New Doesn't Always Mean Perfect
New construction moves through many trades on a tight schedule, and details get missed — unfinished work, systems that weren't tested, cosmetic defects, and occasionally more serious issues. The builder's walkthrough is not a substitute for an independent, professional inspection.
Closer Look Inspections evaluates your finished new home the same way we'd evaluate any home: roof, structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and finishes — and delivers a documented punch list you can hand directly to your builder before closing.
The timing matters. Before you close, unfinished or defective work is the builder's responsibility to correct. After you close, it can become a warranty claim — or your problem. A pre-close inspection puts you in the strongest position.
What a Pre-Close Inspection Covers
A complete, top-to-bottom evaluation of your finished new home — documented as a punch list for your builder.
Roof, Structure & Exterior
We evaluate the roof with FAA-licensed drone inspection, plus the structure, exterior cladding, grading, windows, and doors — verifying the finished shell is complete and correct.
Electrical, Plumbing & HVAC
We test the electrical system, plumbing fixtures and supply, and run the HVAC through heating and cooling — confirming the systems in your new home actually function as they should.
Finishes & Workmanship
Doors, windows, cabinetry, flooring, paint, and trim — documented for defects, damage, and unfinished work. New homes accumulate cosmetic and workmanship issues that are easy to miss without a careful eye.
Moisture & Systems Verification
Infrared thermal imaging is included to catch hidden moisture and missing insulation, and we verify that the home's systems are complete and operational — not just installed.
Final Inspection Coverage
- Exterior & roof
- FAA-licensed drone roof inspection
- Exterior cladding & grading
- Windows & doors
- Systems
- Electrical function & safety
- Plumbing fixtures & supply
- HVAC heating & cooling
- Finishes
- Cabinetry, flooring & trim
- Paint & workmanship
- Unfinished-work punch list
- Verification
- Infrared thermal imaging
- Wind mitigation & 4-point reports
- Same-day digital report
Three Reasons Buyers Inspect Before Closing on New Construction
Before you close, the builder is responsible. That's the moment to find everything.
Builder Fixes It, Not You
Issues found before closing are the builder's responsibility to correct. A documented punch list ensures they're addressed while you still have maximum leverage.
New Homes Have Defects Too
Multiple trades on a fast schedule leave gaps — untested systems, unfinished work, cosmetic damage. An independent inspection catches what the builder's walkthrough misses.
Documentation That Holds Up
A professional report gives you a clear, dated record of the home's condition at closing — valuable if an issue becomes a warranty dispute later.
Why Central Florida New-Home Buyers Trust Closer Look
A final new-construction inspection needs an independent, credentialed eye. Here's what sets Closer Look apart:
- Certified Master InspectorKeith Wilson holds the Certified Master Inspector designation — the highest credential in the home inspection industry, requiring thousands of completed inspections, continuing education, and a verified track record. Most inspectors never reach this level.
- Licensed Florida Mold AssessorFlorida's humidity makes mold a real risk. Keith is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor, so any suspected moisture or mold issue found during your service can be properly evaluated without bringing in a separate vendor.
- FAA-Licensed Drone Roof Inspection — IncludedSteep, multi-story, or tile roofs that can't be safely walked still get full aerial documentation as part of every full inspection. No additional charge, no skipped roof areas, no guesswork.
- Insurance Reports Included at No ChargeWind mitigation and 4-point insurance reports are included with every full home inspection — saving you the $150 to $300 other inspectors charge for these reports separately.
- Same-Day Digital ReportsYour full Scribeware report is delivered the same day via email, with color-coded priority labels and a built-in repair request builder you can send directly to the other party's agent.
- Live Answered Calls 24/7Real estate moves fast and questions don't wait. Carol Wilson and the Closer Look team answer calls live, around the clock. Scheduling typically happens within 48 hours.
The Inspection Process
From first call to delivered report, here's exactly what to expect when you book with Closer Look.
Schedule
Call 407-319-4608 or book online. Live answered 24/7. Scheduling typically within 48 hours to fit your timeline.
On-Site Inspection
Your inspector performs a complete evaluation of the finished home and builds your punch list — typically 2 to 4 hours depending on size.
Walkthrough
You're welcome on-site. Your inspector walks you through key findings, answers questions, and shows you what matters most.
Same-Day Report
Your full digital report — with photos, color-coded priorities, and repair request builder — is delivered the same day via Scribeware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything Central Florida property owners want to know before scheduling.
Isn't a new home already inspected by the city?
Municipal inspections verify code compliance at various stages, but they're not the same as a thorough, independent evaluation of the finished home performed on your behalf. A private pre-close inspection looks out for your interests specifically and produces a punch list you control.
When should I schedule the pre-close inspection?
Shortly before your closing date, once the home is essentially complete, so issues can be added to the builder's punch list and corrected before you sign. Give us your target closing date and we'll fit the timing.
What do I do with the punch list?
You provide it to your builder to correct the items before closing. Because these are pre-close findings, they're the builder's responsibility to address while the home is still theirs.
Should I still get an 11-month warranty inspection later?
Yes — it's a different milestone. The pre-close inspection protects you at closing; the 11-month warranty inspection catches issues that emerge during your first year, before the builder's warranty typically expires.
Are the insurance reports included?
Yes. Wind mitigation and 4-point reports are included with the full inspection — useful for setting up insurance on your new home.
Do you serve my city in Central Florida?
Yes — we serve the entire greater Orlando metro, including Orlando, Winter Garden, Horizon West, Lake Nona, Windermere, Clermont, Winter Park, Saint Cloud, Ocoee, Davenport, and all communities across Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk, Seminole, Volusia, and Sumter counties.
Ready to Schedule Your Pre-Close Inspection?
Scheduling within 48 hours • Same-day digital reports • Live answered calls 24/7