Why a Third-Party Inspector is Essential

Municipal inspections focus on code minimums and are often short on time. Builder QA varies by crew and schedule. My role is to protect your investment and document issues when they’re easiest to fix—not months after move-in.

Catch issues early: Slab, framing, flashing, and rough-ins get covered quickly. We identify concerns before concrete, drywall, and finishes hide them.
Clear accountability: Each report includes photos, references to standards, and plain-English summaries your builder can act on.

Deliverables: same-day or next-morning report, annotated photos, and a concise punch-list for your builder.

Phase 1

Pre-Pour (Foundation)

Verify the slab is ready before concrete: steel, vapor barrier, penetrations, and rough-ins set correctly.

  • Formwork layout, square, dimensions, elevation references.
  • Rebar size, lap splices, chairs/cover, beam patterns, PT tendons.
  • Vapor barrier seams/taping and penetrations (plumbing/electrical).
  • UFER/grounding electrode, sleeves, isolation of dissimilar metals.
  • Plumbing rough-in routing, protection, test caps/pressure (when present).
  • Termite treatment evidence; specified thermal breaks if any.
Why it matters: Errors here are expensive to fix post-pour. Catching them now prevents slab cracks, moisture issues, and future demo.
Phase 2

Framing / Pre-Drywall

Inspect structure, weatherproofing, and rough-ins before insulation and drywall conceal critical details.

  • Load paths: beams, headers, bearing points, hangers, straps.
  • Sheathing nailing patterns, panel orientation/gaps; roof deck.
  • WRB, window/door flashing, pans, kick-out details.
  • Fire blocking/draft stopping at penetrations and concealed spaces.
  • MEP rough-ins: boring/notching, nail plates, flue clearances, duct supports.
  • Stairs/guards/handrails, egress window rough sizes.
Why it matters: Once drywall is up, water paths and structural errors become long-term problems. This is the best time to correct them.
Phase 3

Final (Pre-Closing)

Comprehensive pre-closing review to build a clean, prioritized punch-list your builder can action before move-in.

  • Exterior: grading/drainage, downspouts, weeps/vents, siding clearances.
  • Roof/attic: flashings, vents, insulation depth/coverage, baffles.
  • Electrical: GFCI/AFCI, labeling, bonding, smoke/CO locations.
  • Plumbing/HVAC: TPR discharge, venting, condensate routing, airflow.
  • Interior: doors/windows, appliances, tile/caulk, finishes/hardware.
  • Life-safety: garage auto-reverse, anti-tip, egress, guard/handrails.
Why it matters: Avoid spending your first weeks scheduling repairs—get it addressed before keys change hands.

FAQ

Do I still need this if the city inspects?

Yes. City/County inspectors are verifying basic compliance on a tight schedule. I focus on quality and completeness, with time to document items your builder can correct quickly.

When should I schedule each phase?

Pre-Pour: when forms, steel, and plumbing are set—before concrete trucks arrive. Framing: after windows/roofing paper and MEP rough-ins are in, before insulation/drywall. Final: within a few days of your orientation/closing.

What do I get after the inspection?

A clear, photo-rich report with prioritized items and plain-English notes—easy for your builder to action. I’m available to review findings with you and answer questions.

Ready to lock in your build quality?

Book one phase or bundle all three—Pre-Pour, Framing, and Final—for full coverage from dirt to keys.