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New Construction Home Inspections in Phoenix, AZ
Independent Information at Important Construction Milestones
A newly built home can be inspected by an independent Arizona-certified home inspector at key stages of construction. Biltmore Home Inspections documents visible and accessible conditions for the buyer without replacing the builder, municipal inspector, engineer, contractor, or warranty process.
Depending on builder approval and project timing, Biltmore will perform a third-party inspection at construction completion or pre-orientation, and builder-warranty inspections before the applicable warranty deadline.
What Is a New Construction Home Inspection?
A new construction home inspection is an independent evaluation of the systems and components that are visible, accessible, and ready for inspection at a specific construction stage. The inspector documents observed conditions, incomplete items, limitations, and recommendations within the agreed scope.
It is not a municipal code inspection, plan review, engineering analysis. The inspection provides the buyer with an additional source of property-specific information to review with the builder and appropriate professionals. We highly recommend getting an outside opinion on the condition of your home before closing. New build does not mean perfect and we work for you to ensure the house is fit to be your home.
New Construction Inspection Stages
Inspection stage
Typical timing
What is visible or testable
Pre-drywall inspection
After framing and rough systems are sufficiently complete, after required builder or municipal milestones, and before insulation or drywall conceals them
Visible framing and structural components, rough plumbing, rough electrical, rough mechanical systems, roof structure, windows, exterior weather-resistive components, and other accessible work within the agreed scope
Completion or pre-orientation inspection
When the home is substantially complete, required utilities are active, and the builder allows independent access before orientation or closing
Installed and accessible structure, roof, exterior, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, interior, insulation, ventilation, and other completed systems within the agreed scope
Builder-warranty inspect
Before the written builder-warranty or notice deadline; often called an 11-month inspection when a one-year builder deadline applies
The visible and accessible condition and operation of completed systems after the homeowner has occupied and used the property
Builder terminology and scheduling windows vary. Confirm the exact inspection type, access requirements, construction readiness, and report deadline before booking.
What Is a Pre-Drywall Inspection?
A pre-drywall inspection takes place after framing and rough plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work are sufficiently complete but before insulation and drywall cover those components.
The City of Phoenix identifies this as a formal municipal construction stage: rough plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems are inspected before insulation and drywall are installed. Biltmore's independent inspection does not duplicate or replace the city's inspection. It documents visible conditions for the buyer within Biltmore's contracted scope.
What May Be Observed?
Depending on readiness and access, the inspector may observe:
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Visible framing and structural components
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Roof framing and accessible connections
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Rough plumbing supply, drain, and vent components
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Rough electrical wiring, boxes, and panel-related components
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Rough HVAC ducts, lines, and equipment-related components
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Windows and exterior openings
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Visible exterior weather-resistive materials
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Conditions that will become concealed by insulation or drywall
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Incomplete, inaccessible, or not-yet-installed components
The inspection does not certify structural design, verify every plan or code requirement, or approve work for the builder or municipality.
Timing Matters
The inspection must occur within the builder's approved window after the relevant work is sufficiently complete and before insulation or drywall limits visibility. Builder permission may require advance documents, releases, proof of insurance, or completed municipal milestones. Begin the approval process early.
Completion or Pre-Orientation Inspections
What Is a Completion Inspection?
A completion or pre-orientation inspection evaluates the substantially completed home before the buyer's orientation, final walkthrough, or closing, according to the builder's approved schedule.
The inspector evaluates installed systems and components that are visible,
accessible, and ready to operate. The report gives the buyer a documented
list of observed conditions to review with the builder.
The Home Must Be Ready
The inspection can be materially limited when construction is incomplete or
utilities and equipment are not operational. For example, air-conditioning
equipment, gas appliances, water-heating equipment, fixtures, outlets, or
other systems cannot be fully operated when installation, startup, or utility
service is incomplete.
If a system cannot be inspected, the report should identify the limitation. Any return visit, follow-up inspection, or additional access must be arranged separately with Biltmore and the builder.
Builder-Warranty and 11-Month Inspections
What Is a Builder-Warranty Inspection?
A builder-warranty inspection evaluates the visible and accessible condition of a completed home before the homeowner's applicable builder-warranty or written-notice deadline. When a builder uses a one-year deadline, homeowners commonly schedule this inspection around the tenth or eleventh month so there is time to receive the report and submit covered items.
What May Be Evaluated?
The inspection may include the home's visible and accessible:
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Structural components
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Exterior and grading or drainage conditions
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Roofing
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Plumbing
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Electrical system
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Heating and cooling
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Interior components
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Insulation and ventilation
The inspection report documents observed property conditions. It does not determine whether the builder is legally or contractually required to make a particular repair.
Review Your Own Warranty Documents
Builder warranties, notice requirements, exclusions, submission methods, and deadlines vary. Review the purchase contract and warranty documents rather than assuming every Arizona new home has the same one-year process.
Arizona Registrar of Contractors workmanship standards address specified construction items during the first two years of ownership unless otherwise stated. That does not replace a builder's written warranty procedure or extend a contractual notice deadline. Submit concerns according to the applicable documents and obtain legal advice when contract rights are disputed.
How to Schedule a New Construction Inspection
1. Start the Approval Process Early
Some builders require a signed addendum, proof of insurance, or prior municipal milestone before granting access. Approval may take time, and the inspection cannot occur until documents are signed.
2. Schedule Within the Builder's Window
Verify with the builder that the home is complete and ready for inspection. Confirm that utilities and installed equipment are operational whenever possible. Provide Biltmore with the approved date, builder contact, and the deadline by which the report is needed.
3. Review and Submit the Report
Biltmore provides a written report with photos, a summary, and documented limitations. The buyer reviews the report with the builder, real estate professional, and any qualified trade professionals needed for further evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a newly built home have an independent inspection?
An independent inspection can provide the buyer with additional information about visible and accessible property conditions at the available construction stage. Having a third-party inspection done is a critical part in buying a brand new home. New build does not mean perfect.
Does Biltmore perform final new-home inspections?
Biltmore performs completion or pre-orientation inspections when the builder permits independent access and the home is sufficiently complete. The builder's terminology, access requirements, and required timing control when the appointment can occur.
Does Biltmore perform 11-month warranty inspections?
Yes. Biltmore performs inspections before a homeowner's builder-warranty deadline as well. Schedule early enough to receive the report and follow the builder's required submission process before the applicable deadline.
What happens if the electricity, gas, water, or air conditioning is not operational?
The inspector cannot fully operate or evaluate systems that are incomplete, disconnected, inaccessible, unsafe, or without the required utility service. The limitation will be documented. A return visit must be coordinated separately if one is requested and approved.
Can Biltmore enter the construction site without builder permission?
No. The builder controls an active construction site and may require written authorization, releases, proof of insurance, scheduling approval, an escort, or compliance with safety rules. Buyers should obtain the builder's requirements before scheduling.
Will the builder repair everything in the inspection report?
The builder decides how it will respond under the purchase contract, warranty, approved plans, applicable requirements, and its own review. Biltmore documents observed conditions but does not determine legal coverage or force a builder to complete every repair.
Does every Arizona new home have the same one-year warranty?
No. Warranty terms and notice procedures vary. Arizona workmanship standards address specified items for the first two years unless otherwise stated, but buyers should rely on their own contract and warranty documents for deadlines and coverage.
How much does a new construction home inspection cost?
Pricing depends on the inspection stage, property, access, and any separately arranged follow-up. Use Biltmore's instant quote tool or contact the office for a property-specific quote. Typically inspections cost between $350-$600 for a standard size home.
