Tague Home & Property Inspections Logo
    New construction home interior at the pre-drywall stage with framing, wiring, and rough-ins visible
    TREC Licensed Professional Inspector #25477

    Pre-Drywall Inspections in Houston, TX

    Catch Problems While You Can Still See Them

    A Phase 2 inspection happens before insulation and drywall go in, while framing and rough‑ins are still open. Dave finds issues while they’re visible so your builder can fix them before the walls are closed.

    • Framing & Structural Review
    • Electrical Rough-In
    • Plumbing Rough-In
    • HVAC Rough-In
    • Exterior Envelope Review
    • Licensed WDI Inspection
    Pre-Drywall Stage

    What Is a Phase 2 Pre-Drywall Inspection?

    Phase 2 is the framing / pre-drywall stage of new construction. The framing is complete, rough-in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are installed, roof and windows are on, and the builder is getting ready for insulation and drywall.

    At this stage, Dave:

    • Walks framing and structural components that will soon be concealed
    • Evaluates electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-ins where accessible
    • Reviews house wrap, flashings, and exterior penetrations for water-management issues
    • Documents defects and safety concerns in a clear, builder-ready report

    Once drywall goes up, most of this work is hidden. Phase 2 is your chance to make sure the "bones and guts" of the house are right.

    Framing and rough-ins visible inside a new construction home before drywall

    Best Time to Schedule

    • Framing Complete
    • Roof Installed
    • Windows & Doors Installed
    • Rough-Ins Complete
    Before Insulation & Drywall
    Comprehensive Coverage

    What We Inspect at Phase 2

    A detailed evaluation of your home's framing, rough-in systems, and exterior envelope before everything gets covered.

    Framing & Structural

    Framing & Structural

    • Wall, floor, and roof framing where visible
    • Framing connectors and fasteners where accessible
    • Load paths, bearing points, and general workmanship
    • Stairs, guardrails, and other structural elements in place

    Why it matters: Structural issues are far easier to address now than after finishes are installed and movement or cracking appears.

    Roof Structure & Sheathing

    Roof Structure & Sheathing

    • Roof framing from the attic and/or interior vantage points
    • Roof sheathing, fasteners (where visible), and penetrations
    • Visible signs of moisture intrusion or daylight at joints

    Why it matters: This is your chance to see how the roof is actually built, not just how it looks from the street.

    Electrical Rough-In

    Electrical Rough-In

    • Wiring runs where accessible
    • Boxes, staples, and protection plates where required
    • Panel location and basic layout
    • Rough-in for lighting, receptacles, and major equipment

    Why it matters: Damage to conductors, missing protection, or improper routing is much easier to correct now than after walls and ceilings are closed.

    Plumbing Rough-In

    Plumbing Rough-In

    • Supply and drain piping where visible
    • Penetrations through framing with proper support and protection
    • Tub, shower, and fixture locations
    • Venting and routing where accessible

    Why it matters: Improper notching, support, or routing can lead to leaks, structural damage, and noisy or poorly performing plumbing systems.

    HVAC Rough-In

    HVAC Rough-In

    • Duct routing and support where visible
    • Return and supply locations
    • Vent terminations and penetrations where accessible

    Why it matters: Poor duct layout and support can lead to comfort issues, noise, and efficiency problems that are costly to fix once the home is finished.

    Exterior Envelope (Where Accessible)

    Exterior Envelope (Where Accessible)

    • House wrap and flashing details at visible areas
    • Window and exterior door installations (visible portions)
    • Penetrations for vents and utilities where accessible

    Why it matters: Water that gets past failed flashing or house wrap doesn't show up until after you move in. Phase 2 is the best time to catch these issues.

    Why It Matters

    Why Phase 2 Matters

    City inspections and builder checks are important, but they're not a full, independent review of how everything behind the walls actually went together.

    Once insulation and drywall go up, framing, wiring, plumbing, and ductwork are hidden for good. A Phase 2 inspection catches problems while they're still visible — when corrections are simple, fast, and far less expensive for your builder to complete.

    Catch Hidden Problems Early

    Framing defects, wiring issues, and plumbing concerns are documented while every system is still exposed and accessible.

    Easier Builder Corrections

    Trades can return to fix issues while walls are open — no cutting into finished drywall or disrupting your move-in timeline.

    Avoid Costly Finished-Home Repairs

    Problems found now cost a fraction of what they'd cost to repair after insulation, drywall, and finishes are installed.

    Why Tague

    Why Homeowners Choose Tague for Phase 2

    1

    New Construction Focus

    Dave understands what typically goes wrong at pre-drywall in Houston-area new builds and knows where to look for problems before they're covered.

    2

    Builder-Friendly Reporting

    Findings are documented with photos, locations, and clear descriptions so your builder and superintendent can act on them quickly.

    3

    Calm, Clear Communication

    You get straight, practical explanations of what was found, why it matters, and how it's typically addressed.

    4

    Same-Day Reporting

    Most Phase 2 reports are delivered the same day so you can send them to your builder without delaying insulation and drywall.

    5

    Licensed & Professional

    TREC Licensed Professional Inspector, Licensed termite / WDI inspector, fully insured and committed to protecting your investment.

    What to Expect

    Our Phase 2 Inspection Process

    01

    Schedule

    Coordinate with your builder to confirm the pre-drywall window, then schedule your Phase 2 inspection.

    02

    On-Site Inspection

    Dave walks the framing, rough-ins, and accessible exterior envelope, documenting defects, safety concerns, and incomplete work.

    03

    Walkthrough

    If you attend, we'll review major findings on site and highlight which items typically need to be corrected before insulation and drywall.

    04

    Same-Day Report

    You receive a detailed, photo-rich report you can send directly to your builder and agent.

    Questions Answered

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Yes. City inspectors are focused on code compliance and work under time constraints. A Phase 2 inspection is a more detailed, independent review focused on your long-term interests.
    Pre-drywall stage of a new construction home with framing, wiring, plumbing, and HVAC visible before walls are closed
    Ready to Schedule?

    Schedule Your Phase 2 Pre-Drywall Inspection

    You only get one chance to inspect what's inside your walls before it's covered forever. Make sure an experienced, independent inspector looks at your home during this critical stage.