Phase Inspections on New Construction in Orlando and Central Florida
Protect your new home with a new home construction inspection.
Why new construction homes need an independent inspection
A new home should be perfect, right? In our experience, it usually is not. After 27 years of inspecting homes across Central Florida, we regularly find problems in brand-new construction that the builder’s own team missed. Missing insulation, incomplete or missing grout, uneven flooring, and improper installation of components are just some of the common issues we identify during our new construction inspections.
Each stage of construction often involves different contractors focused on their individual scope of work. While each component may be inspected along the way, there may not be someone independently evaluating the home as a whole. Our comprehensive new construction inspections provide an additional set of eyes to assess how the various systems and components come together in the finished home.
An independent third-party inspection is different. We work for you, not the builder. We are looking at workmanship, manufacturer installation requirements, and the specific details that affect how your home performs over the next 20 to 30 years. And we are doing it while the walls are still open, while the slab has not been poured yet, while there is still time to fix things without tearing anything apart.
The Four Phases of a New Construction Inspection
We inspect your new home at three separate points during construction. Each phase catches different types of problems, and each one covers work that will be permanently hidden once the next stage of construction begins.
Phase 1: Pre-Slab Inspection
This happens before the concrete slab is poured. Once concrete goes down, everything underneath it is buried forever. There is no going back to fix a plumbing line or check the rebar placement after the slab is poured.
We inspect:
- Grading and site drainage to prevent standing water against the foundation
- Footer and anchor placement, spacing, and sizing
- Rebar placement, spacing, and tying
- Pre-pour plumbing rough-in (supply and drain line placement)
- Termite pre-treatment verification
- Moisture barrier installation
- Post-tension cable placement (if applicable)
This inspection typically takes 1 to 2 hours depending on the home’s size and foundation complexity.
Phase 2: Pre-Drywall Inspection (Framing Inspection)
This is the most detailed phase inspection and the one we recommend most. It happens after framing, rough plumbing, electrical, and HVAC are in place, but before insulation and drywall cover everything up.
Once the drywall goes up, you cannot see any of this work without cutting into walls. This is your one chance to verify that the bones of your home are right.
We inspect:
- Framing: studs, headers, load-bearing walls, proper nailing patterns
- Roof structure: truss connections, hurricane straps, bracing
- Electrical rough-in: wire runs, box placement, grounding, panel setup
- Plumbing rough-in: supply lines, drain lines, venting
- HVAC ductwork: routing, sealing, support, connections
- Window and door flashing and installation
- Fire blocking between floors and at penetrations
- Insulation placement and moisture barriers
This inspection takes 4 to 5 hours depending on home size. We need access to the construction plans to compare what was designed against what was actually built.
Phase 3: Final inspection (pre-closing)
This happens after construction is complete but before you close on the home. Think of it as your last chance to have a professional look at everything before you sign and take ownership.
We inspect:
- All interior finishes: walls, ceilings, floors, trim, cabinetry
- Window and door operation, alignment, and sealing
- All plumbing fixtures for leaks and proper function
- Electrical: outlets, switches, GFCI function, panel labeling
- HVAC operation and thermostat function
- Appliance installation and function
- Exterior: grading, drainage, stucco or siding, paint, soffits
- Garage door operation and safety features
Phase 4: 11-month warranty inspection (1-year builder warranty)
Most builders include a one-year warranty on a new home. This inspection happens around the 11-month mark, right before that warranty runs out. The timing is on purpose. It gives us time to inspect the home and gives you time to send the report to your builder before the warranty expires.
By now you have lived in the home for almost a year. Problems that were not obvious at closing tend to show up after a few seasons. Settling cracks, an AC that is not keeping up, a slow drain, or grading that pushes water toward the house are all things we look for.
