New Construction Inspection in Austin, TX - Catch Defects Before You Close
Even brand new homes have defects. A new construction inspection catches what slipped through the cracks before you get the keys.
New doesn’t mean perfect.
New construction moves fast. Between the foundation, framing, and finishes, dozens of contractors come and go before a home is completed. Even with the best intentions, things get missed. A TLC inspection gives you the peace of mind that comes from knowing, not hoping, your new home is ready.
What’s covered with a
new construction inspection
A new construction inspection covers every major system and more than 750 components in the home. That includes:
Foundation
Central Texas clay soil affects the foundation the day it’s poured. We look for early signs of movement and drainage issues before they become something bigger.
Electrical
Faulty wiring doesn’t announce itself. We check every accessible electrical component so you don’t inherit potential problems when you move in.
Plumbing
Water damage is expensive and avoidable. We check every accessible connection and fixture to ensure that you don’t inherit unwanted leaks.
HVAC
The last thing you want is AC trouble during the Texas summer. We test the full system so you know it’s working properly before closing day.
Finishes
During a showing, you look at finishes. During an inspection, we check what’s behind them and whether or not things were installed correctly.
Construction issues we catch before you close
New homes aren’t immune to construction errors. These are the issues we find most often.
Faulty foundation
Poor drainage
Improper ductwork
Air leaks
Uneven surfaces
Loose shingles
Insufficient ventilation
Missing flashing
What your builder walkthrough doesn't cover that TLC does.
Your builder’s walkthrough is meant to familiarize you with the home, not catch its flaws. A new construction inspection is performed by independent inspectors whose job is to document what’s wrong before you close.
TLC inspection
Builder walk-through
Who conducts it
Independent licensed inspector
Your builder
Purpose
Find defects before you close
Show you how the home works
Written defect report
Independent licensed inspector
No
Photos of findings
Yes
No
Independent of builder
Yes
No
Useful for negotiation
Yes — documented evidence
No
- Warranty Protection
Get a 1-year checkup for your home before your warranty expires.
Your builder’s warranty covers defects in your home for one year after closing. Most homeowners never use it. Why? Because they don’t know what to look for.
A TLC warranty inspection finds issues that developed over the first year, while the builder is obligated to fix them.
- Reviews
Trusted by 40,000+ Texans homebuyers and agents
“We worked with Clay Wright on all 3 major inspections (pre-foundation, pre-sheetrock, & general) and then even had Clay come out 2 more times for re-inspections to help ensure the builder would get everything completed before closing. Clay was awesome, very thorough & even worked directly with the roofers & super intendent to point out roof deficiencies and get them repaired on the spot.”
Brigid S.
New homebuyer
- Service Area
New construction is booming across Central Texas. We inspect all of it.
Central Texas is one of the fastest-growing housing markets. TLC covers all new homes in the region, no matter the zip code.
- Austin
- Bastrop
- Bryan
- Buda
- Cedar Park
- College Station
- Dripping Springs
- Georgetown
- Hutto
- Horseshoe Bay
- Killeen
- Kyle
- Leander
- Manor
- Marble Falls
- New Braunfels
- Pflugerville
- Round Rock
- San Antonio
- San Marcos
- Temple
- Waco
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a new construction inspection?
A new construction inspection is an independent assessment of a newly built home. A licensed inspector checks every major system for anything the builder missed before closing. TLC delivers a detailed digital report with the findings within 24 hours.
How much does a new construction inspection cost?
Costs vary based on the size and complexity of the home. To see how much a new construction inspection costs, get a free quote today.
Do I really need an inspection on a brand-new home?
Yes. New homes have defects, too. Builders move fast, crews rotate, and things get missed. Meanwhile, a city inspection checks for code compliance, not construction quality. An independent inspection helps catch what slipped through the cracks before you close.
What does a new construction inspection include?
TLC inspects the foundation, framing, roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, insulation, and interior and exterior finishes. Every accessible system and more than 750 components are evaluated.
When should I schedule a new construction inspection?
Schedule it before your final builder walkthrough, ideally one to two weeks before closing. That gives you time to review the findings, request corrections, and confirm the builder has addressed anything before you sign.
What are the most common problems found in new construction homes?
The most common findings are improper grading, plumbing issues, improper flashing, electrical defects, and insulation gaps. Framing errors and foundation concerns also show up more often than most buyers expect.
Does Texas require builders to fix defects found in a new construction inspection?
Not automatically. Texas builders are required to honor their warranty obligations, but a defect has to be documented and submitted as a claim. That’s what TLC’s report does. It gives you documented, photographic evidence of what’s wrong while the builder is still legally responsible for fixing it. Without documentation, a builder can dispute or dismiss a complaint.
Does a new construction home pass a city inspection? Isn't that enough?
City inspectors check for code compliance. They’re making sure that the home meets minimum standards. They’re not looking for craftsmanship, installation errors, or the dozens of small issues that can impact your home’s performance.
What is the difference between a new construction inspection and a phase inspection?
A new construction inspection happens once. Typically, after the home is built but before closing. Phase inspections happen throughout construction, at key milestones like pre-pour and pre-drywall. Phase inspections catch problems before they are hidden behind walls, while a new construction inspection catches what was missed before you sign.