New Construction Home Inspections in Northwest Florida
Buying a Brand-New Home? Have It Independently Inspected Before You Move In.
New construction does not mean defect-free construction.
With new homes being built throughout Pensacola, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Pace, Milton, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, and surrounding Northwest Florida communities, more buyers are choosing newly constructed homes.
Builder incentives, closing-cost assistance, and below-market mortgage-rate programs can make new construction especially attractive to buyers. But even when the home is brand new and covered by a builder warranty, having an independent home inspection is still an important part of protecting your investment.
At J. Gregory Home Inspections, we provide both pre-drywall inspections and final new construction inspections to help identify visible defects, incomplete work, installation problems, and other concerns before they become hidden or harder to correct.
With more than 17 years of construction experience and over 3,000 inspections completed, Florida Licensed Home Inspector Josh Gregory provides an independent evaluation focused on helping you better understand the condition of your new home before closing.
Why Inspect a Brand-New Home?
A newly constructed home may have never been lived in, but it has still been built by dozens of different people.
A typical home involves multiple subcontractors working on:
Foundation and concrete
Framing
Roofing
Plumbing
Electrical systems
HVAC
Insulation
Windows and doors
Siding and exterior finishes
Drywall
Flooring
Cabinets
Appliances
Drainage and grading
Even reputable builders and subcontractors can miss items.
Construction schedules can move quickly, multiple trades may be working in the home at the same time, and one contractor's work can sometimes interfere with another's.
Municipal building inspections are important, but they are not the same as an independent home inspection performed specifically for the buyer.
Your home inspector works for you.
Our New Construction Inspection Services
Pre-Drywall Inspections
A pre-drywall inspection is performed after many of the structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical components have been installed but before insulation and drywall conceal them.
This is one of the best opportunities to inspect portions of the home that may never be readily visible again after construction is completed.
During a pre-drywall inspection, we may evaluate visible components such as:
Wall framing
Roof framing
Floor framing
Structural connections
Anchor bolts and sill plates
Joist and truss connections
Electrical wiring
Plumbing supply and drain lines
HVAC ductwork
Refrigerant lines
Plumbing penetrations
Electrical penetrations
Window and door installation
Weather-resistant barriers
Roof sheathing
Exterior wall penetrations
Visible flashing details
Fire blocking where accessible
Other installed components that will eventually be concealed
Why Timing Matters
The inspection should typically take place after rough electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and framing work has been substantially completed but before insulation and drywall are installed.
Once the walls are closed, many of these components can no longer be visually inspected.
If you're building a home, let your builder know early that you intend to have an independent pre-drywall inspection so the inspection can be coordinated at the proper stage of construction.
Final New Construction Inspections
A final new construction inspection is performed when the home is substantially complete and before the buyer takes possession or closes on the property.
Even if you already had a pre-drywall inspection, we strongly recommend having the completed home inspected again.
The final inspection evaluates the completed systems and components of the house and can help identify defects, incomplete work, damage, or installation issues that developed later in construction.
A final new construction inspection may include evaluation of:
Roof covering and flashing
Attic and roof structure
Insulation and ventilation
Exterior siding and trim
Windows and exterior doors
Foundation and visible structural components
Electrical panel and electrical components
Receptacles and switches
Plumbing fixtures
Water heater
Drainage systems
HVAC equipment
Air-conditioning performance
Visible ductwork
Interior walls and ceilings
Flooring
Doors and windows
Cabinets and countertops
Built-in appliances
Garage doors and openers
Porches, patios, and decks
Grading and drainage around the home
The inspection report can then be provided to your builder so you can discuss repairs or corrections before closing.
Common Problems We Find in New Construction Homes
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“Why would I need a home inspection if the house is brand new?”
Because new homes can still have defects.
Some of the conditions we encounter during new construction inspections include:
Framing and Structural Installation Issues
We may find loose or incomplete structural connections, missing fasteners, improperly installed framing components, damaged engineered wood products, or other conditions that deserve correction before they are concealed.
