Pre Drywall Inspection

Are You Building a New Home?  A Pre Drywall or a Phased Inspection Just Might Be a Good Idea

An Experienced Inspector Can Assist You

Building a new home is an exciting venture for many. It can also be disconcerting for others.  There are several significant events during the building process where an experienced inspector can assist you in understanding the process, explain what is happening and why, discuss building products, and provide you with a timely review of the construction progress prior to the framing being covered by insulation and drywall.  

Timing Is Key

The key to this is understanding when to hire the home inspector.  Experienced home inspectors are

busy professionals and must manage their schedules wisely. Proper timing and scheduling of the experienced inspector is critical. It saves you money and keeps the project on schedule. One thing that your Builder won’t like are construction delays when it’s his/her money. 

What Is A Pre Drywall Inspection

Over time the home inspection industry has created what is called a Pre Drywall Inspection.  This is a timed event that benefits you as the future owner of the home. A Pre Drywall Inspection offers the home inspector an inside look at the construction practices of the Builder and helps to ensure that sound practices are being followed and provides that second set of eyes and recommendations to the Builder on any oversight or defect.

A pre drywall inspection will include the following items:

Finished foundation/slab

Exterior wall framing, sheathing and anchors

Exterior weatherproofing

Windows, doors and related flashings

Roof framing, sheathing, roof coverings, flashings, and roof penetrations.

Interior wall framing

Plumbing top out

Electrical rough

Low voltage rough

Heating and cooling duct work

When To Schedule

In all cases you will want to inform your Builder of your intent to have a Pre Drywall inspection

. Your Builder will want to ensure that the Inspector is qualified, licensed, and properly insured. Many Builders will require that the Inspector carry insurance products that exceed the minimum requirements to be a Licensed Home Inspector in Florida.

You will probably have to get the appropriate permission forms to the inspector for signature. The inspector will need to forward appropriate insurance certificates to the Builder.  Once those administrative tasks are completed, the inspection can be set up prior to the code authorities insulation inspection on the home. 

You will probably need the assistance of your Realtor (and I truly hope you are working with a Realtor), the Site Agent and the Building Superintendent or Project Manager to ensure a properly scheduled event. 

Should you need assistance, give us a call at 904-448-5016.