A brand-new home isn't a perfect home — an independent inspection before you take ownership catches defects and unfinished work while they're still the builder's responsibility to fix.
A new construction inspection is a thorough, independent evaluation of a newly built home before you take ownership — an experienced, unbiased look at the work before the builder hands over the keys. It's not a substitute for the municipality's code inspection; it's a separate check performed on your behalf, in your interest.
Even brand-new homes have defects and unfinished work. Trades move fast, details get missed, and problems that are easy to correct now become your responsibility — and your expense — the moment you close. An inspection catches those items while they're still the builder's obligation to fix.
Eric D. Smith performs new construction inspections throughout De Soto and Southern Illinois. With more than 9,000 inspections completed over 29 years, and every inspection following the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice and Illinois state standards, he delivers a clear, honest report — explained in plain language.
A Real Spect new construction inspection evaluates the whole home — from the structure to the finishes — before you take ownership.
Foundation, framing, and structural components — making sure the bones of your new home are sound.
Electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling systems, checked for proper, complete installation.
Roof, siding, windows, doors, grading, and drainage — the systems that keep weather out.
Interior finishes, fit, and workmanship — catching the overlooked and unfinished details.
It's a common assumption that a brand-new home must be problem-free — but homes are built by people, on tight schedules, with many trades handing off to one another. Missed details and unfinished work are the rule, not the exception.
The critical thing is timing. A defect discovered before closing is the builder's responsibility to correct. The same defect discovered after you've moved in is often yours — both to fix and to pay for. An independent inspection gives you documented findings while you still have the leverage of an upcoming closing.
Having a licensed, experienced inspector on your side — someone whose only interest is you, not the sale — means you walk into your new home confident that it was built and finished the way it should be.
Your inspection delivers an on-site, computer-generated report that's free of technical jargon and easy to understand.
From your first phone call to final report delivery, here's exactly what to expect.
Call 618-924-1982 or use our contact form. We'll answer your questions and offer a free, no-commitment cost consultation.
Eric evaluates the new home from structure to finishes, following ASHI Standards of Practice and Illinois state standards. You're encouraged to attend.
You receive an on-site, computer-generated report and a clear punch list of items to present to your builder before closing.
Questions after the report? Eric provides post-inspection consultation and honest advice on your next steps.
Because new doesn't guarantee flawless. Homes are built quickly by many different trades, and missed details or unfinished work are common. An independent inspection catches those issues while they're still the builder's responsibility to correct — before you take ownership and the cost becomes yours.
Municipal code inspections confirm the home meets minimum building-code requirements — they're not the same as an independent inspection working on your behalf. A Real Spect inspection is a separate, buyer-focused evaluation that looks at overall condition, workmanship, and the details a code sign-off doesn't cover.
The most valuable time is before closing, while any findings are still the builder's obligation to fix. Some buyers also choose an inspection at earlier stages of construction. Give us a call and we'll help you time it to your build and closing schedule.
You present the findings — a clear, photo-documented punch list — to your builder so the items can be corrected before you close. Because it comes from an independent, licensed inspector, it carries weight and helps ensure your new home is finished the way it should be.
Real Spect Home Inspections is based in De Soto and serves communities across Southern Illinois — including Anna, Benton, Carbondale, Cartersville, Du Quoin, Herrin, Pinckneyville, and West Frankfort. Give us a call to confirm your area.
Call Eric today • IL License #450.000678 • ASHI Standards of Practice • 9,000+ Inspections • Serving Southern Illinois for 29 Years