Pre-Drywall Inspection
A pre-drywall inspection reviews accessible framing, wiring, plumbing and ductwork before insulation and drywall conceal the work. We document observed concerns with photographs so you can discuss them with your builder.
Or call (703) 450-6398 to confirm availability around your drywall date.
Why inspect before the drywall
A house is built by a lot of different trades, and they work the same walls on different days. Framers, plumbers, electricians and HVAC crews each pass through, and things get overlooked in the handoffs. Insulation and drywall conceal much of the framing and rough-in, making this stage useful for reviewing exposed work.
The wall, this week
Exposed work can be reviewed before insulation and drywall conceal it.
Many trades, one set of walls
Plumbers, electricians and framing crews all pass through the same space on different days. Nobody sees the whole picture at once, which is exactly where things slip through.
Covered problems get expensive
Exposed work can be easier to assess and discuss with your builder. Repair requirements and costs depend on the finding and site conditions.
See work before it is covered
Later inspections assess what remains accessible. A pre-drywall visit provides a view of exposed framing and rough-in before wall finishes conceal them.
What we inspect before the walls close up
Your inspector reviews exposed systems within the agreed scope. What can be inspected depends on the construction stage and safe access. Tap an area to see the components reviewed.
- Wall studs
- Wall system
- Notching of floor joists
- Missing metal clips
- Floor system
- Roof system
- Roof covering
- Foundation walls
- Slabs
- Footings
- Pier pads
- Drains
- Wiring
- Junction box placement
- Pipe placement
- Air duct placement
- Register placement
- Waterproofing
- Flashing for windows and doors
- Exterior wall covering
- Firestop material
- Crawlspace
- Retaining walls
- The interior
Concerns to raise while work is exposed
An inspection can document visible concerns for your builder to review before work is covered. Some conditions may be concealed, incomplete or require further evaluation.
- A notched joistA notch that may warrant review before the framing is covered.
- A buried junction boxA box concealed by finished drywall that may require additional access.
- A missing metal clipOne connector left off a structural connection, in a house full of them.
Visible work, documented. We review accessible framing and rough-in components, and record observed concerns for discussion with your builder.
How a pre-drywall inspection works
Three steps, and the first one is a question for your builder about the drywall date.
Step 1
Book it against the drywall date
Ask your builder when rough-in will be complete and when insulation and drywall are planned. Book online or call with the address and dates so we can confirm availability and site access.
Step 2
Your inspector works the open structure
With the walls still open, your inspector reviews accessible framing, floor and roof systems, foundation walls, electrical, plumbing and HVAC rough-in, weatherproofing and fire blocking within the agreed scope. Observed concerns are photographed, and you are welcome to walk the site with the inspector where access permits.
Step 3
The report follows in 24 to 48 hours
Findings are written in plain language, organized by system and location, with photographs of observed conditions. Review them with your builder while the work is exposed, and keep the report for future reference. See a sample report.
Schedule your inspection Get a pre-drywall quote Call (703) 450-6398
Book it before the drywall is delivered
Drywall goes up fast once it is scheduled, so this is worth booking as soon as your builder gives you a date.
Construction dates can change. Keep your builder and our team informed, and confirm the appointment and site access before the work is covered. If the date changes, contact us to review availability.
Right now
Open and inspectable
Accessible framing and rough-in can be reviewed while exposed. The report records the conditions observed at that visit.
After drywall
Concealed by drywall
Drywall limits the view of concealed framing and rough-in. A later concern may require additional investigation or access.
The short versionRaise observed concerns with your builder before the work is covered.
The four stages of a new build
Pre-drywall is the second of four. Each stage of the build covers up the one before it, so we inspect four times. Book them as a set, or book any one on its own.
Already under contract? Tell us how far along the build is and we will tell you which stages are still open. A house whose drywall is already hung has two left, not four; the earlier ones cannot be recreated. See all four new construction inspections.
Licensed, certified and insured
Your pre-drywall inspection is carried out by a licensed, insured and continuously trained inspector, backed by general liability and errors and omissions insurance, and it is carried out for you rather than for your builder. These are the credentials behind the report; the full roster of certifications, awards and association memberships is a click away.
InterNACHIInternational Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Every inspection follows its Standards of Practice.
Certified Master InspectorThe inspection profession's senior designation.
