“It’s a brand-new home, so why would I need an inspection?”
The verdict is yes… As real estate agents and buyers navigate new construction developments across Phoenix & surrounding cities, this is one of the most common questions we hear. It seems logical: the home is brand new, and city code inspectors already signed off.
However, in today’s fast-paced construction market, speed often takes precedence over precision. Subcontractors move quickly, trade hand-offs leave gaps, and oversights happen even with top-tier builders.
While city inspectors spend only a limited time checking basic code compliance, an independent home inspector conducts a thorough, deep-dive evaluation tailored to the specific phase of construction to uncover hidden defects, safety risks, and poor craftsmanship before it’s too late.
The 5 Key Phases of New Build Inspections
To ensure nothing gets covered up or overlooked, Protect Property Inspections (PPI) can evaluate builds at key stages along the construction journey:
Phase 1: Pre-Slab Foundation Check
We verify rebar, post-tension cables, soil compaction, and plumbing rough-ins before concrete is poured and mistakes become permanently hidden, or complicated to correct.
Phase 2: Pre-Drywall Inspection
We inspect behind the scenes before walls are sealed shut, catching pinched electrical wiring, disconnected HVAC ducts, framing issues, and damaged plumbing rough-ins or missing nail plates.
Phase 3: Final Walk / 10-Day Post-Close Inspection
A thorough walkthrough before closing lets us document issues early so the builder can’t claim your movers caused the damage. If your builder limits third-party access before closing, a 10-Day Post-Close Inspection is a great alternative, giving us full, unrestricted access as soon as you get the keys.
Phase 4: 1-Year Warranty Inspection
Conducted around month 11 before your builder’s primary warranty window shuts. We focus specifically on warranted items, natural structural settling, truss movement, and hidden leaks while the builder is obligated to cover repair costs.
Phase 5: 2-Year Warranty Inspection
Arizona ROC standards hold builders accountable for major workmanship and mechanical defects for two full years. A 2-Year Warranty Inspection provides a final evaluation of critical systems, structure, and plumbing before that warranty window closes.
Holding Builders Accountable
Getting a builder to fix defects can feel like an uphill battle. Our comprehensive reports are clear, easy to read, and reference workmanship guidelines aligned with AZROC standards.
We take the guesswork out of the process by giving our clients clear, factual data & talking points—making it simple for builders to understand the defect and get those repairs made.
Dedicated Post-Report Support
We don’t just hand over a report and walk away. While your inspector walks you through the findings on-site, PPI also provides a dedicated Post-Report Support Specialist after the inspection. If you run into issues getting defects submitted, need guidance on builder pushback, or need help navigating the warranty process, our specialist is there to educate and guide you every step of the way.
Protect Your Investment From Day One
A new build is likely the largest investment your client will ever make. Partnering with an expert inspection team ensures the home they paid for is the quality home they get.
