# New construction inspection

> A new construction inspection checks a newly built home before possession or before a warranty deadline. New homes can still have missed details, so an independent look helps you list items for the builder to address while they are still covered.

A second set of eyes before possession or warranty deadlines.

## Who it's for

Buyers of a newly built home, before the final walkthrough or before the first-year warranty period ends.

## At a glance

- Time on site: About 2 to 3 hours for a typical new detached home
- Report: Usually within 24 hours, by email
- Price: From $399, plus GST, pre-possession or 11-month warranty

## What's included

- Grading and drainage: Slope away from the foundation, downspouts, window wells and signs of settling backfill.
- Exterior finishes: Siding, trim, caulking and sealing around windows, doors and penetrations.
- Roof and attic: Roof covering, flashing, attic insulation depth, ventilation and signs of frost or moisture.
- Structure: Visible foundation, framing, beams and posts.
- Heating and ventilation: Furnace, venting, HRV or exhaust fans, and that heat reaches each room.
- Plumbing: Fixtures, drains, water heater, sump pit and visible lines.
- Electrical: Panel, outlets, GFCI and AFCI protection, and exterior outlets.
- Interior finishes: Doors, windows, flooring, drywall, stairs and railings, noting items for the builder.

## Not included

- Building code compliance: That is the role of the municipality’s permits and inspections.
- Making a warranty claim for you: The report gives you a clear list; you send it to the builder or warranty provider.
- Opening walls or moving furniture: The inspection is visual and non-invasive.
- Specialist testing: Radon, air quality and similar tests are done by specialists.

## How it works

1. **Send your details**: Tell us about the property, your timing and any condition deadline.
2. **We confirm**: We reply to confirm the date, the price and what the inspection covers.
3. **Inspection day**: We go through the home system by system. Join us for the walkthrough.
4. **Your report**: A clear report with photos and next steps, and answers to your questions.

> **Two good times to inspect**
>
> **Before possession**, so items can go on the builder’s list before you move in. **Before the first year ends**, so anything that showed up after a full set of seasons is reported while the labour and materials coverage still applies.
>
> See [should you inspect a brand-new home in Alberta?](https://edmontonhomeinspector.com/blog/new-home-inspection-alberta-warranty) for how the warranty periods work.

## New construction inspection: common questions

### Why inspect a brand-new home?

New homes are built quickly by many different trades, and small things get missed. An independent inspection before possession or before warranty deadlines gives you a clear list to take to the builder while the work is still covered.

### When should I inspect a new home under warranty?

Two good times are before possession and again before the first-year coverage ends. In Alberta, new homes carry at least one year of coverage for labour and materials, with longer coverage for some systems, the building envelope and the structure.

### Should I attend the inspection?

Yes, if you can. Walking through the home together is the easiest way to understand the findings and ask questions while you are standing in front of them.

### When will I get the report?

Usually within 24 hours of the inspection, by email. If your condition deadline is very close, tell us and we will walk you through the key findings before you leave.