Question 1

What are phase inspections?

Accepted Answer

A phase inspection is an independent inspection performed at key stages during the construction of a new home. Instead of waiting until the house is finished, an inspector evaluates the construction while important components are still visible and accessible.

Question 2

Why should I get a phase inspection on a brand-new home?

Accepted Answer

The biggest advantage of a phase inspection is timing. Once drywall, insulation, finishes, and other materials are installed, many components become difficult or impossible to visually inspect without removing them.

Question 3

When should I schedule a phase inspection?

Accepted Answer

For the most comprehensive coverage, we recommend scheduling your independent phase inspections at four key stages of the building process. These milestones provide critical opportunities to identify potential construction issues while important components are still accessible and before they become concealed or more difficult to address.
Pre-Concrete / Pre-Pour Inspection: Before concrete is poured, when key foundation components are still visible and accessible.Pre-Drywall / Framing Inspection: Before insulation and drywall conceal framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other important components.Pre-Closing / Final Inspection: When construction is substantially complete, providing an opportunity to identify remaining deficiencies, incomplete work, or items that should be addressed before closing.11-Month Warranty Inspection: Before the builder's warranty period expires, allowing you to identify observable issues that may need to be brought to the builder's attention.

Question 4

Can you inspect the home before drywall is installed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A pre-drywall inspection is specifically intended to take place while the interior construction remains accessible. The timing is important. Ideally, the inspection is scheduled after the relevant rough construction has been completed but before insulation and drywall conceal the components.

Question 5

Will you inspect the entire house during every phase?

Accepted Answer

The scope of the inspection depends on the construction phase.Different components become accessible, and inaccessible, at different points in construction. A phase inspection is therefore not simply the same inspection repeated multiple times. Each inspection is focused on the conditions and components that are observable and accessible at that stage.

Question 6

What happens if you find a problem during a phase inspection?

Accepted Answer

We document our observations and explain the concern in the inspection report. Depending on the finding, we may recommend that you:
Ask the builder to correct the condition.Have the builder or appropriate trade contractor evaluate it.Request supporting documentation.Obtain an evaluation from a qualified specialist or structural engineer.Have the item re-inspected after corrective work.
Our inspectors identify and communicate potential concerns, we do not act as the builder's contractor or determine how the builder must make a repair.

Question 7

Do I need a final inspection if I've already had phase inspections?

Accepted Answer

We recommend considering one. A phase inspection evaluates the home at a particular point in construction. A final inspection provides an opportunity to evaluate the completed home and identify items that may have been missed, damaged, left incomplete, or become apparent as construction progressed. The final inspection can also help create a list of items to discuss with the builder.

Question 8

Should I have all phases inspected?

Accepted Answer

If the builder and construction schedule allow it, multiple inspections provide the most comprehensive approach. Each phase gives you a different opportunity to observe components before they become concealed. For buyers who are unable to have every phase inspected, we can discuss which stages may provide the greatest value based on the home's construction schedule.

Question 9

Should I get a warranty inspection?

Accepted Answer

A warranty inspection can be a smart final checkpoint. Before your builder's warranty period expires, an independent inspection can help identify observable conditions that you may want to report to the builder. The ideal timing depends on the terms of your particular warranty.

Question 10

Does a phase inspection guarantee that my new home will be defect-free?

Accepted Answer

No inspection can guarantee that a home will never develop a problem.An inspection is a visual assessment of observable and accessible conditions at a specific point in time. Concealed conditions and future defects cannot be predicted with certainty. The purpose of phase inspections is to increase your awareness of potential issues and identify observable concerns while there is still an opportunity to address them.

Question 11

What certifications and experience should my home inspector have in order to do my phase inspection in San Diego?

Accepted Answer

Since phase inspections are unique and visually evaluate the home at different phases of the construction process, it's important your home inspector have construction experience. An inspector who's been in the construction industry and knows how to build homes from the ground up is an important qualification. At 360, our home inspectors have 25+ years of construction experience building homes which helps us know where problems are likely to occur and our inspectors are also certified through InterNACHI.

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