Yes, Even Brand-New Homes Need Inspections

One of the biggest misconceptions buyers have about new construction is this:

“It’s brand new, so there shouldn’t be anything wrong with it.”

I understand why people think that. A new build has never been lived in. Everything looks clean, fresh, modern, and untouched. The appliances are new, the finishes are new, the roof is new, and the home may even come with a builder warranty.

But new does not always mean perfect.

Whether you are buying a new construction home in Camas, Washougal, Vancouver, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, or anywhere in Clark County, WA, a professional inspection is still one of the smartest steps you can take before closing.

Recently, I was representing buyers on a beautiful $2.2M new construction home. The home itself was stunning, and the inspection report was one of the cleanest I have seen. The builder had clearly done a lot right.

But there was one major issue the standard home inspection did not uncover:

A broken sewer line.

Thankfully, we had also ordered a sewer scope.

That sewer scope caught the issue before closing, before my buyers moved in, and before it became their problem.

What Does a New Construction Inspection Include?

A new construction home inspection is a third-party evaluation of the home’s major systems, structure, and visible components. Even though the home is new, an inspector can look for issues with:

• Roof installation
• Siding and exterior components
• Windows and doors
• Attic ventilation
• Insulation
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems
• HVAC systems
• Appliances
• Drainage concerns
• Foundation or crawlspace issues
• Safety items
• General workmanship concerns

A good builder may have internal quality checks, city or county inspections, and subcontractor reviews. Those are important, but they are not the same as having your own independent inspector looking out specifically for you as the buyer.

Builder inspections and municipal inspections are part of the construction process. A buyer’s inspection is part of your protection process.

Why Problems Can Happen in Brand-New Homes

New construction homes involve a lot of moving parts. Multiple subcontractors, tight timelines, heavy equipment, changing weather, material deliveries, grading, utility work, and final finishes all come together at once.

Even with a high-quality builder, things can happen.

A home may be beautifully built and still have an issue that needs to be corrected before closing. That does not always mean the builder did something wrong. Sometimes it is simply the reality of construction.

Common issues found in new construction inspections can include:

• Missing insulation
• Improper drainage
• Loose fixtures
• Window or door adjustment issues
• Roof or flashing concerns
• HVAC balancing problems
• Plumbing leaks
• Electrical corrections
• Crawlspace moisture
• Grading concerns
• Appliance installation issues
• Sewer line problems

This is why I never recommend skipping inspections just because a home is new.

Why a Sewer Scope Matters on a New Build

A standard home inspection does not fully evaluate what is happening underground in the sewer line.

That is where a sewer scope comes in.

A sewer scope is a separate inspection performed with a camera that checks the condition of the sewer line. This is especially important in new construction neighborhoods because the ground around the home has often gone through months of major activity.

Think about everything that happens during a new development:

• Excavators
• Grading equipment
• Compactors
• Utility trenching
• Backfill
• Gravel
• Heavy trucks
• Landscaping work
• Driveway and sidewalk installation

Even before anyone lives in the home, an underground sewer line can be cracked, crushed, separated, improperly sloped, or otherwise compromised.

In the recent new build I mentioned, the regular inspection was excellent, alothough not perfect. But the sewer scope revealed a broken sewer line.

That is exactly why I strongly recommend a sewer scope on every purchase I represent, including brand-new construction.

A Sewer Scope Should Be Done by a Licensed Plumber

This detail matters.

A sewer scope is not the same as a general home inspection, and it should not be treated as an afterthought.

A sewer scope should be performed by a qualified licensed plumber who knows how to properly run the camera, identify problems, locate the issue, and explain what needs to happen next.

In a real estate transaction, timing matters. If a sewer issue is found before closing, the buyer has options. The issue can be documented, discussed, and addressed before ownership transfers.

If the issue is missed and discovered after closing, the buyer may be the one dealing with the mess, the cost, the inconvenience, and the stress.

“But the Builder Has a Warranty” — Isn’t That Enough?

