One of the most common mistakes buyers make on new construction is skipping the inspection. The home is brand new — what could possibly be wrong? The answer, based on thousands of inspections across El Paso and Las Cruces: more than you would expect.
What We Typically Find on New Construction
New homes are built by subcontractors working on tight schedules. Code compliance is checked by municipal inspectors, but those inspections are brief and focused on whether the work meets minimum code — not on whether it was done well. In our experience, common findings on new construction inspections in El Paso include: improperly installed HVAC ductwork, missing attic insulation baffles, reversed electrical outlets, improperly sloped drainage away from the foundation, missing flashing at roof penetrations, garage-to-home fire separation issues, and unsealed penetrations in firewalls. None of these would typically trigger a failed city inspection — but all of them become your problem the moment you close.
Pre-Drywall vs. Final Walk-Through: Two Different Inspections
Inspector Pros offers two inspections for new construction. The pre-drywall inspection happens after framing, rough plumbing, and rough electrical are in — but before the drywall goes up. This is the only time you will ever be able to see inside the walls. We check structural members, framing quality, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, HVAC rough-in, and insulation installation. The final walk-through inspection happens when the home is complete, just before closing. We check everything a buyer's inspection would cover, plus we look for builder-specific defects that are common in the closing push. When you book both inspections with Inspector Pros, you receive a discount on the final walk-through.
Your Builder Warranty Is Not the Same as Protection
Most builders offer a one-year warranty on workmanship and a longer structural warranty. But making a claim under a builder warranty requires you to identify the issue, document it, and get the builder to agree it is covered. An independent inspection report gives you a neutral, professional record of defects found before closing. This is very different from discovering problems six months later and trying to prove they existed at move-in. For homes already past the one-year mark, see our 11-month warranty inspection service.
Does the Inspector Need to Be ICC Certified?
For pre-drywall inspections, ICC (International Code Council) certification matters. ICC certification gives an inspector deep knowledge of construction requirements — far beyond general inspection practices. Inspector Pros holds ICC certification #8211646. We document what we find and give you the information to have an informed conversation with your builder.
If you are buying a new construction home in El Paso, Horizon City, or Las Cruces, call Inspector Pros at (915) 209-2332. We offer same-week scheduling and a discount on your final inspection when you book the pre-drywall inspection first.