Camas Custom Home Inspection Checklist: Your Quality Assurance Guide

Building a custom home in Camas, Washington, is an exciting journey, a chance to create your dream residence amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. From the panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge to the vibrant community spirit, Camas offers an idyllic setting for homeowners. However, the dream can quickly turn into a nightmare if the construction quality doesn't meet your expectations or, worse, falls short of local building codes.

This is where a comprehensive custom home inspection checklist becomes your most valuable tool. Unlike buying an existing home, a custom build requires multiple inspections throughout the construction process, not just at the end. This guide will walk you through the critical stages of inspection, focusing on the unique considerations for a custom home in Camas, ensuring Camas quality control from the ground up.

Why a Custom Home Inspection is Crucial in Camas

Camas's unique geography, climate, and local regulations necessitate a diligent inspection process. The area experiences significant rainfall, seasonal temperature fluctuations, and can have varying soil conditions, particularly in hillside developments. These factors directly impact foundation stability, drainage, and material choices.

• Protecting Your Investment: A custom home is likely your largest financial investment. Thorough inspections safeguard that investment by catching potential issues before they become costly repairs.
• Ensuring Structural Integrity: From seismic considerations to proper framing, inspections verify that your home is built to withstand the elements and time.
• Meeting Local Codes: The City of Camas and Clark County have specific building codes and permitting requirements. Inspections ensure your builder adheres to these, preventing future legal or safety issues.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that qualified eyes have reviewed each critical stage of your home's construction provides invaluable peace of mind.

The Phased Approach: When to Inspect Your Camas Custom Home

Unlike a pre-owned home, a custom build allows for multiple inspection points. Engaging an independent, certified home inspector familiar with Camas home inspection standards at these key stages is paramount.

1. Pre-Pour Foundation Inspection

This is one of the most critical stages. Once concrete is poured, many issues are impossible or extremely expensive to fix. Your inspector will examine:

• Excavation and Footings: Proper depth, width, and levelness. In Camas, with its varied terrain, ensuring stable footings is vital, especially on slopes.
• Vapor Barrier/Moisture Protection: Proper installation of vapor barriers to prevent moisture intrusion, crucial given Camas's wet climate.
• Reinforcement (Rebar): Correct spacing, size, and tying of rebar according to structural plans. This is essential for seismic resilience.
• Plumbing and Electrical Rough-ins: Verification that all pipes and conduits running through the slab are correctly positioned and protected.
• Formwork: Ensuring forms are secure, level, and properly braced.
• Drainage: Checking for proper grading away from the foundation, especially important in areas with high rainfall.

2. Pre-Drywall (Rough-in) Inspection

Before the walls are closed up, this inspection covers the