Why a Pre-Drywall Inspection is Essential
Before insulation and drywall are installed, a pre-drywall inspection offers the best opportunity to identify any hidden defects, construction errors, or safety hazards that could become costly issues later. Addressing problems at this early stage can save you significant time and money down the line. With new homes going up faster than ever, there’s a risk that mistakes may be overlooked in the rush to finish.
Our inspectors dedicate 2-3 hours on-site—far longer than typical county or city inspections—to provide a thorough assessment tailored to your home. You’ll receive a professional, detailed report that can easily be forwarded to your builder for necessary corrections.
What Our Clients Say
What do we inspect at the pre-drywall inspection?
(Click on sections below to see more)
- Masonry Components
- Foundation Walls
- Exterior Framing
- Exterior Flashing
- House Wrap
- Roof Covering
- Roof Flashing
- Valleys
- Roof Sheathing
- Roof Vent(s)
- Vent Collars
- Skylight(s)
- Chimney(s)
- Interior Framing
- Floor/Slab
- Service Door
- Interior Framing
- Presence of Fire Stop
- Presence of Draft Stop (air seal)
- Required Clearances
- Presence of Nail Plates
- Structural Fastening
- Rough-ins for all bath/kitchen
- Location of Switch Boxes
- Location of Junction Boxes
- Fasteners
- Straps
- Bolts
- Structural Columns
- Concrete Foundation Slabs
- Floor Joists
- Trusses
- Sill and Sole Plates
- Bridging and Blocking
- Rim Joists and Band Board
- Beams and Girders
- Openings in the Floor System
- Floor Sheathing
- Hangers
- Windows
- Steps and Stairways
- Balconies
- Attic Hatch
- Electric Panel
- Sub Panel
- Circuit Breakers
- Circuits/Cables
- Service Entry Cable
- Drop Cable
- Weatherhead
- Overhead Cables
- Meter/Meter Base
- Grounding system
- Junction Boxes
- Location of Smoke Detector Junction Boxes
- Furnace
- HVAC Supply Register
- Proper Flex Duct Installation
- Proper Flex Duct Support
- Heat Pump
- Condensate Drain Lines
- Ductwork / Plenum
- Air Registers
- Returns
- Boiler
- Boiler Piping
- Radiators
- Slope of DWV Pipes
- Support for DWV Pipes
- Pipes and Fittings
- Drain / Waste / Vent
- Gas Meter
- Gas Pipe
- Bath Shower Pan
- Foundation Walls
- Footers (if visible)
- Floor / Slab
- Seepage / Dampness
- Sump Pump(s)
- Crawlspace
- Framing
- Masonry Walls
- Masonry Veneer
- Columns / Piers or Posts
- Structural Steel
- Chimney
Examples of Things We Find During Pre-Drywall Inspections
dampproofing not visible at level of grade, missing tape around Quickflash
penetrations not sealed or missing tape
openings in house wrap not sealed
openings in house wrap not sealed
roof nails observed (improper installation)
bolt & washer missing at sill plate attachment
hole / damage observed in HVAC ductwork
draft stop (sealant) missing - daylight from outside observed
draft stop (sealant) missing - daylight from outside observed
missing nail plates
missing nail plates
missing nail platesBlog posts related to pre-drywall inspections
Four Reasons to Get a Pre-Drywall Inspection
While it’s tempting to think that brand new homes (like brand new cars, or brand new appliances) are unlikely to have any problems, this is unfortunately just not the case!
The Pre-Drywall Inspection: Five Common Major Concerns That Make it a No-Brainer
From Framing, to Foundation, to Roof (and more), even homes in the Pre-Drywall stage will have some Major concerns!