New Construction Inspection
Even brand-new homes built by good crews have missed items — city code inspections are quick, and nobody doing them works for you. My phased approach checks the work while it's still visible: once before drywall covers the framing and rough-ins, and again before you get the keys. You'd be surprised what I find behind those walls.
Do I need an inspection on a brand-new home?
Yes — and I'll be honest about why. City code inspections are quick, and nobody doing them works for you. I inspect new builds in two phases: once before drywall goes up, while the framing and rough-ins are still visible, and again before you get the keys. Good crews still miss things, and the difference is whether it gets caught now or after it's sealed behind a wall you're paying for.
- Phases
- Pre-drywall + final
- Typical cost
- Bundle pricing available
- Report delivered
- Within 12 hours
- Best time to book
- Before drywall goes up
What This Inspection Covers
- Pre-drywall: foundation, framing, plumbing/electrical/HVAC rough-in
- Final: full standard inspection of the completed home
- Finishes, fixtures, and appliance operation
- Grading, drainage, and exterior details
- Punch-list documentation to submit to your builder
Who it's for
Buyers building in the fast-growing corridors around Tyler, Lindale, Bullard, and Whitehouse — anywhere new subdivisions are going up across East Texas.
What You Get
✓ Two-phase bundle pricing available
✓ Photo documentation of covered work you'll never see again
✓ Report formatted so your builder can act on it
Ready to book?
Schedule online in about two minutes, or call or text for a fast quote — bundle pricing available.
📅 Book Your Inspection 📞 (903) 808-3898Often Booked Together
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Learn moreFrom Someone Who Booked This
Verbatim from Google.
Cardinal Home Inspections did an amazing job on the inspection. They are very professional and the report was very detailed. It allowed me to see real issues I needed the builder to fix before closing on my new home. We also had a re-inspection done to make sure the items were fixed. I recommend Jeff and Cardinal Home Inspections for all of your home inspection needs.
As a builder, I definitely recommend Cardinal inspections. Jeff is very professional and very knowledgeable. I've done walk-throughs with him where he notices a lot more than your average inspector. He's also done a lot of construction work himself, so that elevates his game.
Three Visits, Three Chances to Catch It
Each visit sees things the others can’t. Book one, two or all three.
1. Pre-Drywall
Framing, rough plumbing, wiring and ductwork, while it’s all still visible. Once the walls close, nobody sees this again.
When: after rough-ins are done, before insulation and drywall.
2. Final, Before Closing
A full inspection of the finished home: roof, attic, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, appliances, grading and drainage, with a punch list your builder can work from.
When: before your final walkthrough with the builder.
3. Month 11
After a summer and a winter, settling cracks, small leaks and HVAC issues have had time to show up. Documented in time to file before the one-year warranty window closes.
When: month 10 or 11. More on this →
Things that commonly turn up on new homes
- Attic insulation missing, thin or pushed aside by other trades
- Bathroom exhaust fans that end in the attic instead of outside
- Missing or poorly lapped flashing at roof-to-wall joints and vent boots
- HVAC condensate drain lines and pans set up wrong, or missing
- Ground sloping toward the slab instead of away
- Outlets, GFCI protection and fixtures that don’t work
Tip: tell your builder early that you’re bringing an inspector, so the pre-drywall visit gets on the calendar before the walls go up. Good builders welcome it. More in Do You Need an Inspection on a Brand-New Home in Texas?
A Brand New House. Sixty-One Pages.
One of the two sample reports on this site is a house nobody had ever lived in. Missing drain pan. Boot flashing with improper shingle coverage. A service disconnect that wasn’t there. Wood in contact with concrete. Read it before you decide a new home doesn’t need inspecting.
Watch: 60 Seconds on This
Sixty seconds, no jargon. Same thing I'd tell you standing in the driveway.
90-Day Inspection Warranty
For 90 days after your inspection you're covered on electrical systems, mechanical systems, structural elements, appliances, and HVAC systems. That's the window when you're still learning the house — when a surprise hurts most and you can least afford it.
Ready to Schedule Your Inspection?
Book online in about two minutes — or just call or text me and I'll get you a straight answer on price and a confirmed time. Same-week appointments are usually no problem.
📅 Book Your Inspection 📞 (903) 808-3898 💬 Text Jeff