Q: My wife and I are building a new home. This is the first time we have ever done new construction. The builder is a reputable one and I did do a background check into them before I signed the papers.

However, my question is, my builder allows a pre-dry wall inspection in which you and who ever you want to bring with you go through the house with the foreman. I do not know anything about building a house and neither do our relatives. Do you recommend bringing with a home inspector?

A: How fortunate you are to have a builder that believes in making the home-building process an open one. Many developers can’t be bothered to take the time to offer this to their buyers, although you should always ask for it.

I think it’s a great idea to bring along an inspector. You may want to hire a professional home inspector, another contractor, or an architect, or check with your local municipality. Sometimes building inspectors work off-hours going through properties or perhaps there is a “retired” inspector who now down private inspections.

This is a valuable opportunity. You’ll want to make sure you take advantage of it.