Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Yes—hire an independent, Florida-licensed inspector before you close on a new Orlando home. A builder’s orientation and the city or county’s permit sign-offs confirm that required inspections occurred; they do not replace a buyer-commissioned inspection that documents defects, incomplete work, drainage problems, moisture, safety issues, and missing records. Schedule the inspection early enough to give the builder time to correct defects and allow a reinspection before signing.
Use the checklist below in three passes: review the lot and documents, inspect the structure and systems, then close out a written punch list and warranty file.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What a new-construction inspection should cover
New construction can contain the same defects as an older house—plus rushed finishes, incomplete commissioning, installation errors and paperwork gaps. Your inspection should cover the finished lot, structure, exterior envelope, roof, attic, interior finishes, electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical equipment, appliances, life-safety devices, drainage, moisture and pest evidence.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsAsk for a written report with photographs, a location for every defect, a severity or priority rating, and correction language that a builder can act on. A verbal walk-through is useful, but it is not a durable record for negotiations or warranty claims.
#1 Best Overall
When to inspect: use the right sequence
1. Pre-drywall inspection
If the builder permits it, inspect after framing, rough plumbing, electrical and mechanical work are installed but before insulation and drywall conceal them. This is the best opportunity to identify missing fasteners, damaged framing, poorly supported ducts, unsealed penetrations, incorrect wiring, plumbing conflicts and blocked fire-stopping. The inspector needs safe access and should not disturb installed work.
2. Pre-closing inspection
Complete the full inspection when the house is substantially complete, utilities are on, appliances are installed and grading is near final. Test every accessible component rather than assuming a new product works. A pre-closing report should distinguish a cosmetic finish issue from a water, structural, electrical, life-safety or code-related concern.
3. Reinspection before signing
Give the builder a dated punch list. Before closing, verify each repair in person, photograph the result and record any item that remains open in the closing documents or a written agreement. Do not rely on a promise that a defect will be fixed after title transfers.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #2
Documents to request from the builder and local authorities
Orlando guidance states that Florida law requires permits for most projects, including many small ones. Electrical and plumbing work require trade permits, and local inspection programs also address gas, low-voltage, mechanical, refrigeration, roofing and solar work. Ask for a complete record rather than only the final certificate of occupancy.
- Approved building, structural, architectural and site-plan sets, including every approved revision.
- The building permit card, trade permits and inspection sign-offs for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, roofing, solar and related work.
- Engineering documents, product approvals and calculations used for the site, structure, roof, windows, doors and other regulated components.
- The recorded Notice of Commencement when applicable, plus any permit-history printout available from the permitting authority.
- Final certificates, elevation documents, roof-installation records and manufacturer product documentation.
- Termite or wood-destroying-organism (WDO) certificate, treatment records and any continuing-service requirements.
- Appliance manuals, model and serial numbers, equipment schedules, warranty terms, paint colors, finish schedules and invoices.
- Written builder warranty procedures, emergency contacts and the deadline or method for reporting defects.
Orlando inspection guidance tells applicants to keep permit and inspection records visible and available at the job site. As a buyer, request copies for your permanent home file. If the builder cannot produce a permit, approved revision or sign-off for work that plainly exists, ask the permitting department and your closing professional to resolve the gap before closing.
Walk the Orlando lot before entering the house
Lot conditions can create expensive problems even when the building itself looks perfect. Walk the property after rain if possible, and compare what you see with the approved site plan.
- Confirm that finished soil slopes away from the foundation and that swales carry water to their intended outlet.
- Look for ponding beside the slab, garage, sidewalks, driveway, pool area or air-conditioning equipment.
- Check that inlets, drains and culverts are open and that landscape mulch or sod has not blocked them.
- Look for settlement, cracking or low spots at the driveway, sidewalk and utility trenches.
- Verify that roof downspouts discharge through splash blocks or extensions far enough from the foundation.
- Check that window wells, hose bibs, irrigation heads and condensate lines do not discharge against walls or walkways.
- Compare retaining walls, grades and drainage structures with the approved plan; a visually attractive lot can still drain toward the house.
For a project in a mapped flood-hazard area, Orlando code requires FEMA elevation certification after the lowest floor is placed and before further vertical construction. That certification is a construction-stage requirement, not proof that the finished lot will drain properly. Request the elevation document and have your inspector evaluate visible grading and water flow independently. Orange County plan-review material also identifies drainage and site-engineering review, so retain those records with the plans.
