When to Schedule New Construction Inspections in Houston: A Timing Guide

Quick answer: Schedule a new construction inspection at four points: before the foundation concrete is poured (pre-pour), after framing and rough-ins but before insulation and drywall (pre-drywall), after the builder says the home is complete but before your final walkthrough and closing (final), and about 10 to 11 months after closing, before the builder's one-year warranty ends (11-month warranty).

Each of these windows is short. Once concrete is poured or drywall goes up, the items an inspector could have seen are covered for good. This guide explains when to book each visit, how much notice to give, and how to coordinate with your builder in the Houston and San Antonio areas.

Why Timing Matters on a New Build

A home inspector can only report on what is visible and accessible on the day of the inspection. On a new build, what is visible changes week to week. Book too early and the work is not ready. Book too late and it is already covered. Matching each inspection to the builder's schedule gives you the most information while the builder can still address it.

New homes in Texas are often inspected by the city or county for code compliance. A private TREC-licensed inspector works for you, the buyer, and reports observed conditions under the TREC Standards of Practice. The two are not the same, and many buyers choose both.

When to Schedule Each New Construction Inspection

1. Pre-Pour (Foundation) Inspection

When: After the forms, reinforcement and under-slab plumbing are in place, and before the concrete is poured. Pours are often scheduled only a day or two ahead, so ask your builder's superintendent to notify you as soon as the pour date is set.

What our inspectors look at: visible forms, reinforcement or post-tension cable layout, plumbing penetrations, the vapor retarder and site drainage conditions at the time of the visit.

2. Pre-Drywall Inspection

When: After framing, roofing, windows, and rough plumbing, electrical and HVAC are installed, and before insulation and drywall go up. This window can be as short as a few days, so plan to book about one week ahead.

What our inspectors look at: visible framing members and connections, roof structure, window and door openings, and the rough-in plumbing, electrical and duct installations that will soon be hidden behind walls and ceilings.

3. Final Inspection

When: After the builder reports the home is complete and the utilities are on, and before your final walkthrough with the builder. Booking three to five days before the walkthrough gives you time to read the report and bring your list to the builder.

What our inspectors look at: a full inspection in the TREC REI 7-6 format, covering structural systems, electrical, HVAC, plumbing and appliances, with photos and plain-language explanations of what was observed.

4. 11-Month Builder Warranty Inspection

When: Around month 10 or 11 after closing, before the builder's one-year workmanship warranty ends. This leaves time to submit warranty requests while the builder is still responsible for them.

What our inspectors look at: a full inspection of the home after it has been lived in through most of a year, when conditions such as settlement-related cracks, drainage issues, roof or plumbing leaks, and HVAC performance concerns may become visible.

For a deeper look at what each phase covers, read our guide to new construction phase inspections in Houston.

New Construction Inspection Timeline at a Glance

• Pre-pour: book as soon as the pour date is set (often 1 to 2 days of notice).

• Pre-drywall: book about 1 week ahead, before insulation is installed.

• Final: book 3 to 5 days before your builder walkthrough.

• 11-month warranty: book around month 10 after closing.

Tips for Coordinating With Your Builder

• Tell your builder early that you plan to hire a private inspector, and ask how site access is handled for each phase.

• Ask the superintendent to give you notice before the pour and before insulation is installed.

• Share each report with your builder or agent in writing so repair requests are documented.

• Keep a calendar reminder for month 10 so the warranty inspection is not missed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a home inspection on a brand-new house?

Texas does not require one, but many buyers choose to hire a TREC-licensed inspector because city or county inspections focus on code requirements, while a private inspector reports observed conditions directly to you.

Can I still inspect if I missed the pre-pour or pre-drywall stage?

Yes. The final and 11-month warranty inspections are still available. Items that are already covered by concrete or drywall cannot be observed, and the report will note those limitations.

How soon will I get the report?

Reports are typically delivered the same day, usually within a few hours of completing the inspection.

Do you inspect new construction outside Houston?

Yes. Our team serves Houston, San Antonio and the I-10 corridor communities in between, including new-construction areas such as Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Rosenberg, Brookshire, Weston Lakes and Sealy. Se Habla Español.

Schedule Your New Construction Inspection

Building a home in the Houston or San Antonio area? Schedule online or call (281) 698-5608 to set up your pre-pour, pre-drywall, final or 11-month warranty inspection with Property Pro Checks.