🏡 New Build Inspections: What You Need to Know Before—and After—Closing

When buying a resale home, I always recommend a home inspection. The same holds true for a new construction home—but the timing, process, and protections look a little different. As a buyer, it’s important to understand what to expect and how to protect your investment through the right inspections, at the right time.

🔍 Inspections on Existing Homes vs. New Builds

In an existing home sale, I always recommend a professional home inspection prior to the inspection objection deadline. Once your inspector completes their report, I’ll help you draft a formal inspection objection to present to the seller. This document outlines the repairs or replacements you'd like completed before proceeding to close.

After that, the seller provides us with an inspection resolution—agreeing to specific items or offering a credit. It’s important to know that any agreed-upon inspection resolution items do survive closing, meaning the seller is obligated to complete them.

🛠️ How It’s Different With a New Build

With a new construction home, the builder is not using the standard Colorado Real Estate Commission-approved contract forms. Instead, they use their own contracts—written to protect them, not you. This is a major difference I always make sure my buyers understand.

Unlike resale contracts, new build contracts do not include deadlines for inspection objection or resolution. That doesn’t mean inspections aren’t important—it just means we have to approach them differently.

🧰 Recommended Inspections for New Builds

Here’s how I guide my buyers through the inspection process on a new build:

✅ 1. Pre-Closing Inspections

• I recommend having a roofer inspect the roof within a week of closing. Builders will require advance notice and approval for outside contractors, and I take care of all that coordination for you.

• You may also choose to have a full home inspection, radon test, and sewer scope completed just before closing. While many assume a brand-new sewer line doesn’t need inspecting, I’ve seen lines crushed by heavy machinery—or even blocked by a toy truck thanks to some curious neighborhood kids!

🛡️ 2. The 11-Month Inspection

• Nearly all builders offer a 1-year unlimited warranty, and I highly recommend you take full advantage of it.

• Around month 11, schedule a full home inspection. Any issues found can be submitted as a warranty punch list for the builder to address before your coverage expires.

• Some buyers choose to do both: one inspection before closing and another at 11 months. It really comes down to your comfort level.

💡 Why This Matters

Even with new builds, things can go wrong—and issues may not show up right away. A thoughtful inspection plan gives you peace of mind and helps ensure that your home is safe, functional, and built to last.

As your advocate, I’ll walk you through what’s covered in the builder’s warranty, help schedule inspections, and make sure you’re protected every step of the way.

Thinking of buying new construction in Colorado Springs? Let’s talk about your goals, your timeline, and how to make the process smooth and stress-free for you!

📩 For expert guidance and support, reach out today.