🧱 Why New Construction Homes Still Need a Home Inspection in 2025

hillstophomeinspec
Jun 13
2 min read

Many homebuyers in Nashville and throughout Middle Tennessee assume that buying a brand-new home means everything will be perfect. After all, it’s new—what could possibly be wrong?

The truth is, new construction homes are not immune to defects, and skipping a professional home inspection can lead to major regrets (and unexpected repair costs).

Here’s why you should always get a home inspection—even on new builds—and how it protects your investment.

🔍 Why Do I Need a Home Inspection on a New Build?

Even with code inspections from the city or county, those evaluations are often:

Quick walkthroughs
Checklist-driven
Focused only on minimum code compliance

They’re not comprehensive evaluations of the entire structure.

At Hill’s Top Home Inspections, we go well beyond a basic checklist. We look for installation errors, shortcuts by subcontractors, and oversights that even seasoned builders miss.

🧰 Common Issues Found in New Construction Homes

In 2025, we’re seeing a rise in fast-paced developments around Nashville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, and Mt. Juliet, where contractors are working on tight timelines. As a result, these are just a few of the defects we frequently find:

1. Roofing Mistakes

Missing flashing
Improper shingle overlap
Unsealed nail heads
Gutter pitch errors

2. HVAC and Ventilation Problems

Crushed ductwork in attic or crawlspace
Disconnected vents
Blocked fresh air intakes
Missing insulation on HVAC lines

3. Plumbing Defects

Leaking drain lines
Loose or unsupported PEX piping
Poor water pressure
Missing or loose cleanouts

4. Electrical Oversights

GFCIs not installed where required
Improperly secured service panels
Exposed wiring in attic or crawlspace
Unlabeled breaker panels

5. Exterior Grading Issues

Soil sloping toward the home
Downspouts draining at the foundation
No splash blocks or extensions

🏠 What Is a Pre-Drywall Inspection?

If you’re building from the ground up, a pre-drywall inspection is one of the smartest decisions you can make. It allows us to inspect:

Framing
Plumbing runs
Electrical layout
HVAC routing
Window and door flashing
Structural connections

Once the drywall goes up, it’s too late to see what’s behind the walls.

🧾 What About the Builder’s Warranty?

Most builders offer a 1-year limited warranty, but it’s up to you to document issues before that window closes.

That’s why we also recommend an 11-month warranty inspection, which helps you:

Catch settlement cracks
Identify drainage or grading shifts
Test systems after seasonal use
Document claims before warranty expiration

👷 Final Thoughts: A New Home Doesn’t Mean a Perfect Home

Even the best builders can overlook things—or have subcontractors who cut corners. A third-party home inspection is your only unbiased protection to make sure your home is built right.

At Hill’s Top Home Inspections, we inspect new construction homes with the same thoroughness as older homes. We’re not just looking for code violations—we’re looking for quality, safety, and long-term durability.