If you’re building or buying a newly constructed home, going through the new construction inspection process can feel overwhelming. But inspections are critical to identify any issues with important systems, materials, or construction methods before you move in and get settled.
The good news? Coming prepared with a checklist can help you feel more in control of the experience. In this post, we’ll walk through an ultimate checklist to help you make the most out of your new construction inspections. From what to look for during each stage of construction to questions to ask your inspector, consider this your guide to feeling confident and avoiding surprises down the road.
What to Expect from the Inspection Process
Every construction project follows a similar series of steps from laying the foundation to installing finishes. And there are opportunities for inspection at each phase. Generally, experts recommend four key inspection points:
- Foundation Inspection – After foundation is installed and prior to framing
- Framing and Structural Inspection – Once framing and structural elements are in place
- Mechanicals Inspection – After HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems are roughed-in
- Final New Construction Inspection – At the end when fixtures, finishes, and final details are complete
Some lenders require inspections at these four points as a condition of financing. But even if you’re not required to get inspections, it’s smart to take advantage of the opportunity for an objective set of eyes. Finding issues during construction tends to be less costly and time-consuming to address than after the fact.
Now let’s get into the specifics of what you should look for at each inspection. Use this as your master checklist to bring with you, ask questions about, and take notes on throughout the process. We’ll also include tips for choosing your inspector.
Choosing Your New Construction Inspector
One of the first steps for your inspection process is selecting the right inspection company or inspector. Consider the following tips:
- Ask around for referrals from recent builds in your area
- Look for an inspector or company focused specifically on new construction
- Confirm they follow a written inspection checklist andIssue a formal inspection report detailing any issues found and recommendations
- Inquire about their construction expertise (e.g. former contractor) and credentials
- Request a sample report to get a feel for their thoroughness
- Make sure they carry errors and omissions insurance for your protection
Reputable new construction inspectors should inspect hundreds of builds over their career. They’ll be familiar with the latest building codes and high performing construction methods. Their insights can prove invaluable during each phase.
Foundation & Structural Inspection Checklist
Once the foundation is in place, but prior to erecting framing and structural building components, the first major inspection assesses the integrity of the foundation itself along with any other structural supports. Here’s what your foundation inspection should assess:
Foundation
- Basement or crawl space dryness – Signs of moisture or water intrusion? Gutters functioning properly to divert water away? Sump pump working if applicable?
- Wall material condition – Cracks present? Honeycombs or voids in poured concrete? Block wall integrity? Material specs as designed? Mortar coverage adequate?
- Footing depth –Verifies proper depth and sizing to suit the soil type and avoid frost heaving
- Anchoring apparatus – Confirms foundation bolts, hold downs, straps, etc. are to code
Other Structural Elements
- Masonry elements – Chimneys, decorative block, retaining walls checked for structural soundness
- columns – Materials, sizes, spacing to specs
- Floor assembly system – Material thickness and span spacing as engineered
Be Present for Foundation Inspection
We recommend attending this inspection in person. The foundation will soon disappear from view, so addressing any issues now prevents major headaches down the road. You’ll also gain helpful context on the home’s structures hidden strengths to inform framing and beyond.
Framing & Building Envelope Inspection
The framing inspection focuses on the structural integrity of the wood or steel frame and other key components that give shape to the home’s exterior envelope. This includes:
Framing
- Lumber grade and spans – Confirms specified structural grade and engineered beams and headers
- Connections – Framing connections intact (e.g. hurricane ties, braces, etc.)
- Load paths – Walls, floors, and roof work together to transfer weight properly
Building Envelope
- Sheathing coverage – Checks for missed areas and proper nailing schedule
- Water barrier integrity – Flashing, building wraps, and air sealing measures installed correctly
- Ventilation provisioning – Confirms adequate soffit venting, ridge vent allowances
- Insulation – Proper clearances and coverage (where visible)
- Exterior finish readiness – Prep work done properly before installing stone, siding, stucco cladding
The framing and structural elements may seem mundane. But they’re the bones that keep the house standing through years of use. So this stage warrants careful evaluation by a trained professional before covering up walls and ceilings.
