New Home Inspection Services
Building your dream home can be a great way to ensure you get everything you want in your new home. There are several important ‘phases’ of your new home build.
Being involved in the build process and having home inspections at each of these key phases will improve the home’s overall condition, safety, and longevity.
Most builders will offer to schedule inspections performed by an affiliated member or employee. We recommend that you book instead with a third party home inspection service to make sure the inspection is objective and that your interests are fully represented.
The three new home inspection phases are:
- Pre-Slab or Pre-Pour Foundation Inspection
- Frame or ‘Presheetrock’ Inspection
- Final Home Inspection
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Pre-Slab or Pre-Pour Foundation Inspection
What is a Pre-Slab Inspection?
A pre-slab inspection is a visual inspection of the preparations by the builder before the concrete slab is poured. This inspection is usually performed the afternoon before the slab is poured. Check with your builder about the schedule so you know when to arrange the inspection.
We will inspect the following:
- Form boards and the bracing/support of form boards to ensure they can hold the concrete in place
- All footers, per builder plans, to ensure they are deep enough and wide enough to support the structure intended to be constructed on your foundation
- Footer cleanliness so that footers are only filled with concrete and not dirt or other debris that can weaken concrete performance
- Reinforcing steel or post-tension cables to be sure that they are suitably placed to provide the necessary structural compliment for the foundation concrete
- Confirmation that plumbing is complete, well-supported and water tested as required
- Polyvinyl membranes for completeness and no tearing
We will provide a written report, with pictures, that will be sent same-day. Due to timing issues, our home inspectors will give a verbal instruction allowing the the slab to be poured at the time of the inspection as long as no major issues are uncovered.
The slab will be reviewed again at the frame inspection and final home inspection.
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Frame Inspection
What is a Frame Inspection?
A frame inspection is a visual, objective examination of the completed framing of your new home. Our home inspectors will have full visibility to inspect the ‘guts’ of the home. There is no drywall or sheetrock in place which will allow to see the rough-in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and much more. Any deficiencies or safety issues will be identified and can be addressed by your builder before they become major issues down the road.
We will inspect the following:
Wood Frame:
- Wood framing members for defective or warped wood
- Proper placement of wood grades
- Placement, span measurement, truss condition, and improper boring or notching of wood members
Safety Features:
- Proper wiring of smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors and their placement in current standard locations
- Tempered safety glass installed at all required locations
- Rescue and escape requirements
- Fireblocking
- Mandatory illumination locations
- Tie-down bolts where needed
- Confirmation of exterior moisture barriers
Lot and Exterior of Home:
- Moisture barriers
- Window wraps
- Flashing installment
- Slab deficiencies
- Electrical service entry
- Site drainage and/or grading of the lot around the home
We strongly encourage all new home buyers to have a frame inspection. This will be the only time that you are able to see the inner workings of the home and ensure that nothing was overlooked by your builders.
When do I schedule a frame inspections?
After you receive the schedule from your builder, highlight or circle the date that the sheetrock/drywall will be delivered. Arrange your inspection 1-3 days prior to the delivery date.
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Final Home Inspection
What is the final new home inspection?
The final inspection is a thorough, visual inspection of the entire home. Our home inspectors will structure their inspection to ensure that the entire home is up to current building standards (2017). The confirmation of current building standards is extremely important as these update over time to improve overall safety and efficiency of the home.
Our home inspectors will thoroughly evaluate the property inside and out – from the roof to the foundation and everything in between. We will inspect the home’s:
- Interior
- Exterior
- HVAC
- Roof
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Attic
- Detailed list
We advise all clients to be present during the final inspection. Our inspectors will spend an average of 2-3 hours on-site performing the inspection and going over any of your questions or concerns. You will receive a detailed, same-day report. Our findings and any deficiencies should be shared with your builder so they can be addressed before you move in.
Do I need a new home inspection?
This is a question we get often. Many new home buyers assume that because it is a new build, there will not be any issues with the home. Unfortunately this is not always the case. Building a new home is a complicated process with a lot of moving parts and systems. Mistakes and oversights can happen – make sure that you’re protected!
When do I schedule the new home inspection?
Again, it is important that you coordinate and stay in contact with your builder regarding the building timeline. We suggest scheduling your final home inspection 5-10 days prior to your final walk-through with the builder. This allows sufficient time for proper repairs, updates, and service to be completed before you close. It is important that all systems (gas, electric, water) are turned on so a complete inspection can be performed.
You are often working on tight deadlines with a new home build. We offer convenient and flexible scheduling at Careful Home Inspections.
- Schedule Online
- Schedule by phone – (512) 587-0726
- Up to 3 morning and 3 afternoon time slots available each day
- Saturday appointments available
We have inspected hundreds of new homes in Austin and the surrounding areas since 2005.
New Home Buyer Tips:
- Make routine building site appearances to gauge progress
- Know your builder by name and make sure you have their cell number for quick responses to your questions.
- Obtain copies of plans and blueprints.
- Always know your ‘home building schedule’ so you can stay up to speed on the progress and any delays.
Call us with any questions or to schedule your home inspection – we look forward to working with you and your family!