If you're building or buying a new home in the Houston area, there are three practical points where an independent inspection can document conditions while they're still visible — before concrete, drywall, or closing conceals them. You don't need all three; the right inspection depends on where the home is in the build right now.
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Three inspection opportunities
Pre-Pour Inspection
Starting at $230*
Before the slab is poured — while foundation forms, rebar, plumbing penetrations, and grading are still visible. Once concrete is placed, those conditions are no longer observable. Best if you're early in the build or want documentation before the foundation is locked in.
Pre-pour inspection details → · When to schedule →
Pre-Drywall Inspection
Starting at $230*
After framing and rough-in, before insulation and drywall cover the work. Framing, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical rough-ins are still accessible — giving you an opportunity to document conditions and follow up with the builder before they're concealed.
Pre-drywall inspection details → · Should I get one? → · Checklist →
Final New Construction Inspection
Starting at $230*
Once the home is substantially complete and before closing — a standard TREC home inspection of a newly built home. I evaluate major visible and accessible systems and components so you understand the home's condition before you take ownership.
Final new construction inspection details →
You may find GreenLight Inspections after the slab is poured, after drywall is up, or only at the final stage. Each phase stands on its own — schedule the one that matches where your home is today.
The Woodlands Qualified Inspector
Building or remodeling in The Woodlands may require a third-party Qualified Inspector under Township Residential Development Standards — separate from buyer phase inspections above. I perform permit code inspections by trade category (structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing) as an ICC R5 Residential Combination Inspector, and I'm listed on the Township's official Qualified Inspector List.
The Woodlands qualified inspector — permit code inspection details →
Harris County Third-Party Inspector
New homes permitted in unincorporated Harris County may use third-party inspectors during construction. Harris County's published FAQ describes an online process for recording inspection results. I perform the foundation, framing & mechanical, and final phases as an ICC R5 Residential Combination Inspector — qualified across residential building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing code disciplines — using the same pre-pour, pre-drywall, and final inspection services above. On request, I can log the applicable result through Harris County's published online system at no additional charge when the builder provides the permit number and any access needed.
Harris County third-party inspector — details →
*Pricing
Pre-pour, pre-drywall, and final new construction inspections use the same home-inspection pricing model. Pricing is based on the size of the home, with larger and older homes priced accordingly. Some areas may be subject to a small travel charge for mileage. See inspection pricing for how quotes are calculated. There is no separate construction package.
FAQs
Is a TREC-licensed home inspector the same as an ICC code-certified inspector?
No. Texas requires home inspectors to be licensed by TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission), but a TREC license does not mean the inspector is trained or certified in building codes. ICC certification is separate — it verifies knowledge of residential building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes. Most home inspections follow TREC Standards of Practice, which are not the same as a code compliance inspection. ICC certification is separate training and certification in applicable building codes and is particularly relevant when evaluating construction before components are concealed.
What inspections are performed during new home construction?
GreenLight Inspections offers three practical construction-phase inspections during a new home build: a Pre-Pour Inspection (foundation) before concrete is placed; a Pre-Drywall Inspection after framing and rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work are installed but before those systems are concealed; and a Final New Construction Inspection when the home is substantially complete before closing. A buyer or homeowner does not necessarily need all three inspections — each phase can stand on its own depending on where the home is in the construction schedule.
What does an ICC R5 Residential Combination Inspector inspect?
An ICC R5 Residential Combination Inspector holds a building-code credential from the International Code Council covering residential building (structural), electrical, mechanical, and plumbing code disciplines on residential projects. That combination certification is particularly relevant to construction-phase work and permit-code inspections where rough-in and structural conditions are evaluated against applicable codes. It is separate from Texas home-inspector licensure under TREC.
Does Harris County allow third-party inspectors for new construction?
Yes, for applicable residential permits in unincorporated Harris County, Harris County's published residential inspection FAQ describes a process under which builders may use third-party inspectors. The published FAQ recognizes several categories of qualified professionals, including ICC-certified Residential Combination Inspectors and residential inspectors licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). GreenLight Inspections' inspector is an ICC R5 Residential Combination Inspector and is also licensed by TREC as a Professional Inspector. This summary follows Harris County's published materials and is not a statement about how the county applies or enforces the process in every case. See Harris County third-party inspector for more detail.
What inspections does Harris County require for new residential construction?
According to Harris County's published FAQ for residential inspections, the county's published process identifies a minimum of three inspections during construction: a foundation inspection before placement of concrete; a framing and mechanical system inspection before drywall install; and a final inspection on completion of the residence. Those phases correspond closely with GreenLight Inspections' existing pre-pour, pre-drywall, and final new construction inspection services. Confirm permit-specific requirements with Harris County and your builder.
Can GreenLight submit my Harris County third-party inspection results?
On request, GreenLight Inspections can log the applicable inspection result through Harris County's published online inspection-notification system at no additional charge, when the builder provides the Harris County permit number and any information or access necessary for the submission. GreenLight does not automatically submit every phase inspection to the county portal — ask when scheduling or before the visit if you want that service for a given inspection. See Harris County third-party inspector.
Do you perform new construction inspections for builders as well as home buyers?
Yes. GreenLight Inspections performs construction-phase inspections for home buyers and homeowners and for builders and contractors. For buyers, an independent pre-pour, pre-drywall, or final inspection can document visible conditions during construction before concrete, drywall, or closing conceals them. For builders and contractors, GreenLight can perform applicable construction-phase and code-oriented inspections, including Harris County third-party inspection work and The Woodlands qualified-inspector permit code work where GreenLight meets that jurisdiction's published requirements. GreenLight Inspections does not act as the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) and does not approve permits unless a specific jurisdiction's published program assigns that role to the inspector performing the service.