New Construction Home Inspection: A Guide for Park Trace Buyers
In this article
Yes, a new construction home inspection is worth it, even on a brand-new house. New homes can still have missed items, like a loose fixture, a gap in caulk or a door that does not close right. At Preserves at Park Trace, D.R. Horton's features sheet lists third-party home inspections as part of the package, and many buyers also hire their own licensed inspector for extra peace of mind.
Below, we explain what a new construction inspection is, when it happens, what it checks, and how to use it at Park Trace.
Why Inspect a House Nobody Has Lived In?
It is a fair question. The house is new. Doesn't that mean it is perfect?
Not quite. A new home is built by many different crews: framers, roofers, plumbers, electricians, drywall hangers, painters and more. Each one works fast and moves on to the next house. Small things get missed.
An inspection is a fresh set of eyes. The goal is not to find a disaster. The goal is to find the small stuff while the builder is still responsible for fixing it.
What Is a Third-Party Inspection?
"Third party" means the inspector does not work for you or for the builder's construction crew. They are an outside company.
At Preserves at Park Trace, D.R. Horton lists "3rd party home inspections" on the community's included features sheet. That is a plus. Ask your sales agent:
When the third-party inspections happen during the build.
What they check.
Whether you can see the reports.
The Three Times to Inspect a New Home
Most experts talk about up to three inspections. You do not have to do all three. But it helps to know what each one is for.
1. Pre-drywall inspection
This happens after the framing, plumbing, electrical and air conditioning lines are in, but before the walls are closed up with drywall.
It is the only time anyone can see inside the walls. An inspector looks at framing, wiring, pipes, and the straps and clips that hold the roof down in a storm.
2. Final inspection before closing
This happens when the home is finished, usually a week or two before you close.
The inspector checks almost everything you can see and touch:
Doors, windows and sliding glass doors open, close and lock.
Faucets, toilets and showers work, with no leaks.
Outlets, lights and switches work.
The air conditioning cools and drains the way it should.
Appliances turn on and work.
The roof, gutters and outside walls look right.
Tile, paint, trim and countertops have no damage.
3. Warranty inspection before the first year ends
D.R. Horton gives a 1-year workmanship warranty. Many owners hire an inspector around month 11 to catch anything that showed up after move-in, like small drywall cracks or a sticky door. You report those items before the one-year window closes.
What a New Construction Inspection Will Not Do
It helps to be clear about limits.
It is not a guarantee. An inspector can only report what they can see and test that day.
It does not check the value. That is the appraiser's job.
It does not replace the builder's own inspections. Local building officials also inspect the home during construction for code.
It does not open walls. After drywall, the inside of the walls is hidden.
How to Choose a Home Inspector in Florida
Florida requires home inspectors to be licensed. You can check any inspector's license on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's license lookup.
When you call inspectors, ask:
Do you inspect new construction often? You want someone who knows what builders tend to miss.
Do you do pre-drywall inspections? Not every company does.
What does your report look like? Photos and clear notes are best.
Can you come back for an 11-month warranty inspection?
Also ask the builder what its policy is for letting an outside inspector on site, and when. Rules for access during construction vary, so get the answer early.
What Happens After the Inspection
The inspector gives you a written report. Here is what you do with it:
Read it the same day. Mark anything that looks important.
Share the list with the builder. Most builders do a walkthrough with you before closing. This is where items get noted.
Get it in writing. Make sure every item you want fixed is written down.
Check the fixes. At your final walkthrough, look at each item again.
We can help you keep track of all of this. That is part of the service when you buy through us.
What Gets Inspected at Park Trace Homes
Every Park Trace home is built to D.R. Horton's Emerald Series standard. Some of the items an inspector will look at include:
Impact-resistant glass windows and sliding glass doors. They should open, close and lock smoothly.
The roof, which is engineered with hurricane clips and bracing and covered with dimensional shingles.
The smart home package, including the touchscreen panel, video doorbell, smart lock and thermostat.
Plumbing fixtures, including frameless shower enclosures in every shower.
The Hunter irrigation system and the paver driveway, walkway and lanai.
The full features list is in our D.R. Horton Emerald Series guide.
Does a Bigger Plan Need a Longer Inspection?
Usually, yes. A two-story plan like the Ponte Vedra, with 3,072 square feet and four full baths, has more to check than the one-story Avon, with 1,641 square feet and two baths. Inspection prices often go up with size. Compare the plans in 4 bedroom house plans at Preserves at Park Trace.
If you are buying one of the two-story plans with a first-floor guest suite, read multigenerational house plans: Robie vs Ponte Vedra before your walkthrough, so you know what each room should include.
Buying New Construction for the First Time?
An inspection is one step in a longer process. You will also pick a homesite and a plan, sign a contract, get a mortgage approval and close. If you are new to South Stuart, start with our guide to Stuart FL zip codes and where Park Trace sits.
Let Us Walk You Through It
Buying new construction has more steps than buying a resale home. We guide you through each one, from picking a plan at Preserves at Park Trace to the final walkthrough. We can also tell you which builder incentives are being offered right now.
Call 561-704-0091 or book a visit to Preserves at Park Trace.
Common Questions
Do I need a home inspection on a new construction home?
It is not required, but it is a smart idea. New homes can still have missed items, and an inspection helps you find them while the builder is still responsible.
Does Preserves at Park Trace include home inspections?
D.R. Horton's features sheet for Park Trace lists third-party home inspections. Ask the sales team when they happen and whether you can see the reports.
What is a pre-drywall inspection?
It is an inspection done after framing, wiring and plumbing are in but before the walls are closed. It is the only time the inside of the walls can be seen.
What is an 11-month warranty inspection?
It is an inspection near the end of the first year, so you can report items to the builder before the 1-year workmanship warranty ends.
How do I check if a Florida inspector is licensed?
Use the Florida DBPR license lookup and search the inspector's name.
Can I use my own inspector?
Many buyers do. Ask the builder about its policy for outside inspectors and when they can visit the home.
Have questions about buying new construction? Call 561-704-0091 or book at nationalhousesearch.com/schedule.