New Construction Home Inspection Checklist

A new construction home inspection checklist helps you slow down and look at the whole house. New paint and clean floors can pull your eyes away from small problems. A checklist brings your focus back.

This list is for buyers. It does not replace a licensed home inspector. Do not climb on a roof, open a live electrical panel, enter an unsafe attic, or test gas equipment on your own. Use the list to ask good questions and follow the inspector's work.

Before you schedule the inspection

Start with the contract. Look for inspection rights, notice rules, access rules, deadlines, and builder procedures. Ask the builder how much notice is needed and who must be at the home.

Then complete these steps:

• Verify the inspector's active license when your state requires one

• Ask about new-construction experience

• Send the correct address and floor plan

• List the home's size and special features

• Ask what is included and excluded

• Ask when the report will arrive

• Confirm whether water, power, gas, and appliances will be ready

• Ask whether the inspector can review the roof and attic safely

• Ask for the reinspection price

• Put the builder walk-through and closing dates on the calendar

If the home is still being framed, ask whether you can also schedule a pre-drywall inspection.

Documents to gather

Bring or request the documents that help the inspector understand the home. Not every item will be available, but ask for what exists.

• Purchase contract and addenda

• Floor plan

• Builder option or upgrade list

• Appliance list

• Builder warranty guide

• Permit or inspection record access, when public

• Repair list from an earlier phase inspection

• Builder walk-through form

• Any email about a known leak, delay, or repair

The inspector is not there to compare every design choice with your contract. Still, the option list can help you notice a missing appliance, fixture, outlet, or finish.

Outside and site checklist

Water is a major concern for any home. In Florida, heavy rain can show weak drainage fast. The inspector may look at the way soil, walkways, patios, and landscaping move water around the house.

Use these questions:

• Does the ground slope away from the home?

• Are there low spots where water may sit?

• Are drains, swales, or gutters present where planned?

• Do downspouts send water away from the wall?

• Are driveways and walkways badly cracked or uneven?

• Is the outside wall finish damaged?

• Are gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and vents sealed?

• Are exterior faucets secure and working?

• Are railings, steps, porches, and balconies firm?

• Are address numbers and required safety items present?

Small surface cracks may be normal. Large movement, active water, or a safety concern may need a specialist. Let the inspector explain the difference.

Roof checklist

The roof may be reviewed from the ground, a ladder, the roof surface, a camera pole, or a drone. The method depends on safety, weather, roof type, and company policy.

Ask the inspector to review visible:

• Roof covering and damaged pieces

• Flashing around walls, vents, and roof openings

• Roof edges and drip edge

• Gutters and downspouts, if installed

• Roof penetrations and sealant

• Signs of poor drainage or standing water on low-slope areas

• Visible storm damage or installation damage

• Attic signs of a roof leak

Do not climb up to check the work yourself. A new roof can be steep, wet, hot, and easy to damage.

Doors and windows checklist

Open and close a sample of doors and windows. The inspector may check:

• Smooth operation

• Locks and latches

• Cracked glass

• Damaged frames

• Gaps and visible sealant

• Water stains

• Safety glass where required

• Bedroom escape openings where applicable

• Garage fire-separation door features where applicable

Impact-rated products are common in parts of Florida, but a visual home inspection is not the same as a product approval review. Save labels and builder documents for your records.

Interior room checklist

Walk each room slowly. Look high and low. Use natural light and turn on installed lights.

• Walls and ceilings free of large cracks or water stains

• Floors secure and not badly damaged

• Trim installed and finished

• Doors open, close, and latch

• Windows open, close, and lock

• Closets have planned shelves and rods

• Outlets and switches are present and firm

• Light fixtures work

• Smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms are installed where required

• Stairs and railings feel safe

• No loose nails, sharp edges, or open holes

Cosmetic items may also go on the builder's blue-tape list. Keep the professional inspection report separate from the finish list when that makes the repair process clearer.

Kitchen checklist

The kitchen has water, electricity, cabinets, appliances, and many finish parts in one place.

• Run hot and cold water

• Look below the sink for leaks

• Check that the sink drains

• Test the disposal if installed

• Open cabinet doors and drawers

• Look for loose cabinets or damaged counters

• Test installed appliances as allowed

• Check that the range is secure when required

• Look for a working exhaust path

• Test nearby outlets and safety protection

• Check the refrigerator water line when installed

• Look for damage to flooring and backsplash areas

An appliance can turn on and still need a full cycle to prove every feature. Ask what the inspector tests and what remains for the owner to confirm.

