Independent of the Builder

New Construction
Inspections.

A brand-new home is not a defect-free home. An independent inspection catches what the builder's crew and the city inspector miss — before your warranty clock starts ticking. From $424.

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New construction home inspection in Santa Barbara
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InterNACHI®
Certified Inspector

Three Times to Inspect a New Build

The defects that cost the most are the ones you cannot see once the home is finished. Inspecting at the right moments keeps the builder accountable while repairs are still their responsibility.

Phase 1

Pre-Drywall

After framing and rough-ins, before insulation and drywall hide everything. We inspect structure, fasteners, and the plumbing and electrical rough-in while they are still visible.

Phase 2

Final Walk-Through

Before you close, we evaluate the finished home top to bottom — systems, finishes, and function — and hand you a clear punch list to take to the builder.

Phase 3

11-Month Warranty

Most builder warranties run one year. An inspection near the 11-month mark surfaces defects that have emerged with use — while they are still covered.

A Common Myth

Why "Brand New" Still Needs an Inspection

New homes are built fast, by many trades, under deadline pressure. Defects are normal — what matters is catching them before responsibility shifts to you.

01. Code Is the Floor

The city inspector confirms minimum code compliance — not workmanship quality, finish, or whether everything actually works. That is a low bar, and it is not your advocate.

02. Speed Creates Defects

Subcontractors rotate through quickly and rarely see the finished result. Missed flashing, gaps in the envelope, and rough-in errors are routine — and easy to miss without a trained eye.

03. The Warranty Clock

Once the builder's warranty expires, every repair is on you. Documented findings inside the warranty window keep those fixes the builder's obligation.

What We Evaluate

A trade-level review of the systems that decide whether a new home performs.

Framing & Structure

At pre-drywall we check framing members, fasteners, hangers, and load paths — the structural work that becomes impossible to verify once drywall goes up.

Roof & Building Envelope

We evaluate roofing, flashing, and the weather-resistive envelope — the systems that protect a new home from Santa Barbara's marine moisture.

Plumbing Rough-In

Supply and drain rough-ins are checked for proper support, slope, and connections before they are sealed behind finished walls.

Electrical Systems

We review the panel, wiring runs, and device installation for safe, complete, and correct work throughout the home.

Insulation & Drainage

We check insulation coverage, attic ventilation, and site grading so the finished home stays dry, efficient, and comfortable.

The "We'll Buy Your Home" Guarantee

We back our inspections with InterNACHI's Ironclad Guarantee. If we miss a covered item, they will buy the home back for the full purchase price.

✓ Valid for 90 Days ✓ Zero Deductible
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What Clients Say

Real feedback from Santa Barbara County homeowners, buyers, and investors.

★★★★★
Verified Review

“The report he gave us was immaculate. Our realtor said it was the nicest report they've ever seen. Everything was super detailed and clear.”

L
Leslie Arroyo
Homeowner
★★★★★
Verified Review

“Coastal Shield did an amazing job on our inspection. They were professional, clear, and very easy to work with. They found things we would have never noticed and explained everything in a way that gave us peace of mind.”

B
Ben Jasper
Home Buyer
★★★★★
Verified Review

“Louis is highly responsive and his inspection of the home we're purchasing was extremely thorough. He's prompt and professional while also being kind, and it has been a pleasure to work with him.”

E
Elizabeth Fama
Home Buyer

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New Construction FAQs

Common questions about new construction inspections in Santa Barbara County.

Doesn't the city inspector already check a new home?
Municipal inspectors verify that a build meets minimum code, not that the workmanship is good. They spend limited time on each visit and do not represent you. An independent inspector works only for you and evaluates quality, finish, and function the city inspector never reviews.
What is a pre-drywall inspection?
A pre-drywall inspection happens after framing, rough plumbing, and rough electrical are complete but before insulation and drywall cover them. It is the only chance to see the bones of the home — structure, fasteners, and rough-ins — while they are still exposed.
When should I schedule a new construction inspection?
Ideally three times: at pre-drywall, again at the final walk-through before closing, and once more before the builder's warranty expires — often around the 11-month mark — so any covered defects are reported while repairs are still the builder's responsibility.
Will the builder allow a third-party inspector?
Reputable builders welcome an independent inspection — it is a normal part of the process. We coordinate site access and communicate findings professionally so issues are corrected without friction. It pairs naturally with a full escrow inspection if you are financing the purchase.
Louis Oconnor

Louis Oconnor

★★★★★

"I look forward to giving you the clarity you need for your Santa Barbara home."

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Louis Oconnor

Louis Oconnor

★★★★★

"I look forward to giving you the clarity you need for your Santa Barbara home."

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