Pre-Drywall Inspection in Jacksonville, FL
Serving St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & all of Northeast Florida
A pre-drywall inspection is an independent check of your new home before the walls close. We inspect the framing, wiring, plumbing, HVAC, windows, and roof before insulation and drywall hide them for good. We serve Greater Jacksonville and the St. Augustine area. Our team is led by, BJ Johnson, certified Master Inspector who spent more than 20 years as a custom home builder. You get a clear report the same day. Hand it to your builder while fixes are still quick and cheap.
Book this inspection after the rough-in work is done and before insulation goes in. By then, the frame, roof, windows, and doors are in. The wiring, pipes, and ducts are roughed in, too. Ask your builder for the date insulation is scheduled, then book us for the days just before it. Builders here often move fast. So, call us as soon as your home is framed.
A county inspection checks that your home meets minimum code. Your builder schedules it, and the visit is often brief. In contrast, an independent inspector works for you, not the builder. We take the time to look closely at workmanship, not just minimum standards.
We follow the InterNACHI Pre-Drywall Inspection Standards of Practice. We are licensed by the State of Florida (Home Inspector License #HI8005). You can also review our own standards of practice and code of ethics before you book.
Even well-run builds have mistakes. These are some of the issues we often flag at this stage:
Each one is simple to fix now. After drywall, the same repair can mean cutting open finished walls.
Before You Book
We inspect new homes at the pre-drywall stage for:
The cost of a pre-drywall inspection depends on your home’s square footage and number of stories. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote. Hero Discount available for active and retired military, law enforcement, first responders, and teachers.
Many clients pair this visit with our other new construction inspections:
Our team includes a Certified Master Inspector (CMI) and an InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector. We are also members of FABI and the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors. Together, we have completed over 40,000 inspections with more than 40 years of combined experience. We are rated 4.9 stars across more than 1,600 Google reviews, and every inspection is performed by our own staff.
Owner BJ Johnson built custom homes across Northeast Florida for more than 20 years before he became an inspector. He has worked with the same local contractors, in the same climate, on the same kinds of homes. As a result, he knows exactly where to look before the walls close.
You receive a detailed, interactive report the same day. Each issue has clear photos and a plain-language note. That way, your builder knows exactly what to fix. Once the repairs are made, we can return to confirm the work was done right. A reinspection is available for an added fee.
Pre-Drywall Inspection
Do I need a pre-drywall inspection if the county already inspects my home?
Yes. The county checks for minimum code, and the visit is often short. An independent inspector works only for you. We look closely at workmanship, not just the code minimum.
Should I attend the inspection?
You are welcome to attend. In fact, walking the home with your inspector is a great way to see your home’s framing and systems before the walls close.
Will my builder let me hire a third-party inspector?
Most builders allow outside inspectors. However, some set rules about timing and site access. Check your purchase agreement, then let your builder know the date you have booked.
What happens if you find problems?
We list each issue in your report with photos and notes. You share the report with your builder, who makes the repairs. We can then return to verify the fixes for an added fee.
Is a pre-drywall inspection the same as a pre-insulation inspection?
Usually, yes. Both terms mean an inspection after the rough-ins are done and before the walls close. Book it before insulation goes in, so nothing is hidden.