New Construction Home Inspections

When you buy a new home, you expect it to be worry-free—but new construction doesn’t always mean flawless. Even well-built homes can develop issues during the first year, especially after a full cycle of seasons. That’s why I always recommend an 11-month builder warranty inspection—it’s your last chance to document concerns before your builder’s warranty expires.

At VA Home Inspect, LLC, I’ve helped hundreds of homeowners throughout Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland uncover problems in time to get the builder to cover repairs—saving time, stress, and money.

Whether you’re in Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, or even out in Clarke County, I’ll give your home a thorough evaluation based on years of experience inspecting new construction.

This inspection is designed to catch anything that wasn’t obvious during your walkthrough or didn’t show up right away. Some things—like roof leaks, cracking foundations, or HVAC problems—may not appear until after your first winter or summer in the home.

It’s important to know: warranty coverage can vary by builder, and it typically doesn’t include wear and tear or damage from homeowner neglect. But most builders are responsible for construction defects—and a detailed inspection report from an impartial professional helps make your case stronger.

Below is a detailed checklist I use to evaluate your home. While some homeowners like to do their own walk-through, nothing replaces the eye of a trained inspector. This list gives you an idea of what to expect—but leave the climbing and crawling to the pros!

• Damaged or improperly sealed windows and doors
   
• Incomplete or deteriorated caulking and paint
   
• Damaged soffits, siding, or wood trim
   
• Deck flashing, bolts, and fasteners
   
• Exterior plumbing and outlets
   
• Improper grading or drainage concerns
   

• Missing, loose, or damaged shingles
   
• Faulty flashing or vents
   
• Rot at the drip edge
   
• Potential leaks and attic stains
   

• Settling cracks in concrete
   
• Negative grading (water toward house)
   
• Flood-prone zones near foundation
   

• Opener functionality and safety sensors
   
• Water heater inspection
   
• Wall or ceiling staining from possible leaks
   

• Nail pops and drywall cracks
   
• Improperly sealed or drafty doors and windows
   
• Loose cabinet hinges, hardware, or trim
   
• Flooring gaps or tile cracks
   
• Appliance and fixture checks
   
• Switch and fan operation
   

• Drainage speed at sinks, tubs, and showers
   
• Fan and vent function
   
• Hot water delivery and temperature
   
• Toilet movement or leaks
   
• Under-sink pipe condition
   

• Adequate insulation and baffle placement
   
• Signs of roof leaks or venting issues
   
• Damaged framing or trusses
   

• System performance and air output
   
• Refrigerant lines and condensate handling
   
• Thermostat accuracy
   

• GFCI and AFCI outlet testing
   
• Tripped breakers or faulty switches
   
• Dedicated circuit testing
   

• Hot/cold tap direction check
   
• Water pressure consistency
   
• Visible leaks and shutoff valve function
   

I’m not here to sell repairs—I work for you, not the builder. As a licensed home inspector in VA, DC, and MD, my goal is to give you the most thorough and honest report possible. Many builders are more responsive when issues are documented by a third party, and my reports are built to help you get results.

If your builder’s warranty is about to expire—or if you’re in your 10th or 11th month—now’s the time to act. I serve homeowners across Northern VA, Washington, DC, and Maryland, and I’ll make sure you get the most out of your warranty while you still can.

👉 Email me at info@vahomeinspect.com
👉 Call me directly at 703-786-3368
👉 Or schedule online at www.vahomeinspect.com

Disclaimer: This checklist is intended for informational purposes only. Some components should only be inspected by a licensed professional. This is not legal or financial advice, and not a substitute for a full inspection.