Checklist for New House Inspection

Standard Operating Procedure: New Construction Residential Inspection & Defect Protocol

1. Document Control Block

---

2. Executive Summary & Purpose

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) defines the institutional-grade engineering protocol for conducting comprehensive structural, mechanical, and architectural inspections of newly constructed residential assets. The purpose of this protocol is to systematically identify, document, and categorize latent defects, tolerance violations, and code non-compliance prior to final asset handover and release of escrow. Execution of this checklist ensures complete verification against structural engineering standards, local building codes, and builder contractual specifications.

---

3. Scope & Prerequisites

3.1 Scope

This procedure applies to all single-family detached dwellings, townhomes, and multi-family residential units managed, acquired, or inspected by Template Registry engineering personnel.

3.2 Required Tools & Instrumentation

• Non-contact infrared thermometer / Thermal imaging camera (FLIR or equivalent)
• Digital moisture meter (pinless and pin-type)
• Laser distance measure and digital level (minimum 4-foot span)
• GFCI circuit analyzer and multimeter
• Telescoping inspection mirror and high-lumen tactical flashlight
• Standard 16-foot tape measure and marble/ball bearing (for floor slope checks)

3.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• ANSI Z87.1 certified safety glasses
• ASTM F2413 compliant steel-toe footwear
• Hard hat (required for unfinished attic spaces and active construction zones)
• Cut-resistant work gloves (ANSI Level 4 minimum)

---

4. Roles & Responsibilities

---

5. Step-by-Step Procedure

Phase 1: Exterior Envelope & Site Drainage

• Verify positive site drainage; grade must slope away from the foundation at a minimum of 6 inches over the first 10 feet.
• Inspect concrete foundation walls for structural cracking (hairline cracks $<1/16$ inch acceptable; vertical/structural displacements $>1/8$ inch require structural engineer sign-off).
• Confirm downspouts discharge water a minimum of 5 feet away from the foundation perimeter via splash blocks or underground extensions.
• Inspect exterior cladding (brick, stucco, siding) for flashing integrity, weep holes, and proper clearance from grade (minimum 6 inches for siding, 2 inches for masonry).
• Test all exterior hose bibs for operational pressure and verify frost-proof backflow prevention features.
• Inspect roof surface for shingle alignment, proper valley flashing, drip edge installation, and penetration sealing (vents, plumbing stacks).

Phase 2: Structural & Interior Framing Integrity

• Check interior door clearances and latch engagement; ensure no binding or self-opening/closing due to out-of-plumb framing.
• Measure floor levelness using a digital level or rolling test across all living spaces; maximum allowable variance is $1/4$ inch over a 10-foot span.
• Inspect drywall for nail pops, tape joint telegraphing, and corner bead damage.
• Verify attic insulation depth matches specifications (minimum R-38 to R-49 depending on climate zone) and ensure soffit vents are unobstructed by insulation baffles.
• Inspect roof framing for structural integrity, truss plate seating, and absence of excessive sagging or warped members.

Phase 3: Plumbing Systems Verification

• Perform a simultaneous full-flow test of all fixtures (all sinks, showers, tubs) to verify dynamic water pressure and drain evacuation rates.
• Inspect all under-sink plumbing, water heater connections, and toilet bases for active leaks or weeping joints using moisture meters.
• Verify hot water heater temperature setting is calibrated to $120^\circ\text{F}$ ($49^\circ\text{C}$) and pressure relief valve (PRV) discharge pipe terminates safely outside.
• Check all tubs and showers for solid structural backing, caulking integrity, and absence of flex in acrylic/fiberglass surrounds.
• Ensure main water shut-off valve and gas shut-off valves are accessible and fully operational.

Phase 4: Electrical & Low-Voltage Systems

• Test every electrical outlet using a GFCI circuit analyzer for correct wiring, polarity, and automatic tripping functionality in wet zones (kitchens, baths, exterior).
• Verify all arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers function correctly via their integrated test buttons in bedroom and living area panels.
• Inspect electrical panel for neat wire management, proper circuit labeling, and correct bonding/grounding to earth rods.
• Test all light switches, ceiling fan junction boxes, and hardwired smoke/carbon monoxide detectors (interconnected verification required).
• Verify HVAC thermostat responsiveness, sensor calibration, and integration with the primary control board.

