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The short answer: Yes. Even new homes can have defects, ranging from misinstalled appliances to roof damage to grading problems.
New construction single-family home sales have been rising since the pandemic, with builders frantically trying to keep up with the housing demand uptick that began in 2020. Builder incentives, mortgage-rate buydowns, and cash toward closing costs have also made new builds more enticing, especially as the gap in sale price between new construction and older homes starts to close.
Many buyers think that investing in new construction means they’re moving into a home with zero problems. But “new” doesn’t necessarily mean “perfect” — something that many new build homeowners may discover if they opt to skip a new construction home inspection, whether buying a house in Washington, DC or Dallas, TX.
Is a home inspection needed for new construction?
Yes, almost always. When you buy a pre-owned home, it’s practically a given that the buyer will get a home inspection. With new construction, many buyers assume that municipal building inspections or builder warranties make an additional inspection unnecessary — but what it comes down to is builder goals vs buyer expectations.
“Builders are under a lot of pressure to deliver as many houses as they can, as fast as they can, to fulfill their financial obligations with their shareholders,” says Fred Rodrigues, owner and inspector at Damngood Inspection in South/Central Florida. “The builders’ goals are to deliver the house as fast and as efficiently as possible; the expectation buyers have is that what you are buying is a great quality product.”
When to schedule a home inspection for new construction
When you’re getting an inspection on a new construction home, there are a few key timing points to keep in mind: depending on whether you’re building and buying a new construction home, or closing on a newly completed spec house.
1. From the ground up
If you’re involved during construction, a 3-phase inspection is when a home inspector looks at the house during three crucial parts of the building process, with an optional check after move-in:
- Foundation inspection: after the concrete is poured.
- Pre-drywall inspection: before walls are sealed up.
- Final inspection: when the home is nearly complete, before closing.
- 11-month warranty inspection: before the builder’s warranty expires (optional).
2. Buying a finished “spec house”
If the home is already built or nearly done, schedule an inspection before closing. This is your chance to request repairs or negotiate with the builder, says Rodrigues. “The builder wants to close on the house to get the money, but you as the buyer need to make sure the product they are delivering is as promised.”
What inspectors look for in new construction homes
As long as the home is almost ready, an inspector will be checking for the same things they would on any other house.
On a new construction home, inspectors will check the house’s:
- Foundation
- Exterior walls
- Roof
- Garage, crawl space, & attic
- Electrical panels
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Appliances
“One of the first things we do in a new construction inspection is to inspect the roof,” Rodrigues says. That’s where a lot of problems can start, either from improper installation or sustaining damage throughout construction.
Common problems to watch out for in new construction homes
The pressure to build quickly and the large number of sub-contractors working on a new build are often the biggest factors in construction mistakes. Some of the most common issues Rodrigues finds during new construction inspections are missing insulation, drainage issues, and small leaks that could turn into expensive repairs if not caught and remedied early on.
A 2022 survey revealed the most common problems found during new construction home inspections:
- HVAC system issues
- Safety issues
- Problems with finishes
- Drainage issues
- Structural problems
- Leaks or water damage
- Foundation problems
- Drafty doors / windows
- Roof problems
- Non-functioning electrical outlets
The same survey found that nearly 9 in 10 new homes still required maintenance sooner than expected, with the most frequent issues tied to electrical, HVAC, plumbing, flooring, foundations, and drywall.
Bottom line: don’t skip the home inspection
New construction homes have a lot of moving parts, tight deadlines, and profit margins to consider. Even with new materials and modern construction, errors happen. A professional inspection helps catch problems early, so they can be fixed before closing or under warranty.
That’s why it’s important to hire both an inspector and a real estate agent that will be on your side, says Rodrigues. If buying a new construction home, a Redfin agent can help you find a trusted inspector, guide you through phase inspections, and help protect you, and your investment, every step of the way.
FAQs about new construction home inspections
How much does a new construction home inspection cost?
A standard new construction home inspection typically costs $300 to $500, depending on the size and complexity of the property. Larger homes or houses with basements, crawl spaces, or special add-ons can cost $600 or more.
If you choose a 3-phase inspection package (foundation, pre-drywall, final, and optional 11-month warranty check), many inspectors charge $800 to $2,000 total. Each inspection phase can run between $100-$500, and some inspectors offer discounted rates if you book the full package upfront. These are typical estimates and can vary by location and provider.
What is the biggest red flag in a home inspection?
The biggest red flag in a home inspection is usually structural, like foundation cracks, uneven floors, sagging roofs, or framing problems. These can mean serious problems that are expensive to fix. Other major issues could include water intrusion, faulty electrical systems, and plumbing or HVAC failures, which can create both safety risks and ongoing maintenance headaches.
What is the final walk through inspection for new construction?
The final walkthrough on a new construction home is also called a “blue-tape walkthrough,” and is the last inspection before closing. Buyers walk the property with the builder to make sure all the work has been completed as planned, the systems and appliances work, and all the finishes meet expectations. Blue painter’s tape is often used to point out any flaws or unfinished details, otherwise known as a “punch list” of items the builder needs to fix before move-in.
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