"Even brand-new homes have defects. Independent inspections at every stage — foundation / pre-pour, pre-drywall, final, and the 11-month warranty inspections — catch them while they're still the builder's responsibility."
New-construction inspection is an independent evaluation of a newly built home at the stages that matter most — foundation / pre-pour (before any concrete is poured), pre-drywall (before the walls close up), the new-construction final walk-through before you take ownership, and the 11-month builder warranty inspection before your warranty runs out.
A builder's crew and the local code inspector each have their role, but neither is working solely for you. An independent inspection puts an expert in your corner — one whose only job is to protect your interests in the biggest purchase you'll make.
Lane Ragsdale performs new-construction inspections throughout Fayetteville and communities across Southern Middle Tennessee and North Alabama. As a Certified Master Inspector (CMI®) licensed in both states, he documents every finding with photos in a clear, color-coded report you can hand straight to your builder.
Lighthouse can inspect a new build at each key milestone — or all of them — to make sure the work is right before it's your problem.
Evaluates visible, accessible foundation preparations before concrete permanently conceals them—when corrections are often easier and less costly.
Examines visible framing, wiring, plumbing, and HVAC components before insulation and drywall cover them—catching concerns before repairs require tearing out finished work.
Evaluates the finished home’s accessible systems, components, and workmanship—from roof to foundation—so you can request repairs before closing.
Identifies visible defects, workmanship concerns, and system issues before your builder’s typical one-year warranty expires—so you can submit covered items for repair before the deadline.
Workmanship and applicable systems are evaluated at each phase, based on the stage of construction and what is visible and accessible.
New Construction Phase Inspections: Foundation / Pre‑Pour • Pre‑Drywall • Final / Pre‑Closing • 11‑Month Warranty
Homes are built quickly, by many hands, on tight schedules — and even good builders can overlook important details. Framing errors, missed connections, drainage concerns, and unfinished work can go unnoticed once construction covers them up. At each phase, we inspect the workmanship and the home’s visible, accessible components and systems to help catch concerns while they’re often easier and less expensive to fix.
An independent inspection at key stages helps identify concerns while you still have an opportunity to address them with your builder:
The goal is simple: catch concerns early, before they become harder and more expensive to fix. Addressing issues before concrete is poured, drywall goes up, or construction moves forward is often easier and less costly than tearing out finished work later. We document concerns clearly so you can request repairs while your builder is still responsible for applicable work. From the first pour through your first year, Lighthouse Home & Property Inspection Services helps you protect your investment and move forward with confidence.
Your inspection delivers a clear, color-coded report with photos — organized so you and your builder can identify concerns and plan repairs. Depending on the inspection phase, your report includes:
From your first phone call to final report delivery, here's exactly what to expect.
Call or text Lane at 931-307-1524 or use our contact form. Scheduling is fast and easy, and we'll answer any questions before you book.
Lane evaluates the home thoroughly as a Certified Master Inspector. You're welcome to attend and ask questions along the way.
You receive a clear, color-coded report with photos — major concerns separated from minor ones — often within a day.
Questions after the report? Lane walks you through the findings and gives honest, practical advice on your next steps.
Code inspections confirm a home meets minimum code — they're not a thorough, whole-home inspection working on your behalf. An independent inspection goes further and answers to you, not the builder or the municipality.
Foundation / Pre-pour happens after the foundation forms are installed, any underground plumbing or electrical is installed and prior to any cement being poured. Pre-drywall happens after framing, plumbing, and wiring are in but before insulation and drywall. The final happens just before closing. The 11-month inspection happens near the end of your first year, before the builder's warranty expires.
Most builders offer a one-year warranty. An inspection at around 11 months finds the issues that have surfaced during your first year so they can be submitted for repair while they're still covered.
An inspection gives you clear documentation to request repairs, but it does not guarantee the builder will agree to every request. Lighthouse has no authority to require repairs and does not serve as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) — the local building department or other agency responsible for enforcing applicable building codes.
The builder’s obligations depend on your purchase agreement, warranty terms, and applicable requirements. Your photo-documented report helps you communicate concerns to your builder, discuss options with your real estate agent, and bring potential code-related concerns to the AHJ when appropriate.
If the builder declines repairs, the report can help inform your next steps — including whether cancellation is an option under your purchase agreement and inspection contingency.
Lighthouse is based in Fayetteville, TN and serves communities across Southern Middle Tennessee and North Alabama — including Huntsville, Madison, Athens, Winchester, Tullahoma, Murfreesboro, Sewanee, and Monteagle. Give us a call to confirm your area.
Certified Master Inspector • InterNACHI® Certified • Licensed in TN & AL • Serving Southern Middle Tennessee & North Alabama Since 2019