Building Inspectorin Copley, OH

New Construction, Phase, Foundation & Warranty Inspections

Footprints Property Inspections helps new construction buyers throughout Northeast Ohio know their home was done right while the builder is still on the hook to fix it.

Your builder has an inspector. That inspector works for the builder.

Footprints works for you, not the builder. Every new construction inspection, phase walkthrough, 11-month warranty review, and pre-listing evaluation is done independently, with no stake in the outcome except finding what's actually there.

Catching defects while the builder is still on the hook for repairs saves you real money. Waiting until the walls are closed up and the warranty expires costs you the rest.

New build buyers across Northeast Ohio have been getting an independent second opinion from Footprints for over 13 years.

InterNACHI Certified Master InspectorASHI Certified InspectorMove-In CertifiedInterNACHI Buy-Back Guarantee
New Construction Inspection

New Construction Inspection

Even brand-new homes come with construction defects. 86% of home inspections turn up something that needs to be fixed, and builder punch lists don't catch everything. An independent inspection before closing surfaces issues the builder should fix while it's still their responsibility.

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Pre-Drywall Inspection

Pre-Drywall Inspection

Once the drywall goes up, everything behind the walls is hidden for good. A pre-drywall inspection catches framing, electrical, plumbing, and insulation issues while they're still accessible. It's the only realistic window to verify the work behind the finished surfaces you'll never see again.

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Phase Construction Inspection

Phase Construction Inspection

A phase construction inspection covers your build at multiple stages instead of just one final walkthrough. We inspect at foundation, framing, pre-drywall, and final, catching issues at each phase before the next one covers them up. This option makes the most sense for custom builds where the stakes of hidden defects are high.

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Foundation Inspection

Foundation Inspection

The foundation carries everything above it. A foundation inspection evaluates the footings, walls, drainage, and waterproofing for cracks, movement, and water intrusion that would turn into major structural repairs later. Catching foundation issues early is almost always cheaper than waiting for them to show up in the framing above.

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Pre-Listing Inspection

Pre-Listing Inspection

Selling a home is easier when you know what a buyer's inspector will find. A pre-listing inspection lets you fix issues on your timeline, price accurately, and avoid last-minute renegotiations. Fewer deals fall through when buyers see a clean report up front.

11-Month Builder's Warranty Inspection

11-Month Builder's Warranty Inspection

Most new home builder warranties follow a 1-2-10 structure: one year on workmanship, two on mechanical systems, ten on structural. An 11-month inspection catches defects before that first-year window closes. You walk away with a documented list and photos you can submit to the builder while repairs are still on their dime.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I schedule a new construction inspection?
Ideally at two key stages: before the drywall goes up, and again before your builder's one-year warranty closes. The pre-drywall phase is your only chance to see what's inside the walls. After closing, NE Ohio's first full winter is typically when drainage, settlement, and heating system issues start showing up.
Will my builder let me hire my own inspector?
Most will, though some builders try to discourage it or restrict access to certain phases. If a builder resists an independent inspection, that's worth paying attention to. In Ohio, you have the right to hire your own inspector on any property you're purchasing, new or existing.
Can brand new homes really have serious problems?
Yes, and it's more common than people expect. More than half of new construction buyers find defects after moving in. Rushed schedules, subcontractor handoffs, and limited code inspections all create gaps. Brand new doesn't mean problem-free, especially in NE Ohio where the first winter tests everything the builder installed.
What defects show up most in NE Ohio new builds?
After a full cycle of NE Ohio weather, the most common issues are drainage and grading problems, foundation cracks from freeze-thaw pressure, and HVAC shortcomings that weren't apparent during the warmer months at closing. Missing attic insulation and improper exhaust venting also come up frequently.
What does a pre-listing inspection involve?
A pre-listing inspection is a full evaluation of your home before it goes on the market. It shows you what a buyer's inspector will likely find, so you can handle repairs on your timeline instead of scrambling to respond after an offer is already on the table.

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(330) 760-2245