Guide · Breathe Easy Home Inspections

The New Construction Inspection Guide

Which inspection, at which stage of the build, and what to sort out with your builder. Everything a new-build buyer should know.

Plain-language guide From our in-house team Arizona BTR #72416
Desert-style Arizona home at dusk

Brand new still gets inspected

01 / Start here

The town inspects for code. The builder checks its own work. Here's where you come in.

Town and city inspectors check each stage of construction against the building code, and your builder runs its own checks. Neither one is done for you. A private inspection at the right stage is.

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02 / The guide

Three stages, three inspections

Where each one fits in the build, and what it catches.

01

Pre-drywall

After framing and rough-ins, before insulation. Framing, plumbing, wiring and ducts are exposed, as far as they're visible and accessible.

02

Final walkthrough

The finished house, before your builder orientation and closing. Bring your own list to the blue-tape walk.

03

11th-month warranty

Around month eleven can be a useful time to document concerns for your builder's review. Your builder's warranty terms determine coverage and deadlines; an inspection does not guarantee repairs or payment.

04

Builder access

Many builders want outside inspectors scheduled through the site superintendent or with notice. Ask early.

05

Getting findings fixed

Send the report to your builder's rep and ask how and when each item will be handled, in writing.

06

What the town checks

Town inspections check the work against code. They're a different job than a private inspection.

03 / From the Town of Queen Creek

One town's guidance

The Town of Queen Creek's home inspections page is a useful example of how East Valley towns explain their role.

  • A

    Code, not quality. The town inspects new homes against adopted residential building codes and the engineer's design.

  • B

    Foundation, framing, final. Those are the town inspection stages it lists, ending with the Certificate of Occupancy.

  • C

    Builder first. The town calls the builder the primary resource for questions about your home.

  • D

    The ROC for workmanship. The town points to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and says complaints must be filed within two years of close of escrow or occupancy, whichever comes first.

  • E

    Your town may differ. Check your own town or county's building safety pages for how they handle it.

04 / The process

Tell us the stage. We'll book the right one.

Tell us your builder, your community and where the build is.

01

Tell us the stage

Plus any access rules your builder has.

02

We inspect

What's visible at that stage, photographed as we go.

03

Hand it to your builder

Plain-language findings with photos.

06 / Questions

Before you book

Quick answers. Anything else, just call (480) 254-5708.

Why hire an inspector if the town already inspects the house?

Town inspectors check each stage against the building code, and they work for the town, not for you. A private inspection is done for you and gives you a report you keep.

Which stage should I book?

If the walls are open, pre-drywall. If the house is finished and you haven't closed, the final walkthrough. If you're coming up on a year in the house, the 11th-month warranty inspection. Many buyers do more than one.

Will my builder let you on site?

Many builders allow outside inspections but set rules, like scheduling through the site superintendent or giving notice. Check your purchase agreement and ask your builder's rep.

Where do I file a workmanship complaint?

Start with your builder. The Town of Queen Creek, for example, points homeowners to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and says complaints must be filed within two years of close of escrow or occupancy, whichever comes first.

Should I add a sewer scope on a new build?

It's worth considering. New lines can still have construction debris or installation defects, and the line isn't visible without a camera.

Brand new. Checked anyway.

Tell us your build stage and we'll book the right inspection.

Lead inspector Konnor Kirkwood · Arizona BTR #72416

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