Comprehensive New Construction Inspections in Southern Arizona
Stage-Based Inspections from Pre‑Drywall to Warranty Milestones
Nova Inspections and Improvements LLC provides independent new construction inspections across Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Vail, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Red Rock, Rio Rico, and surrounding Southern Arizona communities.
New construction in Southern Arizona often moves fast and involves multiple trades working under extreme heat. Small misses in framing, roofing, stucco, drainage, mechanical installs, or finishes can turn into costly headaches later.
Our goal is simple: document conditions clearly so you can communicate concerns and follow up confidently.
Recommended Add‑Ons
We highly recommend adding a sewer scope for many new construction homes to help identify concerns that may not be visible during a standard inspection. We also offer dryer vent video inspections and air quality and mold assessments for clients who want additional peace of mind.
What you get
Photo-rich reporting designed for clear builder communication
Stage-based options so you can inspect one phase or multiple phases
Practical, prioritized documentation
Notes when access is limited due to builder restrictions
When applicable, we may reference published Arizona ROC workmanship standards and manufacturer requirements as a framework for documentation
Important: All inspections are non-invasive and based on conditions observed on the day of service. Scope depends on build stage, access, and jobsite conditions. Warranty coverage and outcomes vary by builder, component, and circumstances.
Pre-Slab Inspection
Performed shortly before the concrete is poured. This phase helps document certain under‑slab and foundation‑prep items before they are permanently concealed.
Formwork & excavation: We review visible forms for general alignment, stability, and readiness for a uniform pour, and note visible concerns.
Under‑slab plumbing & utilities: We document routing, support, protection, and general condition of accessible drain/waste and supply components.
Vapor barrier & post‑tension related components: We check visible vapor barrier areas for tears/punctures and document visible post‑tension related components and installation conditions present at the time of inspection.
Pre-Drywall Inspection
Performed before insulation and drywall are installed. This is a key opportunity to document structural and rough‑in components while they are still visible.
Framing & structural components: We document observable framing conditions, connections, and visible hardware/bracing where accessible.
Rough‑ins: We check accessible HVAC, plumbing, and electrical rough‑ins for concerns such as damage, inadequate support, improper routing, problematic penetrations, or other installation conditions that may warrant follow‑up.
Exterior water‑management details: We document visible flashing/water‑management components around windows/doors and other accessible areas.
Pre-Closing Final Walk Inspection
Typically performed shortly before closing. This inspection is designed to help you document workmanship and functional concerns so you can communicate them clearly for builder punch‑list and warranty follow‑up.
What we inspect
We perform a comprehensive, non-invasive inspection of the home based on conditions present at the time of service, including:
Exterior: Exterior wall finishes, penetrations, trim, windows/doors, and visible drainage/grading conditions around the home.
Interior finishes and workmanship: Drywall, paint, trim, flooring, doors, cabinets, counters, and other visible finish items throughout the home.
Plumbing: Fixtures, visible supply/drain components, functional flow at fixtures, and checks for active leaks in accessible areas.
Electrical: A representative review of outlets, switches, GFCI/AFCI where applicable, visible wiring concerns, and accessible electrical equipment conditions.
HVAC and mechanical: Operation using normal controls, airflow/temperature performance observations as conditions allow, and visible condensate-related concerns.
Appliances: Basic operation of installed appliances through normal functions where safe and practical.
Builder access limitations
During pre‑closing, builders sometimes limit access to certain areas for safety/liability reasons. We document any access restrictions and inspect all areas that are available. In many cases, roof access is not permitted prior to closing.
10-Day Post-Closing Inspection
Performed shortly after closing, once you have full access to the home. This inspection is designed to help document workmanship and functional concerns early in occupancy, and to re-check areas that may have been limited during the pre‑closing phase.
What we inspect
This is a comprehensive, non-invasive inspection based on conditions present at the time of service. Common focus areas include:
Roofing and exterior: When conditions allow, we document roof covering and roof-related components, exterior finishes, penetrations, windows and doors, and other exterior conditions that may warrant builder follow‑up.
Attic and structure: We document observable attic conditions, including accessible framing and truss components, insulation coverage/installation, and other visible items that can be evaluated at the time of inspection.
Electrical: We document observable concerns at accessible electrical equipment and a representative number of outlets/switches. When safe and accessible, we may open the main panel to document visible conditions behind the dead front.
Plumbing: We check fixtures and accessible supply, drain, waste, and vent components for active leakage and other observable installation/performance concerns.
HVAC and mechanical: We operate the system using normal controls where conditions allow and document observable performance concerns, including visible condensate routing/drainage issues that could contribute to moisture damage.
Interior finishes and workmanship: We document visible concerns such as drywall, paint, trim, flooring, cabinets, counters, doors, and hardware throughout the home.
Punch‑list follow‑up
If you had a pre‑closing inspection, we can re-check previously documented items where accessible and document whether repairs appear completed at the time of this inspection.
Why the “10‑day” timing matters
Arizona ROC workmanship standards include guidance that certain manufactured surface concerns should be reported promptly after move-in. This inspection helps identify and document those items early so homeowners can communicate them clearly to the builder. Timing and coverage can vary by builder contract, component, and circumstances, and this inspection does not guarantee repairs or any specific outcome.
The 11-Month / 1-Year Builder Warranty Inspection
Performed near the end of the first year of occupancy, often around month 11. This inspection is designed to help homeowners document concerns before many builders’ advertised one‑year warranty periods end and after the home has gone through normal use and seasonal conditions.
