A lot of home buyers gravitate toward brand-new construction with the hope of skipping the usual repair bills that come with an older house. After all, new materials and modern building techniques should mean fewer headaches. However, builders are still human, and if anything is wrong with your new home, you could be on the hook for costly repairs. This is why scheduling an inspection on a new construction home can make all the difference.
It’s an added expense, but it’s also a way to protect your biggest investment. A thorough inspection helps you spot potential issues (big or small) that might be lurking, ensuring long-term savings and peace of mind. In our guide, we’ll look at what an inspection involves, how a new-home inspection differs from one on an older home, and why it can save you from unwelcome surprises down the road.
Why Inspect a Home That’s Just Been Built?
The Myth of Brand-New Being Perfect
It’s easy to assume a new home is problem-free. After all, there’s no crumbling foundation or ancient plumbing that’s outlived its warranty. However, building a house is a massive project involving different contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. Even the best teams can make mistakes or miss small details that lead to bigger problems later.
Examples of Potential Oversights:
Misaligned framing
Poor insulation installation
Improperly secured wiring
Minor cracks or gaps that let in moisture or pests
This is not to say new construction is inherently flawed. But, as with any large project, mistakes can happen. A neutral, professional inspector ensures every piece meets local building codes and, more importantly, upholds the safety and quality you expect when investing in a home.
New Construction vs. Older Home Inspections
How They Differ
Inspections for older homes often focus on wear and tear—like a 20-year-old roof nearing its last days or an HVAC system about to fail. In new builds, you’re dealing with new materials, so there’s no aging or damage to worry about. What you need to watch for, though, is quality of workmanship and code compliance. The inspector verifies that everything is up to modern standards, looking for any corners that might have been cut.
Key Differences
Timeline: With new construction, you might request multiple visits during the build (pre-drywall, final walk-through).
Code Compliance: Up-to-date codes are usually stricter than those in older homes, so a new build is expected to adhere to higher benchmarks.
Warranty Coordination: New homes often come with a builder warranty. An inspector’s report can guide you on what the builder should fix before closing—or under warranty if you spot something after move-in.
The Role of a Builder’s Warranty—Does It Replace an Inspection?
Many buyers assume that having a builder’s warranty means they can skip the inspection—believing the warranty will fix anything that might break.
Why That’s Risky
Preventive vs. Reactive: Waiting until a problem happens might cause more disruption or property damage than you’d prefer. A small, fixable oversight early on can
turn into a bigger headache once floors are laid and walls are painted.
Warranty Limitations: Some builder warranties exclude items considered normal wear or cosmetic. If a problem is discovered late, determining whether it’s a construction defect or user-related damage can become complicated.
Builder’s Timing: Warranties only run for a set period. If a hidden problem takes time to reveal itself, you might be out of coverage before it becomes noticeable.
Timing Your Inspection: Before Drywall, After Completion, or Both?
Phased Inspections
One strategy with new construction is to schedule multiple inspections—often called “phased inspections.” The most common approach is:
Pre-Drywall Inspection: The inspector checks the framing, wiring, plumbing, and other elements before walls are enclosed. This is your chance to see the home’s skeleton. Fixing errors at this stage is simpler and less expensive than ripping out drywall later.
Final Inspection: Conducted once the house is nearly finished—usually after flooring, paint, and fixtures are installed. This looks for finish-related issues (like crooked cabinets or faulty outlets) and ensures everything lines up with building codes.
Should You Do Both?
It can feel like an additional expense, but addressing problems in the early stage often saves money in the long run. If your budget is tight, at least schedule one thorough inspection after completion. Keep in mind you might miss issues that lie behind the walls if you skip the pre-drywall phase.
Inside a New Home Inspection
What An Inspector Is Looking For
Foundation and Grading: Even a new foundation can have early cracks or drainage issues. Inspectors check the land slope to ensure water flows away from the home.
Structural Framing: They confirm that beams, joists, and studs are placed correctly and securely.
Plumbing and Wiring: Inspectors verify that pipes are sealed and fixtures installed
properly, while checking for safe and code-compliant electrical setups.
Roof and Attic: A quick climb to confirm shingles or roofing materials are attached properly. They may also peek in the attic to ensure insulation is well-distributed and ventilation is adequate.
HVAC Systems: They’ll see if vents, furnaces, and air conditioning units are installed in line with manufacturer guidelines and local regulations.
Doors and Windows: Ensuring they open, close, and lock without scraping or letting drafts inside.
