It’s critical to know what to look for before conducting the final walkthrough of your new home, so preparing a home inspection checklist is key.

Walking through your newly constructed home is incredibly exciting. Although so much anticipation has led up to this moment, you don’t want to rush the process. Even though it might be tempting to rush in, sign documents, and get decorating, there are some essential items you need to investigate first.

Finalizing the purchase of any home requires a home inspection and a keen eye for detail. Stay tuned as we cover everything you need to know about new construction home inspections.

If you’ve ever purchased a home before, you probably remember ordering a home inspection and completing a walkthrough; but what is the difference between the two?

A home inspection helps ensure you’re aware of any issues before purchasing a new home. This third-party evaluation surveys the condition of the property to make sure it meets industry standards. A qualified inspector will assess the property’s condition and deliver a thorough report on their findings. The buyer can then speak with the seller or builder to fix any issues before closing. These evaluations provide helpful insights into the safety and condition of the home and help you save money on costly repairs. 

After the agreed-upon repairs have been made following the inspection report, you’ll complete a final walkthrough of the property. Walkthroughs serve as a final check before closing. This walkthrough process allows you to check that all repairs have been completed as promised and to otherwise confirm that the home is still in the same condition.

When you’re buying an older home, it makes sense to do your due diligence on its condition before purchasing, but what about brand-new homes?

New homes should come free from problems, but unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Although everything is in brand-new condition, a home inspection will assure you that everything was built to code. Sometimes, issues in new homes are the direct result of its status as new construction. Contractors might move too quickly, subcontractors might have lower standards of due diligence, and sometimes mistakes just plain happen.

You can’t assume that your new home will be flawless just because it is new construction; instead, order a home inspection with a reputable company just to be safe.

 

A home inspection is conducted by a qualified and trained home inspector. Any licensed inspector should be qualified to perform a new construction home inspection, but it’s always wise to double-check. It’s worth hiring someone who frequently works with brand new homes so they will be familiar with the nuances of the construction process. 

You can divide your home inspection checklist into three phases ­– the pre-pour foundation inspection, the framing inspection, and the final inspection. Each phase is fundamental for new builds.

 Here are a few items that a home inspector checks during a pre-pour foundation inspection:

• Foundation formwork locations and bracing capabilities
• The post-tensioned cable system
• The reinforcing steel sizing and placement
• The interior pads
• The plastic vapor barrier
• The trenchwork and pads
• The exposed plumbing
• All beam depths and widths

Once your home’s roofing material, windows, and exterior cladding are installed, it will be ready for a framing inspection. This is when the actual structure starts to take shape. This stage is critical because many of these components will be covered by insulation and drywall. “Out of sight, out of mind” is not the best practice when it comes to your home.

A comprehensive framing inspection will examine:

• The frame itself
• Stairwells
• Water-resistive barriers
• Window installation and flashing
• Fire blocking
• The thermal envelope and air barrier
• Electrical systems
• HVAC and ductwork
• Plumbing systems

You should schedule the final home inspection a few days before your final walkthrough. This inspection is the most time-consuming of the three phases because it incorporates all the major systems in the home.

When construction is finished and the home is nearly ready for move-in, a home inspector will examine the entirety of the structure, both inside and out.

 

Outside, your home inspector will check the following:

• Landscaping and irrigation
• Deck, porch, and patio structures
• Driveway walkway
• Paint
• Roof shingles, gutters, and downspouts
• Spigots
• Drainage
• Hardscaping and add-ons
• Lighting
• Garage and driveway
• Extra structures, such as a shed

Your interior inspection will include:

• Foundation and basement
• HVAC system
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing and water heater
• Fire and security systems
• Interior finishes, such as flooring, wall coatings, trim, etc.
• Outlets, lights, and ceiling fans
• Windows and doors
• Cabinets and counters
• Appliances
• Sinks, tubs, and showers
• The attic

One of the most critical points on your home inspection checklist should be finding a trustworthy and professional home inspector. At Safe & Sound Home Inspection, we’re proud to offer top-notch services that will give you peace of mind and help you save money. All of our inspectors are AHIT-certified and have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the industry, so you can trust that your future home is in good hands.

We’re located in Sandy, Utah, and serve most of Northern Utah, including Salt Lake City, Draper, Lehi, and more. Contact us today for a free quote and to schedule a quality home inspection.