Rod Inspects · TREC License #6291 PI
New Construction Home Inspection in San Antonio, TX
A new construction home inspection is an independent inspection of a newly built home, performed for the buyer rather than the builder, before the drywall goes up and again before closing. Rod Inspects inspects new homes across San Antonio, Schertz, Cibolo, New Braunfels and surrounding communities.
Why Does a Brand-New Home Need an Inspection?
Because new doesn't mean defect-free. A new home is built by many different trades working on a tight schedule, and mistakes made early can be covered by drywall, insulation and paint before anyone sees them.
City or county inspections check that construction meets code at set points. They are not a detailed report written for you. Your builder's own staff work for the builder. A Rod Inspects inspector works for one person: you, the buyer.
Around San Antonio, new subdivisions in Schertz, Cibolo, New Braunfels and along the city's edges are going up quickly. Fast production building is efficient, but speed is exactly when small items get missed.
When Should a New Home Be Inspected During Construction?
Rod Inspects inspects new homes at two stages:
- Pre-drywall (framing): after framing, roofing, rough plumbing, electrical and HVAC are in, but before insulation and drywall hide them. This is often the most valuable visit, because it is the last chance to see inside the walls.
- Final (pre-closing): a full inspection of the finished home before your final walkthrough, so your list goes to the builder while you still have leverage.
Check your purchase agreement for any rules about third-party inspector access, and let us know your builder's schedule when you book. Many builders allow an independent inspector with notice.
What Do New Construction Inspections Commonly Find in San Antonio?
- Grading and drainage that slopes toward the slab, a serious issue on expansive clay soils
- Attic insulation that is thin, uneven or pushed aside by later trades
- HVAC installation details such as condensate lines, emergency pans and duct connections in the attic
- Roofing and flashing at valleys, walls and penetrations
- Envelope gaps: missing sealant at windows, doors and exterior penetrations
- Electrical items: missing covers, reversed polarity and GFCI or AFCI protection issues
- Plumbing: leaks at fittings, drain slope and water heater installation details
- Finish items: doors that don't latch, cracked tile and incomplete trim
Rod Inspects also uses infrared thermal technology, which identifies surface temperature patterns that may indicate insulation gaps and air leaks in a finished home.
What Happens After You Move In?
Your new home will keep changing during its first year as it settles and goes through a full cycle of seasons. Before your builder's first-year warranty runs out, book a builder's warranty (11-month) inspection to document anything new while the builder is still responsible.
Why Do San Antonio New Home Buyers Choose Rod Inspects?
- Reviews from new-home buyers and owners (read them)
- TREC License #6291 PI, with three licensed inspectors on the team (meet the team)
- Infrared thermal technology
If you are looking for an inspector licensed through TREC in Cibolo TX or anywhere in the new-home corridor northeast of San Antonio, Rod Inspects is licensed through the Texas Real Estate Commission (License #6291 PI) and has inspected homes in these communities for years. You will understand every item on your list before you take it to your builder.
“100% recommend. We were clueless first-time buyers. Our inspection was detailed, and they dedicated as much time as we needed to explain everything.”
The McGreevys New Construction
Who Is Rod Inspects?
Founded in 2002, Rod Inspects is a San Antonio, Texas home inspection company led by Rod Stewardson, TREC License #6291 PI. Its three licensed inspectors, Rod Stewardson, Derek Saari and Tyler Stewardson, perform new construction and builder's warranty inspections across San Antonio, New Braunfels, Schertz, Cibolo, Seguin, San Marcos, McQueeney, Hollywood Park and Alamo Heights, using infrared thermal technology.
What Do New Home Buyers Ask About New Construction Inspections?
Do I need a home inspection on a new construction home?
Yes. City inspections check code compliance at set points, and the builder's staff work for the builder. An independent inspector works for you and documents defects before drywall covers them and before you close.
At what stages should a new home be inspected?
Rod Inspects inspects new homes at two stages: a pre-drywall inspection after framing, before insulation and drywall go in, and a final inspection before closing. The pre-drywall inspection is often the most valuable because it is the last chance to see inside the walls.
Will my builder allow an independent inspector?
Many builders allow an independent inspector with notice. Check your purchase agreement for any rules about inspector access, and share your builder's schedule when you book.
What does a new construction inspection usually find?
Common findings include grading that slopes toward the foundation, gaps in attic insulation, HVAC condensate and duct connection issues, flashing details, missing sealant at windows and doors, and electrical and plumbing installation items.
Should I still get an inspection before my builder's warranty expires?
Yes. A builder's warranty inspection, often called an 11-month inspection, documents new defects that appear during the first year so you can report them while the builder is still responsible.
What areas does Rod Inspects serve for new construction inspections?
Rod Inspects serves San Antonio, New Braunfels, Schertz, Cibolo, Seguin, San Marcos, McQueeney, Hollywood Park and Alamo Heights.
Building a Home Near San Antonio?
Book before the walls close. Schedule online or call us with your builder's timeline.