Bathroom checklist

Bathrooms can hide small leaks. Run water and look below cabinets.

• Toilets flush and sit firmly

• Sinks drain and do not leak

• Tubs and showers drain

• Hot and cold controls work

• Shower doors and seals are secure

• Tile and grout are finished

• Fans run and vent as designed

• Outlets have proper safety protection

• Cabinets and mirrors are secure

• Water does not collect where it should drain

Do not ignore a small drip. Water can damage a cabinet or wall over time.

Plumbing checklist

The inspector may check visible supply and drain pipes, fixtures, the water heater, and parts of the main shutoff system.

• Main water shutoff location explained

• Visible pipes supported

• No active leaks

• Good flow at fixtures

• Drains move water away

• Water heater installed and operating as allowed

• Temperature and pressure relief parts visible

• Hose connections and drain pans present where needed

• Exterior faucets work

• Sewer or septic questions identified for separate review

A standard inspection may not include a sewer camera. Ask if the home or site makes that service useful.

Electrical checklist

Electrical work can be dangerous. Let the inspector open the service panel if it is safe and within the inspection scope.

• Panel labels are clear

• Breakers and visible wiring appear properly installed

• Outlets and switches work in the tested sample

• GFCI and AFCI safety devices are tested when present

• Exterior outlets have covers

• Light fixtures are secure

• Smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms are present where required

• Doorbell and basic low-voltage items are checked when included

• No open electrical boxes or missing cover plates

The inspector may recommend an electrician when a concern needs repair or deeper testing.

Heating, cooling, and ventilation checklist

Florida buyers depend on air conditioning. Ask how the system was tested and whether the weather allowed normal operation.

• Thermostat responds

• Cooling system runs when conditions allow

• Heating system runs when conditions allow

• Air comes from supply vents

• Return-air path is open

• Filter is installed and accessible

• Air handler and outdoor unit appear secure

• Condensate drain line is installed

• No visible active leak around the equipment

• Bathroom and kitchen ventilation works as designed

• Dryer vent path is present and connected

A home inspection is not a full HVAC tune-up. A licensed HVAC contractor may be needed for performance or design concerns.

Attic and insulation checklist

The attic may show work that is hidden from the rooms below.

• Safe access is present

• Visible framing appears complete

• Insulation covers planned areas

• Vents are not blocked

• Ducts are connected and supported

• Bath or dryer vents do not end in the attic

• No visible roof leak or heavy moisture

• No unsafe loose wiring is visible

• Fire blocking and sealing concerns are noted where visible

The inspector may not enter an attic with unsafe heat, blocked access, wet materials, or a risk of damage. Ask what was visible from the opening.

Garage checklist

• Garage door opens, closes, and reverses safely

• Tracks and hardware appear secure

• Door to the house closes and latches

• Walls and ceilings that separate the garage are complete

• Outlets and lights work in the tested sample

• Water heater or equipment is protected when required

• Floor drains or slopes work as designed

• No large trip hazards or unfinished openings

Do not stand under a moving garage door during a test.

Final paperwork checklist

Before closing, ask for the records that belong with the home:

• Certificate of occupancy or local equivalent when required

• Builder warranty documents

• Appliance manuals and warranty cards

• Final option list

• Keys, remotes, and access codes

• Paint and finish information

• Utility and shutoff instructions

• Permit closeout information when available

• Builder repair list and completion status

• Inspector's report and repair photos

Store digital copies in one folder. Put the warranty deadlines on your calendar.

What to do after the inspection

Read the report in groups. Start with safety, water, roof, structure, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC items. Then review smaller functions and finish items.

Send the builder a clear written list. Follow the contract process. Ask for dates and written replies. If a repair is important, ask whether the inspector should return.

The builder may use different words than the inspector. Stay focused on the condition and the needed result. When experts disagree about a major item, ask for the right licensed specialist.

Use the complete new construction home inspection guide for timing and report steps. Use the inspection cost guide to plan the budget.

Keep exploring

These related guides answer the next questions: Do you need an inspection on a brand-new house?, How much may the inspection cost?, What happens at a pre-drywall inspection?, and What should buyers know before closing?.

Common Questions

Want help planning your builder visit and inspection timeline? Call 561-704-0091 or schedule a buyer consultation with National House Search.