Bring a camera!

Does your contract allow third-party inspectors? Your contract may also dictate when/how many you are permitted to have.

@ Mike - No architect

@ nycefarm - already took photos of each wall in each room - anything else?

@OneDame - they do but they need inspectors to hold $1M liability policy + workers comp and the few that I called don't have that level of liability insurance.

Tara P- ask your contractor to walk through, with you. If you have a decent contract- Builder's Warranty etc- he/she cares as much as you do at this step. Framing goes fast. If it's a quality builder with quality framers, you'll more than likely end up with a board/support etc (here and there) that needs to be replaced. No big deal- you go through with blue tape, and anything "off" get's replaced. This is, truly, the place where it can cause you headaches later on, so be as protective as you need to be.

Calm is the storm that fuels builds. At each major step, check- lock, with your contractor. Be strong, and it will be fine.

Dry wall is another step. Take it on as it comes. Can I tell you a "funny"? I once took my nephew (in his late 30s) to the new build. We had just mud, over the framing. No real stairs, and I was accustomed, at that point, to scampering up and using the framing to help.

WHOOPS. Mud wasn't dry, and I left a couple of handprints. BUMMER, as I was expecting drywall next- except, we had two other coats of mud, before drywall, so I was given a pass.

Relax, be smart, and lean on your pros.

Does your build have structural components which are above and beyond the mandatory minimums required by city/county? And are you paying anything extra to get done that would need outside verification?

If not then I would expect that city inspector would have looked at for code violations.

3rd party inspector would definitely be helpful if you and builder do not agree on some issues and you are looking for another authoritative opinion. Or you are spending a lot on something way above code minimum and you want to ensure the work done is at par.

That's a great way to get around having a third party inspect your work ... demand that they have a level of insurance that none in that field have ... he might as well have told you that an inspector needed to have an MD and MBA!

Can you look for a PE (Professional Engineer)?

If there was a structural engineer involved (usually there is), that person should be there. It's for everyone's benefit and peace of mind... you, the builder and the structural engineer.

This is usually the time for an electrical walk through as well to make sure all the lights and switches are where you want them. Are you doing that too?

Sounds as if your builder does not want a third party inspector to see the house.b That can be because having a third opinion that is erroneous causes stress and problems between the uninformed home owner(normal) and the builder. In some cases, the builder is cutting corners and does not want the third party to intrude.

As a general rule, most home inspectors offer an opinion, not definite construction advice. They simply point out code violations, safety issues, or possible problem areas, leaving the repair up to the home owner/builder/etc. They also do not do destructive testing, so hidden problems are not included. That absolves them from legal action.

In most places, a code inspection is required at this point. If the builder has that inspection done, most of anything more is cosmetic. Such as extra framing at the tops of windows(for secure mounting of drapery).