About New Construction Inspections
A new construction inspection is an independent check of a newly built home. It happens at key stages of the build and again before your warranty runs out. Building a home is one of the largest investments you will ever make, yet minor installation oversights can quickly evolve into costly structural repairs down the road.
A professional inspection equips you with the objective documentation and leverage you need to ensure your builder constructs your home properly from the ground up.
InsideOut Inspections Plus inspects new homes across Northern Michigan, Southeast Michigan, and Northwest Ohio. We catch defects while your builder can still fix them. That means before the walls close and before you close.
Phase 1: Footings & Foundation
The first phase happens before the crew pours concrete. Once the concrete cures, there is no going back. We check footing size and depth, rebar placement, forms, vapor barrier, and under-slab plumbing. In Michigan, footings must sit below the frost line. The state code sets that depth at 42 inches in most areas. Shallow footings are costly to fix later.
Phase 2: Pre-Drywall Inspection
The pre-drywall inspection happens after framing and rough-ins. Many of the most costly defects hide at this stage. This is your only chance to see inside the walls before insulation and drywall go up. We inspect framing, joist hangers, fire blocking, rough plumbing, electrical wiring, HVAC ductwork, and window and door flashing.
Phase 3: Final Inspection
The final inspection takes place before your builder walkthrough and closing. It works like a full home inspection on a finished house. We walk the roof, enter the attic, test every system, and review finishes. Then bring our report to your blue-tape walkthrough, so your punch list is complete before you sign.
Phase 4: 11-Month Warranty Inspection
Most builders offer a one-year builder warranty on workmanship. We inspect at about 11 months. By then, the house has been through a full Midwest winter and summer. Settling, leaks, and HVAC problems often appear by then. Our report gives you documented items to send your builder while repairs are still covered.
Purpose of New Construction Inspections
The purpose of a new construction inspection is to identify any potential defects, deficiencies, or construction issues that may exist in the building, ensuring that it meets the expected quality standards, adheres to building codes, and is safe for occupancy.
The inspection covers various aspects of the construction, including the structural integrity, electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, insulation, and overall workmanship.
Common Defects Flagged in New Homes
These are real issues our inspectors find in brand-new homes across Michigan and Ohio:
- Missing kickout flashing: Without it, roof runoff soaks the wall where a roof meets siding.
- Missing attic insulation: Bare spots raise energy bills and can cause ice dams in winter.
- Dirty furnaces and AC units: Construction dust gets pulled into the system and clogs it.
- Missing or loose joist hangers: These metal brackets hold floor and deck framing in place.
- Leaking sink drain lines: Small drips under cabinets can lead to rot and mold.
- Drywall defects: Nail pops and cracked tape seams often show up as the home settles.
Included in Every New Construction Inspection
Each phase focuses on the parts of the home visible at that stage. Across all four phases, we evaluate:
- Structure: footings, foundation walls, framing, beams, joists, and trusses.
- Roof: shingles, flashing, kickout flashing, vents, and gutters.
- Exterior: siding, windows, doors, grading, and drainage.
- Plumbing: supply lines, drain lines, fixtures, and the water heater.
- Electrical: panel, wiring, outlets, GFCI and AFCI protection.
- HVAC: furnace, air conditioner, ductwork, and ventilation.
- Insulation & attic: coverage, ventilation, and air sealing.
- Interior: walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, doors, and cabinets.
- Safety: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, railings, and egress.
Every phase ends with a detailed digital report with clear photos and plain-language notes.
Types of New Builds We Inspect
We inspect production homes in new subdivisions, custom homes, and spec homes. For commercial projects, see our commercial inspection service.
Building in the country? Many Northern Michigan new builds rely on a private well and septic system. We can test those too.
What to Expect
Schedule
Book each phase online or by phone, and we’ll time it around your builder’s schedule.
Inspect
Your inspector walks the home and checks everything visible at that stage of the build.
Get Your Report
After each visit, you receive a detailed digital report with photos.
Share With Your Builder
Send the report to your builder so repairs happen before the next phase or before you close.
New Construction Inspections You Can Trust
Building a new home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, and InsideOut Inspections Plus helps you protect it. Our inspectors catch defects while your builder is still responsible for fixing them, so you avoid paying for someone else’s mistakes after closing. You can also handle every test in one visit by adding radon testing, a sewer scope, or a well or septic inspection to your final phase. Finally, our reports use clear photos and simple language, so building your punch list is easy.
Serving Northern Michigan, Southeast Michigan, and Northwest Ohio
With three regional offices, you get a local phone line and a local inspector, whether you’re building near Traverse City, Ann Arbor, or Toledo.
Ann Arbor | Bedford | Bowling Green | Brighton | Bucyrus | Dearborn | Detroit | Jackson | Livonia | Monroe | Perrysburg | Rapid City | Sterling Heights | Taylor | Toledo | Traverse City | Troy | Westland | Ypsilanti | And More!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you check the framing, beams, and columns?
Yes, we evaluate the structural components, such as beams, columns, and framing, to ensure they are installed correctly, aligned properly, and structurally sound.
Do you check finishes like flooring, paint, and trim?
Yes, the finishes, quality of flooring installation, paint application, and trim work, are assessed to ensure they meet industry standards, are properly finished, and exhibit craftsmanship.
Do you test smoke detectors and other safety equipment?
Yes, the inspector will check the installation and functionality of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment to ensure they are properly placed, operational, and comply with fire safety regulations.
Do you check the plumbing for leaks?
Yes, plumbing systems are thoroughly evaluated. Every pipe, fixture, drain, and connection is checked to ensure proper installation, optimal function, and a completely leak-free system.
When should I schedule each phase?
Schedule the pre-pour phase once forms and rebar are set. Book pre-drywall after rough-ins are done but before insulation. Book the final phase a few days before your builder walkthrough. Book the warranty phase about 11 months after closing.