When to Schedule Home Inspection for New Construction: Expert Tips

• The pre-drywall inspection uncovers hidden issues in plumbing, electrical, HVAC ductwork, framing, and foundation before walls are sealed.
• The final walkthrough inspection assesses finishes, safety devices (smoke/carbon monoxide alarms), drainage, and code compliance prior to move-in.
• Detailed checks of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems confirm functionality and adherence to North Texas building codes.
• Scheduling these inspections ensures your Preston Trail home is safe, durable, and built to our exacting standards.

Building with Preston Trail Homes blends custom design with rigorous quality control. While we coordinate all mandatory local inspections, we also offer you the option of third-party reviews at key milestones. 

Timely inspections—both municipal and independent—catch potential defects early, maintain code compliance across Prosper, Sherman, and Van Alstyne, and guarantee your peace of mind as you move toward closing and occupancy. In this guide, we’ll outline when and why to schedule each inspection for your North Texas homebuilding journey.

Even brand-new homes can conceal issues that affect safety and longevity. Inspections during construction ensure compliance with evolving local building codes and detect structural or system defects before they become costly repairs. For you and your builder, early issue discovery avoids delays, upholds quality standards, and affirms that every element—from foundation to finish—is installed correctly.

Municipal vs. Third-Party Inspections

• Municipal Inspections: Required by Prosper, Sherman, Van Alstyne, etc., at stages like foundation pour, framing, mechanical rough-in, and final Certificate of Occupancy. Preston Trail Homes schedules and passes these inspections as part of our build process.
• Third-Party Inspections: Optional, no-cost inspections offered via our ProHome partnership. You can request in-depth reviews at pre-drywall and final walkthrough to validate workmanship against industry best practices.

Pre-Drywall Inspection

Before drywall installation, walls and ceilings are open—ideal for catching issues in critical systems:

Early resolution of defects here prevents concealed damage and ensures seamless progression to finishes.

Final Walkthrough Inspection

Once construction wraps and before you move in, a comprehensive review confirms everything meets Preston Trail Home's standards:

• Safety Devices: Smoke alarms, CO detectors, and GFCI outlets
• Finishes & Workmanship: Paint, trim, tile, cabinetry, and hardware alignment
• Systems Functionality: Test plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, HVAC operation, and drainage
• Exterior & Site: Grading, drainage patterns, sidewalks, and driveway integrity

Any items identified are placed on a punch-list for completion before your keys are handed over.

• Scheduling: Your Project Manager will arrange mandatory municipal inspections. To add third-party reviews, simply notify us at least two weeks before the desired phase.
• Attendance: While optional, being present during inspections lets you ask questions and understand any needed corrections.
• Reporting: You’ll receive detailed written reports—municipal pass notices and ProHome findings—so you know exactly how your home stacks up against code and quality benchmarks.

Electrical & Plumbing

• Inspectors verify that wiring methods, outlet placements, breaker configurations, and panel installations comply with North Texas codes.
• Plumbing lines are pressure-tested, slope-verified for drainage, and checked for secure fittings and proper venting.

Materials & Workmanship

• Roofing shingles, flashing, and attic ventilation are examined for correct installation.
• Exterior siding, flashing, and trim are reviewed for proper sealing and alignment.
• Interior finishes—drywall, paint, tile, and cabinetry—must meet the precision standards for which Preston Trail Homes is known.

By combining the required municipal inspections with optional third-party reviews, you build in layers of quality assurance throughout your Preston Trail Homes project. Early detection of any issue—whether hidden behind the walls or in final finishes—ensures your North Texas custom home is safe, code-compliant, and crafted to last.

Have questions? We’re here to help — reach out to us anytime!

What is the ideal time to schedule a pre-drywall inspection?

The best time for a pre-drywall inspection is after the foundation, framing, and installation of plumbing and electrical wiring, but before the drywall is placed. Schedule this inspection a few business days before construction progresses for timely home inspections.