Buying a brand-new home is an exciting milestone. Everything is clean, up to code, and built just for you—or so it seems. But just because no one’s lived in it yet doesn’t mean it’s flawless. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly common for new construction homes to have defects that only come to light during a professional inspection. And if you’re in a hot market like Nashville, where demand can push builders to move fast, the need for a second set of eyes is more important than ever.
New construction inspections aren’t about pointing fingers—they’re about protecting buyers and helping builders deliver a quality product. As great as it feels to be handed the keys to something brand new, skipping an inspection can mean missing out on serious issues that could cost you thousands later on.
Why New Doesn’t Mean Perfect
A lot of buyers assume that because their home is brand new, built to code, and passed municipal inspections, there’s no reason to hire a private home inspector. But here’s the truth: municipal inspections are not the same as private, third-party inspections. City inspectors are often overworked, under time pressure, and focused on code compliance—not overall quality.
And builders? Even the most reputable ones use subcontractors who juggle multiple projects and may miss small but important details. Multiply that by dozens of trades (framers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC crews, painters), and it’s easy to see how corners can get cut—sometimes unintentionally.
According to HomeLight, it’s not uncommon for inspectors to find problems like active roof leaks, disconnected ductwork, or missing insulation in brand-new homes.
Common Problems Found in New Builds
Just because everything looks good on the surface doesn’t mean what’s behind the walls is up to par. Here are some of the most common issues uncovered during inspections of new construction homes:
- Roofing issues – Shingles improperly nailed, flashing left out, or vents not sealed can lead to water intrusion within the first year.
- Plumbing mistakes – Backward hot/cold hookups, loose fittings, or even leaks behind the drywall.
- Electrical missteps – Unlabeled panels, ungrounded outlets, and overloaded circuits aren’t rare.
- HVAC system errors – Ducts not properly connected, airflow imbalances, or missing return vents can make your system work harder than it should.
- Grading and drainage problems – If the land around the foundation isn’t properly graded, water can pool near the home and seep in.
- Framing flaws – Misaligned walls or missing structural connectors are sometimes hidden beneath drywall.
- Cosmetic oversights – Doors that don’t close, uneven flooring, cracked tiles, or paint drips may not impact function—but they should be fixed before you move in.
Even new appliances may be improperly installed or missing essential components. And if your new build has a crawlspace or attic, there’s a good chance no one has fully inspected those spaces since the framing stage.
The Three Phases of New Construction Inspections
In an ideal world, buyers of new construction homes should schedule multiple inspections throughout the building process. The most common stages include:
- Pre-Drywall Inspection
Happens after framing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC rough-ins but before drywall goes up. This is the best chance to catch structural and system issues while everything is still visible. - Final Inspection
Conducted just before your final walk-through with the builder. The inspector checks for functional problems, safety issues, incomplete work, and cosmetic concerns. - 11-Month Warranty Inspection
Almost all new homes come with a 1-year builder warranty. Having the home re-inspected around month 10 or 11 allows you to catch anything that developed over time—like foundation cracks, HVAC inefficiencies, or roof leaks—while it’s still covered.
According to Pathlight Property, many buyers regret skipping the pre-drywall or 11-month inspection, only realizing issues long after closing.
What the Inspector Looks For
During a new construction inspection, a licensed inspector will look at all major systems and structural components, just like they would for an older home. This includes:
- The foundation and framing
- Roof condition and flashing
- Plumbing lines and water pressure
- Electrical panels, GFCIs, and outlet testing
- HVAC performance, ductwork, and filters
- Insulation levels (especially in the attic)
- Window and door alignment
- Exterior grading and water management
- Garage safety features (sensors, firewalls)
They’ll also test appliances, flush toilets, run water in all fixtures, check smoke detectors, and inspect crawlspaces and attics.
You’ll receive a full report that lists any deficiencies found, complete with photos and recommendations. This document can be shared with the builder to request repairs—ideally before closing.
Why This Matters for Nashville Buyers
In Middle Tennessee, new construction is booming—and not all homes are built equally. Builders range from large production companies to small custom outfits. While many deliver great homes, rushed timelines and labor shortages mean mistakes happen.
Nashville’s expansive growth also puts strain on local permitting departments, making it even more likely that code violations or quality issues could slip through unnoticed. That’s why hiring your own inspector is such a smart move.
Getting a professional inspection ensures someone is looking out for you—not just the builder’s bottom line. It also helps reduce your liability as a homeowner, protects your investment, and gives you leverage to negotiate fixes.
What to Do if Problems Are Found
If your inspector finds issues before closing, you have options. You can:
- Ask the builder to make repairs or corrections before final walk-through
- Request credits or allowances if work can’t be completed in time
- Delay closing if the problems are severe and require re-inspection
For 11-month warranty inspections, most builders will honor legitimate claims when documented by a licensed inspector. The key is timing—don’t wait until the warranty has expired.
Don’t Skip This Step
No one wants to believe their brand-new home could have problems, but the data doesn’t lie. In many cases, a $300–$500 inspection could uncover issues that would cost thousands if ignored. Skipping it might save you a little up front, but it could cost you a lot more in surprise repairs or safety issues down the line.
According to Rigid Inspections, even homes built by highly rated companies regularly have issues that only become obvious with a full inspection.
Make Sure ‘New’ Means ‘Well-Built’
Buying new construction feels safe—but that doesn’t mean it’s without risk. If you’re investing hundreds of thousands into your future home, make sure someone’s checking to ensure it was built right. New doesn’t mean perfect, and a third-party inspection can provide peace of mind that your dream home is truly move-in ready.
At Nashville Home Inspection, our licensed professionals specialize in inspections for new construction—from pre-drywall to final walk-through and 11-month warranties. We know what to look for, how to work with builders, and how to help you protect your investment.
Want to schedule an inspection or learn more? Contact us today and make sure your brand-new home is built to last.
