WHAT IT IS - AND WHEN TO DO IT.

A Pre-Drywall Inspection should be completed prior to the insulation installation, but after ALL trades have completed their “ROUGH-IN” portion of the project.

Each trade (i.e. electrician, plumber, HVAC etc) is required to obtain a permit, as well as the builder. Each trade will perform all of the “rough-in” work (typically the work that will be covered by the insulating & drywall process) and then call their respective code-compliance inspector to have the work approved & signed off, for the “ROUGH-IN” portion of that permit.

Once all of these trades are signed off & approved, the code-compliance building inspector for that municipality will be requested to perform a framing inspection. This inspector is checking for code compliance & usually has no regard to the quality or workmanlike condition. Once this inspector signs off, it will be then OK for the builder to insulate.

This is when it is recommended to get your inspector in. When everything is 100% completed & signed off, ready for insulation. Although not impossible, it is more difficult to inspect the home, once the insulation is installed.It is important to let your builder know as far in advance as possible, that you will be bringing in your own inspector, for the pre-drywall. It will allow your builder to help with the scheduling and coordination.

Some builders will require an insurance certificate or waiver signed by your inspector, should they get hurt on the site. Plus there can be an added advantage with your builder knowing that a third party will be looking over their work. It could even yield a better managed project & subsequently a better built home.

Also inform the builder that you would like your inspection scheduled to be pre-insulation as described above. This will also let the builder give you their policy concerning home inspectors & inspections.

An example of items an inspector is looking for are things like:

 excessively warped framing. 

 missing hardware. 

 headers &/or beams shimmed. 

 crowning of floor joists. 

 nail protector plates for wiring & pipes. 

 wiring & holes (wiring pass-thrus)

 ducts & pipes properly secured. 

 sill plate properly seated. 

 waterproofing measures utilized etc.

Your inspector can prepare a list for the builder to review & correct as necessary. Many times things are caught and save the builder a great deal more expense to remedy at this 

Full Home Inspection before closing:

Typically (and strongly recommended), once the home or building is completed and ready for occupancy - The Inspection client (purchaser) will have the home fully inspected with a Standard Home Inspection. This usually is scheduled just prior to the final walk-thru (before closing of sale).

Home Warranty Inspection:

The client (purchaser) may also wish to have the home re-inspected within a year of purchase (usually within 11 months OR prior to expiration of a builder's 1-Year Warranty)

Scheduling:

If you have a builder that even comes close to completing your home by "deadline" or the estimated time of completion...you have found a rare and wonderful builder.

Nonetheless - It is advisable to setup a tentative schedule with your Home Inspector, THEN firm-up the inspection date when your builder has reached the Rough-In stage of the construction.

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