New Construction Home Inspections

Newly constructed homes are often assumed to be free of defects. In practice, that is not always the case.

At Upchurch Inspection, we provide professional New Construction Home Inspections designed to give buyers, homeowners, and investors a clear understanding of the observable condition of a newly built property prior to closing and throughout the builder warranty period.

Schedule Your New Construction Home Inspection

What is a New Construction Inspection ?

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A New Construction Inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of a home that is newly built or in the process of being completed. Our inspections focus on identifying installation defects, incomplete work, and functional concerns that may affect the home’s performance—without overstating scope or crossing into code enforcement or engineering.

These inspections may be performed at different stages of construction, including:

  • Pre-drywall (framing stage)
  • Final inspection (prior to closing)
  • 11-month warranty inspection

The goal is to provide clear, decision-support information about the home’s condition before ownership is finalized or builder warranty coverage expires.

How New Construction Inspections Differ from Standard Home Inspections

While the overall inspection process is similar, new construction inspections focus more heavily on installation quality and construction practices.

Key differences include:

  • Evaluation of workmanship and installation—not just condition
  • Identification of incomplete or rushed construction items
  • Early detection of defects before they become long-term issues
  • Consideration of builder warranty timelines
  • Increased focus on systems that have not yet been fully tested under long-term use

These inspections are not code compliance inspections and do not replace municipal inspections.

What the Inspection Typically Covers

A new construction inspection generally includes a visual evaluation of the following observable components:

  • Structure & Foundation (visible components only)
  • Roof Systems
  • Exterior Walls, Doors, and Windows
  • Interior Spaces, Finishes, and Installed Components
  • Electrical Systems (service equipment, panels, representative components)
  • Plumbing Systems (visible supply, drain, and fixtures)
  • HVAC Systems (installation and basic performance)
  • Attic, Insulation, and Ventilation
  • Site Conditions (grading, drainage, and general exterior conditions)

The inspection is limited to visible and accessible areas and does not include destructive testing, invasive investigation, or code enforcement.

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Common Issues Found in New Construction Homes

Even in newly built homes, certain issues are commonly observed:

  • Improper grading or drainage around the foundation
  • Missing or incorrectly installed flashing
  • HVAC ducting or airflow deficiencies
  • Electrical installation concerns (loose connections, improper protection)
  • Plumbing leaks or incomplete fixture installation
  • Insulation gaps or ventilation issues

These conditions may not be immediately apparent but can affect long-term performance if not addressed early.

What You'll Receive

Following the inspection, clients receive:

  • A Residential Inspection Report
  • Narrative descriptions of observed conditions
  • Photo documentation of material findings
  • Identification of defects and installation concerns
  • Clear explanation of inspection scope and limitations

Reports are designed to be clear, practical, and useful for discussions with builders and contractors.

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Common Reasons Clients Request a New Construction Inspection

New construction inspections are commonly requested for:

  • Verification of construction quality prior to closing
  • Identification of incomplete or defective work
  • Documentation for builder repair requests
  • Warranty-related evaluations before coverage expires
  • General peace of mind before occupancy

Each inspection is tailored to the stage of construction and client objectives.

Why Choose Upchurch Inspection for Your New Construction Home

Wesley Upchurch, Home Inspector

Upchurch Inspection provides residential inspection services throughout the Mid-South, serving buyers, homeowners, and real estate professionals who require clear, professional evaluations.

When working with us, you benefit from:

  • Experience inspecting new construction homes across multiple markets
  • Clear, well-defined inspection scope
  • Practical, easy-to-understand reporting
  • Local knowledge of construction trends and conditions
  • A non-franchise, locally operated inspection company

We focus on clarity, consistency, and real-world usability.

Get Peace Of Mind With Upchurch Inspection

Trusted by Buyers Throughout the Mid-South

Buying a home can be exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. A New Construction Home Inspection from Upchurch Inspection gives you the confidence to move forward knowing exactly what you’re buying. We take the uncertainty out of the process by showing you the home’s true condition, not just its surface appearance.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced homeowner, our detailed inspections and clear reports help you make informed decisions, avoid costly surprises, and negotiate with confidence. Contact Upchurch Inspection today to schedule your pre-purchase inspection and take the next step toward owning your new home with peace of mind.

What We Found After 500 Memphis Home Inspections

After reviewing more than 500 residential home inspections across Memphis and West Tennessee, clear patterns began to emerge. Most homes don’t fail inspection because of catastrophic structural issues. Instead, the same practical problems appear again and again — drainage issues, roof edge defects, crawlspace moisture, aging HVAC systems, deck safety concerns, and electrical safety updates.

We analyzed these recurring findings in detail and explained what they mean for buyers and homeowners in this region.

Read the full analysis →

If you are building or purchasing a newly constructed home, a professional inspection can help identify issues before they become your responsibility.

Contact Upchurch Inspection to schedule your New Construction Inspection anywhere in the Mid-South.

Upchurch Inspection does not currently offer New Construction Inspections in MS. New construction inspections are available in TN, AR, MO, and KY.