Key Takeaways
- Defects are classified as Critical, Major, Minor, or Cosmetic—each with different detection timing and cost-to-fix profiles.
- Phase-transition inspections (foundation, framing, rough MEP, pre-drywall) are the most cost-effective quality control points.
- A third-party pre-drywall inspection ($300-$500) catches defects that code inspections may miss.
- The cost of catching a critical defect after drywall ($2,000-$20,000) dwarfs the cost of pre-drywall inspection ($300-$500).
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Test Your Knowledge
1.What is the cost multiplier for catching a critical defect after drywall vs. during rough-in?