NEW RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION: 

Yes, new homes and businesses need inspecting!  Many people assume that just because a structure is new that it does not need to be inspected.  With the rapid rate that these structures are being built, many items are being overlooked by builders and contractors.  While many cities have their own code inspectors that visit these homes, they only look for code compliance and nothing else and in a quick time frame.  A professional inspector averages two inspections per day while city code inspectors may visit 15 - 20 homes in a day.  A professional inspector can perform a much more thorough inspection than the buyer and municipal inspector.  Inspections are performed for the owner prior to pre-determined phases of construction.  Usually the inspections are done prior to foundation pouring, during and after framing, before cover-up on all interior and exterior walls and upon completion.  These inspections ensure that the contractor is building the house to the specifications layed out in the plans and that all is properly constructed.  It is a way for you as the home owner to have representation as to the performance of your contractor.  This is aka a 3rd party inspection or phase inspection or county inspection.

In a new home, the quality of construction is often not what it used to be. Therefore, many buyers have independent reviews of their properties during various stages of the construction process, including slab, frame, and final inspection. This relatively inexpensive inspection protects your purchase, prevents unpleasant surprises, and ensures the quality home that you've dreamed about. A phase inspection happens at a critical point during the home building process. This inspection documentation will give you peace of mind knowing that your new home is being constructed in accordance with the International Residential Code (IRC) for One & Two Family Dwellings; local building codes; and standards and design specifications. 

      The inspection report will identify sizing, spacing, materials used, location of HVAC Equipment, panel boxes, water heaters, water lines, and plumbing cleanouts. 

       Please feel free to contact us at (409) 454-7349 or email us at shelanderinspections@gmail.com with any questions about new or phase home inspection services. If you are ready to schedule your home inspection, just click on the Contact button and you will be good to go!

Phase Inspections for new construction is one of the largest number of inspections in our business. While most builders want to build a quality home, they are dependent on mostly different sub-contractors. New homebuyers need an experienced person who is representing only their interests to oversee the building process. There are three different phases of inspection that we provide and they are described below.

Phase I Pre-Pour Inspection

On the pre-pour inspection we are checking to make sure that all the preparation work is completed before pouring concrete. We focus on the items of structural integrity. We check for debris or roots in excavation, integrity of vapor barrier, straightness, sleeving, and appropriate spacing of steel re-bar, grade beam wall dimensions, proper installation of rough plumbing,, form brace strength, windstorm hold downs, anchor bolt installation and spacing, and steel re-bar size and spacing.

Phase II Frame Inspection/ Mechanical /Plumbing

The frame inspections include the structural / electrical / mechanical & plumbing systems of the house.

On the structural inspection, we will check the roofing system and all roof penetrations. We are inspecting the entire framing system of the home, load bearing walls and all other structural members.

The electrical system is checked for proper electrical wiring and connections that will be behind walls. We also check for the correct gauge wiring and improper connections..

The mechanical inspection includes checking for proper installation of any of the mechanical systems in the home that have been installed at this point in the construction process. We verify the integrity of the duct work that would be leading to these appliances and heating and cooling units. We want to make sure that any connection between two sections of ducting is made properly, properly sealed for energy compliance, and energy efficiency.

On the plumbing inspection, we check for proper installation of the visible pipes that will connect to the water heaters, sinks, faucets, bath tubs, and other fixtures. We also check to make sure that nail guards are properly installed so that these pipes cannot be punctured with future nailing.

Phase III final inspection

The final inspection is where it all comes together. We go through the entire home both structurally and mechanically. We can now operate and test all mechanical systems and appliances to verify proper operation and installation. We are looking at flooring and cabinetry and other finishes of the home. This is a very detailed inspection and summary of the condition of the entire home.