If you want to have your home inspected during the construction process there are three phases in which it should be inspected. Below will help you understand the timing for each inspection.

Phase 1 Inspection

The Phase 1 Inspection is scheduled once you have a firm date from the builder stating when the concrete will be poured. At RedStar Home Inspections we like to complete the inspection 1-2 days before the concrete is poured to allow time for the builder to make repairs. On the other hand, it is also important that the inspection not be done too far in advance because new issues can arise between the time of inspection and the pouring of the foundation.

This inspection is the trickiest to get scheduled because there is such a small window of opportunity between completion and the concrete being poured. It is very important to consistently check in with your builder to make sure they are on schedule and have not changed the “pour date”.

We are often asked if we can do the inspection after the concrete has been poured. Unfortunately, once it’s in place, the inspector can no longer see the components necessary to evaluate the foundation.

Phase 2 Inspection

The Phase 2 Inspection is scheduled before the insulation and sheetrock are installed. The framing should be complete and the electrical and plumbing should be laid. Once the insulation is installed the inspector can no longer see all of the components so timing is very important. There is a very small gap between the framing and the insulation so it’s best to ask your builder for a firm date for inspection. Once the insulation is installed the inspector can no longer see the plumbing, electrical and structural components.

Phase 3 Inspection

The Phase 3 Inspection (Final Inspection) is generally scheduled as soon as the home is move-in ready. At RedStar Inspections we suggest having it completed at least 2 days prior to your final walk through. This will ensure your report is ready and available for the walk through with your builder.

During the Phase 3 Inspection, the inspector is checking every little detail so it’s important that the home is move-in ready. Some of the items that are often missing are; outlet covers, light fixtures, doors, the gas meter and fixed appliances (stove, oven, dishwasher & microwave). It’s important that these items be installed and functional so you receive a complete and thorough inspection report.

For more information on Phase Inspections:

3 Phase Inspection and 5 Reasons it’s Important

Home vs. Code Inspectors

Difference between a Building Code Inspector and Home Inspector and Why They are Both Important

We are often asked if a licensed home inspector and building code inspector are the same. Today we will discuss the difference between the two and why they are both important when having a new home built.

Certified Building Code Inspectors

Building code inspectors can be known by many names, such as code inspectors, building inspectors, city building inspectors, county building inspectors, code enforcement inspectors, and construction building inspectors. For the purposes of this article, we will refer to them as code inspectors.

The main difference between a code inspector and home inspector is, a code inspector is generally employed by a government agency such as a city or county. Their chief job during new home construction is to ensure the builder follows local codes and ordinances and that proper permits have been obtained. Code inspectors confirm that safety measures governed by their city or county have been adhered to during the building process of both new homes and commercial buildings.

For new homes, code inspectors are looking for things such as structural integrity, proper amps and grounding for electrical wiring, smoke alarms in dedicated areas, and proper sewage disposal systems. They are not concerned with the quality of workmanship or the intricacies of the home or building. Instead, they focus on the code and safety aspects of the structure.

When your builder says the property has already been inspected by a third party, the inspector is referring to the code inspector.

Licensed Home Inspectors

On the other hand, a licensed home inspector is not employed by a government agency. He or she is hired directly by the person buying the home (or commercial property) which means they are looking out for the buyers’ best interest. Most states, including Texas, require that a home inspector be licensed and insured.

The home inspector inspects many of the same things that the code inspector does but can also get more in-depth. A home inspector is not only checking the functionality of each of the five main components but is also looking for defects or imperfections within each. The five main components are: structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and fixed appliances. On average a home inspector spends two to three hours (or longer) at the home during their inspection. He or she will also note workmanship defects such as wood flooring that is not installed properly, cabinets that don’t open and close properly, doors and windows that don’t open and close properly, and roof shingles that aren’t secured properly.

If you are building a new home, it’s also a good idea to complete a 3 Phase Home Inspection. This means the inspector inspects the property during each phase of the building process. Most always, the inspector finds several issues that need to be addressed during each of these phases. If these items are not addressed prior to the builder beginning the next phase of construction, it’s likely the homeowner won’t know about them until it becomes a major issue.

Also noteworthy is that in rare cases, some home inspector’s are certified code inspectors.

As you can see, both the job of a code inspector and home inspector are extremely important. Each is looking for different issues. A new home is probably the biggest investment that you will ever make which means that it’s important to determine what you’re investing in.

If we can help you with your new home inspection please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (832) 643-9724 or visit our website at redstarhomeinspection.com.

