🧱 What to Expect From a Pre-Drywall Home Inspection in Tennessee

hillstophomeinspec
Jun 25
2 min read

If you're building a new home in Nashville or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, don’t wait until the end of construction to get a home inspection. One of the most important checkpoints is the pre-drywall inspection, which happens before insulation and drywall are installed—when everything behind the walls is still visible.

At Hill’s Top Home Inspections, we perform detailed pre-drywall inspections to help ensure your home is being built to last, not just built to code.

🏗️ What Is a Pre-Drywall Inspection?

A pre-drywall inspection is a structural and systems inspection conducted after:

Framing is complete
Roofing is installed
Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC rough-ins are in place
Windows and doors are installed

It must be done before insulation and drywall are added, so any hidden defects can still be addressed.

🔍 What We Inspect Before Drywall Goes Up

We focus on structural integrity, mechanical layout, and workmanship. Our inspection includes:

🧱 Structural Framing

Proper load-bearing wall placement
Beam and joist installation
Stair framing, header alignment
Wall connections and bracing

⚙️ Mechanical Systems

Electrical wiring layout and spacing
Plumbing pipe routing and support
HVAC ductwork layout and sealing
Venting and return placement

🚪 Openings & Penetrations

Window and door installation
Wall penetrations sealed correctly
Flashing around exterior openings

🛠️ Miscellaneous

Moisture protection on framing
Foundation bolts and sill plate integrity
Attic and roof truss connections

👉 We document every item with photos and notes so you and your builder can address concerns promptly.

📍 Why It Matters in Middle Tennessee

In fast-growing areas like Nashville, Franklin, and Murfreesboro, homes are going up quickly—and sometimes, things are missed. We’ve seen:

Improperly routed bathroom vents
Unsupported plumbing stacks
Framing misalignment around windows and doors
HVAC ducts crushed or undersized

Catching these now prevents expensive repairs later—and ensures your builder corrects issues before they’re hidden behind walls.

🧠 Pre-Drywall vs. Final Inspection

A pre-drywall inspection doesn’t replace your final home inspection—it complements it. While the final inspection reviews finishes, systems operation, and safety, pre-drywall lets us inspect things that will be sealed away soon.

The best strategy for buyers? Schedule both.