Many buyers assume a brand-new home does not need a home inspection. Everything is new, no one has lived there before, and the builder has already signed off on the work. On the surface, it can feel unnecessary. So why does a new construction still need a home inspection?

The answer is simple. New homes are built by people, in stages, under tight schedules, and often by multiple crews working independently. Even well-run builds can have missed details or installation issues that are not obvious during a walkthrough.

A professional home inspection gives buyers an independent review focused entirely on their interests before they take ownership. For buyers building or purchasing new construction homes in Central Texas, these are the common concerns and defects you’ll want to be aware of.

New Construction Homes Are Built in Stages

Unlike resale homes, new construction happens in phases. Each phase depends on the quality of the work completed before it, and once certain materials are installed, many components are no longer visible.

Most new homes are built through stages that include:

• Foundation and slab preparation
• Structural framing and rough-in systems
• Insulation, drywall, and interior finishes
• Final installation of fixtures and equipment

If an issue occurs early in the process and is not identified before the next phase begins, it can become hidden behind concrete, drywall, or finishes. At that point, correcting it becomes more difficult and more expensive.

This staged process is exactly why inspections during construction are so valuable.

New Does Not Mean Free of Issues

A new home has never been lived in, but that does not mean it is free of defects. Inspectors regularly find issues in newly built homes that buyers never expect to see.

Common reasons new construction issues occur include:

• Multiple subcontractors are working on different systems
• Tight production schedules
• Miscommunication between trades
• Small details are being overlooked as crews move quickly

These issues are rarely intentional. They are a natural result of the complexity involved in building a home.

A home inspection provides a second set of eyes focused on safety, workmanship, and system performance from a buyer’s perspective.

Builder Walkthroughs Are Not Buyer-Focused Inspections

During construction, builders perform their own internal walkthroughs and quality checks. These checks are meant to keep the project moving forward and confirm that work meets the builder’s standards.

What they are not designed to do is provide an independent evaluation for the buyer.

A professional home inspection focuses on how systems are installed, how they function together, and whether visible defects or safety concerns are present. The inspector works for the buyer, not the builder, and documents findings clearly so buyers can make informed decisions before closing.

Having an independent inspection adds an extra layer of oversight that complements the builder’s process without replacing it.

Common Issues Found During a New Construction Home Inspection

Even well-managed new builds can have oversights that are not visible during a walkthrough.

Inspectors commonly find issues such as:

• Improper roof flashing or incomplete sealing
• Missing or poorly installed insulation
• Electrical wiring concerns or loose connections
• Plumbing leaks or unsupported piping
• HVAC ductwork installation problems
• Drainage or grading issues near the foundation

Many of these issues do not cause immediate failure, which is why they often go unnoticed. Over time, however, they can lead to water intrusion, energy loss, or system performance problems.

Why Phase Inspections Matter During Construction

One of the biggest advantages buyers have with new construction is the ability to inspect the home before it is finished. Phase inspections allow inspectors to evaluate work while key components are still visible.

Phase inspections typically include:

• Pre-slab or foundation inspection
• Framing or pre-drywall inspection
• Final inspection before closing

Each phase targets different risks and gives buyers opportunities to address concerns before construction moves forward.

What a Pre-Slab Inspection Protects

The foundation is one of the most critical parts of any home. In Central Texas, soil conditions can make foundation performance especially important.

A pre-slab inspection evaluates items that will soon be hidden beneath concrete, including:

• Placement of reinforcement materials
• Plumbing lines and slab penetrations
• Foundation layout and preparation
• Slab edge conditions

Once the slab is poured, these elements are no longer accessible. Catching issues at this stage can help prevent structural concerns later.

Why Pre-Drywall Inspections Are Often the Most Valuable

A pre-drywall inspection is often the most revealing inspection of the entire build. At this stage, walls are still open and major systems are fully visible.

Inspectors can evaluate:

• Structural framing and connections
• Roof framing and sheathing
• Electrical wiring, routing, and protection
• Plumbing supply and drain lines
• HVAC duct placement and sealing

Because nothing is hidden yet, issues can be identified and corrected before drywall is installed. This makes fixes easier, faster, and less costly.

What the Final New Construction Inspection Covers

The final inspection takes place when the home is nearly complete and ready for occupancy. This inspection evaluates the finished home as the buyer will receive it.

A final inspection typically includes:

• Roof condition and installation
• Exterior components and drainage
• Interior finishes, doors, and windows
• Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC operation
• Safety features such as handrails and egress

It also allows inspectors to verify that issues noted during earlier phases were properly addressed.

Inspection Phases and Buyer Benefits

Inspection Phase	Primary Buyer Benefit
Pre-Slab	Protects foundation and plumbing layout
Pre-Drywall	Verifies structural and system installation
Final	Confirms readiness before closing

This layered inspection approach gives buyers far more protection than relying on a single inspection at the end.

Central Texas Conditions Increase the Value of Inspections

Central Texas presents unique challenges for new construction. Expansive clay soils can expand and contract with moisture changes, placing stress on foundations over time.

Because of this, proper foundation preparation, drainage, and grading are especially important. Small mistakes during construction can turn into larger problems years later.

Inspections help ensure these details are addressed early, when corrections are still practical.

Builder Warranties Have Limits

Builder warranties are an important part of new construction, but they do not replace inspections.

Warranties often:

• Cover limited time periods
• Exclude certain components
• Require proof of defects
• Shift responsibility to the homeowner over time

A professional inspection provides documentation that helps buyers understand what should be addressed before closing and what should be monitored after move-in.

How New Construction Inspections Help Buyers Long Term

Many construction-related issues do not show up right away. Instead, they appear months or years later as the home settles and systems are used.

Early inspections help prevent long-term issues such as:

• Water intrusion from improper flashing
• Energy inefficiency from insulation gaps
• Premature system wear from poor installation
• Drainage problems that affect foundations

By identifying concerns early, buyers reduce the risk of expensive repairs later.

How Centex Inspection Services Approaches New Construction

Centex Inspection Services provides independent, buyer-focused inspections throughout the new construction process. Inspections are designed to support buyers, not disrupt construction timelines.

Centex inspections focus on:

• Visible defects and safety concerns
• Installation quality and workmanship
• System performance and functionality
• Clear documentation that buyers can understand

By offering inspections at key phases, Centex helps buyers stay informed from the foundation stage through the final walkthrough.

When to Call a Professional

New construction moves fast, and it is not always clear when an inspection should happen or which stage offers the most value. Bringing in an inspector at the right time helps buyers stay ahead of issues instead of reacting to them later.

Buyers should book a professional new construction inspection when:

• A home is being built, and key stages are approaching
• Concrete has not yet been poured, and the foundation is still visible
• Framing and rough-in systems are complete, but drywall has not started
• A builder walkthrough is scheduled, and closing is approaching
• Questions arise about workmanship, installation quality, or system layout

Booking inspections during construction gives buyers documentation and clarity while corrections are still practical. Booking a final inspection before closing helps confirm the home is ready for long-term ownership.

Centex Inspection Services provides independent, buyer-focused inspections at each of these stages, helping buyers understand what is being built and identify concerns before they turn into long-term issues.

Conclusion

A new construction home may look perfect without an inspection, but that does not mean it is free of issues. Inspections provide independent, buyer-focused oversight that helps catch defects early and protect long-term performance.

For buyers in Central Texas, new construction inspections offer clarity at every stage of the build. Inspecting during construction and before closing helps ensure the home is built as intended and ready for long-term ownership.