Pre-Drywall Inspections

Many new home buyers rely on the capacities of the builder, subcontractors, or the county inspectors to ensure the quality of the construction of their new home.

It has been our experience that this approach doesn't always work to the purchaser's advantage. With the increasing use of structural building components, trusses, wooden I-beams, micro lams, etc. and new materials such as EIFS (synthetic stucco), the services of a qualified private inspector are essential to insure quality construction. We have detailed the scope of our work because there are now no defined standards for a pre-drywall inspection. The scope of the pre-drywall inspection can vary with other inspection firms, depending on their experience.

We furnish you with two copies of our on-site report and, if possible, will meet with the builder's representative after the inspection to review technical matters. Code inspection is reserved for Municipal Inspectors. We inspect for compliance with plans, specifications, and standards of practice if such plans are made available to us.

1. Foundation: The foundations are checked for cracks, construction damage, and proper backfilling.

2. Structural: We follow all concentrated loads through structural members to the foundation. We insure that all joist hangers are installed and that there is proper backing for kitchen cabinets and handrails. We will also verify proper header and beam sizes if the plans are available.

3. Attics: The ventilation system is checked as well as any repairs or modifications to the trusses. We will verify proper lateral and diagnal bracing on the trusses if the plans are available.

4. Electrical: We check for adequacy of outlets and proper grounding of service.

5. Plumbing: We check for design flaws (Such as pipes in unheated space or outside walls) and the installation of floor drains/sump crocks.

6. HVAC: We check all bath, range, and dryer vents. Every habitable room is also checked for a heat source.