Even brand-new homes have defects. With dozens of contractors working on tight timelines, small mistakes happen — and they can lead to expensive issues later. That’s why every new home should be inspected by a private home inspector, not just the builder or city.
At Structure Tech, we’ve inspected thousands of new construction homes across Minnesota, and we find problems at nearly every one. The best builders appreciate having these issues discovered early – before they become costly callbacks or warranty claims.
We even teach continuing education classes to real estate agents and home inspectors about why these inspections matter.
And remember – our satisfaction guarantee applies here too. If you’re not happy with your inspection, you don’t pay. You have nothing to lose and a lot to protect.
When Should a New Home Be Inspected?
There are three key stages where an inspection is essential:
| Inspection Type | Best Time to Schedule | Purpose |
| Pre-Drywall Inspection | Before insulation and drywall are installed | Catch issues while framing, wiring, and plumbing are still visible |
| Final Inspection | 2–3 days before your final walk-through or closing | Identify items that should be fixed before you move in |
| 11-Month Warranty Inspection | Around month 10 or 11 after closing | Document defects before your builder’s warranty expires |
If you’re building a home, schedule both a pre-drywall and final inspection.
If you’ve already moved in, schedule an 11-month warranty inspection before your coverage ends.
Pre-Drywall Inspection (Before the Walls Go Up)
A pre-drywall inspection lets us examine the home’s structure and systems before they’re covered. We follow the ASHI Pre-Drywall Inspection Standard of Practice, inspecting:
- Foundation components
- Floor, wall, and roof framing
- Rough-in plumbing and electrical
- Windows and exterior doors
Common issues we find include missing fire blocking, improper framing, incomplete air sealing, and wiring errors that would otherwise be hidden.
Why it matters: This is your one chance to catch issues you’ll never see again once the drywall is installed.
Final Inspection (Before the Builder Walk-Through)
Once the home is finished, we perform a full inspection similar to a standard home inspection – but with a focus on new construction details.
We check the roof, attic, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more to make sure systems are properly installed and functioning.
Typical findings include missing insulation, grading or drainage issues, incomplete exterior sealing, and HVAC or electrical problems.
Why it matters: Builders often allow only a short post-closing period to report issues. Our report gives you a professional, third-party record to share with your builder before closing.
See what we’ve found during final inspections →
11-Month Warranty Inspection (Before Your Warranty Expires)
Timing: Around month 10 or 11 of ownership
Most builders include a one-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Around month 10 or 11, it’s smart to schedule an inspection to identify any issues that have developed since move-in — such as foundation cracks, leaks, or settling.
Why it matters: This is your last chance to have your builder fix covered issues at no cost.
Read a real 11-month warranty story →
Why Choose Structure Tech
- Trusted experience: Thousands of new construction homes inspected across Minnesota.
- Advanced tools: Infrared cameras, drones, and moisture meters to find hidden issues.
- Independent & unbiased: We work for you – not the builder.
- Educational approach: We don’t just list problems; we explain what matters and why.
- Satisfaction guaranteed: If you’re not happy, you don’t pay.
See What We’ve Found
We’ve shared hundreds of real photos and stories from Minnesota new construction inspections on our blog. These examples show why skipping an inspection can be an expensive mistake:
- New Construction Inspection Photos (2024)
- New Construction Inspection Photos (2023)
- New Construction Inspection Photos (2022)
- Photos From New Construction Inspections (Part I–VI)
- When to Schedule New Construction Inspections
- Why New Homes Still Need Inspections
Protect your investment from day one.
Schedule your new construction inspection today and move into your new home with confidence.