Why Every New Construction Home Still Needs an Inspection in Northeast Florida

Les Hanna
3 hours ago
2 min read

New construction buyers love to believe they’re getting a flawless home. The reality? Builders are stretched thin, trades are rotating fast, and quality control isn’t what most

New construction home in the Lake Asbury neighborhood of Green Cove Springs in Clay County Florida — Newly constructed home in Holstein Crossing, Lake Asbury, featuring modern design and landscaping in Green Cove Springs, Clay County, Florida.

people assume. Even brand-new homes — especially in rapidly growing areas like Lake Asbury, Green Cove Springs, Clay County, and St. Johns — can hide defects that turn into expensive headaches.

That’s exactly why a professional new construction home inspection isn’t optional. It’s smart protection.

Fast Growth = More Mistakes

Northeast Florida is building homes at a pace that outpaces the labor pool. When subcontractors are rushing from job to job, consistency drops. That’s where problems slip through.

Typical issues we find in new construction:

Missing or improperly installed flashing
Roof shingle damage from construction crews
Water intrusion points around windows and doors
Cut, cracked, or improperly braced trusses
Ungrounded or incorrectly wired outlets
HVAC systems with poor airflow or disconnected ducts
Drainage problems that lead to future moisture intrusion
Attic insulation thin spots or full missing sections
GFCI/AFCI devices that fail testing
Plumbing leaks at supply lines or P-traps
Grading that slopes toward the home instead of away
Missing handrails, loose railings, and trip hazards

These are not rare. They’re common.

Builder Walkthroughs Don’t Catch This Stuff

A builder walkthrough is NOT an inspection. It’s a basic orientation — not a deep evaluation of:

roof penetrations
attic framing
electrical safety
HVAC performance
drainage systems
plumbing connections
appliance installation
insulation coverage
moisture levels

We go places and test systems no builder rep is checking.

Warranty Doesn’t Equal Peace of Mind

Yes, builders offer a 1-year warranty. But here’s the part most homeowners learn the hard way:

Warranties only help after something fails — not before.

A professional inspection helps catch issues before they become leaks, mold growth, structural concerns, or major warranty claims.

The Best Time to Inspect: Before Closing

A pre-closing inspection gives the builder time to fix everything while you still have leverage. No added cost. No arguments. No living in a construction zone after move-in.

For buyers without Realtor representation — which is happening more often now — an inspection becomes even more critical. You need someone in your corner who understands construction, local conditions, and Florida-specific problems.

New Construction Isn’t “Perfect.” It’s Just New.

A new home should be exciting, not stressful. A professional inspection gives you clarity, leverage with the builder, and confidence that the home was completed correctly.