New Construction Home Inspections in Columbus
Because “brand-new” doesn’t always mean “built right.”
What to expect
You’ve waited, planned, and watched your new home take shape. Before you sign off and move in, it deserves a careful, independent inspection; one that looks beyond the builder’s quick walk-through and the minimum building code.
Call today or request your New Construction Inspection online to protect your investment from day one.
Why New Homes Still Need an Inspection
Builders work with tight timelines, many trades, and a long list of subcontractors. Even with city inspections, things get missed, sometimes small, sometimes serious.
Common issues we find in new construction include:
Framing and structure: Cut or notched trusses, weak connections, missing hardware, or improper bearing points.
Roofing and flashing: Missing or mis-installed flashing, poorly sealed penetrations, and vulnerable areas around chimneys, sidewalls, and valleys.
Grading and drainage: Soil sloped toward the foundation, high mulch or soil against siding, and missing downspout extensions that can lead to water intrusion and foundation problems.
Insulation and air sealing: Gaps, voids, or compressed insulation in attics, walls, and rim joists that lead to comfort issues, drafts, and higher energy bills.
Electrical issues: Reversed polarity, damaged wiring, missing GFCI/AFCI protection, or loose connections that can create shock and fire hazards.
Plumbing defects: Leaks at fittings, slow drains, improper venting, missing supports, or cross-connections that can cause damage and poor performance.
HVAC and ventilation: Poorly sealed ducts, missing returns, weak airflow, and bath or kitchen fans that don’t vent outdoors, all of which affect comfort and indoor air quality.
Safety concerns: Loose railings, missing handrails, steep or uneven steps, unprotected drop-offs, and other hazards that should be corrected before move-in.
A new build inspection gives you a clear, documented list of items to bring to your builder while they’re still responsible for fixing them.
Don’t move in blind.
Schedule your New Construction Inspection today!
The Best Times to Inspect a New Build
Ideally, new construction is inspected in stages so issues can be corrected before they’re buried or become costly to fix.
1. Pre-Drywall / Framing Inspection
Performed after framing, roof, rough-in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC are installed—but before insulation and drywall.
We can see:
Structural framing and connections
Fire blocking and bracing
Rough plumbing, electrical, and HVAC runs
Window and door installation
Early signs of moisture problems
Catching issues here allows your builder to correct them while everything is still open and accessible.
2. Final New Construction Inspection (Prior to Closing)
This inspection happens when construction is essentially complete and all systems are live, before your final walkthrough and closing.
During this stage, We Inspect:
Exterior, roof, grading, and drainage
Attic, insulation, and ventilation
Structure, interior finishes, doors, and windows
Plumbing fixtures and appliances
Electrical system, outlets, and safety devices
Heating, cooling, and ventilation
Significant cosmetic defects
3. 11-Month Warranty Inspection
Most builders provide a one-year warranty. Around month 10 or 11, it makes sense to have the home re-evaluated before that warranty expires.
During an 11-month warranty inspection, we look for:
Settlement-related cracks or movement
Developing moisture issues in basements, crawlspaces, and attics
Wear or early failure of building materials and components
Any safety or performance issues that have appeared with real-world use
You’ll get a prioritized list of items to submit under warranty while the builder is still responsible.
Why Hire an Independent Inspector (Not Just Rely on the Builder)?
A true advocate: Our only loyalty is to you, the buyer; not the builder or developer.
Safety and manufacturer standards: Code is a bare minimum. We look at installation issues which can effect long-term performance and warranties, moisture control, and other potential safety defects the code doesn’t fully address.
More time on your home: We schedule with a low volume mindset so your new build gets the time and attention it deserves.
Advanced tools: Drones, thermal imaging, moisture meters, and other diagnostic tools help us catch hidden issues, especially with insulation, air leaks, and potential moisture problems.
Clear, actionable reporting: You receive a modern, easy-to-read report with photos, video descriptions, and recommendations that make it simple to communicate with your builder.
Local expertise: Based in Central Ohio, we understand how our climate, soils, and common building practices affect new homes in areas like Powell, Lewis Center, Columbus, and surrounding communities.
City inspectors and builders play important roles, but they’re not working for you. The municipal building inspectors are only looking for code violations and with the demands placed on them, they are usually rushed and will not report on various other important defects.
An independent inspection with Well Built Inspections gives you:
What to Expect During Your New Construction Inspection
Here’s how the process typically works:
Schedule your inspection
Share your build timeline, closing date, and any concerns you already have. We’ll help you choose the right inspection phase(s).On-site inspection
We perform a thorough, systematic evaluation of the home and its major systems. If you’re available, we’re happy to walk you through key findings in person.Detailed digital report
You’ll receive a clear, organized report with photos, descriptions, and repair recommendations. Items are prioritized so you know what to ask the builder to address first.Follow-up support
Have questions after reviewing the report or talking with your builder? Reach out; we’re here to clarify and help you make confident decisions.
Protect Your “Brand-New” Home
New construction should be exciting, not stressful. A focused, independent inspection helps catch mistakes early, supports better builder repairs, and sets your home up for safer, healthier, longer-lasting performance.
Schedule your New Construction Home Inspection with Well Built Inspections today and move in knowing your new home has been carefully evaluated, inside and out.
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