Do I Really Need a Home Inspection for a New Build? (Short Answer: Yes)

It’s a common assumption: “The home is brand new, so everything must be perfect, right?”Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. At Douglas Home Inspections, we’ve seen firsthand how new construction homes — even multi-million dollar builds — can have major issues hidden behind the fresh paint and staged furniture.

Let’s break down why a home inspection is just as important for new construction as it is for older homes — and share a couple real examples that drive the point home.

Real Story #1: The One That Got Inspected Too Late

A client purchased a multi-million-dollar newly built home without an inspection, trusting that the builder had dotted every “i” and crossed every “t.” Shortly after closing, they started noticing problems — and hired me to take a closer look.

Here’s what I found during the post-purchase inspection:

• Damaged flooring throughout, caused by paint overspray from sloppily done baseboards.

• Expensive kitchen cabinets with visible damage, likely from careless installation or handling.

• Doors with missing hardware — yes, entire doorknobs and locks left incomplete.

• Gaps in crown molding that should’ve been seamless in a high-end finish.

• Radon levels far above the EPA-recommended limit, something no one had even checked.

• Crooked outlet and light switch covers, making the walls look rushed and unprofessional.

• Reversed hot and cold water in a bathroom, a common but dangerous plumbing oversight.

By the time these issues were uncovered, the home was already theirs — and dealing with repairs became a frustrating and expensive process.

Real Story #2: The Inspection That Caught It All Just in Time

On another inspection, I was called in before the sale closed on a new construction home that had been sitting vacant for nearly a year. Again, this was a high-end, multi-million-dollar property — but beneath the pristine surface, we found:

• A gas leak at the gas meter — a serious safety hazard.

• Sky-high radon levels — over 100x the acceptable limit. This was rare, but because the home was extremely airtight, the gas had nowhere to escape.

• Large gaps in the crown molding, again taking away from the seamless, luxury finish.

• Gaps in the hardwood flooring throughout the home — big enough to fit a quarter into. That’s a sign the floors were likely installed before the wood had time to properly acclimate to the home’s humidity. On a 7,000+ sq ft home, that’s a massive (and costly) mistake.

Because this inspection happened before the buyer signed on the dotted line, they had leverage to get everything addressed — and potentially avoided thousands in post-purchase headaches.

Why New Homes Still Need Inspections

Whether it's a luxury build or a starter home, new construction doesn’t always mean flawless. Here’s why:

1. Builders Are on a Deadline

Construction timelines are tight, and quality control can slip. Subcontractors come and go. Mistakes — like plumbing cross-connections, missing attic insulation, or miswired outlets — happen more often than you'd think.

2. Municipal Inspections Are Not Comprehensive

City or county inspections often focus on code compliance, not craftsmanship. They don’t check the fine details — like whether a door closes properly or if a dishwasher is actually hooked up.

3. Systems May Sit Unused

If a home sits for months waiting for a buyer, gas lines, HVAC systems, and plumbing can develop issues that weren’t there when the builder walked through.

4. Radon Doesn’t Care How New the Home Is

New or old, radon can seep into any home — especially those with tight envelopes and modern energy efficiency. If it isn’t tested, you won’t know.

5. It’s Your Leverage Tool

A pre-closing inspection gives you the chance to address problems before final payment is made. It’s your last shot at accountability before everything becomes your responsibility.

The Bottom Line

Even brand-new homes deserve a second set of eyes. At DHI, we inspect new construction with the same attention to detail we give every property — because brand-new should still mean built right.

If you’re buying a new construction home in Nashville, Mount Juliet, or the surrounding area, let’s make sure your dream home doesn’t come with surprises.

👉 Schedule your inspection today