Construction Phase Inspection
NEW CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION
The most critical inspection your new home will ever receive. Performed at the only moment when hidden systems are still visible and correctable.
Pre-Drywall | Phase 2 | Rough-In Inspection
After Framing & Rough-In
Before Drywall
Fast Report Delivery
Certified Inspector
Don't Miss the window. The opportunity for a pre-drywall inspection is open for just a few days. Sometimes less. Book us the moment rough-in is complete.
Ensure Your Dream Home is Built to Last
A construction phase inspection — also called a pre-drywall inspection, rough-in inspection, or Phase 2 inspection — is a thorough evaluation of your new home performed at the single most critical window in construction: after the framing, electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC systems have been roughed in, but before drywall covers everything.
This inspection gives you — and your builder — the last clear look at the structure, wiring, pipes, and mechanical systems while they are still exposed and accessible. Issues that would require demolition to fix after drywall can often be corrected for free while the walls are open.
In our opinion, this is the most valuable inspection a house can receive. Your local municipality may have already issued a code inspection — but passing minimum code is not the same as building your home right.
When Does this Inspection Happen?
Your Construction Timeline
Complete - Foundation & Framing
Concrete foundation poured, framing erected, roof structure in place.
Complete - Mechanical Rough-In
Electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, and HVAC ducts installed — all still exposed.
NOW: Schedule Your Inspection
Pre-Drywall Inspection. Tech Inspect performs a full system-by-system evaluation. This window is short — often only a few days.
After Inspection - Drywall Installation
Once drywall goes up, everything behind it is permanently hidden. Issues cost exponentially more to fix.
Final - Move-in & Closing
Consider a complete home inspection before closing to catch any remaining finish-work issues.
Common Defects Found in
Pre-Drywall Inspections
Strike plates protect electrical wiring and plumbing pipes from drywall screws. A missing plate means a screw could nick a live wire or puncture a pipe — leading to fire or water damage behind your walls.
Missing Nail Strike Plates
Window flashing creates a waterproof seal around frames. Without it, moisture intrudes and accumulates behind siding — causing rot, mold, and costly structural repairs down the line.
Missing Window Flashing
Structural beams cut or drilled beyond allowable limits are weakened — this can compromise the load-bearing capacity of your floor and wall systems.
Improperly Notched or Bored Beams
Joist hangers are critical connectors that support floor and ceiling framing. Missing or improperly fastened hangers compromise structural integrity.
Missing or Loose Joist Hangers
Joist hangers are critical connectors that support floor and ceiling framing. Missing or improperly fastened hangers compromise structural integrity.
Damaged Subflooring
Improperly secured wiring, missing boxes, and incorrect circuit routing that pass a quick code check but fall short of quality standards.
Electrical Rough-In Issues
Disconnected, kinked, or improperly supported ductwork reduces system efficiency and indoor air quality — and can be expensive to access after drywall.
HVAC Duct & Vent Problems
Gaps in insulation or missing blocking reduce energy efficiency. Correcting these before drywall is quick and free — after drywall, it may require full wall removal.
Insulation & Air Sealing Gaps
Missing, misaligned, or insufficiently embedded anchor bolts compromise how your home's framing connects to the foundation — a critical structural connection.
Anchor Bolt Issues
Builders are excellent at construction — but no crew is perfect. These are the types of issues we regularly find and document before drywall hides them forever.
Systems We Inspect
Why This Inspection Is Worth Every Dollar
A pre-drywall inspection is one of the highest-return investments you can make in your new home. Here's why.
Dramatically Lower Repair Costs
Fixing a structural, electrical, or plumbing issue before drywall is quick and inexpensive. The same fix after drywall can cost thousands in demolition, repair, and reinstallation.
Beyond Code Compliance
Your home may have already passed a municipal code inspection. Code sets a minimum bar — not a quality bar. Tech Inspect looks for defects that are legal but still problematic.
Long-Term Energy Efficiency
Catching gaps in insulation and air sealing before drywall improves your home's thermal envelope — measurably lower heating and cooling costs for decades.
Fast Report, Builder-Ready Format
90% of reports delivered at the end of the inspection. The report is structured to be shared directly with your builder — no translation required.
Methodical, System-by-System Process
We don't walk through once and take notes. We inspect every system independently to maximize defect detection during this short window of access.
Your Advocate, Not Your Builder's
We work for you — not your builder, agent, or lender. Our goal is to make sure your new home is built the way it was supposed to be.
Construction Phase vs. Complete Home Inspection
A pre-drywall inspection is one of the highest-return investments you can make in your new home. Here's why.
Feature
Construction Phase Inspection (Pre-Drywall / Phase 2)
Complete Home Inspection (InterNACHI SOP)
Timing
After rough-in, before drywall
At or before closing
Primary Purpose
Catch hidden defects while they're still correctable
Full evaluation for buyers, sellers, or owners
Scope
Exposed framing, wiring, plumbing, HVAC, structural
All systems and components per InterNACHI SOP
Covers Interior Finishes?
No, Not yet Installed
Yes, Kitchens, baths, Bedrooms
Report Shared With
Builder/ General Contractor
Homeowner and Agent for Decision Making
Cost to Fix Defects Found
Very low - walls are still open
Higher - finished surfaces must be addressed
Tip: Many new home buyers benefit from both inspections. The construction phase inspection evaluates exposed systems before drywall, while a complete home inspection at or before closing evaluates all finished systems, appliances, and components. Together they provide comprehensive protection throughout the building process. Learn about Complete Home Inspections →
Construction Phase Inspection FAQ
Clear answers to the questions we hear most from new home buyers in Wentzville, O'Fallon, St. Charles County, and surrounding Missouri communities.