New-Construction Final Inspection

Why inspect a brand-new home?

A new home passing municipal inspections and receiving a certificate of occupancy means it met minimum code requirements at the time each inspection was performed. Municipal inspectors check specific milestones, often under heavy workloads; they don't evaluate workmanship across the entire finished home, and they don't work for you.

Across Tampa Bay's fast-growing communities, the most common new-construction findings are not dramatic structural failures — they're the details: missing insulation in an attic section, reversed hot and cold supply lines, unsealed roof or wall penetrations, HVAC condensate lines that don't drain properly, loose or missing hardware, grading that slopes toward the slab, and damage from other trades. Those are far easier to get fixed before closing than after.

Same scope, different purpose

A new-construction final inspection uses the same visual scope as a residential home inspection. What changes is the purpose: instead of deciding whether to buy, you're building a documented punch list the builder can act on before final acceptance. The report is organized so you can hand the relevant items to your builder's representative.

Builder access

Most builders allow independent inspections with advance notice, but policies vary. Some require proof of licensing and insurance, restrict inspection times, or limit roof access. We recommend confirming the builder's inspection policy in writing and scheduling once the home is substantially complete — utilities on, flooring and fixtures installed — typically 7–14 days before your walkthrough.