ASHIAmerican Society of Home Inspectors. We work to its ethical and operational standards.
BBB Accredited, A+Better Business Bureau accredited since 2019 with an A+ rating.
Angi Super Service AwardAwarded for 2025 on verified customer reviews.
Thumbtack Top ProTop Pro standing on Thumbtack, earned on customer reviews.
- Licensed and continuously trained inspectors
- General liability and errors and omissions insurance
- Every report peer reviewed before it goes out
- Passed the National Home Inspector Examination
See every credential we hold: inspector certifications and accreditations, awards and association memberships.
Builders we have inspected for
We have inspected homes from the production builders working across Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC, and from regional and custom builders alongside them. Whoever is building yours, the inspection is independent of them: we are hired by you, we report to you, and your builder stays responsible for the work and for arranging the permit inspections their jurisdiction requires.
and many more
Pre-drywall inspections near you
Pre-drywall inspections across Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC, from $350. Select your county or city for local information. Final pricing depends on property type and square footage; confirm your quote and builder access before booking.
Virginia
From $350Pre-drywall inspection · property-specific quote
Counties we cover
Maryland
From $350Pre-drywall inspection · property-specific quote
Counties we cover
Washington DC
From $350Pre-drywall inspection · property-specific quote
Coverage
Pre-drywall inspections across Washington DC.
Share the property address to confirm coverage and the inspection scope.
Pre-drywall inspection questions
What the inspection covers, when to book it and what you get at the end of it, in plain language.
What is a pre-drywall inspection?
An independent inspection after rough-in and before insulation and drywall conceal the work. Your inspector reviews accessible framing, floor and roof systems, foundation walls, electrical, plumbing and HVAC rough-in, weatherproofing and fire blocking within the agreed scope, and documents observed concerns with photographs. It is carried out for you rather than for your builder.
When should I book the pre-drywall inspection?
Ask your builder when framing and rough-in will be ready and when insulation and drywall are planned. Contact us with the address and dates so we can confirm availability, scope and safe access while the work is exposed.
Construction dates can change. Keep your builder and our team informed and reconfirm the appointment if the schedule moves.
How soon do I get the report?
In 24 to 48 hours. Every finding is in plain language, organized by system and location, with photographs of what is behind your walls taken while it was still visible. You can see a sample report before you book.
Do I need to be there?
No, and you are welcome to attend where site access permits. Walking with the inspector can help you ask questions about exposed work. If you cannot attend, the written report and photographs document the observed findings.
My builder has their own inspections. Why do I need this one?
Your builder arranges the jurisdiction inspections required for the project. Our inspection is independent, hired by you and reported to you. It can document visible concerns such as a notched joist, a concealed junction box or a missing connector for discussion with your builder. It does not replace required permit inspections.
What happens if you find something?
You receive written findings with photographs and locations to discuss with your builder while the work is exposed. Ask the builder how each concern will be addressed and whether further evaluation is needed.
Can you inspect after the drywall is up?
We can inspect the accessible parts of the home, but cannot reproduce the view of framing and rough-in once they are concealed. If the home is approaching closing, review the pre-settlement inspection. Tell us the current construction stage so we can help identify the appropriate visit.
Do I still need the other new construction inspections?
Each stage stands on its own and you can book any of them individually. They cover different things because the house is at a different stage each time: foundation and footing before the concrete, this one before the walls close up, pre-settlement before you sign, and the 11th-month warranty inspection before the builder's warranty deadline. Booking more of them leaves fewer blind spots, and a stage the build has already passed cannot be recreated.
Where do you carry out pre-drywall inspections?
Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC. Our wider inspection footprint reaches further, but this service is offered in those three jurisdictions. Check the address against our service coverage map, or call and we will confirm it for your site.
What does a pre-drywall inspection cost?
Pricing starts from a flat fee and depends on the size of the home. Enter the address when you book online to see the price for your property, or call (703) 450-6398 and we will quote it.
Share the address and planned insulation or drywall date to confirm timing and access. Get a pre-drywall quote or schedule your inspection. Still deciding? The general inspection FAQ covers scheduling, attendance and reports across every service, and the new construction hub lays out all four stages.
Explore Our Inspection Reports
- HD Photography
- Commentary & Recommendations
- Grading Scale
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