Builder warranties can be helpful, but they are not a replacement for inspections.

A warranty may cover certain items after closing, but that does not mean every issue will be simple, fast, or stress-free to resolve. It also does not mean you want to discover a major problem after you have moved in.

When you inspect before closing, you are trying to identify issues while there is still leverage, documentation, and a clear opportunity to correct the problem before the home becomes yours.

A warranty is helpful.

An inspection is proactive.

Those are two different things.

What Buyers Should Inspect on a New Construction Home

If you are buying a new construction home in Clark County, I generally recommend considering:

1. A professional home inspection

This gives you a third-party review of the home’s visible systems, structure, safety items, and workmanship.

2. A sewer scope

This checks the underground sewer line, which is not fully evaluated in a standard home inspection.

3. A radon test

This is a 48 hour test that confirms what the radon levels are in comparison to EPA standards.

4. A final walk-through

This confirms agreed-upon repairs, punch list items, cleanliness, appliances, systems, and overall condition before closing.

5. A review of builder warranty information

You should understand what is covered, what is excluded, how claims are submitted, and what timelines apply.

6. An agent who knows what to ask for

New construction contracts, inspection timelines, builder communication, repair requests, and closing deadlines can all be different from a traditional resale transaction.

This is where buyer advocacy matters.

New Construction Is Not Just About Picking Finishes

Buying a new construction home can be exciting. You may be choosing layouts, finishes, upgrades, homesites, and design details.

But behind the beautiful surfaces, you still need to think about protection.

The right agent is not just there to help you tour model homes or write the contract. The right agent is there to help you ask better questions, understand the process, bring in the right professionals, and advocate for you from start to finish.

That includes knowing when to recommend inspections, when to push for more information, and when to slow down long enough to protect your investment.

New Construction Buyers in Camas, Washougal, Vancouver, and Clark County

Clark County has continued to see new construction growth in areas like Camas, Washougal, Vancouver, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, and surrounding communities.

There are beautiful new homes being built here by a variety of builders, from production homes to luxury communities. Many are well-built, thoughtfully designed, and located in highly desirable neighborhoods.

But no matter the price point, builder, or location, my advice is the same:

Do not skip your inspections just because the home is new.

A brand-new home can still have hidden issues.

A clean inspection report is wonderful.

A sewer scope can still reveal something important.

And catching a problem before closing is always better than discovering it after you move in.

Final Thoughts: New Does Not Mean You Should Skip Due Diligence

Your home is likely one of the biggest investments you will ever make. Whether it is a resale home, a custom home, or a brand-new build, you deserve to know as much as possible before closing.

A new construction inspection is not about assuming something is wrong.

It is about being thorough.

It is about protecting your investment.

It is about making sure the home you are excited to move into is truly ready for you.

And it is about having someone in your corner who knows that buyer advocacy does not stop just because the home is new.

If you are considering buying a new construction home in Camas, Washougal, Vancouver, or anywhere in Clark County, I would be happy to help you understand what to look for, what questions to ask, and which inspections are worth considering before you close.

FAQ: New Construction Home Inspections

Do I need a home inspection on a new construction home?

Yes. Even brand-new homes can have issues related to installation, workmanship, drainage, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, or sewer lines. A third-party inspection gives you another layer of protection before closing.

Should I get a sewer scope on a new build?

Yes, I strongly recommend it. New developments involve heavy equipment, trenching, grading, backfill, and utility work. A sewer line can be damaged before anyone ever lives in the home.

Does a regular home inspection include a sewer scope?

No. A sewer scope is a separate inspection and should only be performed by a qualified licensed plumber.

Isn’t the builder warranty enough?

A builder warranty can be helpful, but it is not a substitute for inspections. Inspections help identify issues before closing, while the buyer still has an opportunity to address them with the builder.

Are new construction inspections common in Clark County, WA?

Yes, many buyers choose to inspect new construction homes in Camas, Washougal, Vancouver, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, and throughout Clark County. It is a smart step, especially when buying a major investment.