We inspect:
- Interior walls, ceilings, and floors for settling cracks and finish issues
- Doors and windows for alignment, operation, and sealing after a year of use
- Plumbing fixtures and drains for leaks and slow drainage
- HVAC performance and thermostat function through a full Florida season
- Electrical outlets, switches, and GFCI function
- Roof, attic, and insulation for any developing moisture issues
- Exterior grading, drainage, stucco or siding, and caulking
- Any items from your earlier inspections that need a second look
We deliver the report with photos within 24 hours. You submit it to your builder so covered repairs get handled while the warranty still applies. We also offer a reminder service, so let us know when you close and we will reach out when it is time to schedule.
Common Issues Found During New Construction Inspections
These are the issues we document most often in Central Florida new builds. None of them are visible to the untrained eye once construction is complete.
HVAC DUCT LEAKAGE
Ductwork that is not properly sealed leaks conditioned air into the attic or wall cavities. This is the single most common defect we find. It drives up your electric bill and puts extra strain on your AC system. In Florida’s heat, that matters.
Missing or Improper Window Flashing
Flashing directs water away from window openings. When it is missing or installed incorrectly, water can get behind the stucco or siding and into the wall cavity. We see this regularly, and it causes expensive damage over time.
Hurricane Strap Defects
Missing straps, improperly nailed straps, or straps that do not match the engineering plans. This is a structural safety issue and also affects your wind mitigation credits on future insurance inspections.
Insulation Gaps
Sections of wall or ceiling where insulation is compressed, missing, or improperly installed. These gaps reduce energy efficiency and can create condensation problems in Florida’s humid climate.
Framing Errors
Wrong header sizes, improperly supported load-bearing walls, missing blocking, and incorrect nailing patterns. These are the kinds of things that county inspectors sometimes miss when they are running through 30 inspections in a day.
Plumbing and Electrical rough-in issues
Reversed hot and cold lines, improperly grounded outlets, drain pipes with insufficient slope, and missing cleanouts. Small problems now, expensive problems later.
How Much Does a New Construction Inspection Cost?
A pre-slab inspection starts at $250. This typically takes 1 to 2 hours.
Call us at (407) 644-6194 or text us for a free quote. We will give you exact pricing based on your home’s square footage and the number of phases you need.
Why choose HomeTech for your new construction inspection
We compare against your plans
We do not just walk through the house. We review your construction plans and compare what was designed against what was actually built. Deviations from plans are common and can affect structural integrity, energy efficiency, and even your builder warranty.
24 Hour Reports with photos
You get a detailed report with photos within 24 hours. That gives you a documented record to bring to your builder with specific items to address before the next phase of construction begins.
We work for you, not the builder
We are an independent third party with no relationship to your builder or their subcontractors. Our job is to give you an honest assessment of the work, not to keep anyone happy.
27 years in Central Florida construction
We have been inspecting homes in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia, Lake, and Polk counties since 1997. We know the builders, we know the construction methods, and we know where problems tend to show up in this market.
Don’t Skip Your 11-Month Warranty Inspection
If you’re going to skip an inspection during the construction process, don’t let your builder warranty inspection be the one you skip.
By the time you’ve lived in your new home for several months, issues that weren’t apparent at closing may have had time to show up. We’ll inspect the home again, document any concerns we find, and provide you with a detailed report you can submit to your builder before your warranty period expires.
An 11-month warranty inspection gives you the opportunity to identify and address potential issues while your builder’s warranty coverage is still in place.
Already used HomeTech for your final inspection? We offer a discounted rate for your 11-month warranty inspection as a thank-you for continuing to trust us with your home.
Not sure when your warranty expires? Let us know your closing date, and we can send you a reminder when it’s time to schedule.
Local expertise, licensed inspectors
HomeTech Home Inspections has been serving Central Florida since 1997. Our owner, Greg Fyock, has been with the company since 2009 and purchased it in 2014.Our licensed inspectors have hands-on experience with the new construction methods builders use in this market, and they inspect at every phase from pre-slab through the final walkthrough.