Structure and exterior-envelope checklist
Foundation, slab and framing
- Scan the slab, stem walls and accessible foundation for unusual cracking, displacement, settlement or moisture staining.
- Check garage floors and transitions for excessive slope, cracks that continue into walls, and openings around utilities.
- Where accessible, look for damaged, cut or inadequately supported framing, missing fasteners and improper notching or drilling.
- Inspect masonry joints, control joints and stucco for cracks, hollow areas, open terminations or unfinished patches.
Walls, windows and doors
- Operate every exterior door and window; check latches, locks, weather-stripping, screens, glazing and emergency egress where applicable.
- Inspect head flashings, sill pans, weep paths, sealants and penetrations for continuity and signs of water entry.
- Look for cracks around openings, unsealed cable or pipe penetrations, damaged siding and stucco-to-window transitions.
- Confirm that garage-to-house separation, fire-rated doors and self-closing hardware operate as required.
Roof and attic
- Review the roof covering, valleys, penetrations, flashing, drip edges, vents and visible underlayment for damage or incomplete installation.
- In the attic, check insulation coverage, air-sealing, ventilation paths, duct connections, framing damage and daylight or water staining.
- Ask for the roof installer’s certificate, product approvals, warranty and any photographs taken before the covering concealed the deck.
Wind-resistance checks for Orlando homes
Orlando uses the Florida Building Code Eighth Edition (2023). The Orlando code text lists a 135-mph ultimate design wind speed for Risk Category II buildings. A visual inspection cannot establish that a house meets its design wind resistance, so request documentation and inspect accessible components.
- Verify that roof-to-wall connectors are present and properly fastened where visible in the attic.
- Check roof-deck attachment patterns in accessible areas and compare them with the approved engineering or product documentation.
- Record labels or approvals on impact-rated windows, shutters and other opening-protection products.
- Confirm the garage door’s wind rating, installation details and manufacturer label.
- Ask for product approvals, connector schedules, truss or framing plans and any engineer’s certifications.
Do not infer wind performance from a generic “hurricane package” description. The inspector should identify what can be verified visually, what requires paperwork and what is concealed.
Test every building system and safety device
Turn on utilities before the inspection and make sure the inspector can access panels, shutoffs, equipment and cleanouts. Orange County’s Building Safety Division lists electrical, gas, low-voltage, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, roofing and solar inspections within its scope.
Electrical and low-voltage
- Operate every switch, receptacle, light, dimmer, ceiling fan and exterior fixture.
- Test ground-fault and arc-fault protection where installed, and verify panel labeling, working clearances and accessible disconnects.
- Check doorbells, data outlets, security wiring, landscape lighting and low-voltage equipment.
Plumbing, gas and water heating
- Run every faucet, shower and tub; check temperature, pressure, drainage, shutoff access and leaks below sinks.
- Flush every toilet and inspect the base, supply connection and surrounding floor for movement or moisture.
- Test hose bibs, exterior drains, cleanouts, sump or ejector equipment and irrigation connections.
- Inspect the water heater, expansion equipment, relief discharge, pan and gas or electrical connections.
- If the home has gas, verify appliance operation, shutoff labeling, venting and carbon-monoxide protection.
HVAC, ventilation and appliances
- Run heating and cooling modes, check supply and return airflow, thermostat operation, filter access, condensate drainage and air-handler overflow protection.
- Operate bathroom exhaust fans, kitchen ventilation, dryer exhaust and whole-house ventilation equipment.
- Run the range, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator water dispenser or ice maker, disposal, microwave, washer and dryer if supplied.
- Confirm that appliance model and serial numbers match the handoff records and that manuals and warranty registrations are provided.
Life-safety equipment
- Test smoke alarms, carbon-monoxide alarms, security alarms and garage-door auto-reverse functions.
- Check handrails, guards, stair geometry, emergency egress windows, tempering of safety glazing and trip hazards.
- Verify that fire extinguishers, pool barriers and other required safety items are installed where applicable.
Moisture, pests and indoor conditions
Look beneath sinks, around toilets, at hose bibs, in the attic, around windows and at air-handler drains. Use non-invasive moisture measurements where appropriate and document staining even if the surface feels dry. Check closets, garages and corners for musty odor, bubbling paint, swollen trim or visible mold-like growth.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Order a separate termite/WDO inspection unless the inspector is properly qualified to provide it. Request the builder’s termite certificate and treatment details; a certificate does not eliminate the need to investigate accessible evidence of damage or conducive conditions. Ask how often the treatment must be renewed and what voids its coverage.
