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New Construction Phase Inspections in all of 
Chicago and Chicago Suburbs

In today’s market, there is a shortage of inventory.

New construction development is needed, and as it becomes available to consumers the following should be the considerations one uses in the decision-making process.

Have White Glove put together a new construction quote for you today.

White Glove Building Inspections

Assurance of Quality: New does not mean flawless, correct, or completed properly. You can confirm that work has been completed in accordance with approved plans, specifications, and building standards by inspecting new construction. It aids in locating any flaws, shortcomings, or possible problems that might have developed during construction, such as inappropriate material installation, insufficient structural elements, or poor craftsmanship. The work should be completed in a professional workman-like manner.

Each home is different. 

Call directly to build the right new construction bundle or

stand alone inspection.

Safety: It's important to make sure that a newly built property is secure enough to be occupied. A New Construction Inspection aids in locating any potential safety risks for the residents, such as flawed electrical wiring, badly installed plumbing, structural problems, and more. Early identification and resolution of safety hazards can assist in avoiding future mishaps, injuries, or expensive repairs.

 

Standards: Building regulations, meeting building standards, and compliance are essential to prevent fines or legal repercussions. However, building standards and regulations differ in each jurisdiction. While it is the city code enforcement inspector's job is to check for code compliance, it is not their job to check for quality. A new home should be built to a professional workman-like standard, for the buyer’s protection, future use, enjoyment, and to have a strong foundation when you might be ready to sell.

 

New Construction Phase Inspections: Commonly referred to as Phase Inspections, it is highly recommended that the buyer of new construction have the building inspected at the completion of different phases throughout the construction process and not just when it is completed. The most common Phase Inspections are Phase 1, 2, and 3.  Some buyers may choose to add additional inspections beyond the standard three.

Phase 1 – After the foundation is poured and before the soil is backfilled,

Phase 2 - When the framing is complete and all the rough mechanicals (plumbing, electric, HVAC ductwork) are installed and prior to the insulation being started,

Phase 3 – When everything is completed and ready for a final walk-through before closing.  This is essentially your Home Inspection. However, there are a few key things that are different from a standard inspection.

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New Construction Home
New Construction Home - Framing
New Construction Home - Windows

Investment Protection: Purchasing new construction property is an expensive investment, and a New Construction Inspection helps safeguard your financials. Early detection of any building flaws or problems enables you to request any modifications or repairs before the closing of the property. It helps make sure you get what you are paying for, and that the property is in the condition you expect when you move in and start living in your new home.

 

Peace of Mind: Having a professional inspection performed on new construction can provide you with the assurance that the building has been carefully inspected by an unbiased specialist. It assists you in understanding the property's status, making wise decisions about it, and making plans for any necessary changes, repairs, or upkeep.

What is the difference between a Phase 3 New Construction Inspection and a traditional Home Inspection?

A regular home inspection and a Phase 3 New Construction Inspection have different goals. Both inspections In their particular circumstances, are beneficial. The main difference is that the standard home inspection concentrates on assessing the condition of an existing property, whereas the Phase 3 New building Inspection concentrates on confirming the quality of the build. There is overlap on the inspection process in achieving those end goals, as the inspector uses many of the same techniques to perform the two different types of inspections.

 

The main variations between the two are as follows:

Purpose:

A Phase 3 New Construction Inspection takes place toward the end of the building process, or just before the final walkthrough with the builder on a new construction property. Its goal is to make certain that the structure has been finished in accordance with the agreed-upon designs, specifications, and building codes.

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A Standard Home Inspection is performed traditionally when a buyer is purchasing an existing property, this inspection is normally carried out. Its goal is to evaluate the property's state and find any potential problems, safety concerns or defects.

 

Focus:

With a Phase 3 New Construction Inspection the focus is on ensuring that the construction has been done correctly, that the architectural designs have been followed, that the structure is intact, that the building is in accordance with all applicable codes, and that the workmanship is of a high standard. This is the check and balance of making sure that the builders and contractors adhere to those necessary and expected requirements. It may be necessary and highly recommended to consider other phase inspections for the installation of electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, roofing, windows, and other components, to insure nothing is missed during the construction process.

 

With a Standard Home Inspections the general condition of the existing property is evaluated. In order to find potential concerns including water damage, faulty wiring, leaks, mildew, foundation issues, and more, inspectors look through the building's structural components, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, interior and exterior components, and other areas that would need to be fixed or further investigated.

