New Construction Home Inspection Calgary | Pre-Board, Pre-Drywall & Pre-Possession
Independent third-party reviews at the most informative stages of a new build — before drywall hides the bones, and before you take possession.
Why new construction still needs inspection
New homes are built by people, under tight timelines, across multiple trades. Builder walkthroughs are not independent inspections. A construction-informed third-party review catches things before they get covered up.
Stages of inspection
Pre-Board / Pre-Drywall
Framing, mechanical installations, ventilation, fire separation, and assemblies that are about to be covered.
Pre-Possession
Finished systems and finishes ahead of the builder walkthrough and key handover.
New Home Warranty Inspection
Around the 11-month mark — see the dedicated warranty inspection page.
Common new build deficiencies in Calgary
- Framing alignment and connections
- Mechanical installations and clearances
- Ventilation balance
- Fire separations and penetrations
- Grading and drainage management
- Finish quality and trim coordination
Why construction experience matters here
Construction sequencing, trade coordination, and building code intent are central to a useful new construction inspection — not just a checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do new construction homes need inspections? +
- Yes. New homes are built by people across multiple trades on tight timelines — deficiencies happen. An independent third-party inspection at key stages catches issues before they're covered up.
- Is the builder walkthrough enough? +
- A builder walkthrough is not an independent inspection. It's primarily a familiarization with the home; a third-party inspector reviews construction quality with no conflict of interest.
- When should I schedule a pre-board (pre-drywall) inspection? +
- After framing, mechanical rough-ins and insulation are largely complete, and before drywall covers everything.
- What is inspected at pre-possession? +
- Finished systems, mechanical performance, finish quality, and accessible installations — before final walkthrough and key handover.
- Can the builder deny third-party access? +
- Builder permission and timing must be confirmed in advance. Most builders accommodate independent inspections when scheduled with notice.
- What if deficiencies are found? +
- The report documents them clearly so they can be raised with the builder before the next stage of construction or before possession.
Keep learning
Background reading from our Calgary home inspection education hub.
Independent inspections at every stage of a new Calgary home — pre-board, pre-possession, and the critical 11-month warranty inspection before your builder warranty expires.
Deep dives into the major systems an inspection evaluates — and how long each one is expected to last in Calgary's climate.
Book your new construction inspection
Pre-board, pre-possession, or warranty — pick the stage you need and we'll coordinate access.