For more information on Home Inspections

3 Phase Inspection and 5 Reasons it’s Important

When to Schedule a Home Inspection During Construction

Many people wonder if it’s important to have a 3 phase inspection during the building process of a new construction home. Of course, as a home inspector, our immediate answer is yes, and not just because they generate business for us. There are several reasons that we believe a new home inspection aka a new construction inspection will potentially save you money and future headaches down the road. The phase 1 inspection will determine the integrity of your foundation, while the phase 2 inspection will determine the integrity of your structure. Below are some examples of defects found during the phase inspections. 

Why a 3 Phase Inspection is Important – Reason 1

Number one, certain defects can only be addressed and corrected during that specific phase. Some can be addressed after, but it may compromise the integrity or esthetics of your home.  

Phase 1 Inspection

For instance, during the phase 1 inspection, if accommodations for plumbing and electrical are not allotted for (according to your floor plan) prior to pouring the concrete, it’s much more difficult to correct the problem after the concrete is installed. After installation, it requires portions of the concrete slab be cut out and re-installed. Or, if the plumbing lines are not properly supported, it can cause excessive movement or damage to the lines during the pour and you may not know until it becomes a major issue in the future.  

Phase 2 Inspection

During the phase 2 inspection aka pre-drywall inspection or framing inspection, items such as incomplete or inadequate moisture barriers, sheathing and flashing should be addressed before they install siding. Once the siding is installed, you may not know there’s an issue until you have leaks or moisture penetration somewhere down the road.  Improper bracing and support should be addressed before they drywall is installed to ensure a sound structure. After the drywall is installed, there’s no way to tell what’s behind it.  

Phase 3 Inspection – Final Phase Inspection

A phase 3 inspection aka final phase inspection is conducted just like an existing home. All components are inspected and tested, but if the phase 1 and 2 inspections were not completed, there may be hidden defects that the inspector cannot see. Someday, we may have the capability of X-Ray vision, but until then, it’s best to do all 3 phase inspections. 

Reason 2: Keep Your Builder on Their Toes

Number two, when you let your builder know that you have a 3rd party inspector that will be inspecting during the building process, they tend to pay more attention to detail and avoid some of the more common mistakes.  

Reason 3: More Than a Code Inspection

Number three, code inspectors/building inspectors are not the same as a licensed home inspector. Their job is completely different than a home inspector’s. While they do check the home for certain code violations, their inspection is not nearly as thorough or detailed as a full home inspection. They are there to ensure that the builder is not in violation of specific codes and adhere to the building code’s minimum standards. 

Reason 4: Reduce Liability

Number four, why pay for mistakes that the builder should be responsible for? If you don’t have the home inspected prior to purchase, the chances are, you may not notice things that should have been addressed during the construction process. When the defect turns into a bigger issue, you will be responsible for the costly repairs.  

Reason 5: Increase Your Selling Potential

Number five, when you are ready to sell your home, the buyer will likely hire a home inspector that will note these issues. The buyers may use these facts as a point of negotiation or ask that you repair them at your expense.  

Although it’s a little more expensive to have three home inspections done in comparison to one, it really isn’t that much more and could potentially save you a lot more time and money in the end. The good news is, we are here to help and always have your best interest in mind when inspecting your new home.  

Please refer to our next article 3 Phase Inspection Process to see when each phase inspection is done and what it entails.  

For more information on 3 Phase Inspections

Code Inspector vs. Home Inspector

When to Schedule a Home Inspection During Construction

RedStar Professional Home Inspection is revolutionizing the home inspection industry with Virtual Reality 3D Home Inspections

We are the first in the country to offer 3D virtual reality technology with all of our home inspection reports.  

What this means is, you will be able to virtually walk through the home that you are personally buying, just like you were at the inspection. We will take you through your home and show you where we noticed something that needs addressing. Wherever defects are located,  click on the dot, and an explanation of the defects will pop up. We also guide you further by recording videos. And if you’re buying a brand new home, the phase 2 virtually reality report will show where the plumbing and electrical components are before the sheetrock is installed. We all forget little details over time especially after looking at multiple homes but with RedStar Experience, you can visit the home as many times as you like. You will also be able to use your phone and virtual reality goggles to share your home with family and friends. Say goodbye to long, boring, archaic reports. Virtual reality reports are the future of home inspections.

Call today to book your 3D virtual reality home inspection.

RedStar Professional Home Inspection, Inc.
Phone Number: (832) 643-9724
Website: www.redstarhomeinspection.com