Finishes and Cosmetic Details: Outlets, tile, paint, trim—these smaller items can still create issues if not done well.
At the end, you’ll receive a written report detailing their findings. Don’t panic if it seems extensive, inspectors often list even small imperfections.
Common Myths About Inspecting a New Construction Home
The Local Building Code Inspector Already Checked It.
Municipal inspectors focus on basic code requirements and often have limited time. They might not notice smaller craftsmanship issues or cosmetic problems.
It’s All Under Warranty.
Warranties aren’t infinite. They may exclude certain items or rely on you discovering the problem within a set timeframe.
The Builder Has a Stellar Reputation.
Even the best builders have off days, or a particular subcontractor might not hold the same standards. A second pair of eyes never hurts.
The Cost of a New Construction Inspection
Fees for a single inspection can run $300 to $600, varying by region and home size. If you decide on phased inspections (pre-drywall plus final), expect to pay around double that total. While it might feel like an extra cost, a few hundred now could save you from thousands in repairs later.
If you have a good rapport with your builder, you might ask if they’ll cover or split the inspection cost. It’s not unheard of—especially if the builder is confident in their work. But don’t let a refusal dissuade you, the benefit of an independent inspection is critical.
Working With the Builder: Cooperation, Not Conflict
Bringing Up the Inspection
You might worry that requesting your own inspector could offend the builder, in that you’re doubting their competence. In reality, professional builders often welcome inspections because it reinforces buyer trust and helps catch minor oversights early. Communication is key—just let them know you’d like to schedule an inspection, ensuring you coordinate times that work for both parties (especially if you want a pre-drywall check).
Approaching Problems
If your inspector does spot an issue, approach the builder calmly. Have the written findings on hand, highlight the code references if relevant, and keep the conversation solution-focused. Most reputable builders will fix valid concerns quickly, as they also want satisfied customers and minimal warranty claims.
The Final Walk-Through vs. The Inspection
A final walk-through is typically arranged by the builder once the home is ready for turnover. You’ll check for scuffed paint, appliance functionality, or missing hardware. This is more of a cosmetic review and basic system test, rather than a deep structural or code inspection. An inspection is a dedicated professional evaluation. Think of the walk-through as your personal pass for small aesthetic or functional items, while the inspector looks for bigger or hidden issues you might not spot.
The Value of a Second Inspection After Move-In
In some cases, homeowners schedule an additional 11-month inspection or warranty inspection. This takes place near the end of the builder’s general warranty period—often about a year after closing. By then, the home has gone through seasonal changes, heating, cooling, and daily use. If any problems have emerged (like a slightly leaky roof or shifting doors that didn’t show up at completion), you can catch them before the warranty expires.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Catches slow-developing issues and ensures the builder addresses them under warranty.
Cons: Another inspection fee (a few hundred dollars), and you’ve already paid for possibly two others. Weigh if the peace of mind is worth it for your situation.
What If the Builder Refuses to Allow an Inspection?
A builder who refuses an independent inspector might be a red flag. Most professional builders have no issue letting an outside pro confirm their quality. If you do face pushback, ask questions and be persistent. If they stay adamant, you might want to evaluate whether you trust them enough to proceed without an inspection. Don’t let a builder’s refusal override your instincts—this is your future home, after all.
Balancing Costs, Convenience, and Caution
Yes, new construction inspections add to your overall home purchase cost. But consider it a form of insurance. You’re spending hundreds of thousands—often more—on the house. Another few hundred for a professional look could save thousands down the road. If you need to prioritize, a single final inspection might suffice, but a phased approach (especially a pre-drywall check) provides the most comprehensive assurance.
Conclusion
A brand-new home represents a fresh start—but "new" doesn't automatically mean "perfect." Those untouched walls and fixtures can hide issues that even the most reputable builders might miss during construction. Think of a home inspection as the final quality check before you commit to what's likely the biggest purchase of your life. For a few hundred dollars, you get an expert's detailed assessment of the condition of your future home.
The best builders won't be offended by your request for an inspection. Many welcome it as an opportunity to showcase their quality work and address any minor issues before you move in. If your builder does push back, consider that reaction carefully before proceeding. Whether you opt for a pre-drywall inspection, a final walk-through inspection, or both, you're investing in more than just a report—you're buying confidence and protection.
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Michael Letendre
Michael Letendre is a writer for NewHomeSource and Builder Magazine.