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The Inspector Role:

For a Phase 3 New Construction Inspection the inspector will be using the plans, specifications, and building codes as a guide for their inspection. The inspector evaluates the construction work and the quality of that work. That evaluation is used in order to confirm that the property is finished as agreed upon and complies with the appropriate requirements. An inspector will also operate as an impartial third party representing the buyer's interests only.

 

For a Standard Home Inspection the inspector looks over the house to give a fair evaluation of its current condition. They will look for any issues, safety concerns, or possible maintenance repairs on behalf of the buyer or seller, depending on the circumstances.

 

Documentation:

As a part of the Phase 3 New Construction Inspection the inspector looks for any deviations from the plans, specifications, or building codes are normally included in the report. The report will most likely include a punch list of things the builder needs to finish before the house is deemed finished. (A punch list is a term for repair list)

 

As a part of the Standard Home Inspection the inspection report gives a thorough review of the property's condition, lists any problems that were found, and could recommend additional testing or repairs. It enables the buyer to bargain for repairs with the seller or make an informed decision regarding their purchase.

For quality assurance, “NEW does not mean RIGHT”

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Inspecting new building construction is crucial for safety, compliance, investment protection, and peace of mind. It is an investment that is likely to pay off in the long term by possibly saving you time, stress, money, and future equity.

New Construction - Phase Inspections
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Phase Inspections

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During the process of designing and buying your new home you will have a lot of choices and items to consider. Making sure to factor in your inspection options is a key step.  The inspections performed are your check and balance to make sure that the home is being built to the standard you need to enjoy and be safe in your home.

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We always say "Humans build homes, and humans make mistakes."  Checking for those mistakes is the end goal of phase inspections.

Phase 1 Foundation Pour

A visual inspection of the newly poured Foundation (Structural, Drain Tiles, Stones, Mesh)

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Phase 1B – Framing

A visual inspection of the Framing (Structural)

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Phase 2 - Pre-Drywall

A visual inspection of the newly installed Mechanicals and how they work with the Framing (Ductwork, Electrical, Gas Lines, Plumbing, Firestop)

 

Phase 2 B - Insulation

A visual inspection of the newly installed Insulation (Thermal Bypass)

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Phase 3 – Full Inspection

A full visual Standard Residential Inspection (Top to Bottom, Structural, Mechanical, Safety, and More)

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Phase 3 B - Closing Inspection

Also commonly referred to as a Punch List, Closing Inspection or, Final Walk Through.  This is the last check to make sure that all items called out during the Phase 3 inspection and requests for repair have been completed correctly before you head to the closing table. 

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Phase 4 - 11 Month Warranty Inspection

After you have been enjoying your new home, but before your new construction warranty runs out, the 11 Month Warranty Inspections is a review and confirmation that your home is still in good condition.  If any repairs or maintenance needs are found, they can be addressed by the builder before your warranty expires. 

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Additional, Luxury custom builds may choose to have weekly inspections (or other time frames) to have an inspector come in and check any new work that happens for faster turn around and correction on areas of concerns.

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White Glove can build you the exact New Construction Inspection Bundle that perfectly meets your needs.  Call directly to get pricing for your new construction property.

Drone Roof Inspection

Roofing Peaks and Valleys

Quality of Roof Construction

Correct Furnace and Venting

Drone Roof Inspection

Drone Roof Inspection

Exterior Inspection

Flashing and Building Envelope

Exterior Plumbing

Window Installation

Utilities - Gas Service

Utilities - Electrical

Porches and Decks

HVAC System

Safety Shut Off

Structural Beam

Foundation and Structure

Plumbing

Framing and Structure

Framing and Structure

Framing and Structure

Plumbing System

Plumbing

Plumbing

Plumbing and Electrical

Washer and Dryer Hook Ups

HVAC System Duct Work

HVAC System Duct Work

HVAC - Duct Work

Builder Requirements and Limitations

Builders and construction companies often assert a lot of control and limitations to their properties and build sites for safety and insurance reasons.  As a result they often impose limitations on what can and can not be done during phase inspections.  Keep in mind every builder is different and will have different requirements

 

However, it is necessary to determine their requirements to have success during your new construction inspections. Inspectors that are unable to meet the builders requirements can pose a high liability to the builder, you the buyer, the property, and even themselves.

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Common builder requirements are proof of licensing, general liability insurance in a value of $2,000,000.00 or less, workmans compensation, etc. Reputable and experienced home inspectors must be able to fulfill the builders requirements. Experienced inspectors who are familiar with the new construction inspection process should be aware and ready to provide these documents as necessary.  

Builder Requirments and Limitations
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