New Construction

Congratulations on your new home! Purchasing a brand new home, or watching your custom home being constructed from the ground up, is very exciting. Although it’s exciting, it may also be a very stressful time. As a home buyer, we would like to believe that all Houston builders are professional and build new homes in compliance with state and building regulations. While most builders are good at what they do, some have cut corners to lower costs and raise production rates (quantity, not quality!). Most home buyers have no idea that their home was built improperly until the building begins to deteriorate. Experience has shown that these defects do not begin to surface until it’s too late. After one year, your new home warranty expires, which means you are now responsible for repairing something that was not built right in the first place.

 

Your INSPECT A HOME inspector is here to provide a highly detailed home inspection to make sure that your new home is being built within the regulations and guidelines provided by the state and building standards of practice. With our Three Phase New Home Inspection, you will receive a detailed inspection report and thermal infrared evaluation after each phase. Your report will list any and all defects, and your Houston residential home inspector will be available to discuss any of these problems with you and the new home builders.

What Does a New Construction Inspection Include?

Inspection of new construction is a three-phase inspection that begins during the first phase of construction. Your inspector will inspect your new construction as follows:

Phase 1 | Pre-Pour

Your inspector will inspect the grading, drainage, formwork, and reinforcements of the foundation and ensure that all components are installed according to code and that they function properly. If the foundation does not have proper grading and drainage, you may have an increased risk of moisture damage and termites. Your house inspector will also ensure that the plumbing is properly laid and protected. They will inspect the foundation for proper reinforcement of framework and placement of concrete reinforcement bars, internal load-bearing footers, and post-tensioning cables. A strong foundation is the key to a well-built home

Phase 2 | Pre-Sheetrock

During phase 2 of the new home construction process (after the home has been framed and the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems have been installed), the home inspector will return to the property. At this time the home inspector will check the completed foundation for grading and drainage. They will also inspect the framework, decking, HVAC systems, electrical components, plumbing, and roofing to ensure that all are compliant with code and function properly and safely. Your home inspector will also inspect the structural and framing components and ensure the proper placement of support beams, load-bearing beams, rafters, ceiling joists, floor joists, and many more. They will ensure the attic has proper ventilation and walk on the roof to check for quality workmanship.

Phase 3 | Final Phase

After the home is completed, the Houston home inspector will return to the property to complete a final phase and thermal infrared inspection. Your home inspector will inspect every aspect of the home, checking all structural components, electrical, cooling and heating systems, plumbing, and all built-in appliances to ensure that all are compliant with code and that they function properly and safely. This is the most detailed of all inspections because every accessible inch of the home is inspected. Your new home inspector will also be looking for common defects, including but not limited to: windows that are not properly sealed/caulked, outlets and switches that are improperly wired, lack of insulation, poor wall and ceiling finishes, improper drainage in the front or back yard, appliances that are not connected or functioning properly, and circuit breakers that are not wired or labeled properly. The home inspector will utilize the latest technology and thermographic camera to inspect for moisture leaks, missing wall insulation, air infiltration leaks, electrical hot spots, and many other issues.

View Sample Reports

Pre-Pour

Pour Sample

Pre-Sheetrock

Sheetrock Sample

Final Phase

Residential Sample