New Home Inspection Checklist

Buying a home is scary. And while purchasing a newly-constructed house seems stress-free, new constructions may also have defects or brim with oversights that occurred during the construction process.

As such, you should treat a newly built home the same as you would an older one and schedule a specialized inspection to check the condition of the structure.

But what does a new home inspection look like?

Stay with us and we’ll clarify all the unknowns and provide you with an example of a new home inspection checklist.

What are home inspections?

In general, home inspections are visual examinations of properties conducted by qualified professionals. It’s a regular part of the purchasing process and often occurs after an offer has been made. Home inspections are a good idea as it helps buyers understand the condition of the home, allowing them to know what they are getting themselves into.

As such, a home inspection is an extraordinary bargaining chip. If the inspector discovers any flaws with the home, the buyer can either back out of the deal or renegotiate the price. 

In some circumstances, the seller will agree to conduct repairs. If that’s the case, the inspector can also perform a final walkthrough to evaluate the quality of the repairs before closing. 

Despite the fact they were just constructed, new homes also require both services. The difference is that the new construction home inspection can occur several times during the construction process, ensuring everything checks out before the final walkthrough is completed. 

Not all home inspectors are qualified to conduct new construction inspections, as such, you should hire someone with experience and familiarity with the nuances of the construction process. 

What are the three stages of a new construction inspection?

As we mentioned previously, new construction inspections occur in the following separate stages:

1. Pre-pour inspection

This is the first opportunity to analyze the contractor’s work before the construction goes into full gear. It’s referred to as the pre-pour inspection, as it occurs before the foundation is poured. 

The new home inspection checklist here includes:

• Drainage, grading, elevation
• Water lines
• Soil 
• Trenches
• Plumbing 
• Vent, drain, and waste lines
• Bracing
• Vapor barriers
• Structural cable systems
• Beam sizes
  
  

Performing repairs on the foundation is super expensive. As such, it’s critical to ensure the piping and the structural supports check out before the concrete is poured. 

2. Framing inspection

Moving on with the new home inspection checklist, we have the framing inspection. Framing occurs right after the foundation is cured. During this stage, the home will finally start taking shape as the wooden frame will be constructed. 

Inspectors must check: 

• The frame (beams, studs, screws, nails, plates that secure the components of the framing)
• Water-resistant barriers
• Stairwells
• Windows and flashing
• Thermal envelope
• Air barrier
• Fire blocking
• Plumbing system
• Electrical system
• Ductwork

Inspecting the framing is essential as most of these systems and construction features will be covered by drywall and insulation. While further adjustments could be made after the drywall is installed, it will cost you a lot of money and elongate the construction process significantly. 

3. Final inspection

Once the home is officially finished and your home is pretty much ready for a move-in, a final inspection will take place, during which the inspector will inspect both the interior and exterior of the house. Because of this, the new home inspection checklist is often lengthy. 

On the exterior, it’s necessary to check:

• The way the ground slopes from the house
• Roof shingles
• Gutters and downspouts
• Driveway
• Siding
• Fences
• Sheds and other additional structures 

On the interior, the new home inspection checklist includes:

• Basement and foundation
• Electrical system
• Plumbing system
• HVAC system
• Fire alarms and security systems
• Flooring, wall coating, trim, etc.
• Ceiling fans
• Outlets and light fixtures
• Doors and windows
• Counters and cabinets
• Appliances included in the home
• Plumbing fixtures
• Attic

Following a new home inspection checklist confirms whether the home is well-constructed and all the systems are functioning safely. This is very important as warranties for newly constructed homes only cover structural issues, meaning that if you notice that your bathroom has cracked tiles, the contractor isn’t required to address the issue. 

What if the inspection unveils a problem?

It’s very common for new homes to have small flaws or major structural issues. Fortunately, you can show your builder the inspection report and ask them to make the fixes.

This includes major problems such as roof shingles, making corrections to the electrical system, and resolving smaller flaws like fixing loose trim around the door, and so on. 

Since the equipment will likely still be on the site, your builder will easily resolve these issues. 

Even if you fully trust the contractors you hired, you should schedule a follow-up inspection to be on the safe side. This is even more important if the contractor makes significant repairs. A home is the largest investment you’ll probably make in your lifetime, meaning you have every right to ask for the highest standard of quality. 

Some builders won’t be open to having an inspector come in and inspect their work. This is generally a huge red flag as someone with confidence in their skills should have no problem with you scheduling an inspection. If this happens to you, you should consider whether the home is worth purchasing at that point. 

Get your money’s worth

Constructing a new home is an arduous process, and there’s nothing better than taking the keys and settling into your brand-new abode. 

However, you shouldn’t rush anything or leave any loose ends. Any flaws you find after you move in will quickly eat up your budget and you’ll be stuck with the biggest case of buyer’s remorse you will ever have. 

A new construction home inspection can provide you with the peace of mind you’re making a solid investment, and more importantly, allow you to move into a flawless home. 

If you don’t know any inspectors who evaluate new homes, check out Guardian Angel Inspections. 

We have years of experience with the construction process and extensive qualifications, ensuring we can provide the highest level of customer service. You can relax while we supply you with all the information you need to determine if the new home is as perfect as can be. 

Schedule an inspection now - call 561-512-7854 or fill out our contact form.