New Construction Home Inspection Services
New Construction Home InspectionProtect Your Investment
from $475 per phase · Report by noon next business day
New Construction
What Is a New Construction Home Inspection and Why Do I Need One?
A new construction home inspection is an independent evaluation of a newly built house by a certified home inspector. Even though the home is brand new and has already been reviewed by the builder, a private inspection serves a different purpose: it looks for defects, installation problems, safety issues, and workmanship concerns that may have been missed during construction. Even the best builders make mistakes, so you want to protect your investment early before bigger problems arise later. Roughly 65% of new homes have issues found during inspections, so don't skip it!
For homeowners who choose all three inspections, we offer a discounted bundle that provides comprehensive protection throughout the construction and warranty process.
Three Inspections, One Build
Step 1: Pre-Drywall
Schedule a pre-drywall inspection before the walls are closed up. This allows us to identify visible issues with framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other components before they are covered by drywall and finishes.
Step 2: Final
Once construction is complete, we'll return for a final new construction inspection to evaluate the home's systems, structure, and overall workmanship before you move in.
Step 3: Builder Warranty
Then, near the end of your builder's warranty period, we can perform a builder warranty inspection to identify any defects or concerns that may have developed after occupancy, giving you the opportunity to request repairs before your warranty expires.
65%
Roughly 65% of new homes have issues found during inspections
What's Inspected?
Here's what we look at during a new construction home inspection, and what falls outside it.
What we inspect
- Interior(Walls, Windows, Doors, Flooring, Ceiling, Fixtures)
- Roof(Covering, Flashing, Drainage Systems, Chimney, Flues)
- Exterior(Siding, Driveway, Walkway, Decks, Vegetation, Trees, Gradient, Yard Fences)
- Limited Structure(Foundation, Basement, Walls, Floors, Attic)
- Attached Garage(Foundation, Windows, Doors, Walls, Ceiling, Garage Door/Mechanics)
- Heating and Cooling Systems(Equipment, Operation, Distribution, Vents, Flues)
- Plumbing(Main Valve, Drainage, Vents)
- Electrical(Main/Sub Panel, Receptacles, Fixtures, Fire Alarms/Systems, Alarm Systems)
- Attic(Ventilation, Insulation)
- Built-in Appliances(Stove, Dishwasher, Microwave, Refrigerator)
What we don’t inspect
- Sewer ScopeAvailable as an add-on →
- Radon TestingAvailable as an add-on →
- Low-voltage Systems(Landscape Lighting, Alarm Systems, Audio-Visual Equipment)
- On-site, Attached Generators
- Septic Systems
- Pools and Spas
What Do I Get With the Inspection?
Glad you asked! We are all about adding value around here. By hiring our team, you get:
Bundled Services
Bundle your inspection services, eliminate the hassle of scheduling elsewhere, and save money!
Discounts
Get access to discounts on local home services, like preventative maintenance for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and pest control.
Trusted Home Pros
Access our list of vetted and trusted home professionals. In need of a painter, plumber, or roofer? We've got you covered! Browse our trusted vendors.
Concierge Moving Services
We offer services to handle moving logistics to ease your transition. It's completely optional and helps you settle into your new home with less stress.
Who Performs My Home Inspection?
Good question! One of our exceptionally trained, knowledgeable, and certified home inspectors will take excellent care of you on inspection day! All of our inspectors are InterNACHI® (opens in new tab) certified, which means they are among the most highly trained professionals in the industry.
Does My Inspection Come With a Warranty?
No. Unfortunately, our inspection warranty doesn't cover new construction homes. However, you still have your builder's warranty as a safety net.
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
Fees are based on total sq footage, including all finished areas, such as basements.
The fee for a pre-drywall, full inspection, and warranty inspection are the same. The bundle discount is applied to the warranty inspection at time of service.
| Service | Below 2,500 sq ft | 2,501–3,999 | 4,000–4,999 | 5,000+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Construction (per phase) | $475 | $575 | $675 | Custom quote |
- Fees are based on total finished sq ft, including finished basements.
- Each phase costs the same; the all-three bundle discount is applied at the warranty phase.
