New Construction Inspection Services
New Construction 3-Phase Inspection
With today’s challenging market a new construction home can check many boxes
- Not having to view multiple homes
- Not having to make multiple offers only to not get accepted again
- Not having to worry about how many people have lived in the house and damage they may have caused.
A newly constructed home is customized to what you want and best of all everything is brand new! If this is the route you have taken Congratulations! With that being said this is a word of caution.
If you are buying a new construction home, you might assume that a home inspection isn’t needed. However, we have not seen a time in recent history harder for a builder to build a home than the last few years. With skilled labor shortages as well as supply chain shortages with building materials, and increased material costs, builders are greatly affected.
This unfortunately can affect workmanship.
Although many builders are great about completing repair work discovered within your first few months of living there, some are the opposite. After you close, they are no longer interested in what needs to be fixed and your name is put at the bottom of a long list.
We highly recommend having the following inspections as this will be the only time the internals of your house will be able to be inspected.

The three phases of new construction inspections we offer
The Pre-Pour Foundation
This phase relates to the preparation of the soil. The ground is traditionally dug up to make room for the foundation. During our inspection we are looking at the trenching and the soil making sure it has been done properly as well as measuring to insure proper depths for the concrete. We are looking to make sure the rebar and post tension cables have been installed properly. Also, any items that have been installed to go through the concrete such as water lines, gas lines, and electrical. We will use our digital ZipLevel to make sure the beam depths are correct so that when the foundation is poured it will be level.
These inspections are done 24-48 hours before the concrete is poured. This ensures that the foundation is ready to inspect, as well as give the builder sufficient time to make any corrections or postpone the pour day.
Once the Concrete is poured the underlying construction materials can never be observed again.
The Pre-Drywall Inspection
This inspection occurs after framing is completed, the electrical wiring has been run, and the plumbing lines have been placed. The inspector looks for proper attachments to the foundation, electrical wiring, and termination, plumbing setups, any disconnected plumbing, nailing plates where required, and proper window operation. They will also observe the ducts for damage or disconnection, ensure fasteners are in all holes at the joist hangers, verify that framing of the structure is correct, check that flashing is placed around windows and other penetrations, and that the exterior sheathing is sealed to create a water-resistive barrier.
Drywall installation can potentially cover up structural issues that will lead to expensive damage as your home ages.
The Final Inspection
Your final inspection will focus on structural, mechanical, plumbing, and safety issues. At this time, the inspector will operate all appliances and fixtures, check all outlets and lights, run the heating and air, ensure proper sealant in necessary areas, make sure windows and doors are working properly, and complete all other aspects of a general home inspection. The inspector will walk the roof if it is safe to do so and check the yard for proper drainage.
One thing that really sets us apart from other companies is the Foundation Elevation Drawing. We draw a sketch of the foundation use a digital level called a ZipLevel to measure to a tenth of an inch. This in our opinion is the most important part of this inspection. It allows you to have a benchmark of the levelness of the foundation when it was new. This is a great tool to have at the end of your builder’s warranty.
Common problems found in newly constructed homes include:
- Plumbing fixtures not tested for leaks
- An electrical box that does not work
- Improperly sized breakers
- Roof issues such as missing, damaged, or torn shingles
- Improper insulation of the home
- Improper installation of sidings
- Inadequate insulation in the attic or walls
- Air leaks and heat loss, as well as underperforming air conditioning units
- A poorly installed flooring system
- Improper grading and drainage in the yard
- Disconnected HVAC ducts
- And other safety, function, and structural issues that require further evaluation from professionals
Sunbelt Inspections is dedicated to providing dependable home inspection services that will facilitate an informed and responsible real estate transaction. Here’s how you can schedule our inspection services today.