All our inspectors are Florida-licensed under Chapter 468, Part XV of the Florida Statutes. We carry the required general liability insurance and use Spectora inspection software for detailed, photo-documented reports that builders take seriously.
We are a locally owned company, not a franchise. When you call us, you talk to our team. When we inspect your home, we bring 27 years of local construction knowledge to the job.
New construction inspections across Central Florida
We perform new construction phase inspections throughout the greater Orlando area and surrounding counties. This includes active new construction communities in Lake Nona, Horizon West, Celebration, and the growing areas of Clermont, St. Cloud, and Sanford.
Orange County
Orlando, Winter Park, Apopka, Maitland, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Lake Nona, Belle Isle, Edgewood, Bay Lake, Zellwood
Seminole County
Altamonte Springs, Sanford, Lake Mary, Longwood, Oviedo, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Chuluota, Fern Park
Osceola County
Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Celebration, Poinciana, Buenaventura Lakes, Four Corners
Daytona Beach, Deltona, DeLand, Debary, Orange City, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, South Daytona
Clermont, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Eustis, Tavares, Groveland, Minneola, Montverde, Lady Lake, Mascotte
Davenport and surrounding northeast Polk County areas
Frequently asked questions about new construction inspections
Do I really need an independent inspection if my builder has their own inspectors?
Yes. Builder inspectors and county inspectors work for the builder and the county, not for you. Their job is minimum code compliance. An independent inspector works for you and checks workmanship quality, manufacturer installation requirements, and details that affect how your home performs long-term.
How much does a new construction inspection cost in Orlando?
A pre-slab inspection starts at $250. Pre-drywall and final inspection pricing varies by home size and complexity. Call (407) 644-6194 for an exact quote based on your home’s square footage and the number of phases you need.
Can my builder refuse to let me have an independent inspection?
Some builders resist independent inspections. Since they still own the property during construction, they technically can restrict access. But a builder who refuses to let you inspect the home you are paying for should raise a red flag. Most reputable builders welcome independent inspections because it protects everyone.
When should I schedule each phase inspection?
Pre-slab: after forms, rebar, and plumbing rough-in are in place but before concrete is poured. Pre-drywall: after framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-in are complete but before insulation and drywall go up. Final: after all construction is complete but before your closing date. Timing is tight at each phase, so let us know as early as possible so we can get on the schedule.
What is the most important phase to inspect?
If you can only do one, make it the pre-drywall inspection. This is when the most components are visible and accessible. Framing, wiring, plumbing, ductwork, hurricane straps, and insulation are all exposed. Once drywall covers them, the only way to check is to cut into walls.
What happens if you find problems during the inspection?
We document everything in a detailed report with photos and deliver it to. You share that report with your builder and their project manager. The builder’s team addresses the items before construction moves to the next phase.
Do you check whether the work matches the construction plans?
Yes. We ask you to provide copies of your construction plans before the inspection. We compare what was designed against what was actually built. Deviations from plans are common and can affect structural integrity, energy efficiency, and warranty coverage.
How long does each inspection take?
Pre-slab inspections typically take 1 to 2 hours. Pre-drywall inspections take 4 to 5 hours because there is significantly more to examine. The final inspection takes 3 to 4 hours, similar to a full home inspection.
Should I attend the inspection?
We strongly recommend it, especially for the pre-drywall and final inspections. Being there lets you see the findings firsthand, ask questions, and understand the construction of your home. We walk you through the key items at the end of every inspection.
What about the 11-month warranty inspection?
We recommend scheduling a separate inspection at month 11, before your builder’s one-year warranty expires. This covers any issues that have developed since you moved in, like settling cracks, HVAC performance, or plumbing issues. We offer a reminder service so you do not miss the deadline.
Schedule your new construction inspection
Building a new home in Central Florida? Make sure it is built right. Call us at (407) 644-6194, text us for a free quote, or book online.