Best Value
- Comprehensive Maintenance Checklist Covers essential monthly and seasonal tasks to keep your home running smoothly all year round.
- Organized by Season Includes clearly labeled sections for Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter to simplify home upkeep.
- Easy-to-Use Format Designed for quick reference with large, legible text and a clean layout suitable for any household.
- For Homeowners & Renters Ideal for anyone looking to stay on top of home care—whether you own or rent.
- Durable & Made in the USA Printed on thick 25 mil magnetic material with a glossy laminate for lasting use on your fridge or metal surface.
How to build and close the punch list
- Number each item. Identify the room, elevation or equipment, describe the defect, attach a photograph and classify it as safety, water, structural, system, finish or documentation.
- Send one dated list. Deliver it to the builder, superintendent and closing team using the builder’s stated process. Keep proof of delivery.
- Prioritize correctly. Require immediate correction or a written resolution for active leaks, unsafe electrical conditions, failed life-safety devices, drainage toward the structure, structural movement and nonfunctional utilities.
- Verify repairs. Reoperate systems, repeat moisture checks and inspect concealed repairs when access is restored. Mark each item repaired, unresolved or accepted with a documented exception.
- Assemble the handoff file. Keep the final report, photographs, permits, certificates, plans, manuals, serial numbers, warranties, paint colors, invoices and signed repair agreement together.
Florida’s builder warranty and your reporting plan
Florida Statutes Chapter 553 provides a statutory warranty for covered defects. The statute says a builder shall warrant a newly constructed home for construction defects in equipment, material or workmanship furnished by the builder or a subcontractor or supplier that result in a material violation of the Florida Building Code, for one year after the original conveyance of title to the initial owner or after initial occupancy, whichever occurs first. A private builder warranty may cover additional defects or last longer; read its exclusions, notice rules and response procedure.
Report defects in writing under the builder’s process, even when the builder’s representative verbally acknowledges them. Include dates, photographs, the inspection report page, the effect on use or safety and the access needed to correct the problem. Keep copies of every submission and response.
Should you order a wind-mitigation inspection?
Ask your insurer whether a wind-mitigation inspection can document credits for qualifying features. Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation identifies the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form OIR-B1-1802 as effective April 1, 2026. The form can remain valid for up to five years when there are no material changes or inaccuracies. Florida consumer guidance sets licensing and training requirements for people who complete it.
A wind-mitigation inspection is not the same as a full home inspection. It is focused on insurance-eligible mitigation features and documentation. Use a qualified professional, obtain the completed form and submit it to your insurer according to the insurer’s instructions.
Choosing the inspection professionals
Before booking, ask each candidate:
- Are you Florida-licensed, insured and independent of the builder, sales agent and closing company?
- Do you inspect both pre-drywall and pre-closing stages?
- Are wind-mitigation and WDO/termite services included, or will separate licensed professionals attend?
- How quickly will I receive the report, and does it include photographs, severity ratings and correction language?
- Will you access the roof, attic, crawl space, panels and equipment safely, and explain any inaccessible areas?
- How do you handle reinspection and urgent findings?
Municipal approval confirms that required governmental inspections were recorded; it does not make the inspector your advocate. Choose someone who will document defects without relying on the builder’s checklist.
Quick Recap
Printable Orlando new-construction checklist
- Independent pre-drywall inspection completed, if access was available.
- Independent pre-closing inspection report received with photographs and priorities.
- Approved plans, revisions, permits, inspection sign-offs and engineering records collected.
- Notice of Commencement and flood-elevation certification collected when applicable.
- Lot grading, swales, drainage, inlets, splash blocks, sidewalks and driveway checked after rain.
- Foundation, framing, masonry, stucco, windows, doors, flashing, sealants and roof checked.
- Wind connectors, opening protection labels and garage-door rating documented.
- Every electrical, plumbing, gas, HVAC, ventilation, appliance and irrigation component operated.
- Smoke alarms, carbon-monoxide alarms, egress, guards, handrails and garage safety tested.
- Moisture sources, attic, air-handler drains, windows and under-sink areas checked.
- WDO/termite certificate and treatment information obtained.
- Punch list sent in writing, repairs reinspected and unresolved items documented before closing.
- Manuals, serial numbers, warranties, paint information, invoices and certificates filed.
- Builder warranty reporting method and one-year statutory period recorded on your calendar.
- Wind-mitigation form obtained if useful for insurance and completed by a qualified professional.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
