A new home is still a home built by people, on a schedule. The best time to catch framing, plumbing, wiring and ductwork problems is before insulation and drywall cover them up. After that, they’re hidden for good.
I’m Bastian Steuer, owner of 2theCore Home Inspections, an InterNACHI Certified Master Inspector (CMI) and North Carolina licensed home inspector #5461, based in Cape Carteret. I inspect new builds in Morehead City, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Swansboro, Jacksonville, New Bern and across Eastern North Carolina.
Pre-drywall inspections under North Carolina’s new rule
As of June 1, 2026, North Carolina has a dedicated standard for pre-drywall inspections: 11 NCAC 08 .1117. Here’s what that means for you:
- A signed contract first. Before the inspection, you sign a written contract that states the inspection follows the state’s Standards of Practice and lists the services and cost. I handle this electronically when you book.
- A clear scope. The rule lists the installed systems and components the inspection covers.
- Incomplete work is identified. Any system or component that isn’t completely installed yet is identified in the report, with enough detail to show how much work remains.
- The report goes to you. The written report is delivered to you, the client. You can share it with your builder to get items fixed before the walls close.
What a pre-drywall inspection covers
- Foundation and framing: foundation, floors, walls, columns or posts, ceilings and roof framing, plus whether fireblocking and draftstopping are present.
- Exterior: wall cladding and flashing, windows, doors and skylights, and decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches and railings.
- Roofing: roof coverings, flashing, chimneys and roof penetrations, and signs of leaks or abnormal condensation.
- Plumbing: water supply piping, drain, waste and vent piping, supports and insulation, the water heater and its controls and venting, and fuel gas piping.
- Electrical: conductors, distribution and panel boxes, and whether branch circuit wiring matches its apparent use.
- HVAC: heating, air conditioning and ventilation equipment, and ductwork.
Thermal imaging is included in every inspection I do. Your report includes photos, plain-language descriptions and recommendations, and is ready the same day.
When to schedule
Schedule the pre-drywall inspection after framing and the plumbing, electrical and HVAC rough-ins are finished, but before insulation and drywall go up. That window can be short, so talk to your builder early about access and timing. Once your builder gives you a date, book right away.
The New Construction Safe Bundle: $1,325
One inspection catches problems at one moment. The New Construction Safe Bundle follows your home through three:
- Pre-drywall inspection: framing and rough-ins, before the walls close.
- Final inspection before closing: a full inspection of the finished home, so items can be addressed before you take the keys.
- 11-month warranty inspection: a full inspection shortly before the builder’s one-year warranty ends, to catch problems that showed up after move-in.
Each inspection can also be booked on its own. Pre-drywall, final and 11-month inspections follow the same pricing structure as our other residential inspections, starting at $475 and adjusted for square footage and distance.
After the inspection
Share the report with your builder to request fixes. Once repairs are done, a Re-inspection ($175) brings me back to check the repaired items. I don’t do repairs on homes I inspect, so my findings stay independent.
New builds near the coast face the same humidity and salt air as every other home here. A Limited Mold Screening ($175), with swab samples of visible mold sent to a lab and results in about 2 business days, and radon testing ($199), a 24-hour minimum test with results right after, can be added to the final or 11-month inspection.
Pre-drywall inspection FAQ
What is a pre-drywall inspection? An inspection of a new home after framing and the plumbing, electrical and HVAC rough-ins are finished, but before insulation and drywall go up. It’s the only time these systems are fully visible.
What does North Carolina’s new pre-drywall rule require? Under 11 NCAC 08 .1117, effective June 1, 2026, you sign a written contract before the inspection, the inspector inspects the listed installed systems and components, and any item not completely installed is identified in the report. The report goes to you, and you can share it with your builder.
What’s included in the New Construction Safe Bundle? Three inspections for $1,325: the pre-drywall inspection, the final inspection before closing and the 11-month warranty inspection.
Can I share the report with my builder? Yes. The report is yours, and sharing it with your builder is the best way to get items fixed before the walls close. A $175 re-inspection can confirm the repairs.
Book your new construction inspection
Book the pre-drywall inspection or the full bundle in our online booking tool. You’ll see your total right away and sign the contract electronically. Questions about timing with your builder? Call Bastian at 740-919-1831 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.) or email bastian@2thecorellc.com.