Do New Homes Need an Inspection?
The Assumption That New Means Perfect
It’s easy to assume that a brand-new home should be flawless. After all, everything is new — freshly built, inspected by the city, and never lived in before. Many homeowners understandably think, “Do new homes need an inspection?”
The truth is, even brand-new homes can have issues — which is why new homes do need inspections, just like older ones. Passing a city inspection only confirms that a home meets the minimum code requirements for safety. It doesn’t guarantee that every detail was completed to a high standard.
With multiple trades working on overlapping timelines and construction schedules moving quickly, small details can be missed along the way. A new home inspection isn’t about mistrusting your builder; it’s an extra layer of assurance. It confirms your home was finished properly and is performing as it should before you settle in.
Why Inspections Still Matter for New Homes
Many homeowners ask, “If my home already passed city inspections, do new homes really need another inspection?” The answer is yes. Municipal inspections confirm that a home meets the minimum building code requirements for safety and occupancy, but those checks are brief and procedural. They verify compliance, not craftsmanship or overall quality.
(If you’d like to better understand what “built to code” really means, see our article Built to Code: Why It’s Only the Starting Point).
That’s where a new home inspection adds real value. It’s a full, independent review by a professional who’s focused solely on your home’s condition and performance. This process isn’t about assigning blame or questioning your builder’s integrity — it’s about confirming that every system and finish in your home works as intended before you’ve fully settled in.
It’s also a key part of managing your builder warranty coverage. All new homes in Alberta are protected under a mandatory warranty program that covers different components for specific periods — from one year for materials and labour to ten years for major structural elements. Having a professional new home inspection shortly after possession, or again around the 11-month mark, ensures any deficiencies are properly documented while they’re still eligible for repair under warranty.
Even the best builders appreciate a detailed, third-party review. It helps everyone confirm that the finished home meets expectations. For homeowners, it’s reassurance that your new home is not only compliant, but complete — a home built to code and ready for comfortable, confident living.
Coordinating Third-Party Inspections with Your Builder
A professional home inspection is about partnership, not mistrust. Builders, homeowners, and inspectors all share the same goal — ensuring the finished home performs the way it should. For homeowners wondering whether new homes need inspections, the answer often depends on the builder’s policy. A third-party inspection simply provides independent confirmation that everything is complete and functioning properly.
Because construction sites are controlled environments, third-party inspections must be coordinated through your builder. Some builders encourage them, while others limit access to specific stages or decline them altogether. It’s best to confirm this early — ideally before you commit to a build or sign a contract. Asking up front avoids surprises later and shows you’re taking a thoughtful, professional approach to the process.
When permitted, plan inspections at key milestones: pre-drywall, when framing, insulation, and mechanical systems are still visible; before possession, to confirm completion and functionality; and around the 11-month mark, before your warranty coverage on materials and workmanship expires. These stages give you the clearest view of your home’s construction quality, long-term performance, and any early signs that might need attention.
The Value of Inspections Over Time
While your home may look flawless on possession day, some issues only become visible after a full season of Calgary weather. The city’s wide temperature swings, freeze–thaw cycles, and dry winters can reveal changes in grading, gaps in insulation, or ventilation problems that weren’t apparent early on.
That’s why new homes need inspections not only before possession, but again during the first year. An 11-month warranty inspection allows you to identify and document any issues that develop after your first few months of living in the home — while they’re still covered under your builder’s warranty. A local Calgary home inspector familiar with our climate and construction methods knows exactly where to look for early signs of these seasonal impacts.
A professional inspection at this stage isn’t about finding fault; it’s about identifying early signs of weakness that can be corrected while the home is still under warranty. Addressing small issues now helps preserve the long-term condition, performance, and comfort of your home — and prevents minor problems from becoming major repairs later on.
Building Confidence in Your New Home
Buying or building a new home is one of life’s biggest milestones — and it should be an exciting experience. A professional home inspection helps make sure it stays that way. It gives you clear, objective insight into the condition of your home so you can move forward with confidence, knowing nothing was left to chance.
For Calgary homeowners, an independent inspection isn’t about questioning your builder’s work — it’s about confirming that your new home is complete, performing properly, and ready for the seasons ahead. It’s a proactive step that helps ensure small issues are caught early and that your builder can address them while warranty coverage is still in place.
You’ve invested a lot to reach this point, and will likely be paying for your home for many years to come. A professional new home inspection helps you get the most from those dollars spent — protecting your comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind for the long term.
Thinking About Booking Your New Home Inspection?
If it’s before possession day, third-party inspections for new builds will need to be coordinated with your builder, so it’s best to plan ahead. Confirm access early and schedule your inspections for pre-drywall and pre-possession. If you’re nearing the end of your first year of ownership don’t forget to take full advantage of your warranty coverage.
For any inquiries or to schedule an inspection, feel free to email us at chris@calgaryhomeinspector.ca, text 825-863-2372, or book a time slot online.
We’re proud to extend our services beyond Calgary. We offer home inspection services in Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, Okotoks and more!