New Construction Inspection
River City Home Inspectors · Richmond, VA
New Construction Inspection Richmond, VA
A new construction inspection in Richmond, VA personally conducted by Watson Stelly — NRS certified per Virginia VAREI, independent of your builder, foundation through final walkthrough. Detailed photo report delivered within 24 hours.
At a Glance
1–3 Hours Per Phase
Pre-drywall or final walkthrough
24-Hour Report Delivery
Detailed, photo-documented report
NRS Certified — Virginia VAREI
Required for new builds in Virginia
Independent of Your Builder
Watson works for you — not them
New Does Not Mean Defect-Free
Why Every New Build in Richmond Needs an Independent Inspection
A new construction inspection in Richmond, VA gives buyers an independent, NRS-certified evaluation of their new home — before they sign at closing.
New construction is booming across Greater Richmond — particularly in Chesterfield County’s western corridor, Henrico County’s growing suburbs, and the planned communities stretching out through Moseley, Winterpock, and Glen Allen. With that volume of activity comes pressure on builders to move fast, and with that speed comes a consistent pattern of deficiencies that buyers only discover after they’ve taken ownership.
A new construction inspection in Richmond, VA is your independent, NRS-certified evaluation of the property — conducted entirely on your behalf, with no relationship to the builder whatsoever. Watson Stelly personally inspects every new build from foundation through final walkthrough, documents everything he finds with photographs, and delivers a plain-language report within 24 hours. You take that report into your final walkthrough with the builder knowing exactly what to ask for.
Watson holds NRS certification through VAREI — Virginia’s specific designation for inspectors of new residential structures — along with his Virginia DPOR licence and ASHI certification. That combination makes him one of the most thoroughly credentialed new construction inspectors working in the Richmond market.
What is NRS Certification — and Why Does It Matter?
Virginia requires inspectors of new residential structures to hold NRS (New Residential Structure) certification through VAREI — a designation that requires an additional 8-hour Virginia Residential Code module plus biennial continuing education, on top of the standard home inspector licence. Not all Virginia home inspectors hold this certification. Watson is NRS certified and performs new construction inspections throughout Greater Richmond and across Virginia. If your inspector is not NRS certified, they cannot legally inspect your new home before the first deed transfer in Virginia.
When to Book
Two Phases — Maximum Protection at Every Stage
Watson offers new construction inspections at two critical phases of the build. Each catches different types of deficiencies — together they give you the most complete picture possible before closing.
01
Phase One — Optional but Highly Recommended
Pre-Drywall Inspection
Conducted after framing is complete but before drywall goes up — the last opportunity to visually inspect the structural framing, insulation, and rough-in mechanical systems before they are permanently concealed behind walls and ceilings. Once drywall is installed, many of the most consequential deficiencies become invisible.
Watson evaluates the structural framing, floor and roof systems, insulation placement and continuity, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, and HVAC ductwork and equipment installation — looking for deviations from the Virginia Residential Code and industry standards that the builder’s own team may have missed or approved through.
Structural framing
Insulation & air sealing
Electrical rough-in
Plumbing rough-in
HVAC installation
02
Phase Two — Before Your Final Builder Walkthrough
Final Walkthrough Inspection (NRS Inspection)
Conducted 1–2 weeks before your scheduled closing — after the build is complete but before your builder’s own final walkthrough. This gives you time to review Watson’s findings, raise issues with the builder, and request corrections before you take ownership of the property.
Watson conducts a comprehensive inspection of the completed home — identical in scope to a standard home inspection, but with specific attention to finish quality, punch-list completeness, grading and drainage, and the mechanical system installations that are commonly deficient in high-volume Richmond-area subdivisions. His report is formatted so you can walk through it item by item with your builder’s representative at the final walkthrough.
Full systems evaluation
Finish quality & punch list
Grading & drainage
Roofing & flashing details
All appliances & fixtures
What Watson Finds
Common Deficiencies in Richmond-Area New Construction
New does not mean defect-free. Watson finds the following issues regularly across new builds in Chesterfield, Henrico, and the wider Greater Richmond market.
Grading & Drainage
- Negative grading that directs water toward the foundation
- Insufficient slope away from the structure on final grade
- Downspout discharge too close to the foundation
- Missing or incorrectly installed drainage systems
HVAC Installation
- Ductwork not properly sealed — energy loss and air quality impact
- Equipment sized incorrectly for the home's load
- Condensate lines not properly pitched or terminated
- Missing or incorrectly positioned returns in key rooms
Roofing & Flashing
- Improper flashing at penetrations, valleys, and transitions
- Shingle installation errors — nailing, exposure, or alignment
- Missing or incorrect ice and water shield at eaves and valleys
- Ridge vent installation gaps reducing attic ventilation
Attic Insulation & Ventilation
- Insufficient insulation depth — below Virginia code minimums
- Insulation blocking soffit vents — reducing ventilation
- Air sealing gaps at ceiling penetrations
- Attic access hatch not insulated or weatherstripped
Electrical
- GFCI protection absent in required locations — kitchens, bathrooms, garage
- Improperly installed or labelled panel breakers
- Wiring not secured or protected at penetrations
- Exterior outlets missing weatherproof covers
Builder Punch List Misses
- Interior paint misses — unfinished trim, scuffs, and touch-up skips
- Doors and windows not properly adjusted or sealed
- Caulking gaps at tubs, showers, and exterior penetrations
- Appliances not installed, tested, or documented
New Construction Inspection — Greater Richmond Service Area
Watson performs NRS inspections throughout Greater Richmond’s most active new construction corridors and across Virginia. All inspections are personally conducted by Watson — no subcontractors in any location.
