NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME INSPECTION
Which New Construction Inspection is Right for You?
Our reports are thorough, photographed, and available on the same day as your inspection. Interested in multiple inspections for your New Construction Property? Call now and ask about our bundling options!
Fun Fact: New Homes can have Elevated Radon Levels too. Don't forget to ask about Radon Testing for your new home.
pre-drywall
inspection
A pre-drywall inspection is a thorough examination of the frame and bones of a house, and electric and plumbing.
This inspection is the best time to catch issues such as truss work, framing, and mechanical concerns.
This is a great and ONLY opportunity to see behind the walls of your future home!
The pre-drywall inspection should be done after the close- in inspection from the government inspector and before the insulation and drywall is installed.
Allow 1.5 to 3 hours for this inspection.
Final
inspection
The final inspection is a crucial step in the home buying process. It allows you to ensure that the home is ready for you to move in before your walkthrough with the builder. This inspection should take place a day or two before closing, and all systems and appliances should be installed and working properly. Additionally, the home should look completely finished, with any paper covering over flooring removed.
Our home inspection service is designed to provide a thorough assessment of your property. We inspect all mechanical and structural systems, as well as general interiors, plumbing, and electrical systems. In addition, we conduct a detailed examination of the exterior and roof, including siding, drainage, grading, gutters, and roofing.
Our inspectors are equipped with 32-foot ladders to ensure a comprehensive inspection of the roof. The inspection usually takes 2 to 3 hours, and you can find more information about our finish inspections here.
Learn more about Finish Out/Final Inspections before Settlement here.
11 Month warranty
inSpections
11th month warranty inspections is an important step in ensuring that any repairs needed are caught while it's still the builder's responsibility to fix them. This can save you money in both the short and long term. Don't miss out on this opportunity to protect your investment.
If you're having a new home built, it's important to schedule a warranty inspection before the first year is out. This inspection is similar to a final or general home inspection, and it's your last chance to catch any issues that need to be repaired while it's still the builder's responsibility to fix them.
Don't miss this opportunity to ensure your home is in top condition.
Learn more about Warranty Inspections here.
Building a New Home In PA? Find out why the Reliable Difference is Crucial for Home Inspections in Your State- Experience You Can Trust!
Buying a newly built home in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery or Philadelphia County? Reliable Home Inspection Service is your premier partner for new construction inspections. Our ASHI-certified inspectors specialize in every stage of the build – from pre-drywall walkthroughs to final and one‑year warranty checks. For over 30 years we’ve served Delaware and neighboring Pennsylvania communities (over 20,000 inspections completed, so we know local builders and construction quirks inside and out. We spot issues others miss (like radon in basements or faulty roof flashing and deliver thorough, photo-backed reports the same day. With Reliable on your side, your dream home comes with true peace of mind.
Across southeastern PA, new housing developments are booming. Our inspectors have toured almost every major subdivision by every big builder. We work regularly in Toll Brothers communities (for example, Copperleaf Ridge and Kennett Pointe in Kennett Square), as well as Lennar neighborhoods like the Downingtown Ridge townhomes and Phoenixville Heights. We’ve also inspected Pulte, D.R. Horton, Meritage and M/I Homes projects in Horsham and Glen Mills, Rouse Chamberlin townhomes in Glenmoore and New Garden Township, plus custom home communities by Bentley Homes, Keystone Custom, Kay Builders, Cambridge Homes and many others. From cozy new subdivisions in West Chester or Broomall to sprawling 200‑home developments in Warrington or Collegeville, we’re familiar with each builder’s methods and neighborhood styles. Wherever you’re building – from Malvern and Downingtown to Lansdale and Oxford – our team knows exactly what to look for.
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All phases covered: We inspect at every major stage – pre‑drywall, final walk‑through, and 11‑month warranty (one‑year) inspections. This means we’ll check framing and rough systems before walls go up, then thoroughly test everything (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.) before you move in. We even re‑inspect before the builder’s warranty expires to catch late‑emerging issues.
