"It's Brand New — Why Would I Need an Inspection?"
I hear this question at least once a week. The assumption is that a brand-new home, built to current code and inspected by the county, should be perfect. Unfortunately, that's rarely the case.
In my 20+ years of inspecting homes in Central Florida, I've found significant issues in roughly 80% of new construction homes. Not because builders are negligent — but because the pace of construction, subcontractor turnover, and the sheer complexity of modern homes means things get missed.
What County Inspectors Don't Catch
County building inspectors are responsible for code compliance. They're overworked, typically spending 15–30 minutes at each site. They're checking that minimum code requirements are met — not that the work is done well.
A private home inspector spends 2–3 hours examining your new home with one priority: your interests, not the builder's.
Common Issues in New Construction
Here's what we regularly find in brand-new Orlando-area homes:
Grading and Drainage Problems
Florida's flat terrain makes proper drainage critical. We frequently find:
HVAC Installation Issues
Roof Deficiencies
Plumbing Oversights
Electrical Concerns
Cosmetic and Finish Issues
Phase Inspections: The Smart Approach
Rather than waiting until the house is finished, savvy buyers schedule phase inspections during construction:
Pre-Pour (Foundation)
Before concrete is poured, we verify:
Framing (Pre-Drywall)
This is the most valuable phase inspection. Before drywall covers everything:
Final Walkthrough
Before you close, a comprehensive inspection of the finished home:
The Builder Will Fix It, Right?
Builders typically offer a 1-year warranty on workmanship and a 10-year structural warranty. But here's the catch:
How Much Does a New Construction Inspection Cost?
The Bottom Line
A new construction inspection isn't about doubting your builder — it's about protecting your investment. The cost of an inspection is a fraction of what you'll spend fixing issues that should have been caught before closing.
If you're building or buying new construction in Orlando or Central Florida, contact us to schedule phase inspections. We'll make sure your new home is truly move-in ready.
