Planning to construct a new home is a big deal, but how do you know construction is going well? Do you know what to look for when examining a new home’s construction? Unless you’re a trained builder or home inspector, a lot of issues could escape your notice. Luckily, new construction phases inspections ensure your home is being built well.

Read on to learn what new construction phases inspections are, what each phase entails, how much they cost and how to find the best inspector for your new build today.

What are New Construction Phases Inspections?

When building a new home, every inch of the property must be inspected to ensure the building meets health, safety and structural standards. Unfortunately, many builders cut corners, leading to dissatisfied homeowners and homes with serious issues. These issues can cost thousands to repair, especially in major components like the framing and foundation.

New construction phases inspections ensure a home is being built properly every step of the way. Homeowners will receive a detailed explanation of the state of construction of the new home, what items have been satisfactorily completed, and any issues that may have appeared. Furthermore, these inspections alert builders to issues they didn’t know were present and hold them accountable for any cut corners. It’s a win/win for every party involved.

What are the Phases of a New Construction Inspection?

There are four phases of new construction phases inspections, and each one is integral to the home being built correctly. The phases are:

Foundation Inspection

Pre-foundation inspections will examine:

• Trenches and footers
• Metal and pipe casings
• Measure footing depth and width to ensure plans are followed
• Ensure all metal components are properly placed and connected
• Pipes and sleeves are properly placed

The inspector will typically come out a couple of days before the foundation is poured as well as after to make sure it was done correctly. However, some inspectors will only come once either before or after the foundation is poured.

Pre-Drywall Installation Inspection

Pre-Drywall inspections look at a variety of aspects, including:

• Warped, missing or defective framing
• Exterior electrical and lighting fixtures
• Inspect wood being used as well as placement
• Check exterior walls, sheeting, windows and sealants
• Framing fasteners and connectors
• Anchor bolts, fire blocking and truss ties
• HVAC rough-ins and duct conditions

These are just a handful of the things inspectors will look for, but it’s important to remember that each is important to the structural integrity of your home. Using the wrong quality wood or seeing a slight warp in a frame might seem like inconsequential issues– but down the line, they could lead to thousands of dollars in necessary repairs.

Completed New Construction Home Inspection

Just like a home inspection on a used home, the completed home inspection will look at a variety of aspects, including:

• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Sewage
• Roof and attic structure
• Walls, ceilings and floors
• Doors and windows
• Fireplaces and chimneys
• Porches, decks, driveways and patios
• Heating and cooling systems
• Water supply systems
• Appliances
• Sprinkler systems

This inspection will look for any issues while giving the builder time to fix anything that comes up. If issues are found, the inspector will come out again to ensure they are fixed.

11 Months After Construction Completion

Just like the completed home inspection, the 11-month inspection will examine everything in the home to ensure it’s working properly. If you’ve noticed issues with the home, such as leaking pipes or septic tank smells, this is the time to tell the inspector. Inspectors will complete their work before the builder’s warranty expires to ensure any issues are paid for by the builder and not you. Finally, remember that inspectors can only do so much without completing invasive work. If you suspect the home has issues located within the walls, your inspector will need to drill through the drywall to double-check.

How Much Does a New Construction Phases Inspection Cost?

Most homeowners can expect to pay between $2,500-$5,000 for the entire service suite; however, if you only need an inspection for one or two phases, you can expect to pay around $500-$1,000/service, depending on which you need. Most people opt for the full service to ensure their home is built correctly and prevent issues that can lead to costly repairs.  Depending on the duration of each phase of construction, receiving the full suite of inspections could take months or even more than a year.

How Do I Find an Inspector?

There are a lot of inspectors out there, and it’s integral that you find the right inspector for your needs. When looking for a new construction phases inspector, you need to ensure that your inspector will work with you every step of the way. With Inspectify, you can easily compare inspectors in your area to find the right inspector for your home.

Get A New Construction Phases Inspection with Inspectify

Inspectify lets you:

• Find the right inspector for your needs
• Compare and contrast inspectors based on real customer reviews, price and availability
• Receive a detailed, easy-to-read inspection report that tells you what needs to be fixed in your home, and includes free repair estimates
• Not worry about coordinating appointment times with an inspector; we do all the work for you
• Get the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home has been properly constructed

By booking with Inspectify, you’re guaranteed a qualified and vetted inspector who can send you a report within hours of completing an inspection. Book an inspection today in just a few clicks!

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