New Construction Home Inspection: Pre-Board & Pre-Possession
Should You Get a New Construction Home Inspection?
Purchasing a new construction home comes with the appeal of modern layouts, updated materials, and current building standards. However, new construction is still built by people, under tight timelines, and across multiple trades — which means deficiencies can and do occur.
A new construction home inspection provides an independent, third-party review at critical stages of the build. These inspections help identify issues before they are concealed or become more difficult to address, protecting your investment before you take possession.
Is it worth hiring a third-party home inspector for a new build?
Many buyers assume a home inspection isn’t necessary because a builder walkthrough or warranty program is in place. In practice, warranties only apply once deficiencies are identified, and builder pre-delivery inspections are not designed to act as independent assessments.
A third-party inspector works solely in your interest. Independent inspections often uncover concerns related to framing, mechanical installations, ventilation, fire separation, grading, and finish quality — items that may be missed or deprioritized during a standard builder walkthrough.
Identifying these issues early allows them to be addressed while trades are still on site, reducing follow-up delays and post-possession frustration.
NEW CONSTRUCTION SERVICE OVERVIEW
1. Pre-Board Inspection
Before drywall is installed, this inspection reviews framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC while everything is still visible. Issues can be identified and corrected before they are permanently concealed behind finished walls.
2. Possession Inspection
Performed either before possession or on possession day, depending on builder access. This inspection focuses on finished systems, visible workmanship, and functional performance as you prepare to take ownership.
3. New Home Warranty Inspection
Completed near the end of your first year of occupancy, this inspection documents defects that may still be covered under Alberta’s mandatory new home warranty before coverage expires.
Why Construction Experience Matters for New Builds
New construction inspections require more than a general checklist. They rely on an understanding of construction sequencing, trade coordination, and building code intent — particularly during pre-board and pre-possession stages.
Inspectors familiar with new builds recognize common construction issues, understand how systems interact, and document findings in a way that supports clear communication with builders or warranty providers.
→ Learn more about your Calgary Home Inspector
Pre-Board and Pre-Possession: One Opportunity to Get It Right
Pre-board and pre-possession inspections are the two most important stages in a new build. Pre-board is the last chance to review framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC before everything is covered by drywall. Issues found at this stage can be fixed while trades are still on site, instead of being discovered later when repairs are more disruptive and costly.
Pre-possession (or possession day) is the clear point where responsibility shifts from the builder to the homeowner. After move-in, problems can be blamed on normal use, wear and tear, or occupant damage. Completing an inspection at this stage documents issues while the builder is still responsible, giving homeowners the strongest position to have deficiencies corrected.
HOW TO SCHEDULE NEW BUILD INSPECTIONS
New build inspections are easy to schedule.
The key is confirming builder access before booking, as policies can vary by stage and site.
1. Confirm Your Stage & Builder Access
Identify whether you’re booking Pre-Board, Pre-Possession, or Possession Day. Before booking, confirm with your builder that third-party access is allowed at that stage and whether any notice or site rules apply.
2. Select the Correct Inspection When Booking
Inspection stages are available as preset options in the online scheduler. If booking by phone or email, simply advise which stage applies along with any builder access details so the inspection is booked correctly.
3. Review the Summary & Use It with Your Builder
Your report includes a summary report that acts as a clear hit list of flagged deficiencies. This format is designed for straightforward communication with your builder, making it easier to raise and track required corrections.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do new construction homes really need inspections?
Yes. New homes are built quickly, by multiple trades, and often under tight schedules. While materials may be new, installation errors, omissions, and coordination issues are common. A new construction inspection helps identify deficiencies before they are concealed or become harder to address after possession.
Isn’t the builder’s walkthrough enough?
Builder walkthroughs are important, but they are not independent inspections. Their purpose is typically to review finishes and confirm completion, not to evaluate construction quality or system installation. A third-party inspector works solely in your interest and reviews the home from an objective standpoint.
When should a new construction inspection be scheduled?
The most valuable inspection stages are:
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Pre-Board (Pre-Drywall): before insulation and drywall are installed.
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Pre-Possession: once construction is complete but before move-in.
Each stage provides a different opportunity to identify issues while access and leverage still exist.
What types of issues are commonly found during new build inspections?
Common findings include framing concerns, improper mechanical installations, ventilation issues, missing fire separations, grading and drainage problems, incomplete insulation, and finish deficiencies. Many of these items are easier to correct before possession than afterward.
Is it better to use an inspector experienced with new construction?
Yes. New construction inspections benefit from an understanding of construction sequencing, trade coordination, and current building practices. Inspectors familiar with new builds recognize issues that may not be obvious during a standard walkthrough and know how to document them clearly for follow-up.
→ Learn more about your Calgary Home Inspector
How does this help with builder repairs or warranty claims?
An independent inspection provides clear documentation of observed deficiencies. Addressing even one issue while trades are still on site — or while warranty coverage applies — is often far more cost-effective than hiring private contractors later to correct the same problem out of pocket.
NEED ADDITIONAL COVERAGE OR STAGED INSPECTIONS?
Schedule Your New Build Inspection Today!
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.
Not looking for a new construction inspection? Check out our other home inspection services to find the one that’s right for you.
We’re proud to extend our services beyond Calgary. We offer home inspection services in Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, Okotoks and more!