We've all had a moment in our lives when we've bought something brand new, then when we go to take it out of its package, and there's a piece missing, or the item we purchased doesn't seem to work right. We become disappointed, and dread creeps in as we consider having to call someone to do something about it. If we're lucky, it's fixed or replaced quickly, but that bitter taste in our mouths never entirely goes away.
Unfortunately, this doesn't just happen with new electronics or food delivery. It happens in new construction home purchasing as well.
There's nothing worse than making the biggest purchase of your life, only to find out days, months, maybe even years later that there is a severe flaw in the build that you could have avoided if you had only gotten phase inspections throughout the process.
What Are Phase Inspections?
Phase inspections are inspections that happen during specific phases of a home's construction. Typically, there are four phase inspections that occur during slab, framing, insulation, and the final walkthrough.
Pre-Slab Inspections
After the slab is prepped, this phase happens before the concrete is poured. It happens before because, after the pour, it becomes impossible to recognize critical problems within the structure.
Framing
Framing is considered the skeleton of the building. Before the insulation is installed, you can see the "roughed in" plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and gas. Wiring and electrical services are also inspected during this time.
Insulation
After framing is approved, the insulation is installed and checked to ensure its levels are accurate and void of holes or gaps. Then it is checked to confirm it is up to code.
Final Walkthrough
This part of the phase inspection is similar to doing a final walkthrough before you close on a house. However, in this version, the builder is the person who walks you through it. Here you'll want to ask any questions or point out anything that may appear out-of-place.
Why Should I Want Phase Inspections?
In an ideal world, the builders of your home never cut corners, don't make mistakes, and everything goes perfectly. However, that's not always the case. There are so many intricacies to new home building, and construction sites are full of people and pieces of equipment that constantly move on and off the property.
Who Do I Hire For Phase Inspections?
Hiring a third-party expert to perform phase inspections is a great way to ensure that everything is going the way it should be and provide you peace of mind that there won't be any surprises that could eventually cost you thousands or tens of thousands of dollars to fix.
What Are Common Issues Found During Phase Inspections?
A short list of some common issues includes (but are not limited to:
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Moisture intrusion
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The design doesn't receive an update to reflect changes in contract documentation
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Parts of the build are performed out of order, causing unwanted reroutes or improper placement of systems
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Rush jobs cause builders and contractors to miss details that could cause major problems down the road
Who Performs Phase Inspections?
Most home building companies are equipped and trained to handle phase inspections. If you'd like to schedule a phase inspection on a new home build, you should always go with an outside, third-party company that is not the same company building your home. As you can imagine, this prevents any biases or potential misinformation.
In Austin, Texas, Carty Custom Builders is a quality home builder that you can trust to take great care of any phase inspections you may need. Nate Carty and Carty Custom Builders are members of the National Association of Home Builders, the Texas Association of Builders, and the Home Builders Association of Great Austin. They also carry a reputation for building high-quality homes and making the construction process as smooth as possible for clients and neighbors. Even if it's not a home they are building, they want to make sure their customers are happy and proud of the house they will live in for years to come.
If you'd like to learn more about Carty Custom Builders and phase inspections, visit their website or find their phone number and email address on their CONTACT page.
