← Back to Blog

Do You Need a Home Inspection on New Construction in Florida?

February 10, 2026·6 min read·New Construction

"It's Brand New — Why Would I Need an Inspection?"

I hear this question at least once a week. The assumption is that a brand-new home, built to current code and inspected by the county, should be perfect. Unfortunately, that's rarely the case.

In my 20+ years of inspecting homes in Central Florida, I've found significant issues in roughly 80% of new construction homes. Not because builders are negligent — but because the pace of construction, subcontractor turnover, and the sheer complexity of modern homes means things get missed.

What County Inspectors Don't Catch

County building inspectors are responsible for code compliance. They're overworked, typically spending 15–30 minutes at each site. They're checking that minimum code requirements are met — not that the work is done well.

A private home inspector spends 2–3 hours examining your new home with one priority: your interests, not the builder's.

Common Issues in New Construction

Here's what we regularly find in brand-new Orlando-area homes:

Grading and Drainage Problems

Florida's flat terrain makes proper drainage critical. We frequently find:

  • Soil grading that directs water *toward* the foundation instead of away
  • Missing or disconnected downspout extensions
  • Inadequate swales between properties
  • HVAC Installation Issues

  • Ductwork disconnected or poorly sealed (leading to massive energy loss in the attic)
  • Refrigerant leaks
  • Improperly sized systems for the square footage
  • Missing or inadequate return air
  • Roof Deficiencies

  • Missing kick-out flashing where the roof meets a wall
  • Improperly installed drip edge
  • Nail pops and exposed fasteners
  • Poor attic ventilation
  • Plumbing Oversights

  • Slow drains from construction debris left in pipes
  • Missing anti-scald valves
  • Loose connections under sinks
  • Improper water heater installation
  • Electrical Concerns

  • Missing GFCI protection in required locations (bathrooms, kitchen, garage, exterior)
  • Open junction boxes
  • Reversed polarity outlets
  • Missing or improper bonding
  • Cosmetic and Finish Issues

  • Cracked tiles
  • Gaps in trim and caulking
  • Nail pops in drywall
  • Scratched windows from construction
  • Phase Inspections: The Smart Approach

    Rather than waiting until the house is finished, savvy buyers schedule phase inspections during construction:

    Pre-Pour (Foundation)

    Before concrete is poured, we verify:

  • Proper soil preparation and compaction
  • Correct rebar placement and spacing
  • Termite treatment application
  • Framing (Pre-Drywall)

    This is the most valuable phase inspection. Before drywall covers everything:

  • Structural framing inspection
  • Verify window and door rough openings
  • Check plumbing and electrical rough-in
  • Inspect HVAC ductwork routing and connections
  • Verify insulation placement and type
  • Final Walkthrough

    Before you close, a comprehensive inspection of the finished home:

  • All systems operational
  • Finish quality throughout
  • All punch-list items addressed
  • Appliances installed and functioning
  • The Builder Will Fix It, Right?

    Builders typically offer a 1-year warranty on workmanship and a 10-year structural warranty. But here's the catch:

  • You can only claim what you find. — If you don't catch an issue during the warranty period, it's your problem.
  • Some issues worsen over time. — A small ductwork gap today becomes a major energy and mold problem next year.
  • Builders are more responsive before closing. — Once you have the keys, your leverage decreases significantly.
  • How Much Does a New Construction Inspection Cost?

    Inspection TypeCostDuration
    Pre-Pour$150–$25030–45 min
    Pre-Drywall$250–$4001–2 hours
    Final Walkthrough$350–$5002–3 hours
    Full Package (all 3)$600–$900Varies

    The Bottom Line

    A new construction inspection isn't about doubting your builder — it's about protecting your investment. The cost of an inspection is a fraction of what you'll spend fixing issues that should have been caught before closing.

    If you're building or buying new construction in Orlando or Central Florida, contact us to schedule phase inspections. We'll make sure your new home is truly move-in ready.

    Patrick Hardy

    Patrick Hardy

    Owner & Lead Inspector · 20+ Years Experience

    Licensed home inspector, ICA educator, and Army veteran. Patrick founded H&H Real Estate Consulting to give every client the full picture — no shortcuts, no surprises.

    Ready to schedule your inspection?

    Call us at (407) 258-1886 or request a quote online.

    Get a Quote