Specialty Inspections
Course of Construction Inspections
Pre-Drywall Inspections
We are often asked if doing a pre-drywall inspection is worth the money and effort. The answer is absolutely yes! We typically find quite a few serious defects in the home at this stage of construction. Once the drywall is installed, you will never again have the opportunity to find and fix these problems without extensive and often expensive repairs.
- Soon after you move into your new home, you find cracks in the drywall. Are these normal cracks that are to be expected, or indications of a pending serious structural problem? Only a pre-drywall inspection can prevent these worries.
- The first time you take a shower in the guest bathroom, you find that the tub makes loud squeaking or cracking noises when you step in. Is this normal and to be expected, or is the fixture improperly supported and may eventually develop a crack etc.? Builders typically do not warrant the home to be "squeak free"!
- What if your utility bills are higher than they need to be for as long as you live in the home? The cost of a pre-drywall inspection is much less than 10 years of extra air conditioning because of missing insulation!
What is a Pre-Drywall Inspection?
Similar to a home inspection, a pre-drywall inspection involves a visual assessment of the components to determine if they will likely "function as intended." A beam improperly cut or notched may not function as intended etc. It is not a building code inspection and does not assess cosmetic issues like walls leaning or being out of square etc.
What we look for:
Structural Elements
- Foundation
- Framing
- Roof decking
Exterior
- Roof coverings and vent boots
- Flashing
- Wall coverings, weather barriers
- Deck framing, attachments and flashing
Systems
- Electrical wiring
- Plumbing water distribution and drain lines
- HVAC duct lines, refrigerant lines, gas lines
Other Elements
- Function of windows and doors
- Firestop material
- Insulation
- Waterproofing
- Bathroom and attic ventilation systems
- Patio and walkway condition and drainage
When to schedule your pre-drywall inspection?
A pre-drywall inspection is performed after the framing, roofing components, exterior wall sheathing and waterproofing, HVAC duct lines, electrical wires, doors, and windows have been installed. It is also good to have the insulation installed; however, this can create scheduling problems for the builder. We recommend scheduling the inspection for the day before you meet with the superintendent for your pre-drywall orientation with the builder. That way the home is as complete as it can be, but still allows us enough time to get the report in your hands before you meet with the builder.
Schedule your inspection as soon as the builder gives you an orientation/walk-thru date!
Partial Home Inspections
If you are an investor, someone who intends to do extensive renovations to the home, or maybe the home is for sale as-is, then you don't need to spend money on a home inspection that tells you about the problems with the appliances or sink faucets etc. that you plan to replace! Just get the information you need. We offer partial home inspections based on your specific situation.
Structural Inspections (non-engineering)
This is a visual inspection of the foundation (slab, basement and or crawlspace) and load bearing members of the home such as interior walls, and in the attic to determine if defects are present. We will also take a look at other components like exterior wall cladding, interior wall coverings etc. to determine if there is reason to suspect underlying structural defects.
We are not licensed engineers; this is not an engineering assessment. We are mainly looking for failed foundations, broken or damaged floor framing, insect infestations that have damaged the framing, roof or plumbing leaks that have caused structural damage, etc.
Structural and Mechanical Inspection (non-engineering)
This is the same manner of limited inspection as the structural inspection, but includes a condensed inspection of the mechanical components of the home: HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical.
What Do We Look At?
We do the same structural inspection as described above and also include these mechanical components:
HVAC:
- Basic heating and cooling function
- Duct lines
- Safety features
- Automatic dampers
Plumbing:
- Water distribution lines
- Drain, waste, and vent lines
- Water pressure
- Functional flow at fixtures
- Water heaters
Electrical:
- Electrical service entrance cable
- Distribution panel and all related components
- Polarity and grounding of receptacles
- Function of ground fault and arc fault circuit breakers
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Are you ready to take the next step in finding a house in Charlotte? Whether you are a buyer, seller, or agent, we would love to help you get to close! Contact us for more information.