Chesterfield County — Active New Build Corridors
Moseley
Winterpock
Hallsley
Magnolia Green
Founders Bridge
Newmarket
Cosby area
Woolridge corridor
Henrico County — Growing Western Suburbs
Short Pump
Glen Allen
Manakin-Sabot
Goochland corridor
West Broad Village area
Hungary Spring corridor
Extended Coverage Across Virginia
Crozet (Albemarle)
Fredericksburg area
Williamsburg area
Harrisonburg area
Northern Virginia (select)
How It Works
What to Expect From Your New Construction Inspection
01
Book Before Your Final Walkthrough
Contact Watson at (804) 366-9219 as early as possible — ideally 2–3 weeks before your scheduled closing. Watson personally handles all scheduling and will confirm quickly. For pre-drywall inspections, book as soon as framing is complete and rough-ins are done.
02
Watson Inspects — Independently
Watson works through the entire property systematically, independent of the builder or their representatives. You are welcome to attend — Watson encourages it. Most final walkthrough NRS inspections take 2–3 hours. Pre-drywall inspections typically take 1–2 hours.
03
Use the Report at Your Walkthrough
Your detailed, photo-documented report arrives within 24 hours. Watson is available by phone to explain any findings. Take the report to your builder’s final walkthrough — it’s your checklist for requesting corrections before you take ownership.
NRS
VAREI Certified
VA
DPOR Licensed
ASHI
Certified Inspector
24hr
Report Delivery
1
Inspector, Always
Why River City
Why Richmond New-Build Buyers Choose River City
NRS Certified
Watson holds Virginia’s required NRS certification through VAREI — the legal requirement for inspecting new residential structures before first deed transfer.
Fully Independent
Watson has no relationship with any builder or developer. His inspection is conducted entirely on your behalf — the report reflects only what he finds, nothing else.
Builder-Ready Report
The 24-hour photo report is formatted so you can walk through it item by item at your final builder walkthrough — clear enough for your agent, lender, and attorney too.
Phone Walkthrough Included
Watson is available by phone after every report delivery to explain findings and help you understand what to ask the builder to correct before closing.
New Construction Inspection — Areas We Serve
Watson performs NRS inspections throughout Greater Richmond and across Virginia. Every inspection is personally conducted by Watson — no subcontractors.
Chesterfield County
Other Inspection Services
River City offers three additional inspection services alongside the NRS inspection.
01
Comprehensive evaluation of existing homes — roof to foundation, every accessible system and component, 24-hour report.
02
Pre-Listing Inspection
For sellers preparing to list — identify issues before buyers do, price accurately, and close with fewer surprises.
03
Multi-Unit & Condo Inspection
Full inspection of individual unit systems and conditions — same thoroughness as a standard home inspection.
Common Questions
New Construction Inspection Richmond VA — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking your NRS inspection.
Do I need a home inspection for new construction in Virginia?
Virginia law requires an NRS-certified inspector to conduct an inspection of new residential structures before the first deed transfer. Beyond the legal requirement, an independent inspection is one of the most valuable investments a new-build buyer can make — builders regularly miss deficiencies before closing, and your inspector works for you, not the builder.
What is an NRS inspection and how is it different from a standard home inspection?
An NRS (New Residential Structure) inspection is a Virginia-specific inspection designation for newly constructed homes. NRS-certified inspectors complete an additional 8-hour Virginia Residential Code module and biennial continuing education beyond the standard home inspector licence. The inspection covers the entire build — structural components, mechanical systems, finish work, and builder punch-list items — and is conducted entirely independently of the builder.
When should I schedule a new construction inspection in Virginia?
The most effective time for a final NRS inspection is 1–2 weeks before your scheduled closing — after the build is complete but before your builder’s own final walkthrough. This gives you time to raise issues with the builder and request corrections before you take ownership. Watson also offers pre-drywall inspections for buyers who want to catch framing, insulation, and mechanical installation issues while they are still accessible.
What does Watson look for in a new construction inspection in Richmond?
Watson inspects the complete structure — foundation, framing, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, interior finishes, and all builder-installed appliances and fixtures. He specifically looks for grading and drainage deficiencies, HVAC installation issues, roofing and flashing errors, attic insulation gaps, and punch-list items the builder missed. New construction across Chesterfield and Henrico County consistently produces these deficiencies even from reputable builders.
Can I attend my new construction inspection?
Yes — and Watson encourages it. Being present during your NRS inspection gives you a first-hand understanding of the property before you take ownership. Watson explains his findings as he works, and is available by phone after the report is delivered to answer questions from you, your agent, or your attorney.