3rd Party Inspection. Building New Home. (Frisco: how much, homebuyer, construction)

[friscoteam8]

Our home is framed with foundation in Frisco. The Builder is Pulte.

What type of Inspector (Structural Engineer?) is good to have to come out and inspect the home at this phase and future phases of construction?

Is this going to irritate the Builder?

What does the consumer who is on top of the Builder do to maintain Building quality?

Our Realtor has built homes before also.

[frenzyrider]

An SE is best used for pre-pour and post-pour inspection. Since your home is already framed, pre-pour is out of question. Depending on whether sheetrock is already laid, post-pour may not produce good results. At this point you need an inspector (not SE) who can do frame, HVAC, electricals and plumbing inspection if the mechanicals are already in i.e. pre-dry wall. If dry-wall is already done then there is only pre-close inspection left to do.

It is absolutely ok to tell the builder that you want to get it done. Many are used to getting this request. Just manage the conversation without irritating the builder. Don't ramble or speak as if you are giving excuses. We got it done and I simply said that it is for my peace of mind. Just one sentence and he was ok.

Hope it helps!

[jcl_cls02]

One thing to note is, Frisco Building Code and Inspectors are one of the strictest in the area. They're all business and no joke. Will red flag anything that is a little off, even for trash on site. Not saying you put your faith in the Frisco inspectors, just providing some info...

[Rakin]

Did you ask your RE Agent these questions ?

[friscohomebuyer99]

this is a good topic - thanks for posting this. so as i understand we may need inspection at these check points

- pre pour
- post pour
- post framing
- post electrical and plumbing
- pre close

are these the correct check points?

[frenzyrider]

Originally Posted by friscohomebuyer99

this is a good topic - thanks for posting this. so as i understand we may need inspection at these check points

- pre pour
- post pour
- post framing
- post electrical and plumbing
- pre close

are these the correct check points?

4 inspections -
a) pre-pour by a structural engineer (SE). This is done just prior to pouring the foundation. Because foundation pouring is time-sensitive, your SE must be able to accomodate you in short notice (~ 24 hours)
b) post-pour by a structural engineer (SE). Ideally done once they start framing the 2nd story but can be done all the way before the sheetrock.
c) Frame, HVAC, electrical, plumbing can be done in one sitting with the inspector (not SE). This is pre-dry wall.
d) Final inspection pre-close

[friscoteam8]

Originally Posted by frenzyrider

An SE is best used for pre-pour and post-pour inspection. Since your home is already framed, pre-pour is out of question. Depending on whether sheetrock is already laid, post-pour may not produce good results. At this point you need an inspector (not SE) who can do frame, HVAC, electricals and plumbing inspection if the mechanicals are already in i.e. pre-dry wall. If dry-wall is already done then there is only pre-close inspection left to do.

It is absolutely ok to tell the builder that you want to get it done. Many are used to getting this request. Just manage the conversation without irritating the builder. Don't ramble or speak as if you are giving excuses. We got it done and I simply said that it is for my peace of mind. Just one sentence and he was ok.

Hope it helps!

Thanks. Pulte said they had an Engineer on site at the time of pouring the foundation. What kind of Builder is Pulte (Reputable etc.)?

[friscoteam8]

Originally Posted by friscoteam8

Thanks. Pulte said they had an Engineer on site at the time of pouring the foundation. What kind of Builder is Pulte (Reputable etc.)?

About how much does it cost for a SE?

No sheetrock up.

Can you give some websites or phone nos. for SE and Inspectors at the check points noted above?

It's worth the peace of mind. Thanks!

[frenzyrider]

Originally Posted by friscoteam8

Thanks. Pulte said they had an Engineer on site at the time of pouring the foundation. What kind of Builder is Pulte (Reputable etc.)?

Well they will have to by standards but it does not mean a homeowner should not have one... Pulte is above average I think but any tract builder must be closely watched. I go every weekend sometimes more. When I do I carry trash bags to trash the water bottles, wrappers, paper and plastic plates, etc that workers leave behind. The reason I make sure it is clean is so that none of that ends up in dry wall or plumbing. I have heard horror stories...

[jcl_cls02]

Originally Posted by frenzyrider

Well they will have to by standards but it does not mean a homeowner should not have one... Pulte is above average I think but any tract builder must be closely watched. I go every weekend sometimes more. When I do I carry trash bags to trash the water bottles, wrappers, paper and plastic plates, etc that workers leave behind. The reason I make sure it is clean is so that none of that ends up in dry wall or plumbing. I have heard horror stories...

I'm the same way with my custom build. I see banana peels, jalapeños, drinks behind corners that still have the soda in there. Trying not to have any critters aftet the walls are up.