New Construction Inspections (Phase Inspections)

Pre-Pour (Phase 1) ▪ Pre-Drywall (Phase 2) ▪ Pre-Close (Phase 3) ▪ 11-Month Warranty (Phase 4)

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❯❯ NEW CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS ❮❮

Pre-Pour Inspection (Phase 1)


Slab inspection prior to concrete being  poured.

  • During our inspection, we look at things like the depth of the footings, to how the post tension cables are installed.  Are they properly connected at the ends?  Are they properly lifted and supported.  How close are they to plumbing components?  Are the form boards properly supported and are they level?  Is the vapor barrier properly installed and in good repair.  Are the mounds solid or are they caving in?

    There’s a lot that goes into a good foundation and it’s always good to get a set of experienced and trained eyes on it to make sure any issues get taken care of prior to pouring the slab.

❯❯ NEW CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS ❮❮

Pre-Drywall Inspection (Phase 2)


Inspection of Framing, HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical Rough-Ins.

  • These should be performed AFTER the electrical, plumbing and HVAC rough ins have been completed, but BEFORE insulation and drywall are installed.

    After the framers have finished framing the home, the mechanical rough ins start. On our inspection, we check to make sure that as they ran their material through the house, they didn’t compromise any framing. Sometimes they cut into studs or drill holes and it’s important to make sure they didn’t weaken anything in the process. Additionally, there are protections that should be installed such as nail guards so that things aren’t damaged during the drywall hanging process.  

    We also check for common framing practices and build quality. Sometimes, metal hangers should be used but are missed. Or nails are missed. Sometimes roof trusses are damaged during delivery and install. These can ONLY be repaired according to a structural engineers design. Field repairs are not permitted without an engineer prescribing the repair. This can be a costly issue if not done correctly so it’s best to get this address by the builder prior to closing.  

    Other things we’ll look for are proper ventilation of the roof as well as bathroom, dryer and range hood exhaust.  We’ll check the exterior moisture barrier and window installs to make sure they’ll be water tight.  We’ll also check to make sure safety glass (tempered glass) is installed where required.  

    There are lots of things that go into building a home and any of them can cause frustration or added expenses.  Although we can’t eliminate ALL risk, a pre-drywall inspection can help to mitigate it and give you peace of mind.

❯❯ NEW CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS ❮❮

Pre-Close Inspection (Phase 3)

Our team of experienced professionals ensures that every aspect of your home is thoroughly inspected for your peace of mind. All of the following items are included:


Comprehensive Home Inspection

  • Foundation, Roof, Attic, Windows, Doors, Walls, Ceilings, Floors, Fireplaces, Chimneys and Patios, Decks, Balconies, and Carports

  • Panels and Branch Circuits

  • Heating, Cooling, and Ductwork

  • Supply and Drains, Water Heaters, Hydro Massage Tubs and Gas Distribution Systems

  • Microwaves, Range Hoods, Dishwashers, Disposals, Cooktops and Ovens, Mechanical Exhaust Fans, Garage Doors, and Dryer Venting


 

ZIP Level Foundation Measurements

We measure your foundation using a ZIP Level to help us better diagnose the foundation.  Using this info along with visual indicators around the home can help us make a more informed assessment of your foundation.

 

 

Thermal Scanning

We scan the interior walls and ceilings to look for any moisture or insulation issues that might not be visible to the naked eye.  

 

 

Sprinkler System

We run all zones for 2 minutes each to determine if adjustments need to be made to individual sprinkler heads or if other repairs might be needed.

 

❯❯ NEW CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS ❮❮

11-Month Warranty Inspection (Phase 4)

A Full Home Inspection just prior to the expiration of your 1 year warranty

Most builders have a multi-year warranty system for new homes.
1 year for the entire home, bumper to bumper
2 years for mechanicals (plumbing, electrical, HVAC)
10 years for structural (foundation, framing)

An 11-Month Warranty Inspection provides you the documentation you will need for your builder so that any issues that arise can be addressed prior to the expiration of your 1-Year Builder Warranty.

 

Below are just some examples of things we can find at your 11-Month Warranty Inspection and reasons why this inspection is highly recommended, even if you did get a pre-closing inspection.

  • Things may operate differently once a family of 4 moves in and is running the dishwasher and  laundry at the same time while someone is taking a shower.  At the pre-closing inspection, there weren’t several TV’s, computers and appliances plugged in at the same time drawing power from the electrical panels.  These conditions can’t be simulated in a vacant home any may not present themselves until after you’ve moved in.

  • There might be some cracks that appear that weren’t there prior to closing. We can document these and try to get the builder to fix.

  • Perhaps when they installed the tile surround for the shower and filled it in with grout, there were areas where the grout was not applied as thick. Something like this will look right before it’s used but over the first year, with many showers and cleanings, some of the tile grout may have come loose and now there are gaps. These could be potential leak points that the builder should fix.

What’s Included In An 11-Month Warranty Inspection

Our team of experienced professionals ensures that every aspect of your home is thoroughly inspected for your peace of mind. All of the following items are included:


Comprehensive Home Inspection

  • Foundation, Roof, Attic, Windows, Doors, Walls, Ceilings, Floors, Fireplaces, Chimneys and Patios, Decks, Balconies, and Carports

  • Panels and Branch Circuits

  • Heating, Cooling, and Ductwork

  • Supply and Drains, Water Heaters, Hydro Massage Tubs and Gas Distribution Systems

  • Microwaves, Range Hoods, Dishwashers, Disposals, Cooktops and Ovens, Mechanical Exhaust Fans, Garage Doors, and Dryer Venting


 

ZIP Level Foundation Measurements

We measure your foundation using a ZIP Level to help us better diagnose the foundation.  Using this info along with visual indicators around the home can help us make a more informed assessment of your foundation.

 

 

Thermal Scanning

We scan the interior walls and ceilings to look for any moisture or insulation issues that might not be visible to the naked eye.  

 

 

Sprinkler System

We run all zones for 2 minutes each to determine if adjustments need to be made to individual sprinkler heads or if other repairs might be needed.

 
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