New Construction Inspections in the Des Moines Metro Area
Why Inspect a Brand-New Home?
Many buyers assume a new construction home will be flawless. Unfortunately, with contractors and subcontractors working at a fast pace, things get missed. City code inspectors only check for minimum code compliance, not quality control. There are many systems and components of a new home that they do not check.
Wiemann Home Inspection provides an objective, third-party evaluation to ensure your new home is built correctly and within the standards of industry best practices before you take ownership.
Approved by Major Builders (Fully Insured)
Active construction sites have strict liability rules. Wiemann Home Inspection carries General Liability and E&O coverage that meets or exceeds the highest requirements in our market. This means that we work seamlessly with all builders in Central Iowa without delaying your timeline.
Drone Roof Inspections
Some national builders prohibit third-party inspectors from walking on the roof prior to closing. We have the solution: Our team includes an FAA-certified drone pilot. We use high-resolution drone imagery to fully evaluate your roof’s shingles, flashing, and vents without violating site safety rules.
The 3 Phases of New Construction Inspections
We recommend our comprehensive phased approach, but you can schedule any combination that fits your timeline. Most buyers are just doing a Final New Construction Inspection and 1-year warranty inspection, though there is an option to add the pre-drywall inspection as well.
Phase 1: Pre-Drywall Inspection
The best time to catch a problem is before it is permanently hidden. We evaluate the “skeleton” of the home, including:
Structural framing (studs, joists, and roof trusses)
Plumbing drain lines, water lines, and installed fixtures
Electrical wiring and rough-ins
HVAC ductwork
Insulation and air sealing
Phase 2: Final New Construction Inspection (Pre-Closing)
Scheduled just before your builder’s “blue tape” walk-through, this inspection evaluates the completed home. During this inspection, we are typically looking for three primary things:
Items that are not working properly or are incomplete
Items that are not installed correctly or are damaged
Major concerns or safety issues
Phase 3: 1 Year Warranty Inspection
Most homeowners encounter hidden construction errors after moving in. We recommend an inspection at the 11-month mark to catch settlement cracks, roof leaks, or HVAC issues so your builder can cover the repairs before your 1-year warranty expires. A homeowner often times has an additional list of issues or concerns that they’ve encountered. A Warranty Inspection is a great way to formally document items for the builder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a city inspection on a New Construction Home enough? City code inspectors are only looking for minimum code compliance—they do not perform quality control, check installation best practices, or run your appliances, plumbing fixtures, lights, etc. An independent home inspector works exclusively for you and provides an unbiased opinion and evaluation of the home.
What if my builder has strict rules or requires an inspection addendum? That is completely standard, and we run into it regularly. Many builders require advance notice, specific appointment windows (such as Monday–Friday during business hours), signed third-party addendums, and proof of extensive liability insurance. We coordinate directly with you and your agent to provide our credentials, insurance certificates, and required documentation so everything can stay on track.
Schedule Your Inspection Today
Whether you need a pre-drywall check, a final evaluation before your builder walk-through, or a 1-year warranty inspection, we are ready to help. Call/Text our office at (515) 865-0346 or schedule your inspection online.