New Construction in Houston: What to Check at the Pre-Drywall Inspection and the Final Walk-Through

A new home feels like it should not need an inspection. It does. Builders have their own quality checks, but they work for the builder. Two moments in the process give you the best chance to catch problems while they are still easy to fix: the pre-drywall stage and the final walk-through.

The pre-drywall inspection

Before insulation and drywall cover the walls, the framing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC rough-ins are visible. After the walls close, you can no longer see them. Many buyers hire an independent inspector at this stage, and some builders welcome it, while others limit access for safety or schedule reasons. Ask early. Check your contract and ask the sales team what their policy is, because rules differ from builder to builder.

An inspector at this stage is typically looking at things like framing, how the structure is connected, the placement of plumbing and electrical lines, ductwork, and window flashing. You are not trying to find every flaw. You are trying to find the problems that would be expensive or impossible to correct later.

The final walk-through

This is the builder's walk-through, often called the orientation, and it usually happens shortly before closing. It is when you list what is not finished or not right, commonly called the punch list. Take your time and bring a flashlight, a phone charger to test outlets, and your list.

• Run every faucet, flush every toilet, and check under sinks for leaks.
• Open and close every window and door, and look at the weatherstripping.
• Test appliances, the garage door, the thermostat, and the smoke detectors.
• Look at paint, trim, flooring, and countertops from different angles and in different light.
• Walk the lot and look at drainage, grading, and the sod.

Get it in writing

Ask that every item be written on a list the builder signs, with a target date for the fix. Do not rely on a verbal promise. Understand how the builder's warranty handles items that appear later; I explain how in Builder Warranty Claims in Texas.

I represent the buyer, not the builder, and I attend these appointments with my clients. For the contract side, read Understanding Builder Contracts in Texas. This article is general information, not legal advice.