Buyer Education
New Construction Inspection Checklist
New construction involves three distinct inspection opportunities — each with a different purpose, a different window, and different consequences if missed. This is a reference guide for what each covers and when it must happen.
The Three Inspection Stages
Unlike resale, where a single inspection is standard, new construction gives buyers three separate opportunities to assess the property at different stages of construction and occupancy. Each window is time-limited. Missing one is not recoverable.
The most critical and time-sensitive inspection in new construction. Conducted after framing and all rough-in trades (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) are complete but before drywall is installed. This is the only window when structural components are visible. Once drywall goes up, this window is closed permanently.
- Roof trusses and structural framing — breaks, improper connections, missing members
- Insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors — placement, coverage, and type
- Plumbing rough-in — pipe placement, drainage slope, penetration sealing
- Electrical rough-in — wiring, breaker panel location, outlet and switch box placement
- HVAC ductwork — routing, sizing, and connection integrity
- Window and door framing — squareness, flashing, moisture barriers
- Fire blocking between floors and in wall cavities
- Any deviations from approved plans or design selections
Conducted at or near construction completion — typically within days of the scheduled closing date. The purpose is to verify the home is complete, confirm that all selections and upgrades were installed correctly, and document any items that need to be addressed before or after closing.
- All design selections verified — flooring, tile, countertops, fixtures, hardware
- Paint — coverage, color match, touch-ups needed
- Doors and windows — operation, sealing, hardware function
- Plumbing fixtures — operation, leaks, pressure
- Electrical — outlets, switches, fixtures, GFCI function
- HVAC — operation of all zones and thermostats
- Appliances — all units present and operational
- Exterior — grading, landscaping, driveway, gutters, siding
- Garage — door operation, opener, sealing
- Punch list items from any prior walkthrough — confirmed complete
An independent inspection conducted approximately 11 months after closing — before the builder's standard one-year workmanship warranty expires. The purpose is to identify defects or issues that developed after move-in while warranty coverage is still in effect. Items found at this stage can be submitted to the builder for remediation under the warranty.
- Foundation and structural settling — cracks, movement, separation
- Interior and exterior caulking and sealants — deterioration, gaps
- Roof — shingles, flashing, gutters, any signs of leak or water intrusion
- HVAC — performance, filter condition, ductwork integrity
- Plumbing — slow drains, leaks, water heater condition
- Windows and doors — sealing, operation, any drafts or moisture
- Drywall — cracks, nail pops, settlement-related movement
- Flooring — any separation, buckling, or adhesion failure
- Grading and drainage — proper slope away from foundation
- Any items from the original punch list that were not fully resolved
What to Do With Inspection Findings
At every stage, documentation is the buyer's most important tool. Inspection findings should be captured in a written report from the inspector, supplemented by photographs, and submitted to the builder in writing through the builder's formal process.
Verbal agreements about repairs are difficult to enforce after closing. Written punch lists and written builder acknowledgments create a record. Buyers should keep copies of all inspection reports, builder responses, and repair confirmations throughout the construction process and into the warranty period.
How a Buyer's Agent Manages Inspections
An experienced new construction buyer's agent tracks construction milestones to identify when the pre-drywall window opens, coordinates independent inspectors with appropriate new construction experience, attends inspections with the buyer when possible, documents findings with the builder in writing, and follows up to confirm corrections before the next construction phase proceeds.
Buyers purchasing new construction without experienced representation frequently miss the pre-drywall window — either because they were not monitoring construction progress, were not notified in time, or did not know the inspection existed. Once the window closes, it cannot be reopened.
Three inspection windows. Each one closes and doesn't reopen.
Get an agent who manages all of them for you.
This checklist is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, construction, or brokerage advice. Inspection scope, warranty terms, and builder policies vary by builder, community, contract, and state. Buyers should retain a qualified independent inspector and review their specific purchase contract and warranty documents. New Home Hero connects buyers with licensed real estate professionals providing buyer representation in new construction transactions. New Home Hero is not affiliated with builders or developers. Agency relationships are established through written agreements between buyers and their selected real estate brokerage.