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Contact Information — Name

First

Last

Contact Information — Email

Property Details — Property Type

• Single-family
• Condo
• New construction

Property Details — Square Footage

— Address Name

Service Type — Service TypePre-purchase inspectionNew constructionWarrantySpecialty (mold, thermal, etc)

Timeline — When they need inspection

• ASAP
• Next week
• Planning phase

Additional Info — Realtor name/agency (if applicable)

Additional Info — Reason for inspection

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Why New Construction Needs Inspection

New homes aren’t immune to defects. Builder mistakes, material failures, and quality control issues appear frequently. Major builders often prioritize speed over quality, leaving homebuyers with cosmetic and structural problems.

• Construction Defects: Framing issues, improper grading, drainage problems (hidden by landscaping)
• Builder Quality Variance: Different subcontractors make mistakes—electrical, plumbing, HVAC
• Arizona Heat Stress: New materials expand/contract rapidly in extreme heat, causing gaps, cracks
• Warranty Claims: Builders only warranty major items, not cosmetic or minor defects
• Future Problems: Issues often don’t appear until after the 1-year builder warranty expires

Typical Builder Home Defects

Framing & Structure

Improper framing, lack of bracing, structural members that don’t meet code. Arizona inspectors look for:

• Cracks in new drywall (common in Arizona due to rapid drying)
• Sloped or uneven floors
• Structural cracks in foundation or concrete
• Missing or improper bracing

Water Intrusion Issues

Improper grading, poor drainage design, lack of adequate guttering—common builder shortcuts:

• Grading slopes toward house instead of away
• Incorrect downspout placement or missing extensions
• Missing or improper flashing
• Poor foundation waterproofing (especially in monsoon areas)

HVAC Systems

Ductwork leaks, improper sizing, missing insulation are common builder issues. Arizona builders often cut corners on duct sealing, wasting energy.

When to Inspect New Construction

Key New Construction Inspection Points

• Roof installation and weatherproofing quality
• Proper grading and drainage (Arizona-critical)
• Drywall and finish quality (no large cracks, waves)
• All systems operational (HVAC, electrical, plumbing)
• Kitchen and bath fixtures installed correctly
• No cosmetic defects left for homeowner to fix
• Warranty documentation complete

Arizona Builder Red Flags

Watch for these issues specific to Arizona new construction:

• Rapid drywall cracking: More than cosmetic if widespread—indicates poor environmental control during construction
• Foundation cracks in first year: Desert soil movement combines with new concrete settling
• AC system undersized: Many Arizona builders size AC for code minimum, not actual cooling load
• Poor ductwork sealing: Leads to $3,000+ annual AC efficiency loss
• Inadequate landscaping drainage: Builders often grade poorly when installing instant landscaping