Chesapeake is one of the busiest places in Hampton Roads for new subdivisions, with new homes going up around Grassfield, Hickory, Western Branch and Great Bridge. A new house is built by a lot of different crews on a tight schedule, and an independent inspection gives you a list to take to the builder while fixes are still easy. I’m NRS-certified, Virginia’s New Residential Structure credential, for new construction inspections.
Pre-Drywall and Final
The pre-drywall visit happens once framing, rough plumbing, rough electrical and ductwork are in, but before insulation and drywall. The final visit happens when the house is complete, before your builder walkthrough and closing. Many Chesapeake buyers choose both.
What I Watch for on Chesapeake Builds
- Drainage on former farmland. Many new subdivisions sit on flat, low ground near ditches and wetlands. I pay close attention to final grading, downspout discharge and any low spots near the foundation.
- Crawlspaces in new homes. If the house has a crawlspace, I check that the vapor barrier is in place, that there’s no standing water, and that insulation and ductwork are properly supported. Problems here are much easier to fix before you move in.
- Slab homes. On slab foundations I look at the visible slab edges, grading against the slab and how plumbing penetrations are sealed.
- Attics. I look for missing or uneven insulation, disconnected ducts and bathroom fans that vent into the attic instead of outside.
Watch Along From Anywhere
If you’re moving to Chesapeake from out of the area, a live video walkthrough lets you see the inside of the walls before they close. Your report is delivered within 24 hours of each visit.
Close to the End of Your First Year?
An 11-month builder warranty inspection is a separate service that documents items before your warranty runs out. Call to set one up.
Buying an existing home? See my Chesapeake home inspection page, or read about New Construction inspections in general.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book a pre-drywall inspection in Chesapeake?
Book it as soon as your builder gives you a framing completion date. The window between rough-ins and insulation can be short, so early notice helps.
Do new Chesapeake homes really have problems?
Yes, new homes can have workmanship issues like any house. An independent inspection catches items before they’re covered up or before closing.
Do you inspect new homes on a crawlspace?
Yes. I go into every crawlspace I can safely enter and check the vapor barrier, moisture, supports and ductwork.
Questions? Call (757) 354-3528, or Get a quote.