Mechanicals Rough-In Inspection
Once framing is signed off, the next major milestone is roughing-in the home’s essential system infrastructures before finishing the walls. This inspection focuses on the “MEPs”— namely:
- Mechanical – HVAC systems including ductwork, vents, bathroom ventilation
- Electrical – Panel, wiring, outlets, switches, fixtures, low voltage pre-wiring
- Plumbing – Supply lines, drain/waste pipes, vents
Here are key checks for each system:
Mechanical
- Installation stage – equipment onsite ready to connect to duct runs
- Duct material/sizing – confirms adequate CFM capacity relative home size
- Vent termination points – proper exterior terminations
- Duct sealing – confirms mastic applied at joints
- Bathroom ventilation routed outside – avoids moisture buildup
Electrical
- Panel amp/breaker capacity – adequate for home systems and allowance for expansion
- Wiring – correct gauge wire run for designated circuits
- Outlet spacing – meets code for livable room dimensions
- Safety systems – wiring/breaker space allocated for smoke detectors, CO monitors
- Fixture box placement – centered on windows, exterior doors and large mirrors
Plumbing
- Supply layout – efficient trunk and branch run outs suitable for designated fixtures
- Drain/waste pipes – sloped properly to carry waste with no low points
- Vent stacks – proper connections and terminations
- Fixture stub out location – spacing allows flexibility for finishing
Ensure your inspector invests adequate time evaluating these major infrastructure systems. Skimping at rough-in means unseen issues could plague you for years after move-in.
New Construction Inspection & Home Completion Checklist
After the preparation work is signed off, it’s a sprint to the finish line. The last few weeks see a flurry of subcontractors installing cabinets, countertops, flooring, bath hardware, light fixtures, appliances, paint, trim, and everything else that pulls the home together.
The final new construction inspection acts as a quality control check before purchase paperwork and payments. Here’s what this top-to-bottom inspection covers:
Site Conditions
- Grading/drainage – Ensure positive slope away from home on all sides
- Landscaping buffers – Retaining walls, trees marked for preservation intact
- Hardscaping – Driveways, walks, patios driveway properly sloped
- Site fencing/gates – Installation complete and functional
Interior Finishes
- Doors/windows – Operable, lockable, weather-stripping intact
- Cabinets/counters – Alignments accurate, surfaces clean and smooth
- Flooring – Even transitions between rooms/halls, no cracks/chips/gouges
- Paint/trim – Consistent finish coverage, tight joints, caulked gaps
- Plumbing fixtures – Water pressure & drainage to spec at all sinks/tubs/showers
- Railings – Secure mountings in place with proper height and spacing
Appliances
- Installation – Electrical, water, drainage, gas connections complete & tested
- Gaps/spacing – Ensure adjoining cabinets or walls flush, trim kits flush
Mechanicals
- HVAC air flow – Hit design temps and balanced flow to rooms/floors
- Vent fan efficacy – Kitchen & bath vent fans actually exhaust air outside
- Water heating output – Adequate hot water supply at most distant fixture
Electrical
- Fixtures – All lamps working and operate quietly with no flickering
- Devices – Test sample of outlets/switches/GFCIs/smoke detectors
- Circuit Labels – Breakers accurately labeled
Don’t Forget Your Punch List!
Once the inspector completes the full review, you should receive a punch list outlining any noteworthy deficiencies along with recommendations for corrections.
Common examples include:
- Drywall flaws (nail pops, cracks, messy joints)
- Flooring imperfections (gaps, transitions)
- Paint defects (runs, inconsistent coverage)
- Landscaping unfinished
Use this list as a final quality check with your builder to ensure every last detail looks as good as the model home before closing.
In Conclusion
If you’re vigilant at each inspection checkpoint above, you’ll have confidence your home’s hidden structures and systems are built to the highest standard. A reputable new construction inspector acts as your objective third party—identifying issues so the builder can remedy them now rather than later.
While no home is perfect, thorough inspections empower you to achieve the quality new construction you and your family deserve. Use this comprehensive checklist to make the process straightforward. And congratulations on your exciting new home journey!