A Home Inspector’s Role in Quality Control

Feb 23

Here at Eagle Eye Home Inspections, our motto has always been “Inspect what you expect.” For the most part, in the normal context of a home inspection, this is just another way to say “buyer beware,” which we’ve all heard before. But due to the ever-changing real estate and home inspection market, there is an increased demand for new construction inspections.

As my home inspection career stems from a 30-year background in construction management, I’ve been offering new construction inspections—or what we refer to as “critical phase inspections”—as far back as the early 2000s. Before we get into our story, I’d like to briefly explain what critical phase inspections are.

What are Critical Phase Inspections?

These inspections may be performed at critical phases—whether at the end of construction, the end of the contractual agreement between the buyer and the builder, or at any point when the buyer wishes to engage the inspector during the construction of their home.

These inspections are broken into five contact points: footing/foundation, pre-drywall, final home inspection, one-year builder’s warranty inspection, and five-year maintenance check inspection. Each new construction phase must meet set criteria so the home is at the optimum stage of construction to effect a thorough inspection of each critical phase.

Each inspection is followed by a complete report with high-quality photos labeled to identify the deficiencies clearly. These reports are turned around within 24 hours, as we never want to hold up construction unless warranted by the inspection’s outcome.

Our scope of work in performing these inspections is simple. “Let our keen focus be in your best interest” is another of our mottos. We draw upon our knowledge of construction, inspection experience, continual training, and a sense of good building practice to best protect our client’s interest in this investment.

As a long-time home inspector who takes his job very seriously and finds his career very fulfilling, there’s only one thing more gratifying than finding a deficiency in a home; that’s when I can prevent a problem from occurring while the home is being built, which can save years of headache throughout a home’s life.

As this story unfolds, you will see an example of how a home inspector’s role crosses into quality control—and the importance of new construction inspections.

Quality Control

This topic arose due to a pre-drywall inspection in a large new development constructed by a well-known national builder. (ASHI has a pre-drywall standard you can take.)

That’s when I came across an issue while inspecting the exterior envelope. I was evaluating the condition and installation of the house wrap and exterior flashing when it became evident that the flashing tape material applied around the exterior windows and doors was peeling away from the house wrap; it did not appear to be the proper tape for this application. This condition breaches the weather seal, likely leading to water leaks.

These findings were included in the report and brought to the client’s and construction manager’s attention. The construction manager said the flashing tape being used was the correct type and that it had broken down because it was out in the weather for an extended period. He said he would repair or replace the damaged house wrap tape before installing the siding.

The buyer accepted this response. There were no identifying markings on the tape, so with no proof that inferior flashing tape material was used, it was hard to prove my case otherwise.

A few days later, I found myself in the same community performing another pre-drywall inspection on a home near the previous one I had inspected.

While inspecting this home’s exterior, I chanced upon a partially used roll of the flashing tape in question. The tape had all the identifying information I needed to research what type the builder was using to flash their windows and doors. I researched the company name and product offerings and discussed my findings with the company’s technical department, whose number was listed on the tape. As it turns out, this builder used carton packaging tape, which was not suitable for use as window flashing tape. The same tape company had clearly marked tape specifically designated for use as flashing tape.

Before leaving the construction site that day, I contacted both construction managers responsible for the homes I was inspecting. They were kind enough to meet with me so we could review these findings together. I sent them all the information I could acquire on the tape used so they could share it with their material purchasing department.

I received a formal letter from this company in less than two days thanking me for bringing this to their attention, and they made me aware of the flashing tape they would be using going forward. They assured their customers and me that they were returning to the last few houses I had inspected to replace all of the incorrect flashing tape with the correct type, as the tape supply company-prescribed.

As a result, I potentially saved this company and its home buyers from having to endure countless numbers of service calls to address inevitable air infiltration and water leaks.

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Opinions of authors are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the opinions or positions of ASHI, its agents, or editors. Always check with your local governmental agency and independently verify for accuracy, completeness, and reliability.