At SEI Home Inspections, we take a detailed, stage-by-stage approach to evaluating new home construction. Our phase home inspection services in Houston are designed to make sure every structural and mechanical component of your home is built right—before the walls go up or the finishes get polished. Instead of relying solely on builder inspections, we work independently to represent your best interests and catch problems early.
If you’re building a new home in the Houston area, here’s what our phase inspection process looks like and why it delivers real, measurable value.
What Is a Phase Home Inspection?
A phase home inspection is a set of three separate inspections conducted during different stages of the construction process:
- Before the foundation is poured
- After framing and major systems are installed but before drywall
- After the build is complete, just before final walkthrough
This process helps identify defects or code violations early—when they’re easier and less expensive to correct. Our goal is to keep you fully informed throughout construction, so you can move into your new home with total confidence.
Why Builders Don’t Catch Everything
Builders often hire their own inspectors, but their reports aren’t always shared with homeowners. These inspections can also be limited in scope. We work for you—not the builder—and our inspections are thorough, transparent, and documented.
A typical builder inspection might focus on big-ticket items. We go further. At each construction phase, we evaluate hundreds of checkpoints that builders frequently overlook. That’s why hiring an independent inspector like SEI Home Inspections provides an extra layer of protection.
Our 3-Phase Inspection Process
We’ve developed a straightforward three-phase system that aligns with the typical construction timeline of a new build.
Phase 1: Pre-Pour Foundation Inspection
This inspection happens before the concrete slab is poured.
We check:
- Post-tension cable layout and slab formwork
- Anchor bolts and rebar placement
- Plumbing lines and ground-level conduits
- Moisture barriers and soil compaction
Concrete slabs are permanent—once they’re poured, there’s no going back to check what’s underneath. That’s why this inspection is critical.
Phase 2: Pre-Drywall (Framing) Inspection
This takes place after the structure is framed and all major systems are installed—but before insulation and drywall are installed.
We check:
- Wall, floor, and roof framing
- Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-ins
- Fire blocking and draft stopping
- Window and door installation
- Flashing and weatherproofing
This is the last time we’ll have a clear view of your home’s bones. We often uncover problems here that would be invisible once drywall goes up.
Phase 3: Final Inspection
The final phase happens once construction is complete and the builder is preparing for closing.
We check:
- Appliances, outlets, and fixture functionality
- Attic and crawlspace access and ventilation
- Drainage, grading, and roofing
- Interior finishes, doors, and windows
- HVAC system startup
Even brand-new homes can have operational issues or cosmetic defects. We document these in a comprehensive report to help you and your builder address them before the final walkthrough.
Common Issues We Find in New Builds
Many people assume a new home doesn’t need an inspection. Our data says otherwise. Here are some problems we’ve frequently documented:
| Category | Common Defects Found |
|---|---|
| Framing | Missing headers, overdriven nails |
| Electrical | Improper wire splices, unsecured cables |
| Plumbing | Incorrect venting, leaks, misaligned drains |
| HVAC | Ducts not sealed, improper airflow |
| Roofing | Missing flashing, nail pops |
| Foundation | Voids under slab, improper rebar layout |
Fixing these problems post-construction often involves tearing out finished walls or re-pouring sections of concrete. That’s why phase inspections are so effective—they catch errors early.
Why Work With SEI Home Inspections?
We’re not a generalist company. Our entire business is focused on delivering thorough new construction inspections in Houston. We don’t subcontract. Every inspection is performed by a licensed professional with years of hands-on building experience in the Houston area.
We also provide:
- Same-day digital reports with annotated photos
- Flexible scheduling including weekends
- Personal walkthroughs and post-inspection consultations
When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a service. You’re gaining a partner who understands local building codes and construction timelines. You can learn more about our approach and credentials on our about us page.
When to Schedule Each Phase
Proper timing is key. Here’s when to reach out:
- Foundation phase: Once forms are in place and plumbing has been installed, but before concrete is poured.
- Pre-drywall: After framing, rough plumbing, and rough electrical are complete, but before insulation.
- Final: When construction is complete but before your builder’s final walkthrough.
We make it easy to get on our calendar. Use our online scheduling tool to choose your inspection dates.
Builder Cooperation: What You Should Know
Texas law allows buyers to hire independent inspectors at any stage of the construction process. Builders are legally required to allow reasonable access for third-party inspections. Some builders are easier to work with than others, but we’ve worked with nearly all of them—large and small—and understand how to coordinate within their schedules.
We’ll communicate directly with your builder if needed to confirm timing and access so there are no delays.
What’s Included in Your Report
Each phase report includes:
- A PDF summary with checklists and narrative comments
- High-resolution photos with markups
- Specific code references and recommendations
- Estimated cost of repairs or corrections (where applicable)
You’ll have a detailed record of every inspection for your future reference. This is especially useful if you later need warranty support or choose to sell the home.
Who Benefits Most From Phase Inspections?
Not everyone building a home in Houston requests phase inspections. Those who do tend to fall into one of these categories:
- First-time homebuyers unfamiliar with construction
- Out-of-state buyers building remotely
- Investors purchasing new builds for rental portfolios
- Buyers with custom builds and specific design elements
If you’re in one of these groups, you’ll benefit significantly from objective, technical oversight during the build.
How Phase Inspections Improve Resale Value
Buyers often assume that only older homes need inspection. But having documented phase inspections can increase resale value by showing prospective buyers that the home was well-built and well-maintained from the start.
Our clients often use their phase inspection records as supporting documents during real estate negotiations, especially when listing within a few years of the original purchase.
Cost of Phase Home Inspections in Houston
We provide transparent pricing for each phase:
| Inspection Phase | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Pre-Pour Foundation | $200 – $300 |
| Pre-Drywall Framing | $300 – $400 |
| Final Inspection | $350 – $450 |
| Full 3-Phase Package | $800 – $1,000 |
Pricing may vary based on square footage and complexity. Multi-unit or custom builds may require additional evaluation.
Your Next Step: Book the First Phase
If you’re building a home anywhere in the Greater Houston area, let us step in at the start. The sooner we get involved, the more impact we can have.
We’re currently accepting new clients for pre-pour inspections. Use our inspection scheduling tool to choose your date, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Questions? Reach Out Anytime
We don’t just inspect—we explain. If you have questions about your builder’s process or need advice on when to schedule your next phase, reach out directly through our contact page.
We look forward to being part of your home-building journey.
