Do I Really Need a Home Inspection for New Construction?

When you’re buying a brand-new home, it’s easy to assume everything is perfect. After all, no one’s ever lived in it, the paint is still fresh, and the appliances are brand new. But here’s the truth: new does not mean flawless.

Whether you're purchasing a production home in a new subdivision or building a custom house from the ground up, a home inspection is still a critical step in the buying process. Here's why.

1. Builders Make Mistakes — Even Good Ones

Contractors are human, and even reputable builders can miss things. It’s not uncommon to find:

• Improperly wired outlets
• Incomplete plumbing hookups
• Missing attic insulation
• Misaligned doors or windows
• Roof flashing errors
• HVAC systems with poor airflow or installation issues

These aren’t just cosmetic issues — they can lead to expensive problems if not caught early.

2. Municipal Inspections Aren’t Enough

You might assume that the home has already been inspected by the city or county, and that’s true — but municipal inspections are limited in scope and time.

City inspectors are often overworked and may only spend 15–20 minutes on site. Their job is to check for code compliance, not quality craftsmanship. Plus, they don’t inspect things like appliance function, drainage around the foundation, or the attic space in detail. 

In stark contrast, a private home inspector you hire is dedicated solely to your property for 3+ hours, going far beyond a basic code check to assess the true quality of the home.

3. You Can Schedule Inspections at Multiple Stages

Many buyers don’t realize they can hire an inspector for multiple phases of the build:

Pre-drywall Inspection – Ensures framing, wiring, plumbing, and HVAC rough-ins are properly installed before the walls are closed up.

Final Inspection – Like a traditional home inspection, this checks all systems and finishes after the home is “move-in ready.”

11-Month Warranty Inspection – 11-Month Warranty Inspection – Catches problems that may have developed after move-in, giving you a professional report to submit to the builder before their typical one-year warranty expires.

Each of these gives you leverage and peace of mind.

4. Your Warranty Won’t Cover Everything

Builder warranties typically cover defects, but only if you discover and report them in time. If an issue is hidden (say, a roof leak due to missing flashing) and goes unnoticed for months, it could void your warranty or fall under homeowner responsibility.

A qualified home inspection report provides written documentation and a baseline of the home's condition — something you can reference later if problems arise.

5. It’s a Small Investment Compared to the Risk

A home inspection for a new build typically costs between $400–$700, depending on the home's size and location. While that might seem like just another closing cost, it's a tiny price to pay for peace of mind and to avoid future headaches.

Compare that inspection fee to the cost of fixing common (and often hidden) construction defects:

• $1,500+ to repair water damage from improperly installed window or roof flashing.
• $2,000+ to fix slow plumbing leaks behind a wall, which often includes drywall repair and mold remediation.
• $5,000+ to correct major attic ventilation and insulation mistakes that lead to high energy bills and moisture issues.
• Tens of thousands to address foundation water intrusion or structural problems caused by incorrect site grading.

An inspection gives you the power to have the builder fix these issues before you take possession. A few hundred dollars now is a wise move to protect your significantly larger investment later.

The Bottom Line

Even new homes can have hidden defects — and most do. A professional home inspector works for you, not the builder, and gives you an unbiased report on the true condition of the home. Whether it’s your first home or your forever home, don’t skip the inspection.

Need Help Finding an Inspector?

Use InspectorsList to find verified, local home inspectors with experience in new construction. Many offer phase inspections and builder warranty inspections too.