New Construction Phases And Inspection Timing Insights

Building a new home in Florida, as in many places, is an intricate process that involves multiple phases, each with its own set of activities, inspections, and approvals. The timeline for each phase can vary widely depending on factors such as the complexity of the project, the builder’s efficiency, weather conditions, and local permitting processes. Here’s an overview of the typical phases of a new build home in Florida,  the expected timeline for each, and the approximate timing for your 3rd Party Inspection Company to complete their inspection for you.

  1. Make sure that you have written into your contract that you have access to at least a PreFoundation, PreDrywall, and Final Inspection for you new home.

  2. Call your 3rd Party Inspection Company so that they can send their credentials to your Builder for approval.


PreConstruction Phase

Approximate Amount of Time: 1-2 Months

Activities During This Phase: This phase includes selecting and purchasing your lot, finalizing your home’s design and floor plans, obtaining necessary permits from local authorities, and choosing a builder. It may also involve preparing the site for construction, including clearing, grading, and ensuring utilities are accessible.

  1. At the beginning of this phase, let your Sales Agent know that you are wanting a PreFoundation Inspection done.

  2. Begin Group Emailing your Builder’s Sales Agent, the Construction Manager, Your Agent, and Your Inspection Company to begin checking in on timing, for your PreFoundation Inspection, with the Construction Manager.


Foundation Phase

Approximate Amount of Time: 1-3 Weeks

Activities During This Phase: The foundation phase involves excavating the site (if necessary), setting footings, and pouring the foundation, which could be a slab, crawlspace, or basement, depending on your home design and preference. 

  1. After the PreFoundation Inspection, corrections will be made based on your Inspection Companies Findings. 

  2. Check with your Construction Manager to ensure the corrections have been made. (Usually you or your Agent will go by the property to verify the corrections have been made or your Construction Manager may send you images of the corrections.)


Framing Phase

Approximate Amount of Time: 4-6 Weeks

Activities During This Phase: During framing, the skeleton of the house is built. This includes walls, floors, roofs, and installation of windows and doors. The framing phase gives the first real shape to your home and is often where it starts to come to life. 

  1. At the beginning of this phase, let your Sales Agent know that you are wanting a PreDrywall  inspection done.

  2. Begin Group Emailing your Builder’s Sales Agent, the Construction Manager, Your Agent, and Your Inspection Company to begin checking in on timing, for your PreDrywall Inspection, with the Construction Manager.


Mechanical Systems Phase

Approximate Amount of Time: 2-4 Weeks

Activities During This Phase: This phase involves the installation of the home’s mechanical systems, including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. These systems need to be in place before the walls are closed up. 


Insulation and Drywall Phase

Approximate Amount of Time: 2-3 Weeks

Activities During This Phase: Insulation is installed in the walls, floors, and ceilings. Following insulation, drywall is hung, taped, and finished. This phase transitions the house from a structure to something that begins to resemble a livable space.

  1. After the PreDrywall inspection, corrections will be made based on your Inspection Companies Findings. 

  2. Check with your Construction Manager to ensure the corrections have been made. (Usually you or your Agent will go by the property to verify the corrections have been made or your Construction Manager may send you images of the corrections.)


Interior Finishes Phase

Approximate Amount of Time: 1-2 Months

Activities During This Phase: Interior finishing including the installation of cabinets, countertops, flooring, trim, and painting. It also includes the installation of fixtures, like sinks, toilets, and light fixtures. This phase requires a good deal of coordination as multiple trades are involved.

  1. At the beginning of this phase, let your Sales Agent know that you are wanting a Final Inspection done.

  2. Begin Group Emailing your Builder’s Sales Agent, the Construction Manager, Your Agent, and Your Inspection Company to begin checking in on timing, for your Final  Inspection, with the Construction Manager.


Exterior Finishes Phase

Approximate Amount of Time: Concurrent with interior finishes

Activities During This Phase: Exterior work can include siding, brickwork, roofing, and the construction of decks or patios. Landscaping may also begin during this phase, depending on your builder’s schedule and weather conditions. 


Final Inspections and Walk-Through

Approximate Amount of Time: 1-2 Weeks

Activities During This Phase: The final phase involves a series of inspections to ensure the home meets all local building codes and standards. A final walk-through is conducted with the builder to identify any issues or minor adjustments needed before closing.

  1. After the Final Inspection, corrections will be made based on your Inspection Companies Findings. 

  2. Check with your Construction Manager to ensure the corrections have been made. (Usually you or your Agent will go by the property to verify the corrections have been made or your Construction Manager may send you images of the corrections.)


Closing and Move-In

Activities: Once the “Final Walk-through” and any necessary adjustments are made, the closing process can begin. After closing, you receive the keys to your new home and can usually move in.

  1. Be sure to get information about where to send repair requests for your Builder’s Warranty repairs. 

  2. This will most likely be mentioned or given to you during your Closing.


Builder’s Warranty

Approximate Amount of Time: 1 Year

This is the time period that a Builder usually covers the workmanship, exterior materials, etc. of the home and will most likely be in the documents you receive at Closing. During this year, the systems of your home will begin working together for the first time. Sometime, problems arise and things do not work as expected.

  1. Keep a sheet of paper or notebook out (and highly visible) so that you can write down any anomalies that you find after you move in. Keeping this out will make it very accessible when you have that thought of something you need to have looked at or remember to tell the Builder to fix in a few months. (Of course, if it is urgent, you would want to tell them sooner.)

  2. About 10 ½ months after you move in, have your inspection company come back out to complete a full inspection of your home. 

  3. Send this report, along with any of your own concerns from the sheet of paper or notebook to your Builder so that they can make needed repairs.


Overall Timeline Expectation

The total time from breaking ground on a new home in Florida to moving in can range from 6 months to over a year, with an average timeline of about 7-10 months. However, this can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned earlier. It’s essential to maintain open communication with your Builder, Sales Agent, Your Agent, and Your 3rd Party Inspection Company throughout the process to manage expectations and address any delays or issues promptly.


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.