New-construction inspections at SeaFlower: pre-drywall, blue tape and the 11-month walk

Quick answer

Every new home in SeaFlower should get three independent inspections: at pre-drywall (framing, strapping, flashing, plumbing, electrical and ducts are all visible), at the final walkthrough (blue-tape every defect before closing), and at eleven months (before the one-year workmanship warranty expires). No SeaFlower builder prohibits it, and the builder's own quality checks are not a substitute.

Why a brand-new home needs an inspector

A builder's construction manager and the county inspector both check the home, against the builder's standards and the code respectively. Neither works for you. I did the final quality-control walk for David Weekley for a living, and I still hire an independent inspector for every client, because a second set of eyes with no schedule pressure finds things.

Pre-drywall

The most valuable inspection, because everything is exposed. What a good inspector checks: hurricane strapping and roof-to-wall connections, window and door flashing, plumbing rough-in and drain slopes, electrical box placement against the plan, duct routing and sealing, insulation baffles, and that structural options you paid for are actually framed. Weekley's EnergySaver program adds a duct-leakage test and a third-party insulation inspection before drywall; ask every builder what testing they do at this stage.

Final walkthrough and blue tape

Walk every room with tape in hand: paint, drywall, trim, cabinet alignment, door swings, window operation, grout, caulk, appliance function, HVAC balance, exterior grading and drainage. The builder fixes tape items before closing far faster than after. Photograph everything.

Eleven months

Drywall cracks, nail pops, settling, warranty items that surfaced through a full cycle of seasons. Submit the list before the one-year workmanship warranty ends. Warranties in SeaFlower: David Weekley 1-2-10, M/I 10-year structural with one-year customer care, Pulte 10-year structural, Issa 1-2-10 through RWC. Cardel's terms are not on its public pages; get them in writing.

Cost and logistics

Independent inspections in the area typically run a few hundred dollars each; the pre-drywall one is the most valuable. Builders require scheduling with the construction manager, which I handle, and for out-of-state clients I attend and video the walk.

Sources: David Weekley EnergySaver and warranty pages; Pulte, M/I and Issa warranty pages (Sep 3, 2026); Cardel FAQ.