Phase 5: HVAC, Thermal Envelope & Ventilation

• Measure temperature differential ($\Delta T$) across evaporator coils in cooling mode (target range: $15^\circ\text{F}$ to $22^\circ\text{F}$ drop) and heating mode.
• Inspect ductwork joints for mastic sealing, insulation continuity, and absence of crimped flex-duct runs restricting airflow.
• Verify exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchen range hoods exhaust directly to the exterior, not into attic cavities.
• Conduct thermal imaging scan around windows, exterior doors, and ceiling junctions to detect thermal bridging, air infiltration, or missing insulation pockets.
• Inspect gas-fired furnace and water heater flues for proper slope, clearance to combustibles, and secure connection collars.

Phase 6: Finishes, Fixtures & Appliances

• Inspect all windows and sliding glass doors for operational smoothness, damaged seals, scratched glass, and functional security locks.
• Verify cabinetry alignment, drawer soft-close mechanisms, countertop seam integrity, and backsplash grouting/caulking.
• Run complete operational cycles on all installed appliances (dishwasher, range, oven, microwave, garbage disposal).
• Inspect flooring installations (hardwood, LVP, tile) for hollow spots, cracked grout, excessive lippage, or unsecured transitions.
• Perform final paint touch-up check across all walls, baseboards, crown molding, and trim elements.

---

6. Quality Assurance & Pro-Tips

6.1 Best Practices

• Thermal Imaging Timing: Conduct thermal scans during peak solar loading or when a significant indoor/outdoor temperature differential ($\ge 15^\circ\text{F}$) exists to maximize resolution of air leaks.
• Systematic Sequencing: Always inspect the top-down (roof $\rightarrow$ attic $\rightarrow$ living spaces $\rightarrow$ foundation). Water follows gravity; tracing a roof leak requires inspecting the framing directly below the penetration.
• Photo-Documentation Standard: All identified defects must be photographed with a scale reference (ruler or coin) alongside a wide-angle orientation shot for geographical context within the asset.

6.2 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Rushing Wet Areas: Do not test plumbing fixtures in isolation. Multi-fixture draws frequently reveal inadequate main drain sizing or cross-ventilation issues that single-fixture tests miss.
• Ignoring Aesthetic Minor Flaws as Isolated: Multiple cosmetic flaws in close proximity (e.g., drywall cracking radiating from a door frame) frequently indicate an underlying structural framing settlement issue.

6.3 Metric Thresholds

• Floor Out-of-Level: Maximum $\pm 0.25$ inches per 10 linear feet.
• Electrical Voltage: Nominal $120\text{V} \pm 5%$ ($114\text{V}$ to $126\text{V}$).
• HVAC $\Delta T$ (Cooling): $15^\circ\text{F}$ to $22^\circ\text{F}$ supply-to-return temperature differential.
• Moisture Content (Wood Framing): Must not exceed $15%$; readings $>19%$ indicate active moisture intrusion requiring immediate remediation.

---

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the protocol if a structural framing defect is identified during Phase 2?
A: Immediately halt inspection of the affected zone, tag the area with a Level-1 Defect Notice, and notify the Asset Acquisition Manager and General Contractor in writing within 4 hours. Do not sign off on escrow release until a licensed structural engineer provides a stamped remediation plan and completed repair verification.

Q2: How are minor cosmetic defects (e.g., paint touch-ups, minor trim gaps) tracked for builder correction?
A: Log all cosmetic items into the Template Registry Digital Punch List application during the walk-through. Categorize them as "Class 3: Non-Structural Finishes" with a mandatory 14-day contractual remediation SLA prior to final asset sign-off.

Q3: What immediate action is required if an electrical circuit fails the GFCI trip test?
A: Flag the circuit as a safety hazard in the inspection software, notify the on-site electrical trade lead immediately, and require replacement of the receptacle or breaker before continuing the electrical verification sequence.