What we inspect
This is a comprehensive, non-invasive inspection based on conditions present at the time of service. Common focus areas include:
Foundation and concrete: We document observable cracking, displacement, and other conditions at accessible areas. Some concrete cracking can be normal; we note conditions that appear inconsistent with typical performance or published workmanship standards when applicable.
Stucco and exterior finishes: We document visible stucco cracking, separation, chipping, and other concerns, including areas around openings and penetrations, as observed at the time of inspection.
Interior performance items: We check representative doors, windows, and interior components for functional issues such as binding, misalignment, and related concerns that can develop as the home settles.
Drainage and site conditions: We document obvious drainage concerns and visible grading conditions observed at the time of inspection, especially after seasonal weather patterns.
Major systems: Representative checks of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC using normal controls and typical operating procedures, documenting observable performance or installation concerns.
About cosmetic items and timing
By this stage, builders often treat minor cosmetic blemishes as normal homeowner wear and tear, while performance and workmanship concerns may still be relevant depending on the component, documentation, and your builder’s warranty terms.
2‑Year Major Systems and Workmanship Review (23‑Month)
Performed near the 23‑month mark, this inspection is designed to help homeowners document concerns before common 2‑year warranty timelines end and within the timeframe where Arizona ROC workmanship standards are often referenced for new construction. We focus on performance and workmanship items—not minor cosmetic wear-and-tear from normal living.
What we inspect
This is a comprehensive, non-invasive inspection based on conditions present at the time of service. Common focus areas include:
Warranty repair verification: If you had prior warranty repairs completed or a prior Nova inspection, we re-check accessible areas and document whether repairs appear to be holding up at the time of this inspection.
Electrical: We inspect accessible electrical equipment and a representative number of outlets/switches, documenting observable safety or workmanship concerns. When safe and accessible, we may remove the main panel dead front to document visible conditions.
Plumbing: We check accessible plumbing components for active leakage and other observable installation/performance concerns and document items for follow-up.
HVAC and mechanical performance: We operate the system using normal controls where conditions allow and document observable performance concerns, including visible condensate routing/drainage issues that could contribute to moisture damage.
Why the 23‑month timing matters
Many homeowners hear “one‑year warranty,” but some workmanship standards and complaint timelines in Arizona extend beyond one year for certain items and circumstances. A 23‑month review helps document major performance and workmanship concerns while there is still time to pursue builder follow-up if needed.
Extended Structural Reviews
Some structural concerns can take time to become noticeable. We offer extended, structural‑focused inspections to help homeowners document visible conditions and concerns before key long‑term deadlines. In Arizona, long‑term construction defect timelines are often discussed around an 8‑year window, and some builders may offer additional coverage through third‑party warranty programs. Coverage and timelines vary by contract and circumstances.
What we inspect
This is a structural‑focused, non-invasive, visual inspection based on conditions present at the time of service, including:
Foundation and structural components: We document visible conditions at accessible foundation areas, stem walls, and structural elements, noting observable movement indicators such as significant cracking, separation, displacement, or other conditions that may warrant further evaluation or builder follow‑up.
Framing and load paths: We document accessible framing conditions and visible connection points where accessible, including areas that may indicate movement or stress over time.
Roof structure and truss systems: We document accessible attic/roof-structure conditions, including visible truss components, bracing, and connection concerns where accessible.
Structural masonry and load‑bearing walls: We document visible cracking, separation, or displacement patterns at accessible areas where applicable.
What Your Southern Arizona Neighbors Say About Nova
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"I have been very impressed with the attention to detail Adnan and Wes have shown... I appreciate them going above and beyond to perform thorough inspections that give my clients peace of mind. I will definitely be using them again in the future."
— Javier Olono, Real Estate Professional
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"As first-time home buyers, my husband and I walked into this process with equal parts excitement and anxiety... Adnan was incredibly thorough, patient, and detail-oriented. What really stood out was how approachable and thoughtful he was — no question ever felt too small."
— Mohana Mukherjee, First-Time Home Buyer
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"The inspector was punctual, professional, and extremely thorough... What stood out most was their attention to detail and willingness to explain findings in a clear, easy-to-understand way. They identified several items that I plan to address with my builder under warranty, which may have fallen through without documentation."
— Ricky Rosales, 1-Year Warranty Inspection Customer
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"We recently had our one-year home warranty inspection done for our new build, and the experience was excellent... You can really tell he is dedicated to helping homeowners understand their home and making the process as stress-free as possible."
— Marlene Barboza, New Build Homeowner
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"Wesley showed up... had foot covers for his shoes for the inside portion... The inspection was very thorough and took over the 5 hour mark. He found deficiencies I would have never seen which will now get done for free due to our home guarantee. It was worth every cent."
— Scott Edwards, Homeowner
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"Very satisfied with the work done by Adnan. He was friendly, honest, and concise with the details; He did a thorough inspection & was able to explain all the findings in an unbiased manner. We are grateful for the professional service..."
— Israel Campa, Google Local Guide
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"Extremely professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring — they treat every inspection as if it were for their own home. Their transparency, attention to detail, and commitment to going above and beyond truly set them apart... If you want peace of mind, Nova is the one to call!"
— Lovedeep Kandola, Homeowner
Optional Builder Consultation & AZ ROC Support
Dealing with builder superintendents, warranty managers, or Registrar of Contractors meetings can feel overwhelming. We offer optional consulting services to provide factual, unbiased, code-compliant clarification based directly on your Spectora report, helping you communicate documented conditions confidently with your builder.
Ready to protect your investment from the ground up? Schedule your multi-phase new construction inspection with Nova today.