Scheduling a third-party inspection

Three things to focus on 

• Confirm in writing that your inspector may be on site, and at which stages.
• Schedule two visits: pre-drywall while walls are open, and pre-closing.
• Send the report to your builder in writing and ask for responses item by item.

Three questions to ask

• “At which construction stages may my inspector access the home, and who must be present?”
• “When is insulation scheduled, so the pre-drywall inspection happens before it?”
• “How will each inspection item be resolved and confirmed back to me?”

Three things to check

• Inspector is licensed or credentialed for new construction, not only resale.
• Inspection dates are confirmed against the builder's actual schedule, in writing.
• You receive the full report with photos, and a written builder response per item.

One common mistake

Recommended next step

Know which milestone the home is at so inspections land at the right moment.