When you’re handed the keys to a brand-new home, it’s natural to expect everything to be in perfect condition. But even new construction homes can have issues, from minor oversights to more serious structural concerns. A new construction home inspection can give you peace of mind, helping to confirm that your new home is everything it should be—safe, well-built, and problem-free.
We offer a comprehensive, multi-phase approach to inspecting new construction homes. Here’s why a pre-close inspection is essential and how other inspection milestones, like pre-drywall inspections and 11-month post-closing warranty inspections, can protect your investment.
What is a Pre-Close Inspection for New Construction Homes?
A pre-close inspection is a critical final step before closing on a newly constructed home. This inspection allows a knowledgeable professional to examine the entire property after construction is complete, but before you move in. HouseMaster’s local home inspectors are experienced in identifying potential issues unique to new builds. They ensure that all major systems—from plumbing to HVAC—are functioning as expected, and that there are no unexpected problems waiting to surface after you move in.
For homebuyers, a pre-close inspection offers a final quality check, giving confidence that your investment is sound. While builders complete their own quality checks, they may overlook certain details or leave small issues unresolved. An independent inspection by a professional gives you added reassurance.
Benefits of a New Construction Inspection Before Closing
There are multiple benefits to conducting a new construction inspection before closing.
- Identify Builder Oversights: New homes involve multiple contractors and specialists working over several months. This complexity can lead to overlooked details or minor mistakes. A pre-close inspection ensures these oversights are caught and corrected, enhancing the home’s overall quality.
- Catch Unfinished or Incomplete Work: Even in new construction, some finishes or final touches may be left incomplete. A pre-close inspection can reveal minor unfinished elements, such as paint, fixtures, or caulking, giving the builder a chance to make final adjustments.
- Peace of Mind: For many buyers, a new build represents a significant financial and personal investment. A pre-close inspection ensures the property is safe, sound, and ready to become your home. This proactive step helps avoid unexpected repairs or issues down the line.
Key Components of a Pre-Close New Construction Inspection
During a new construction home inspection, HouseMaster inspectors focus on every accessible area of the home, ensuring nothing is missed:
- Foundation and Structure: Inspectors check for cracks, settling, or other structural concerns that could impact the home’s stability.
- Electrical and Plumbing Systems: Every outlet, switch, fixture, and pipe is examined for proper installation and functionality.
- HVAC Systems: Inspectors assess the HVAC system’s installation, as well as the operation of all heating and cooling systems, to ensure they’re functioning properly.
- Doors and Windows: Inspectors test doors and windows to ensure they open and close smoothly, are properly sealed, and align with building standards.
- Roof and Exterior: Roof integrity, siding, and exterior elements are inspected to catch any potential future issues.
The Importance of a Pre-Drywall Inspection
Before drywall is installed, HouseMaster offers a pre-drywall inspection, giving buyers insight into the construction’s underlying quality. This inspection is performed when the home is “roughed in”—framing is complete, and plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are installed but still accessible.
- Early Detection of Issues: By inspecting elements that will soon be covered, the inspector can detect potential issues like misaligned framing, improperly installed wiring, or plumbing that doesn’t meet standards. Catching these issues early can prevent costly repairs in the future.
- Assurance of Quality Workmanship: A pre-drywall inspection ensures the unseen aspects of the home’s structure meet quality and safety standards. It’s the perfect opportunity to confirm that construction is progressing as expected, adding an extra layer of assurance for buyers.
11-Month Post-Closing Warranty Inspection
Most new construction homes come with a one-year warranty, covering any issues that arise within the first year. HouseMaster’s 11-month post-closing warranty inspection helps homeowners maximize the benefits of this warranty by identifying any concerns before the coverage expires.
- Why 11 Months?: Conducting this inspection just before the warranty ends allows time for the homeowner to report issues and gives the builder ample opportunity to address them. This timing is ideal for catching potential problems that may not have been apparent during the initial move-in phase.
- Wear and Tear Check: Over the first year, settling and wear can reveal minor cracks, leaks, or issues with finishes. This inspection helps homeowners identify any concerns that can be resolved under the builder’s warranty.
- Maximizing the Value of Your Warranty: A professional inspection report provides documentation of any issues, giving homeowners a clear, authoritative basis for discussing repairs with the builder. Addressing these items under warranty saves homeowners potential expenses down the line.
Why Choose HouseMaster for New Construction Inspections?
HouseMaster stands out in new construction home inspections thanks to our multi-phase approach and commitment to thoroughness. Here’s why you can trust HouseMaster for your new build inspection needs:
- Local Expertise with National Resources: We combine local knowledge of building codes and common construction issues with the backing of a trusted national brand.
- Detailed and Holistic Inspections: HouseMaster’s inspections go beyond basic checks. We examine every accessible aspect of the property, from the electrical panels to the shower drains, to provide a complete overview of the home’s condition.
- Professional Guidance Throughout the Process: Our home inspectors are here to guide you from the pre-drywall stage through the final inspection and the 11-month warranty check. This approach gives you valuable insight into the home’s construction quality at every stage, ensuring you feel confident in your purchase.
Conclusion: Protect Your Investment with New Construction Inspections
When purchasing a new build, inspections are an invaluable tool for protecting your investment. By including a pre-drywall inspection, pre-close inspection, and 11-month post-closing warranty inspection in your process, you’re taking proactive steps to ensure your home is constructed and finished to the highest standard.
Harrisburg home inspectors Dan Ayers and Scott Ayers, like all Housemaster home inspectors, have extensive training and certifications and are tested annually to meet the industry standards of continuing education, inspection, reporting, and customer service. As part of the oldest and most trusted nationwide home inspection business, Dan and Scott have been able to put their decade long experience in fire and water property restoration and their passion for customer service to good use in the professional home inspection process. Request an inspection today!
