Building a new home does not guarantee that everything was installed correctly. New construction homes can have installation deficiencies, incomplete work, damaged materials, or conditions that may be concealed once construction is completed.

Frontline Inspections, PLLC provides professional new construction inspections throughout the Greater Houston Area, helping homebuyers identify observable deficiencies during the construction process and before closing.

Our inspections are performed in accordance with the applicable Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Standards of Practice (SOP) when the property and inspection qualify under the TREC requirements. TREC describes a real estate inspection as a limited visual survey and basic performance evaluation of accessible systems and components using normal controls. The TREC SOP also permits an inspector to provide a higher level of inspection or inspect additional components when the inspector has the appropriate competency.

A newly constructed home should receive careful inspection before the opportunity to observe important components disappears behind drywall, insulation, finishes, and other construction materials.

A new construction inspection can help identify:

• Installation deficiencies
• Incomplete or unfinished work
• Damaged or improperly installed materials
• Structural framing concerns
• Roofing and flashing deficiencies
• Plumbing and electrical deficiencies
• HVAC installation concerns
• Drainage and grading issues
• Water penetration concerns
• Insulation and ventilation deficiencies
• Safety-related conditions
• Deficiencies that may become concealed during later construction

Identifying concerns while they are accessible can make correction easier for the builder and provide the buyer with documentation of conditions observed during construction.

A new construction inspection is not simply a search for cosmetic imperfections.

The objective is to identify observable deficiencies affecting the performance, condition, installation, or safety of applicable systems and components within the inspection scope.

New construction inspections can be particularly useful for identifying conditions such as:

• Improper framing connections
• Inadequate or improperly installed structural components
• Missing or damaged flashing
• Improper roof penetrations
• Incomplete weather-resistant barriers
• Plumbing leaks or improperly supported piping
• Electrical wiring or installation deficiencies
• HVAC installation concerns
• Missing insulation
• Improper attic ventilation
• Drainage deficiencies
• Improperly installed doors or windows
• Water penetration concerns
• Incomplete construction
• Damaged materials
• Missing or improperly installed components

One of the primary advantages of inspecting during construction is the ability to observe components before they become concealed.

Once drywall, insulation, flooring, siding, cabinetry, or other finishes are installed, many construction components may no longer be readily accessible without damaging finished materials.

For this reason, a pre-drywall inspection can complement the final inspection rather than replace it.

A final inspection evaluates the substantially completed home, while a pre-drywall inspection provides an opportunity to observe portions of the construction that may later become concealed.

A TREC inspection is a limited visual survey and basic performance evaluation, not a comprehensive construction audit, engineering evaluation, code-compliance inspection, or destructive investigation.

The inspector is not required to inspect concealed, buried, hidden, latent, or inaccessible conditions. TREC also does not require specialized equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters, drones, sewer cameras, or other specialized equipment as part of the minimum SOP.

Unless separately agreed upon and within the inspector's competency, a TREC inspection does not include:

• Destructive testing
• Opening walls or ceilings
• Removing finished materials
• Excavation
• Engineering analysis
• Structural design verification
• Architectural design review
• Determining code compliance
• Determining the cause or source of a deficiency
• Determining future performance or life expectancy
• Determining construction costs
• Environmental testing
• Mold testing
• WDI/termite determination
• Verification of manufacturer installation requirements

When conditions prevent inspection of a required component, the reason for the limitation is documented in accordance with the applicable TREC requirements.

A builder's quality-control inspection and homeowner walkthrough are not substitutes for an independent inspection.

An independent inspection provides another set of eyes focused on the observable condition and performance of the home's systems and components.

Frontline Inspections works independently of the builder to document observed deficiencies and provide the buyer with a detailed inspection report.

Depending on the property and the client's needs, additional inspection services may be available, including:

• Thermal imaging
• Wood-Destroying Insect Inspections
• Pool and Spa Inspections
• Private Water Well Inspections
• Septic System Inspections
• Sprinkler System Inspections

Additional services may have separate scopes, qualifications, limitations, or reporting requirements.

A new home represents a significant investment. Having the property inspected during construction and again near completion can provide valuable information about observable conditions before you take ownership.

Frontline Inspections, PLLC is committed to providing thorough, professional, and clearly documented inspections designed to give homebuyers greater confidence in their new construction purchase.

Serving the Greater Houston Area

Frontline Inspections, PLLC
Residential & Commercial Property Inspections
281-640-0101

Contact Frontline Inspections for a free inspection quote and to discuss the appropriate inspection phase for your new construction home.