New Construction Phase Inspections: Pre-Pour, Pre-Drywall, Final & 11-Month Warranty
New construction phase inspections are independent, third-party inspections performed at key stages while a home is being built, before concrete is poured, before drywall covers the framing, and before closing. Our team of TREC-licensed inspectors at Property Pro Checks helps buyers of new homes in Houston, the I-10 corridor and San Antonio understand the condition of their home at each stage.
A brand-new home can still have installation issues. Phase inspections give you a chance to have items documented and brought to your builder while they are easier to access, before they are hidden behind slab, insulation or drywall.
Home Inspection vs. City Inspection: What's the Difference?
Many new homes are inspected by the city or county building department. Those inspections check for compliance with locally adopted building codes. A TREC home inspection is different:
Who it works for: Our inspectors work for you, the buyer, not the builder.
What it is: A visual, non-invasive evaluation of accessible components under the TREC Standards of Practice. It is not a code compliance inspection or an engineering evaluation.
What you get: A photo-documented report of items observed as Deficient at the time of inspection, with recommendations for evaluation or correction by the builder or a qualified professional.
Both serve a purpose. A passed city inspection does not mean every installation issue was identified, and a home inspection does not replace the building department's role.
Key Phases of a New Construction Inspection
1. Pre-Pour (Foundation) Inspection
Performed after forms, plumbing rough-ins and reinforcement are in place, but before concrete is poured. Our inspectors observe accessible items such as forms, vapor retarder, visible reinforcement, beam layout and plumbing penetrations. Conditions are documented for the builder to address before the slab is placed.
2. Pre-Drywall (Framing and Rough-In) Inspection
Performed after framing, roof decking, windows and rough-in electrical, plumbing and HVAC are installed, but before insulation and drywall. This is often the best chance to see components that will soon be hidden, including:
Framing members, connections, bracing and fire blocking
Rough-in electrical wiring, boxes and panel location, including working clearance
Plumbing supply, drain, waste and vent lines
HVAC equipment placement and duct runs
Window and door installation and visible flashing
3. Final Inspection (Before Closing)
Performed when the home is complete, before your final walkthrough with the builder. Our inspectors evaluate the home's accessible systems following the TREC REI 7-6 report format: Structural, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Appliances and Optional Systems. The roof is physically walked when it is safe and accessible; drone imaging may supplement, but never replaces, the roof walk.
4. 11-Month Builder Warranty Inspection
Performed before your builder's one-year workmanship warranty ends. After a year of living in the home, some conditions may become visible, such as settlement-related cracks, roof or plumbing leaks, or doors that no longer latch. A report can help you document items to submit to your builder while warranty coverage applies.
Common Items Found in New Homes
Every home is different, but our inspectors frequently observe items like these in new construction:
Missing or incomplete fire blocking or attic bracing
Plumbing vents or bath exhausts not terminated to the exterior
Loose, damaged or improperly fastened siding and trim
Missing GFCI or AFCI protection, or reversed polarity at outlets
Grading that slopes toward the foundation or missing gutters at key areas
Torn, crushed or disconnected ductwork in the attic
When a condition is found, we document it clearly and recommend correction by the builder or further evaluation by a qualified professional. The full extent of some conditions cannot be determined during a visual inspection.
Building New in Fulshear, Richmond, Rosenberg or Katy?
These fast-growing communities along the I-10 and Highway 59 corridors have many active new home communities. Learn more about our service in Fulshear, Richmond, Rosenberg and Katy. We also serve San Antonio and the towns between. Se Habla Español.
New Construction Inspection FAQs
Do I need a home inspection if the city already inspected my new home?
It is recommended. City inspections check code compliance for the building department. A TREC home inspection is performed for you and reports deficiencies observed at the time of inspection, which can include installation issues a code inspection may not address.
Is a home inspection a code inspection?
No. A TREC home inspection is not a code compliance inspection. Our inspectors report conditions under the TREC Standards of Practice.
When should I schedule a pre-drywall inspection?
After framing, roof decking, windows and rough-in electrical, plumbing and HVAC are complete, and before insulation goes in. Ask your builder's superintendent for the expected date and book early.
Will my builder allow a third-party inspection?
Most do, but policies vary. Review your purchase contract and confirm access and scheduling with your builder ahead of time.
What is an 11-month warranty inspection?
An inspection performed shortly before your builder's one-year warranty ends, so you can document items to submit for repair while coverage applies.
Schedule Your New Construction Inspection
Book your new construction phase inspection online or call (281) 698-5608. Our team is ready to help at every stage of your build.
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