Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry tackle a question that's becoming increasingly common in the home inspection industry: Should home inspectors report cosmetic defects in new construction homes? From nail pops and scuff marks to drywall imperfections, they explore the growing expectations of homebuyers, the role of inspection standards, and whether inspectors should adapt their services to meet changing consumer demands. They also discuss builder performance guidelines, the balance between cosmetic concerns and material defects, and why this conversation could shape the future of new construction inspections
Takeaways
Homebuyers are placing greater emphasis on cosmetic imperfections in new construction homes.
Home inspectors must balance identifying material defects while managing client expectations.
Cosmetic issues such as nail pops, scuffs, and minor drywall imperfections are becoming a frequent source of concern.
Some inspection companies heavily document cosmetic defects, while others focus primarily on safety, performance, and structural issues.
Inspectors should clearly communicate the scope and limitations of a home inspection before beginning.
Industry standards of practice generally prioritize material defects over cosmetic concerns.
The National Association of Home Builders' Residential Construction Performance Guidelines provide useful benchmarks for evaluating workmanship.
Performance guidelines distinguish between acceptable cosmetic imperfections and warrantable defects.
Many cosmetic defects are only considered excessive when visible under normal lighting from approximately six feet away.
Builders may have their own warranty standards, making expectations vary from one company to another.
Cosmetic walkthroughs could become an additional service offering, though they require significantly more inspection time.
Thorough inspections should continue to prioritize issues affecting safety, functionality, durability, and performance.
Client expectations continue to evolve, and inspection companies may need to adapt their services accordingly.
Listening to feedback and analyzing recurring client concerns can help improve inspection processes.
Ongoing conversations with builders and inspectors are essential for developing practical industry standards around cosmetic reporting.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
04:19 Why Cosmetic Defects Are Becoming a Bigger Issue
06:22 Comparing Home Inspection Reports on New Construction
10:10 What Do Homebuyers Really Expect?
12:09 Existing Standards and Builder Performance Guidelines
17:10 Minnesota Statutes and Builder Responsibilities
20:33 Understanding Cosmetic Performance Standards
25:00 Builder Guidelines vs. Home Inspection Standards
27:18 Should Inspectors Document Cosmetic Defects?
31:27 Where Should Inspectors Draw the Line?
35:30 Meeting Client Expectations Without Expanding Scope
37:34 Looking Ahead: Continuing the Conversation
In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry tackle a question that's becoming increasingly common in the home inspection industry: Should home inspectors report cosmetic defects in new construction homes? From nail pops and scuff marks to drywall imperfections, they explore the growing expectations of homebuyers, the role of inspection standards, and whether inspectors should adapt their services to meet changing consumer demands. They also discuss builder performance guidelines, the balance between cosmetic concerns and material defects, and why this conversation could shape the future of new construction inspections
Takeaways
Homebuyers are placing greater emphasis on cosmetic imperfections in new construction homes.
Home inspectors must balance identifying material defects while managing client expectations.
Cosmetic issues such as nail pops, scuffs, and minor drywall imperfections are becoming a frequent source of concern.
Some inspection companies heavily document cosmetic defects, while others focus primarily on safety, performance, and structural issues.
Inspectors should clearly communicate the scope and limitations of a home inspection before beginning.
Industry standards of practice generally prioritize material defects over cosmetic concerns.
The National Association of Home Builders' Residential Construction Performance Guidelines provide useful benchmarks for evaluating workmanship.
Performance guidelines distinguish between acceptable cosmetic imperfections and warrantable defects.
Many cosmetic defects are only considered excessive when visible under normal lighting from approximately six feet away.
Builders may have their own warranty standards, making expectations vary from one company to another.
Cosmetic walkthroughs could become an additional service offering, though they require significantly more inspection time.
Thorough inspections should continue to prioritize issues affecting safety, functionality, durability, and performance.
Client expectations continue to evolve, and inspection companies may need to adapt their services accordingly.
Listening to feedback and analyzing recurring client concerns can help improve inspection processes.
Ongoing conversations with builders and inspectors are essential for developing practical industry standards around cosmetic reporting.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
04:19 Why Cosmetic Defects Are Becoming a Bigger Issue
06:22 Comparing Home Inspection Reports on New Construction
10:10 What Do Homebuyers Really Expect?
12:09 Existing Standards and Builder Performance Guidelines
17:10 Minnesota Statutes and Builder Responsibilities
20:33 Understanding Cosmetic Performance Standards
25:00 Builder Guidelines vs. Home Inspection Standards
27:18 Should Inspectors Document Cosmetic Defects?
31:27 Where Should Inspectors Draw the Line?
35:30 Meeting Client Expectations Without Expanding Scope
37:34 Looking Ahead: Continuing the Conversation