Roof Installation Defects
New roofs can still have:
Damaged shingles
Improper flashing
Exposed fasteners
Improperly sealed penetrations
Damaged roofing materials
Installation deficiencies at roof transitions
A roof does not have to be old to have a problem.
Weather-Resistant Barrier and Flashing Problems
House wrap and flashing help manage water behind exterior wall coverings.
Improperly installed weather-resistant barriers, window flashing, door flashing, or exterior penetrations can increase the potential for future moisture intrusion.
Plumbing Deficiencies
We may identify:
Active leaks
Loose plumbing connections
Improper drain configurations
Missing supports
Water heater installation concerns
Fixture leaks
Drainage problems
Electrical Problems
New construction electrical findings may include:
Loose connections
Improper breaker installations
Missing GFCI or AFCI protection where applicable
Receptacle defects
Improper wiring
Panel deficiencies
Missing covers
HVAC Installation Problems
HVAC deficiencies can include:
Improperly installed ductwork
Damaged flex ducts
Air leakage
Condensate drainage issues
Missing refrigerant-line insulation
Improper air-handler installation
Cooling-performance concerns
These issues are especially important in Northwest Florida, where air-conditioning systems operate heavily and also play a major role in controlling indoor humidity.
Missing or Improper Insulation
We may find areas where insulation is missing, displaced, compressed, improperly installed, or incomplete.
Window and Door Problems
Common findings include:
Doors that do not latch correctly
Windows that do not operate properly
Damaged weatherstripping
Improper sealant
Missing flashing
Visible gaps
Damaged components
Drainage and Grading Concerns
The soil around a new home should be graded to help direct water away from the structure.
Newly developed lots can sometimes have:
Low areas
Standing water
Erosion
Improper drainage
Soil settlement
Downspout discharge problems
Incomplete Construction
It is not unusual to find items that simply were not completed before the home was presented to the buyer.
These can range from minor cosmetic issues to components that require repair or installation.
Pre-Drywall Inspection vs. Final Inspection
Many buyers ask whether they should choose one or the other.
When possible, we recommend both.
Pre-Drywall Inspection
Best for evaluating components that will soon be hidden, including framing, rough electrical, plumbing, HVAC, structural connections, and portions of the building envelope.
Final Inspection
Best for evaluating the completed home after the major systems are operational and finishes have been installed.
These inspections evaluate the home at two completely different stages of construction.
A defect that can be clearly seen during the pre-drywall phase may become impossible to visually inspect once insulation and drywall are installed.
Likewise, many defects involving appliances, HVAC performance, plumbing fixtures, finishes, doors, windows, roofing, and drainage cannot be fully evaluated until the home is nearly complete.
Isn't the Builder's Inspection Enough?
Builders typically have quality-control procedures, and local jurisdictions perform required building inspections.
Those inspections serve important purposes, but they are different from an independent home inspection performed for the buyer.
A municipal inspector is generally evaluating construction for compliance with applicable permitting and building requirements at specific stages.
A builder's representative works for the builder.
Your home inspector works for you.
Our job is to provide an independent visual evaluation of the home and document conditions that may require correction, repair, or further evaluation.
What About the Builder's Final Walkthrough?
A builder walkthrough and an independent home inspection also serve different purposes.
The builder walkthrough is often focused heavily on finish items such as:
Paint
Drywall
Flooring
Cabinets
Trim
Cosmetic damage
Those things matter, but an independent home inspection looks much deeper at the property's systems and components.
We evaluate areas such as the:
Roof
Attic
Electrical system
Plumbing
HVAC
Structural components
Exterior
Windows and doors
Insulation
Drainage
Ideally, have the inspection performed before your builder walkthrough or final repair deadline so the inspection findings can be incorporated into your discussions with the builder.
Should You Inspect a Home Built by a Large National Builder?
Yes.
The size or reputation of the builder does not eliminate the possibility of defects.
Large builders may construct hundreds or thousands of homes each year, often using multiple subcontractors and crews.
The quality of individual installations can vary from house to house.
An inspection evaluates your specific home, not the builder's reputation.
