New Construction Inspection
New doesn't always mean perfect. From foundation pour to final walk, we're your independent advocate.
Even New Homes Need a True Third-Party Inspection
Many builders make huge efforts to confuse consumers into believing the builder has many third-party inspections throughout the build. Those “inspectors” work from a checklist provided by the builder to create a punch list — a true third-party inspector will not be paid by the planned development builder.
David’s construction background, going back to childhood helping his grandfather install county water lines, gives him insight into how homes are actually built, not just what to check on a list. Your home is truly a system that all works together. That’s why we inspect everything, even if it looks perfect from the outside.
Note: All phase and final walk inspections are coordinated through the sales rep based on the construction manager’s timeline.
Phase Inspections Overview
Phase inspections catch problems when they’re still easy and affordable to fix. Once concrete is poured or drywall goes up, mistakes become permanent and extraordinarily expensive to correct. We offer inspections at every critical stage of the build:
- Pre-Pour Foundation Inspection (Phase 1) — Before the concrete trucks arrive
- Framing Inspection (Phase 2) — The “X-Ray” moment before walls are sealed
- Pre-Drywall Inspection — After mechanical rough-ins, before sheetrock
- Final Walk (Phase 3) — Comprehensive stress test of every system
- 11-Month Warranty Inspection — Last chance before the builder’s 1-year warranty expires
We take our time and don’t rush through your inspection to get to the next one. Whether it’s a phase inspection or final walk, thoroughness protects your investment.
Pre-Pour Foundation Inspection (Phase 1)
The Pre-Pour Foundation Inspection is the final opportunity to verify the structural integrity of your home before its most critical components are permanently encased in tons of concrete. Once the concrete trucks arrive, any errors in reinforcement or plumbing become permanent and extraordinarily expensive to fix.
We act as your third-party advocate, verifying that your builder’s work meets engineering specs and local codes before it’s literally set in stone.
What we inspect:
- Reinforcement: Proper sizing, spacing, and elevation of rebar or post-tension cables
- Vapor Barrier: Ensuring the moisture barrier is intact and properly sealed to prevent future mold or dampness
- Plumbing Rough-In: Verifying drain lines and pipes are correctly aligned and protected
- Formwork & Grading: Checking that forms are level, braced, and that the site is properly compacted for stability
Framing Inspection (Phase 2)
The framing stage is the only time you can truly see the “bones” of your home. Once the drywall goes up, the most expensive structural mistakes become invisible. Our Phase 2 Framing Inspection is an intensive deep-dive into the structural skeleton of your build, verifying that every stud, joist, and rafter is installed according to engineered plans.
What we uncover:
- Structural Integrity: Improperly notched studs or cut joists that compromise the home’s strength
- Load Path Accuracy: Ensuring headers and beams are correctly transferring weight to the foundation
- Fire Safety: Verifying that critical fire-blocking is in place to protect your family
- Mechanical Clearances: Ensuring plumbing and HVAC runs haven’t weakened the framing members
Pre-Drywall Inspection
After the framing is complete and the mechanical systems are roughed in — but before they are sealed behind sheetrock — we provide an exhaustive third-party audit of your builder’s work. This is the point of no return: once the walls are closed, mistakes in framing or insulation are hidden until they cause major structural or efficiency issues.
What we inspect:
- Structural Framing: Checking for damaged or split studs, improper notching for pipes, and correct load-path headers
- Electrical & Plumbing Rough-Ins: Verifying that wires and pipes are properly secured and haven’t compromised the framing’s strength
- Energy Efficiency: Confirming that insulation is properly installed and that air-sealing measures are in place
- Safety Features: Ensuring that fire-blocking and draft-stops are correctly positioned to prevent the rapid spread of fire through wall cavities
New Construction Final Walk (Phase 3)
The paint is dry, the floors are polished, and your move-in date is set — but is your home truly ready? Our Final Walk is a comprehensive stress test of every system in the house. While the builder focuses on the aesthetic punch list, we focus on the critical performance of the home.
What we inspect:
- Operation: Testing every window, door, drawer, and appliance for proper fit and function
- HVAC & Plumbing: Verifying temperature differentials, drainage flow, and checking for leaks under pressure
- Safety & Code: Confirming GFCI protection, smoke detector placement, and attic insulation depth meet current standards
- Exterior & Grading: Ensuring final landscaping allows water to drain away from the foundation (crucial for Freeport/coastal areas)
11-Month Warranty Inspection
Your one-year builder warranty is about to expire — don’t leave money on the table. Most new homes undergo significant settling during their first year, leading to hidden structural shifts, plumbing leaks, or roofing issues that weren’t visible on move-in day. This is your last chance to have defects repaired at zero cost to you.
What we inspect:
- Structural Changes: Checking for foundation movement, roof stress, or exterior siding gaps caused by a year of Texas weather
- Moisture Intrusion: Finding slow leaks in walls or ceilings that haven’t surfaced yet
- System Wear: Evaluating the water heater, AC compressor, and electrical panels for premature wear or safety hazards
What We Find in New Construction
Electrical Issues
Incorrect wiring, missing GFCI outlets, improperly installed fixtures that could cause problems down the road.
Plumbing Problems
Loose connections, incorrect slopes, missing shut-off valves that builders sometimes overlook in the rush to finish.
HVAC Defects
Ductwork issues, improper installations, missing components that affect efficiency and comfort.
Working With Your Builder
Most builders appreciate professional inspections because it helps them catch issues before warranty calls start coming in. We approach builder relationships professionally, documenting findings clearly without creating adversarial situations.
Our detailed reports help you communicate specific concerns to your builder. Instead of saying “something seems wrong,” you can point to exact issues with photos and explanations. This makes the correction process smoother for everyone.
Sandy coordinates all communication and scheduling, so you don’t have to manage multiple moving parts during an already busy closing period. We work around your builder’s schedule and keep you informed every step of the way.
Licensed With the Highest Credentials Available
New Construction Inspection Questions
All phase and final walk inspections are coordinated through the sales rep based on the construction manager’s timeline. Schedule your final walk 5-7 days before closing to allow time for any necessary corrections.
No. We schedule around your closing timeline and deliver reports the same day. If issues are found, you’ll have documentation to work with your builder before the closing date.
Many builders try to convince buyers that the builder’s own inspections are sufficient. Those inspectors work from a builder-provided checklist — they are not true third-party inspectors. Your independent inspection protects your investment.
We offer Pre-Pour Foundation (Phase 1), Framing (Phase 2), Pre-Drywall, Final Walk (Phase 3), and 11-Month Warranty inspections. Contact us to discuss timing based on your builder’s schedule.
A comprehensive stress test of every system: operation of all fixtures and appliances, HVAC and plumbing performance, safety and code items, and exterior grading and drainage.
Schedule it before your builder’s one-year warranty expires. This is your last chance to have defects repaired at zero cost to you, catching issues from a full year of settling and Texas weather.
Ready to Schedule Your New Construction Inspection?
Don't let "new" fool you into skipping this important step. We'll help you understand exactly what you're buying.