- Additional fee for travel beyond 60 miles.
- Fees are based on total finished sq ft, including finished basements.
- Each phase costs the same; the all-three bundle discount is applied at the warranty phase.
- Additional fee for travel beyond 60 miles.
What Are Accepted Payment Options?
We accept major credit/debit cards, ACH, cash, and check. Eligible buyers may have the option to pay for their home inspection at closing rather than paying upfront. This option allows the inspection fee to be deferred until the purchase closes, subject to eligibility and approval by the closing company.
If you're interested in our pay at closing home inspection option, check with your closing company before selecting this payment method.
Where Do You Perform Home Inspections?
Great question! We perform home inspections in Des Moines and surrounding areas, such as Ankeny, Bondurant, Windsor Heights, Johnston, Urbandale, Adel, Clive, West Des Moines, Waukee, Norwalk, Carlisle, Pleasant Hill, Granger, Elkhart, Cumming, Woodward, Alleman, Perry, and more.
We are willing to travel, so give us a call and ask about our service area before scheduling. See all of our service areas.
$20,000
repair covered before closing
The sewer scope that saved a new-build buyer $20,000
A client referred to us added a sewer scope to their brand-new build. Our camera found the sewer lateral had been broken during construction, under the street. The builder dug up the street and replaced the line before closing: a $20,000 repair, at no cost to our client.
What’s Included With Every Inspection
What’s included- Inspection warranty
- Thermal imaging, included
- Report by noon next business day
- Follow-up calls
- Vendor discounts
- Concierge moving help
- Trusted Home Pros list
- Pay At Closing
Don’t just take our word for it.
What Our Homebuyers Say
5.0from ~250 Google reviews
Forever Homes Inspection did an outstanding job with our new build inspections. They were thorough, knowledgeable, and incredibly easy to work with from start to finish. Their communication was clear, timely, and always helpful, which made the entire process smooth and stress free. I truly appreciated their attention to detail and the way they explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. Highly recommend them to anyone needing a reliable and professional inspection team!
Blake did a great job looking over a new construction home. He pointed out where workmanship was lacking, and spent time with me answering my questions. He well documented what he found with pictures and written word. There were general explanations of the house systems too. Very pleasant to spend time with but also efficient in covering the many inspection points of the house. I’d definitely request his service again.
We had an inspection on our new build, and Matt was our inspector — he was awesome! Friendly, professional, and incredibly thorough. As first-time new build owners, we weren’t sure what to expect, but Matt went above and beyond, examining every part of the house in great detail. We were especially impressed by the number of photos he provided, documenting both any issues and the overall condition of the home. We highly recommend Forever Home Inspection Iowa to anyone looking for peace of mind with their home investment!
Excellent service! Forever Home Inspection Iowa did an amazing job providing us with a very thorough and detailed inspection report. Highly recommend. Thank you!
Fantastic Team! Extremely knowledgeable and quick feedback and reports on the Home Inspection. Matt Gibson did a phenomenal job!
Related Guides
New Construction & Warranty · May 12, 2026
Pre-Drywall Inspection: What It Is and What We Check
Pre-drywall inspections can help catch hidden defects in new builds before drywall goes up—helping protect your investment with early quality and safety checks.
New Construction & Warranty · Jul 30, 2024
New Construction Home Inspection: Read Before Buying
Uncover the hidden dangers in new construction homes and why you can't afford to skip your new construction home inspection. Read this first before buying.
New Construction & Warranty · Oct 15, 2025
Inspections for New Construction: What to Expect at Each Phase
Wondering if you need a new construction home inspection? Yep! Even brand-new homes can have hidden issues. We will tell you why an inspection is crucial.
New Construction & Warranty · Dec 30, 2024
The Crucial Role of Phase Inspections in a Home Purchase
Uncover the value of phase inspections in new home construction. Learn the benefits, process, and why they are crucial for safeguarding your investment!
Still have questions? Visit our FAQs.
Read the FAQsLet’s get started. Schedule your home inspection.
Ready to schedule your inspection or have a question? We’re here to help.