Do You Need a Home Inspection for New Construction?

Starting the journey to homeownership? Whether you're searching for your dream home, just bought one, or are simply curious about the process, a common question is: Do I need a home inspection for new construction? How can I be sure my home is built with quality? 

At Touchstone Living, we understand that buying a home is a significant milestone. It's thrilling yet filled with many questions. As Las Vegas's largest local home builder, we've guided countless individuals and families through this process with our, comprehensive quality assurance approach.

Join us as we review how our complete 114-point inspection process sets us apart and why it often makes a separate home inspection unnecessary, providing you with the confidence and peace of mind you deserve on your homeownership journey.

The Touchstone Living Difference

Here are some key benefits that set our homes apart:

1. Comprehensive Quality Assurance: Our inspection process includes at least 114 checks (additional inspections depending on the community, floorplan, and product type), exceeding industry standards.
2. Energy Efficiency: ALL our homes are ENERGY STAR® Certified, saving you up to 30% on energy costs.
3. Time and Cost Savings: Skip the additional home inspection and use that money for something else in your new home.
4. Superior Comfort and Durability: Expert craftsmanship and premium materials for long-lasting satisfaction.
5. Peace of Mind: From foundation to finishing touches, we ensure every detail meets our high standards.

New Construction vs. Resale Home Inspections

• Touchstone Living vs. Resale Homes: Unlike older homes built under previous building codes and potentially uninspected for decades, our brand-new homes undergo a thorough, multi-stage inspection process that exceeds industry standards.
• Touchstone Living vs. Other Builders: While all new construction should meet current building code requirements, Touchstone Living is one of a select few builders who exceed this standard with ENERGY STAR® Certification on ALL our new homes.

ENERGY STAR® Certified Homes meet guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). Learn more about ENERGY STAR® here. These homes are inspected numerous times throughout the construction process by Independent Raters, trained and credentialed through a Home Certification Organization (HCO), recognized by the EPA. See ENERGY STAR® Rater qualifications and credentials here.

The expense of superior building materials, higher-quality labor, and extensive inspections keeps many builders from qualifying for this prestigious certification rating. As the largest local new home builder in Las Vegas, we take great pride in going above and beyond code requirements to meet ENERGY STAR® guidelines, ensuring your home is built to the highest possible standards.

The Inspection Process

We understand you want assurance that your new home is built with quality. That's why our inspection process is so comprehensive. You can rest assured that your new home has been carefully checked, double-checked, and triple-checked at every stage of construction.

Let's break down our inspection process:

1. Laying the Groundwork (8 inspections)
   • Permit verification: Ensuring all necessary permits are in place.
   • Initial ENERGY STAR® assessments: Setting the foundation for energy efficiency.
   • Soil testing: Confirming the ground is suitable for construction.
   • Utility verification: Checking the availability and location of essential utilities.
   • Site grading: Ensuring proper drainage and foundation stability.
   • Erosion control measures: Preventing soil erosion during construction.
   • Initial survey: Verifying property boundaries and layout.

2. Precision in Planning (13 inspections)
   • Foundation layout verification: Ensuring accuracy before concrete is poured.
   • Utility placement checks: Confirming precise locations for plumbing and electrical systems.
   • Elevation verification: Checking that the home’s height aligns with design plans.
   • Drainage planning: Ensuring proper water flow away from the foundation.
   • Plot staking: Marking the exact positions for walls and other structural elements.
   • Inspection of forms: Ensuring the forms used for concrete pouring are correct.
   • Structural engineer review: Confirming the design meets structural integrity standards.
   • Utility rough-in inspections: Checking initial utility installations.
   • Surveyor verification: Ensuring plot accuracy.
   • Coordination meeting: Aligning teams for the next construction phase.
   • Geotechnical engineer review: Confirming soil conditions remain stable.
   • Rebar inspection: Check the steel reinforcement before pouring.
   • Permit compliance check: Ensuring all paperwork is up-to-date.

2. Building a Solid Foundation (4 inspections)
   • Lateral utilities check: Ensuring plumbing and electrical conduits are properly placed.
   • Formwork inspection: Verifying the forms used for concrete are correct and secure.
   • Concrete pour oversight: Monitoring the pouring process for consistency.
   • Slab inspection: Checking the finished slab for any defects or irregularities.

