you navigate this important step with confidence.

Understanding the Purpose of New Construction Inspections

Many homebuyers mistakenly believe that newly built homes don’t need inspections because everything is brand new. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Even with the most reputable builders, oversights and errors can occur during the construction process.

Why Inspections Matter for New Builds

Construction is a complex process involving dozens of subcontractors, thousands of components, and countless opportunities for mistakes to happen. A thorough new construction inspection identifies issues before they become costly problems. Remember that building codes represent minimum standards—not necessarily best practices—and municipal inspectors often have limited time to spend at each property.

The Different Types of New Construction Inspections

New home inspections typically fall into three main categories:

1. Pre-drywall inspection (also called a “frame inspection”)
2. Final inspection (performed before closing)
3. 11-month warranty inspection (before the builder’s one-year warranty expires)

Each serves a distinct purpose in ensuring your home is built correctly and according to specifications. Some buyers opt for all three, while others may choose only one or two, depending on their situation and comfort level.

What Happens During a Pre-Drywall Inspection

The pre-drywall inspection is your only opportunity to see what’s behind the walls before they’re closed up forever. This critical evaluation takes place after the framing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are installed but before insulation and drywall hide everything from view.

Key Elements Examined During Frame Inspections

During this phase, your inspector will evaluate several crucial components:

Structural Elements

The inspector examines the foundation, floor system, wall framing, roof framing, and other structural components to ensure they’re properly installed and free from defects. They’ll check that appropriate materials were used and that the construction matches the architectural plans.

Electrical Systems

All wiring, outlets, switches, and electrical panels are scrutinized for proper installation and code compliance. The inspector will verify that outlets are positioned correctly, GFCI protection is installed where required, and electrical boxes are securely fastened.

Plumbing Systems

Plumbing inspections cover everything from water supply lines to drain pipes and vent stacks. The inspector looks for proper materials, correct installation techniques, appropriate slope for drainage, and potential leaks or weaknesses.

HVAC System Installation

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are examined to confirm proper ductwork installation, appropriate placement of returns and supplies, and correct sizing of equipment for your home’s square footage.

Common Issues Found During Pre-Drywall Inspections

Some frequently discovered problems during this phase include:

• Missing or improperly installed fire blocking
• Inadequate support for floor joists or rafters
• Drilling or notching of structural members beyond allowable limits
• Improper spacing of fasteners
• Plumbing pipes installed in exterior walls without proper insulation
• Inadequate clearance for HVAC components
• Missing or incorrectly installed flashing
• Improperly routed wiring

Identifying these issues early allows for much easier and less expensive corrections than after drywall and finishes are in place.

The Final New Construction Inspection

The final inspection takes place when construction is complete, but before you close on the property. This comprehensive evaluation examines both the visible finished elements and tests the functionality of all systems.

Interior Inspection Components

Your inspector will methodically work through every room in the house, checking:

Finished Surfaces and Materials

All flooring, walls, ceilings, trim, cabinets, countertops, and other finished surfaces are examined for proper installation and quality. The inspector looks for gaps, cracks, bubbling, peeling, or other signs of poor workmanship.

Windows and Doors

Each window and door is tested for proper operation, appropriate installation, and correct sealing. The inspector ensures they open, close, and lock properly and that weatherstripping is correctly installed.

Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances

All fixtures—including sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets—are tested for functionality. Water pressure is checked, drains are tested for proper flow, and fixtures are examined for leaks or improper installation.

Electrical Systems and Fixtures

The inspector tests all outlets, switches, and fixtures to verify proper function and grounding. They’ll also check that all required smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and operational.

Exterior Inspection Elements

The outside of your home receives equal attention during a new construction inspection. Key areas include:

Roof and Gutters

The roofing material, flashing, and gutter system are examined for proper installation and potential issues. The inspector checks for missing or damaged shingles, appropriate sealing around penetrations, and a correct gutter slope.

Siding and Trim

All exterior cladding is inspected for proper installation, appropriate flashing, and adequate clearances. The inspector looks for signs of potential water intrusion points or improper attachment.

Foundation and Grading

The foundation is examined for cracks or settlement issues, while the surrounding grade is evaluated to ensure proper drainage away from the home. Incorrect grading is one of the most common causes of water problems in basements and crawl spaces.

Decks, Porches, and Other Exterior Structures

Any attached or detached structures are evaluated for proper construction, appropriate attachment to the main building, and code compliance. These areas often have specific requirements regarding footings, railings, and stairs.

The 11-Month Warranty Inspection

This often-overlooked inspection takes place shortly before your builder’s one-year warranty expires. It represents your last opportunity to identify and address any issues covered under the builder’s warranty.

Why Timing Matters

Scheduling this inspection at approximately 11 months allows sufficient time to document issues and submit warranty claims before the expiration date. Many problems in new homes don’t become apparent until the house has gone through seasonal changes and materials have had time to settle.

Common Warranty Issues

Some frequently discovered problems during warranty inspections include:

• Settlement cracks in drywall or foundation
• Nail pops in drywall
• Doors and windows that no longer operate properly due to settlement
• Separation of trim or moldings
• Roof leaks that only appear during certain weather conditions
• HVAC performance issues
• Drainage problems that become evident after heavy rains
• Loose fixtures or hardware

Documentation and Follow-Through

The warranty inspection report provides valuable documentation for submitting claims to your builder. Having a professional assessment strengthens your position when requesting repairs and helps ensure that legitimate issues aren’t dismissed as normal settling or homeowner maintenance responsibilities.

Important Considerations for Your Inspection

To get the most value from your new construction inspection, keep these tips in mind:

Finding a Qualified Inspector

Look for inspectors with specific experience in new construction. They should understand building codes, recognize construction best practices, and be familiar with common issues in newly built homes. Certification from recognized organizations like ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) or InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) provides additional assurance of professionalism.

Being Present During Inspections

Whenever possible, attend your inspections in person. This gives you the opportunity to see issues firsthand and ask questions as they arise. Most inspectors welcome your presence and will explain findings as they work through the property.

Understanding the Inspection Report

Take time to thoroughly review the inspection report and ask for clarification on anything you don’t understand. Prioritize issues based on safety concerns, structural significance, and potential for future damage. Not every noted item requires immediate attention, but understanding the difference between major and minor issues is important.

Working With Your Builder

Approach warranty claims professionally and with clear documentation. Most reputable builders want to maintain their reputation and will address legitimate concerns, but you may need to be persistent. Keep copies of all communications and follow up in writing after verbal discussions.

Final Thoughts

A thorough inspection is an invaluable investment in your new home. By understanding what to expect during each phase of the inspection process, you can ensure your dream home is built to last. While no house is perfect—even brand new ones—identifying and addressing issues early prevents small problems from becoming major headaches down the road.

Remember that inspections are about more than just finding problems; they’re about gaining knowledge about your new home and how to maintain it properly for years to come. With proper inspections at key points in the construction and warranty period, you can enjoy your new home with confidence and peace of mind.