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If you are building a new home, getting a pre-drywall inspection is crucial for ensuring a newly built house meets its required specifications. A pre-drywall inspection takes place after the doors, windows, foundation, flooring, wall and roof components, plumbing, and electrical rough-in have all been installed and prior to the drywall being hung. This in-progress inspection is vital because drywall can hide what’s going on behind it, making it challenging and expensive to identify and fix any problems once the home is completely finished.
By identifying potential issues with the framing, plumbing, and electrical systems before the drywall goes up, a pre-drywall inspection can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
By identifying potential issues with the framing, plumbing, and electrical systems before the drywall goes up, a pre-drywall inspection can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Building or renovating a home can be an exciting experience, but it can also be stressful. The smartest way to avoid many of the frustrations with your new home while it is under construction is to stay as informed as possible throughout the entire process, and be prepared for any issues that may arise during the construction process.
What to Expect During a Pre-Drywall Home Inspection
There are a number of important elements in new home construction or renovations that your pre-dry wall inspector will take a close look at. These include:
HVAC
During the pre-drywall inspection, the inspector will look closely at the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units. HVAC units are responsible for controlling the temperature and air quality in your home, and it is vital that they are installed properly to ensure both personal comfort and a healthy living environment. There are several issues that may be discovered with HVAC units during a pre-drywall inspection, including gas pipe leaks, incorrectly angled or blocked furnace venting, overcrowding of units, poorly sealed vents, inconsistent AC throughout the home, and insulation issues. It's important to address these issues early on to ensure that the HVAC system is functioning safely, and as it should.
Plumbing system
The inspector will also assess the plumbing system in your home. Issues with the plumbing system after walls, flooring, and fixtures have been installed can lead to seriously damaging problems, like running toilet issues, laundry problems, or leaky pipes, requiring water to be shut off and the walls and flooring being ripped out - all very expensive and time consuming repairs. To avoid these issues, it's important to identify potential problems during the pre-drywall inspection. The inspector will look for frame damage during installation, water temperature issues, potential leaks into the home, capped vents that can cause flooding, off-angle drains, and shower drains positioned too high above the floor level.
Electrical problems
By having the inspector check for electrical problems during a pre-drywall inspection you can avoid having to tear down walls because the final inspection finds issues with the wiring in your home. To ensure everything is in place and wired correctly, the inspector will pay close attention to the placement of electrical boxes, location of electrical outlets, and ensure proper connection of cable and ceiling fan wires. The inspector will also check for nonfunctioning electrical outlets, ensure the grounding rod is connected to the ground wire, and look for missing electrical shield plates. You may want to consider having an electrician join the inspection to identify potential fire hazards and ensure everything is up to code.
Problems with the floor
This is a big one when it comes to conducting a pre-drywall inspection.The inspector will pay special attention to the floors because the floor is attached to the foundation, and pipes are running beneath it. Close inspection of the floors will let the inspector identify potential foundation and plumbing problems. The inspector will also check to see that the floor-to-floor tiles are arranged correctly, floor joists are installed properly, evenly spaced out, and supportive, and that the floor meets the walls and foundation in the correct places.
Wall Issues
Ever hear the saying “if only walls could talk”? During a pre-drywall inspection they can! By inspecting the walls, the inspector can determine if the interior and exterior structure of the house is sound. Neglecting this crucial inspection can lead to issues such as leaks, lack of insulation causing cold in the winter, and misaligned walls. It may also lead to reinstalling incorrectly installed fixtures. When inspecting the walls, the inspector will check to see if they are completely sealed on the outside, straight and not bowed, and that insulation has been correctly installed and is not missing. They will verify that elements placed on the walls, such as HVAC units, have been measured, planned, and installed correctly.
Roof Problems
A faulty roof can cause some very serious issues, from leaks during rainstorms to safety concerns due to a poor installation that could result in a roof collapse. As such, inspecting the roof is a crucial component of a pre-drywall home inspection. When examining the roof, the inspector will look for problems such as exposed nails, inadequate sealing, waterproofing issues, and problems with bracing or frames.
Foundation Issues
Ensuring that the foundation is strong and properly constructed is crucial to the overall safety and stability of your home. The foundation not only supports the entire house, but also needs to be appropriately placed on the land. The inspector will also look for any potential issues that could compromise the foundation, such as exposed land or uneven grading. These issues can cause the foundation to shift or sink over time, leading to further structural damage.Key things your inspector will look for during a foundation inspection include:
- Proper grading and drainage around the house
- Any exposed soil or areas requiring additional foundation coverage
- Unevenness or cracks in the foundation itself
- Signs of settling or shifting in the foundation
- Compromised foundation supports or framing
Conclusion
A pre-drywall inspection is not only a smart investment in your home, but also an investment in the safety of your family. By addressing common concerns during this inspection, you can rest assured that your home is up to code and free from potential hazards. Some of the questions a pre-drywall inspection can answer include whether there are enough electrical outlets in every room, if there is a drain pan for the washing machine, and if there are sufficient wood blocks for extra support.Another essential element of a pre-drywall inspection is the inspection report. A thorough home inspector will include detailed photos and/or video in the report, providing you with a wealth of information for future reference. The more documentation, the better, so be sure to record everything you can with permission.
ClearVUE pre-drywall inspectors have extensive experience and training to provide home buyers with precise and professional inspection services, helping them make informed decisions. Our primary objective is to clearly communicate the home's overall condition and integrity in an honest and distraction-free manner. If you need a home inspection in Carolina, contact us today for a free estimate!