4. Framing Your Future (61 inspections)
   • ENERGY STAR® certification checks: Ensuring energy efficiency.
   • Window installations: Verifying proper installation and sealing.
   • HVAC system checks: Ensuring correct installation of heating and cooling systems.
   • Plumbing inspections: Checking all plumbing installations for leaks and compliance.
   • Electrical system checks: Ensuring all wiring and fixtures are correctly installed.
   • Sprinkler system tests: Verifying proper installation and operation.
   • Insulation checks: Ensuring adequate and correctly installed insulation.
   • Roof inspections: Checking the roof structure and materials.
   • Wall framing inspections: Ensuring structural integrity.
   • Fire blocking inspections: Verifying fire safety measures.
   • Sheathing inspections: Checking the exterior wall sheathing.
   • Staircase inspections: Ensuring staircases are built to code.

5. Comfort and Efficiency (7 inspections)
   • Thermal envelope check: Ensuring the home is sealed against air leaks.
   • Duct leak testing: Verifying the integrity of the HVAC ductwork.
   • Water systems: Verifying the proper installation of water supply lines.
   • ENERGY STAR® inspection: Ensuring the home meets energy efficiency standards.
   • Fire safety checks: Verifying the installation of fire safety measures.

6. A Smooth Finish
   • Before we install flooring, the flooring company conducts a full home inspection to ensure:
     • Surface preparation: Verifying that the subfloor is level and clean.
     • Material inspection: Ensuring all flooring materials meet quality standards.

7. The Final Touches (16 inspections)
   • Electrical system final check: Ensuring all electrical systems are fully operational.
   • Mechanical systems check: Verifying HVAC and other mechanical systems.
   • Plumbing system final check: Ensuring all plumbing fixtures are installed and leak-free.
   • Appliance installation checks: Verifying proper installation and operation.
   • Interior finish inspections: Checking paint, trim, and finishes.
   • Exterior finish inspections: Ensuring the exterior is complete and weather-resistant.
   • Final ENERGY STAR® certification: Confirming energy efficiency standards are met.
   • Garage inspections: Ensuring the garage meets safety and code requirements.
   • Driveway and walkway inspections: Checking for proper installation and finish.
   • Fence inspections: Ensuring fences are installed correctly.
   • Attic inspections: Verifying proper insulation and ventilation.
   • General safety checks: Ensuring the home is safe for occupancy.

8. Quality Assurance Walk-Through
   • Before you move in, our dedicated quality assurance team performs a comprehensive walk-through of your new home. This final inspection ensures that every detail meets our exacting standards and your expectations.

9. Your Personal New-Home Orientation
   • As the final step, we invite you to join us for your New Home Orientation. This walk-through is your opportunity to familiarize yourself with your new home's features and systems. An experienced member of our customer service team will walk you through everything you need to know, from operating your appliances to understanding your home's energy-efficient elements.

Homebuyer Confidence

Our detailed process of at least 114 inspections on each home transforms your dream of homeownership into a rock-solid reality. From the foundation to the finishing touches, we inspect every step of construction to ensure safety, efficiency, and durability. As a Touchstone Living homeowner, you can rest assured that your investment is protected by our commitment to quality. This means you can skip the additional expense and stress of hiring another home inspection. Instead, you can focus on the exciting parts of homeownership – like choosing your decor and planning your housewarming party!

However, if you would like an additional inspection at your own expense, we're happy to accommodate. You must provide contact information to your preferred inspection company at the time of purchase, so we can coordinate this appointment before your closing date.

Ready to Experience the Touchstone Living Difference?

Ready to start your journey to homeownership without worry? Explore Touchstone Living communities here, where quality-assured homes are waiting for you to experience the Touchstone Living difference for yourself!

About the Author: This article was written by the Touchstone Living team. As Las Vegas's largest local new home builder, we're committed to constructing high-quality homes, guiding buyers through every step of their path to homeownership, and serving our community. We build more than houses – we make homeownership possible.