New Construction Is Growing Across Northwest Florida
Northwest Florida continues to see significant residential development, particularly throughout communities such as:
Many buyers are also considering newly built homes because builders may offer financing incentives, closing-cost assistance, mortgage-rate buydowns, or other incentives that aren't typically available when purchasing an existing home.
Regardless of the incentive being offered, the home itself remains a major long-term investment.
Having it independently inspected before closing can help you understand exactly what you're purchasing.
What Happens After the Inspection?
After the inspection, you will receive a detailed digital inspection report containing:
Photos of observed conditions
Descriptions of defects
Locations of findings
Recommendations
Easy-to-understand summaries
You can provide the report to your builder and discuss which items should be corrected before closing or possession.
The builder ultimately determines how warranty or construction-related repairs are handled, but having clear documentation makes it easier to communicate the conditions that were observed.
What About an 11-Month Warranty Inspection?
Many new homes include a builder warranty covering certain defects during the first year.
An 11-month warranty inspection gives homeowners another opportunity to have the property evaluated before that initial warranty period expires.
Some problems do not become apparent until the home has been occupied for several months.
Examples can include:
Settlement cracks
Plumbing leaks
HVAC problems
Drainage concerns
Roof leaks
Door and window movement
Insulation deficiencies
Moisture problems
If your builder provides a one-year warranty, consider scheduling the inspection several weeks before the warranty deadline so there is enough time to submit the findings.
Why Choose J. Gregory Home Inspections?
Construction Experience Matters
New construction inspections benefit greatly from an inspector who understands how homes are actually built.
Josh Gregory brings more than 17 years of construction experience in addition to extensive residential inspection experience.
Credentials
Florida Licensed Home Inspector — HI10393
Florida Licensed Mold Assessor — MRSA5499
InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector
FAA Licensed Drone Pilot
More than 3,000 inspections completed
More than 17 years of construction experience
Our experience allows us to evaluate the home from both an inspection and construction perspective.
New Construction Inspection FAQs
Do brand-new homes really need an inspection?
Yes. New homes can have defects, incomplete installations, damaged components, or workmanship issues even when the home has passed required municipal inspections.
When should I schedule a pre-drywall inspection?
Schedule it after framing and rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installations are substantially complete but before insulation and drywall are installed.
Because construction schedules can move quickly, coordinate with the builder in advance.
When should I schedule the final inspection?
The home should be substantially complete, utilities should be on, and major systems and appliances should be operational.
Ideally, schedule the inspection early enough that the builder has time to address agreed-upon repairs before closing.
Should I get both a pre-drywall and final inspection?
When possible, yes.
The two inspections examine different stages of construction. The pre-drywall inspection allows us to observe components that will later be concealed, while the final inspection evaluates the completed home and operating systems.
Can I get a new construction inspection even if my builder says the home already passed inspection?
Yes. Government-required inspections and independent buyer inspections serve different purposes.
An independent inspection is performed on your behalf and provides you with a detailed report of visible conditions observed at the property.
Will the inspection delay my closing?
Normally, the inspection itself does not determine your closing schedule. Buyers should coordinate inspection access and repair timelines with their builder, real estate agent, and other parties involved in the transaction.
Do you inspect homes built by DR Horton, Lennar, Adams Homes, DSLD, or other builders?
We inspect newly constructed homes regardless of builder.
Our inspection focuses on the condition of the individual property rather than making assumptions based on the company that constructed it.
Schedule Your New Construction Home Inspection
If you're building or buying a new home in Northwest Florida, don't assume that new means perfect.
An independent inspection can identify visible defects before they become hidden, before you close, or before your builder warranty expires.
J. Gregory Home Inspections provides pre-drywall inspections, final new construction inspections, and warranty inspections throughout Pensacola, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Pace, Milton, Cantonment, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Destin, Miramar Beach, and surrounding Northwest Florida communities.
Call or text 850-904-6955 or schedule your inspection online.
J. Gregory Home Inspections
Florida Licensed Home Inspector — HI10393
Florida Licensed Mold Assessor — MRSA5499
InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector
FAA Licensed Drone Pilot