After rough-in inspections pass, before insulation
New Construction Inspections in the Denver Metro
Pre-drywall and final walkthrough inspections for new builds. The builder's inspector works for the builder. Justin works for you, and he used to review these plans for a living.
Castle Rock · new build on expansive soil
What it is, and why it matters here
New does not mean inspected. Municipal inspectors spend minutes, not hours.
A code inspection confirms minimums at a few points in the build. It does not catch the missing insulation behind the tub, the bath fan venting into the attic, the deck ledger with the wrong fasteners or the grading that sends water at the foundation. Those are the items that show up in year two.
On the Front Range, the foundation design matters more than almost anywhere in the country. A former structural engineer checking void forms, structural floor details and drainage before drywall covers them is the point of this service.
Pre-drywall
2–3hours
Framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and foundation visible. The one chance to see them.
Final walkthrough
3–4hours
Full inspection with thermal imaging before you sign off.
Typical findings
15–30
Per new home, in Justin's experience. Most are small. A few are not.
Engineer's read
Castle Rock, Parker and Erie builds sit on some of the most expansive soil in the state. Justin checks that the foundation details match what the soils report called for.
How it works
Two visits, timed to what the builder is about to cover up.
Justin coordinates directly with your builder's superintendent so the inspections land in the schedule.
Pre-drywall
Final
A few days before your builder walkthrough so items make the punch list
Reports
Within 48 hours, formatted for the builder's punch list
- 1 Pre-drywall inspection
Framing, fastening, fire blocking, plumbing and electrical rough-in, duct routing, window flashing, foundation and drainage details.
- 2 Builder punch list
Findings written so the superintendent can act on them. Most builders fix everything on the list.
- 3 Final inspection
Full inspection with thermal imaging: systems operated, roof walked, grading and drainage checked.
- 4 Walkthrough
Justin attends or preps you for the builder walkthrough so nothing gets waved through.
What a builder's warranty does and does not cover
Document it now, or argue about it later.
Builder warranties are short and specific. A documented inspection before closing is what makes a warranty claim simple.
1
Before closing
Items on the final report go on the punch list and are fixed before you own the house.
2
First year
Most workmanship warranties run one year. Report findings are the paper trail.
3
Structural
Structural warranties run longer but require evidence. A pre-drywall report is the baseline.
New construction questions
Will the builder allow it?
Yes. Colorado builders routinely accommodate third-party inspections. Justin coordinates scheduling with the superintendent.
Is pre-drywall worth it if I am also doing a final?
It is the only time framing, flashing and rough-ins are visible. Most significant new-build findings come from pre-drywall.
Do you inspect against the plans?
Where plans and the soils report are available, yes. Justin reads them.
Do you do repair verification?
Yes, a return visit to confirm the punch list was completed.
What about production versus custom builders?
Both. Production builds have more repeatable issues; custom builds have more unique ones.
Can I add a sewer scope?
Yes. Builder debris left in the sewer line is common on new construction, and a camera run catches it before you own it.
Building new? Get an independent set of eyes before drywall.
Two visits, coordinated with your builder.
Inspections performed by Justin Kast, A+ Home Inspections, LLC.