Should homeowners have phase inspections on new construction?

Credit: Coastal Point

If you’re building a new home, it’s strongly recommended that you schedule both a pre-drywall inspection and a pre-settlement (final) inspection. A pre-drywall inspection gives homeowners the opportunity to have the structural components, as well as the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems, thoroughly evaluated before the walls are closed up.

Catching concerns at this stage allows issues or code violations to be identified and corrected early in the construction process—often saving significant time and money on future repairs. It also helps ensure that critical systems are properly installed and accessible, contributing to the home’s overall safety, performance, and long-term quality.

The pre-settlement inspection is a complete inspection of all the components that takes place once the home is 100 percent complete. We routinely find numerous items that are not complete or have not been completed to manufacturers’ specifications. One of the most common issues we are finding is that interior doors are not painted or sealed on all six edges. This causes doors to absorb moisture, causing expansion and warping. This leads to doors rubbing, sticking or not closing properly, and usually voids the manufacturer’s warranty. Homebuyers can use our report as a punchlist to request all the items be addressed prior to taking possession of the home.

It’s important to remember that new construction does not automatically mean flawless construction. Municipal code inspections are limited in scope and should not be viewed as a substitute for an independent inspection. In fact, phase inspections frequently uncover items that require correction.

Common findings include framing problems such as damaged trusses, missing or compromised gusset plates from shipping and handling, and improperly altered framing to accommodate mechanical installations. Inspectors also often encounter microbiological growth—most commonly in crawlspaces that were sealed while standing water from recent rainfall was still present. Additional concerns may involve roofing, insulation, windows, plumbing components, and appliances.

When it comes to your dream home, it’s wise not to leave anything to chance. Protect your investment and enjoy greater peace of mind by scheduling phase inspections throughout the construction process. Typically, there are three phases:

• Phase 1: Framing and sheathing inspection, conducted before siding is installed.

• Phase 2: Pre-drywall inspection, where framing and mechanical systems are reviewed before drywall is installed.

• Phase 3: Final inspection or walkthrough, completed once construction is finished.

Taking these steps helps ensure your new home is built to the quality and standards you expect.

Key Benefits of Phase Inspections

• Uncover hidden defects early — Inspections conducted at critical stages, such as before drywall installation, reveal issues with framing, plumbing, electrical, and other systems before they are concealed by insulation and wall coverings.

• Confirm code compliance — Inspectors verify that construction meets local building codes, helping ensure the home is both safe and compliant with legal requirements.

• Promote quality workmanship and prevent future problems — Phase inspections help ensure builders are following proper standards and not cutting corners, reducing the risk of future concerns such as drainage failures, water intrusion, or structural deficiencies.

• Protect your investment — Detailed inspection reports document the home’s condition and outline any deficiencies, providing clear evidence for buyers to request necessary corrections from the builder.

• Strengthen your position for repairs — A written report offers formal documentation that can support repair requests and, if needed, provide leverage should disputes arise.

• Preserve long-term value — Addressing issues during construction helps maintain the home’s durability, livability, and overall market value.

• Support future maintenance — Comprehensive reports and photographs of concealed systems serve as a valuable reference for ongoing maintenance, renovations, and future repairs.

 Todd Williams | Gold Standard Inspection Co
(302) 841-3979 | admin@goldstandardinspections.com

Joe Cusumano | Bayside Home Inspections
(302) 500-0130 | baysidehomeinsp@gmail.com

Lisa Roddis | AmeriSpec Inspection Services
(302) 218-7028 | Lisa@amsde.net