New does not mean unexamined
Inspection access, the final walk through, completion records, and warranty deadlines each do a different job.
Start with the written rights
Builder contracts and policies vary. Identify permitted inspection stages, notice requirements, access rules, inspector requirements, completion procedures, and the effect of an open item before scheduling anything. Legal questions about the contract should go to an Arizona attorney.
Common opportunities may include pre drywall, final, or warranty period observations, but the actual contract and current builder policy control. Never enter an active construction site without authorization.
Run one issue log
- Record the location, date, photo, source, responsible party, response, and status for each item.
- Keep inspection observations separate from builder accepted completion items and warranty claims.
- Save approved plans, option sheets, change orders, selection records, manuals, warranties, and closing documents.
- Ask the builder to explain its written reporting, correction, and escalation process.
- Calendar warranty procedures and deadlines before moving boxes into the house.
Know where workmanship standards fit
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors publishes minimum workmanship standards and complaint information. Those resources do not replace the contract, inspection, builder warranty, or legal advice. Use the right source for the specific question and preserve records while the facts are current.
Put new does not mean unexamined into the buyer file.
Read the terms and lot. Plan independent review. Track each open item in writing.
- 01Read the written termsReview the builder process, public report, incentives, and contract details.
- 02Read the lotCheck orientation, grading, drainage, easements, utilities, and adjacent work.
- 03Plan independent reviewUse permitted inspection and walkthrough stages to record visible issues.
- 04Track the fileKeep selections, changes, completion items, and warranty questions in one record.
This process guide organizes inspection and warranty records. It does not determine whether work is defective, whether a builder must correct an item, or whether a legal remedy exists. Contract terms, professional findings, and applicable law control.
Bring the actual community, lot, or document.
Tell the team where you are in the process and what needs a clear next step.
Start the buyer review