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Complete scope: We examine everything from foundation to roof. Our trucks carry multiple ladders (up to 32 feet) so we can walk every roof and inspect gutters, siding, fascia and vents – something many inspectors skip. We crawl under every subfloor and peer into attics to check insulation, wiring, HVAC units and drainage. If it could affect your new home, we will check it.
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Local expertise: Our inspectors live in the same communities they serve. We know where moisture and wood rot tend to appear on northern New Castle County homes, how radon enters Pennsylvania basements, and even common shortcuts made by builders in Newark. This local knowledge helps us catch defects that national firms might overlook.
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Proven track record: Reliable has been inspecting homes since 1993, and we’ve completed over 20,000 inspections. That longevity speaks to our reputation for quality and integrity. We are fully insured and our team carries ASHI and NADP certifications – in short, you’re getting experienced professionals who work for you, not the builder.
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Fast, clear results: You’ll get a detailed, photo‑illustrated report on the spot – often while the final walk-through is still happening. We make it easy for builders to repair defects before closing, and for home buyers to understand every finding. Add optional radon or mold testing if desired, and you’ll have a complete picture of your new home’s condition.
What Makes Our New-Home Inspections Stand Out?
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Common New-Build Defects (and What They Could Cost to Fix)
It’s a myth that “new” means “perfect.” Even brand-new homes can hide serious issues. Below are examples of defects we often find – and the rough price a homeowner might pay if they had to fix them without a free builder warranty:
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Foundation cracks or settling: Small foundation cracks can signal a bigger problem. Professional repair typically averages $5,000–$6,000 (often $2,200–$8,100 nationally)(thisoldhouse.com), and severe structural fixes can run into the tens of thousands.
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Roofing errors (shingles, flashing): Missing or misaligned shingles and bad flashing are common in new roofs. Even replacing a few shingles can cost $150–$400. If leaks develop behind walls, drywall and framing repairs quickly multiply the cost.
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Plumbing leaks or errors: A hidden pipe leak or a badly pitched drain can cause water damage. Typical leak repairs run $250–$850 (often about $500 on average), and cutting into walls or floors to fix them can double that once drywall and flooring must be replaced.
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Electrical issues: Faulty outlets, loose connections or overloaded circuits may only cost a few hundred dollars to fix. For example, replacing a bad outlet or switch is roughly $140–$320. But a major wiring mistake (or whole‑home rewiring) can reach several thousand.
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Doors/Windows misaligned: A door or window that sticks or won’t seal properly typically costs only ~$200 to adjust or rehang.. Still, gaps around frames lead to energy loss and water intrusion, so they’re worth catching early.
Each of these repairs – foundation work, roof fixes, plumbing and electrical corrections – can shave thousands off your home budget. Our goal is to have the builder address them before closing. In the unlikely event you find a defect after move‑in, many issues are covered by the 1-year builder’s warranty. But by doing a thorough independent inspection, you avoid paying any of those repair bills yourself.
Invest in confidence. When you buy new, don’t gamble on hidden problems. Reliable Home Inspection Service has the experience, tools and local know-how to protect your investment. We’ve helped thousands of Pennsylvania homebuyers catch defects early, saving them time, money and headaches. Ready to make sure your new home really is move-in perfect? Contact us today to schedule your new-construction inspection – and rest easy knowing you won’t be stuck with surprise repair costs after closing.
At Reliable Home Inspection Service, we adhere to the strict standards set by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of your property. Our inspections cover the entire building, as we believe that a thorough assessment is essential for your peace of mind. Please note that we do NOT offer partial inspections or on specific areas, such as basement or electrical systems. If you require a targeted inspection, we recommend reaching out to a specialized contractor or service provider who can better meet your needs.
Regarding re-inspections on homes: a reinspection on a property Reliable Home Inspections has recently performed can only be done if utilities (such as water, gas or electric) were not on at the initial inspection or if certain areas were not accessed. The inspector can complete a reinspection of these areas only for an additional fee. A reinspection cannot be performed to review or certify repairs made by the seller. We recommend having the seller provide receipts for all repairs made and have them provide a signed outline of all repairs they have completed and when.
Unfortunately new doesn't always mean perfect...
...and costly major defects may be lurking in your new home.