Inspections 101: What Inspectors Look For at Each Phase
In new home construction, inspections are critical to ensure that your home meets local building codes, safety standards, and design specs. These checks guarantee the home is built to last and provides peace of mind to homeowners. Here’s what inspectors look for at each stage.
Foundation and Excavation
The very first inspection occurs before any structure is built—during the foundation phase. This is one of the most important stages, as any issues here can affect the entire build.
Footing and foundation size: Inspectors ensure that the foundation is built to the proper specifications, ensuring it will support the load of the home.
Soil conditions: They check soil stability and make sure that the correct type of footing is used, especially on sloped or problematic land.
Waterproofing and drainage: A critical inspection, especially for homes near water or in areas with heavy rain, to ensure proper drainage and moisture protection.
This inspection is key to making sure the home has a stable base to stand on for years to come.
Framing and Structural Components
Once the foundation is complete, the next inspection takes place when the framing is done. This is where the building truly starts to take shape. Inspectors focus on the home’s structural integrity, looking at more than just how it looks—they check how it functions and stands up to long-term wear and tear.
Structural elements: Inspectors verify that beams, load-bearing walls, and trusses are correctly installed.
Quality of materials: They ensure that the framing materials meet or exceed industry standards for strength and durability.
Window and door openings: Proper placement and support are key to ensuring the home’s aesthetics and functional operation.
The framing inspection is essential for confirming that the home will stand up to the elements and support everything above it.
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP)
The MEP inspection typically happens after the framing but before drywall is installed. This is when inspectors look at the critical systems that will keep the home functioning smoothly—water, electricity, and HVAC systems.
Plumbing: Inspectors check for proper pipe installation, including water supply and drainage systems, and verify that everything is sealed correctly to avoid leaks.
Electrical: They check that electrical systems are safe, including outlets, wiring, and circuit breakers, ensuring they meet local codes for safety.
HVAC: Inspectors ensure that the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are installed correctly, and that ducts are properly connected and insulated.
This new home construction phase ensures that the systems crucial to daily living are up to code and will perform as expected without posing any safety risks.
Final Walkthrough and Final Inspection
Once your new home construction Spokane is nearly complete, the final inspection occurs, which covers both technical aspects and finishes. This inspection is especially important for luxury homes, as even minor flaws can detract from the overall quality of the home.
Final finishes: Inspectors look for consistent paintwork, smooth flooring installations, and aligned trim.
Appliance installation: They check that all appliances are correctly installed and functioning as expected.
Safety features: Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and handrails are inspected to ensure they’re properly placed and meet safety standards.
At this point, the home is nearly complete. If everything checks out, the inspector will give the go-ahead for the final approval, and homeowners can prepare to move in.
Conclusion
Inspections are a vital part of building a custom home, ensuring it meets all standards for safety, quality, and durability. By working with an experienced builder, you can be confident that your home will pass each phase with ease. For expert guidance through the inspection process, call Diamond Homes today at (509) 385-4053.
