New Build Inspections: Your PrePour/ PostPour, PreDrywall, And Final Inspections (Real Problems Found When Completing These Inspections)

In the world of New Home Construction, timing and sequence are everything. Each step, from laying the foundation to the final touches, plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and safety of the final structure. We have included images and examples of items we have found that were placed incorrectly or missing altogether at different phases of a New Build. If these items are caught prior to moving to the next phase, they are much easier to remedy and can make a difference in the life and quality of the home.


PrePour / PostPour Foundation Inspection Findings

  • Underground plumbing, electrical, and structural foundation supports, which would be covered by the main slab of the home, were laid out and facing the wrong direction. This was not part of the plans and would have caused the home to be built facing the home next to it.

  • Water Pressure Test performed after concrete pour causing damage to the foundation

  • Missing footing, Missing footing reinforcement, Missing vertical reinforcements

  • Missing Client requested Floor Electrical outlets

  • Footing Mat installed is not what was called for in the plans for the home


PreDrywall Inspection Findings

  • Use of old and unsafe electrical panels deemed to be a fire hazard

  • Uneven foundation which can cause problems with any flooring placed in the home

  • Daylight showing through cracked mortar or damaged blocks which can lead to pest intrusion

  • Multiple cut roof trusses supporting the roof of the home

  • Missing support beams from a load bearing wall supporting the 2nd story of the home

  • AC duct work missing the sealant to prevent air leaks

  • Load transferring headers cut too short with only a nail visible between the gap as the connecting piece between it and the vertical door frame

  • Missing recessed tray ceiling paid for by the client. This required that builder to have to tear out trusses and part of the roof and put new trusses in and rewire this part of the home


Final Inspection

  • Light switch installed, but missing the
light fixture for the room

  • Crooked island

  • Clogged plumbing due to construction debris

  • HVAC not functioning properly

  • Missing plumbing loop to prevent sewage backup into the kitchen

  • Broken or damaged windows used to bring in construction supplies

  • Mis-wired outlets

  • Mis-wired light switches that turn on lights in a completely different room

  • Termites found inside the electrical panel


Bottom Line

The above types of inspections are typically what most buyers will have completed during their New Home Construction. Corrections on items needing attention are much more expensive to do if they are not caught early and can affect the structural integrity and quality of the home. City and County Inspections are required by law at several points during the build process. With all of the building taking place right now, these officials are overworked and stretched thin. Having an extra set of experienced eyes, working on your behalf, will help prevent mistakes like these. Make sure you have written into your contract the ability to have inspections completed and then monitor, with the builder, for appropriate timing to have a professional come out and complete needed inspections. With 75+ different contractors working on a given home, the choice to have phase inspections is simple. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when protecting your investment.


We Are Here To Help

Feel free to call us if you have questions at 407-319-4608. You may also schedule your inspection or find additional information on our website.

*Image from Closer Look Inspections