What should we look for in our pre-dry wall inspection?

Question

We are going to do a walk through in our new home. It is in the process of being built. The walls are not up.

What do we need to watch out for? What questions do we ask?

What should we make sure of?

Thanx!

Answer 1

I'm not sure what you mean by the walls are not up? You mean the framing is done but the drywall is not up? Be Honest - if you don't know anything about construction - I can't educate you enough in these few words to help you out.

You need someone in the construction business, a friend,relative, to help you out. A building inspector can help, but many often don't have the knowledge - believe it or not - to give you advice. If all else fails and you cannot find someone, contact an architect/engineer and ask if they would be interested in making periodic inspections as your home is being built.

There are a few things that I can say to help you.

* Floors - when you stand in a middle of a room and move your weight up and down- the floor should not bounce or give much. If it does, inquire about the size and spacing of the floor joist.

*Subfloor should be 3/4" tongue and groove o.s.b. or plywood. It should be glued and screwed down to the floor joist.

*Outside wall headers should be 2" x 12", exterior wall sheating should be 1/2" o.s.b. * A lot of builders use 7/16" wall sheating but it's not what quality builders use. House wrap should be on all the exterior wall sheating.

* Windows should be top quality-ask about them now, and get the warranty so you can look at it. Don't settle for cheap windows.

* Furnace should be name brand - Probably a heat pump.

*Ask for names of all the subcontractors ahead of time. Then talk to people at the local lumber yards, and see what they think of these subcontractors. And yes the subs should be licensed in their trade.

*Make your builder sign partial lien wavers as you pay him. This means he cannot file a lien on your home for amount you have paid him. Do this on every payment - ask your bank to help you on this.

*Carpet,Tile,etc.Kitchen cabinets.-Ask what brand they all are, ask about the weight of the carpet (such as 26 ounce or 28 ounce) is it MoHawk, Shaw, carpet pad thickness? Look out for cheap toilets,light fixtures, faucets. You have to stay on top of this house before items show up and are installed that you don't like.

It is human nature to take advantage of people when you can - don't let this happen to you. Ask questions and make sure you get answers.

Sometimes it's easy to forget that you are the boss - not the builder.

You are paying him, he works for you. Once you establish this - he will think twice about taking advantage of you. Don't get me wrong - you need to be fair - just don't be dumb.

* Electrical service should be 200 amp panel and a brand name like

Square D, Westinghouse, probably at least a 42 circuit panel.

Note: Ask to be informed of when the city,county electrical,plumbing,building inspectors make their inspections. If the builder doesn't plan to schedule these inspections - you should.

Get involved and Stay involved.

Answer 2

Are there light switches/outlets where you would expect them to be?

Also cables for TV, phone and internet.

At this point blocking should be added where you want to install towel bars in the bathroom.  Nothing's more frustrating than a towel rod only attached to drywall. (same can apply to the toilet paper holder)

The insulation should be neatly done with no gaps in outside wall bays and window and door jambs should be insulated as well.

Congrat's on the new place.

Now the hard part starts-picking colors!

Answer 3

Contact your city\county building inspector. He is the person that can evaluate your house to be sure it is up to code.