Pre-Drywall Inspection

This is your last chance to see inside the walls. Verify framing, blocking, and structural elements before drywall covers everything.

1. Check wall framing — studs plumb, consistent spacing (16" or 24" OC)

2. Verify blocking is installed for heavy items (TV mounts, grab bars, cabinets, towel bars)

3. Check headers above windows and doors — properly sized for the span

4. Verify fire blocking at top and bottom of balloon-framed walls

5. Check stair framing — solid, no squeaks when walking

6. Verify any steel beams or columns per plans

7. Check for proper nailing patterns at connections

8. Take photos of everything — you won't see it again after drywall

- No blocking for TV mount (can't hang TV securely later)

- No blocking for bathroom grab bars (can't install without opening wall later)

- Missing fire blocking (fire spread hazard)

- Undersized headers (will sag over time)

- Missing or wrong nailing at connections

- Not documenting with photos (can't troubleshoot issues later)

Verify outlet and switch locations, lighting positions, and dedicated circuits before walls are closed.

1. Walk each room — verify outlet locations match plan and are where you want them

2. Check switch locations — do they make sense when you enter each room?

3. Verify dedicated circuits: kitchen appliances, bathrooms, laundry, HVAC

4. Check for low-voltage wiring — network/ethernet, TV coax, speaker wire, security

5. Verify exterior outlet locations

6. Check that wires are protected with nail plates where they pass through studs

7. Verify smoke/CO detector wiring locations

8. Take photos of wire routings for future reference

- Outlet in wrong location (too late to move after drywall)

- Missing low-voltage wiring (expensive to add later)

- No nail plates on wires through studs (drywall screws can hit wires)

- Missing dedicated circuits (can't be added easily later)

- Switch location doesn't make sense for room entry

- Not enough outlets in key locations

Verify pipe routing, drain locations, vent connections, and HVAC duct routing before walls are closed.

1. Check drain locations match fixture plan (toilet, sinks, tub/shower)

2. Verify supply lines are where fixtures will be installed

3. Check for proper slope on drain pipes (1/4" per foot)

4. Verify all drains are vented (vent pipes run up through walls to roof)

5. Check HVAC supply and return register locations — make sense for room layout?

6. Verify HVAC duct connections are sealed with mastic (not just tape)

7. Check for proper pipe support and protection (nail plates, hangers)

8. Verify water heater location and connections per plan

9. Take photos of all pipe and duct routings

- Drain in wrong location (extremely expensive to move after concrete/drywall)

- Missing vent connections (slow drains, gurgling)

- HVAC register in wrong location (furniture blocks airflow)

- Duct connections not sealed (energy waste, noise)

- No photos of pipe locations (drill into pipes when hanging things later)

- Missing pipe protection (nail plates)