When you're building a home in Frisco, Prosper, Celina, McKinney, Little Elm, Aubrey, Sherman, or anywhere in North Texas, one of the most important parts of the process is making sure the home is being built correctly.
That’s why I strongly recommend hiring a professional inspector for:
✔️ Pre-drywall inspection (before the walls are closed)
✔️ Final inspection (right before closing)
These two inspections catch issues that you’d never see after the home is complete—and they often save thousands of dollars and months of frustration.
Here’s everything you need to know.
1. What Is a Pre-Drywall Inspection?
This inspection takes place when:
✔️ The framing is complete
✔️ Plumbing is installed
✔️ Electrical wiring is installed
✔️ HVAC ductwork is installed
✔️ Windows are in
✔️ Roof is on
✔️ BEFORE drywall goes up
This is your one chance to inspect everything behind the walls.
2. Why Pre-Drywall Inspections Are Critical in Texas
North Texas homes must withstand:
✔️ Extreme temperature swings
✔️ Foundation-movement soil
✔️ Heavy wind and hail
✔️ Rapid development construction schedules
Because builders move fast, mistakes happen.
A pre-drywall inspection catches:
✔️ Incorrect framing
✔️ Missing structural supports
✔️ HVAC duct issues
✔️ Plumbing line errors
✔️ Electrical code violations
✔️ Improper roof decking
✔️ Missing fire blocking
✔️ Window flashing mistakes
✔️ Insufficient insulation prep
✔️ Drainage mistakes around slab
Fixing these after drywall goes up is extremely difficult—and expensive.
3. What Inspectors Look For During Pre-Drywall
Structural
✔️ Proper load-bearing walls
✔️ Roof truss alignment
✔️ Wall-to-frame connections
✔️ Anchor bolts in correct places
Plumbing
✔️ Hot/cold lines properly aligned
✔️ Ventilation stacks correctly installed
✔️ Drain lines sloped correctly
✔️ No punctures in plumbing lines
Electrical
✔️ GFCI placement
✔️ Wiring gauge correctness
✔️ No damaged wires
✔️ Breaker panel accuracy
HVAC
✔️ Duct sizing
✔️ Proper return placement
✔️ Correct refrigerant line installation
✔️ No kinked or crushed duct lines
Windows & Doors
✔️ Flashing installed correctly
✔️ No gaps or sealing issues
✔️ Proper header support
Insulation Prep
✔️ Blocking in place
✔️ No gaps in wall structure
I attend this inspection with you whenever possible.
4. How Builders React to Pre-Drywall Inspections
Some builders welcome inspections.
Others tolerate them.
A few resist them.
But when buyers have an agent who knows what they’re doing, builders typically cooperate.
My approach:
✔️ I notify the builder early
✔️ I bring an inspector who understands new construction
✔️ I stay professional and collaborative
✔️ I make sure issues are documented in writing
Then the builder must address the defects before drywall goes up.
5. What Is a Final Walk Inspection?
This happens 1–5 days before closing, when:
✔️ The home is complete
✔️ Appliances are installed
✔️ Systems are running
✔️ Touch-ups are mostly done
✔️ Punch-list items are nearly complete
This inspection focuses on:
✔️ Function
✔️ Safety
✔️ Code compliance
✔️ Cosmetic finish work
This is different from the builder’s orientation walkthrough, which is more of a tour.
6. What Inspectors Look for During the Final Inspection
Mechanical Systems
✔️ A/C blowing cold
✔️ Heater blowing hot
✔️ Furnace igniting
✔️ Hot water heater running
Plumbing
✔️ All faucets & showers work
✔️ Toilets flush properly
✔️ No leaks
✔️ Proper water pressure
Electrical
✔️ All outlets working
✔️ GFCI & AFCI functioning
✔️ Light switches correct
✔️ Smoke detectors working
Structure & Finish
✔️ Doors latch properly
✔️ Floors installed correctly
✔️ Tile/grout clean and even
✔️ Walls, trim, and paint finished well
✔️ Cabinets installed correctly
Exterior
✔️ Grading slopes away from home
✔️ Downspouts installed
✔️ Sprinklers working
✔️ Proper sealing around windows/doors
The final inspection ensures the home is move-in ready—and safe.
7. What Happens If the Inspector Finds Issues?
This is extremely common.
Builders usually:
✔️ Acknowledge the issue
✔️ Add it to your “punch list”
✔️ Fix it before closing
If issues are major (rare), we may:
✔️ Delay closing
✔️ Request repairs before funding
✔️ Arrange for a post-closing agreement
I negotiate solutions so you aren’t stuck with unfinished or defective work.
8. Why Builder Walkthroughs Are Not Enough Alone
Builders will walk you through the home and show you:
✔️ How appliances work
✔️ How to operate the thermostat
✔️ Warranty procedures
✔️ Cosmetic touch-up areas
They do NOT:
❌ inspect plumbing slope
❌ check wiring gauge
❌ evaluate load-bearing framing
❌ test every outlet
❌ verify drainage
❌ inspect flashing
❌ test HVAC refrigerant levels
That’s why third-party inspections are essential.
9. The 11-Month Warranty Inspection (Bonus Step)
This is a big one.
Most issues appear during the first year:
✔️ Drywall cracks
✔️ Nail pops
✔️ Foundation movement
✔️ HVAC performance issues
✔️ Grout separation
✔️ Caulking failure
Right before your 1-year warranty expires, I recommend:
🛠️ An 11-month inspection
This ensures you catch everything while the workmanship warranty is still valid.
10. My Role During These Inspections
When you build a home with me, I:
✔️ Recommend trusted new-construction inspectors
✔️ Schedule inspections strategically
✔️ Coordinate with the builder
✔️ Attend major inspections
✔️ Review all inspection reports
✔️ Ensure repairs are completed
✔️ Protect your contractual rights
I don’t treat new construction as “hands off.”
I’m involved from foundation to finish.
11. My Rule of Thumb
**If it’s wrong behind the wall, it will eventually be wrong in front of the wall.
Catch it early.**
Bottom Line: Pre-Drywall & Final Inspections Protect You
New construction homes move fast—and mistakes happen.
With the right inspections and the right guidance, you can avoid:
❌ Costly repairs
❌ Warranty fights
❌ Structural issues
❌ Drainage problems
❌ Cosmetic defects
When I represent you, I make sure:
✔️ Inspections happen at the right times
✔️ Issues are identified early
✔️ Builders address defects
✔️ You get a safe, well-built home
Your new home should be exciting—not stressful.
These inspections make sure of that.
Want a Realtor Who Oversees Your Build from Start to Finish?
If you’re building in North Texas, I’d love to guide you through every phase—from foundation to final walkthrough.
