If you’re building a home in Middle Tennessee, chances are a blower door test is on your checklist whether you like it or not. Energy codes require it, inspectors expect it, and missing the timing can slow everything down.
One of the most common concerns we hear is this:
“What if the house is still under construction when you test?”
Good news. That’s normal. In fact, it’s often the best time to test.
Let’s break down how blower door testing works during construction, when it should happen, and how testing at the right phase can save you time, money, and a second failed inspection.
A blower door test measures how airtight a home is by depressurizing or pressurizing the structure and measuring air leakage. That sounds technical, but the key takeaway is simple:
The home does not need to be “finished” to be tested. It needs to be “ready.”
There is a difference.
In Middle Tennessee, blower door testing is typically required to meet IECC energy code compliance for new construction. The test is expected at a specific inspection phase, not randomly whenever someone remembers to schedule it.
We test homes at the appropriate inspection phase, which is usually:
This timing allows accurate results while still giving you the ability to fix issues easily.
This is where things usually get misunderstood.
A home is considered ready for blower door testing when:
The home does not need finished flooring, cabinets, trim, or paint. In fact, waiting until everything is finished can make air sealing fixes more expensive and annoying.
Testing too early gives unreliable results. Testing too late creates unnecessary rework. Timing matters.
This happens all the time, especially on tight build schedules.
If we arrive and the home is not quite ready, we do not just walk away and leave you guessing. Instead, we:
Sometimes the fix is simple. A missing door. A large unsealed penetration. An attic access that hasn’t been air sealed yet.
Catching these issues before the official inspection prevents failed tests and inspector rechecks. That alone saves days, sometimes weeks.
Many builders assume blower door testing is just a box to check at the end. That mindset causes problems.
Testing during construction allows you to:
Mid-construction blower door testing gives you visibility. It shows where the home is leaking and why. That makes it easier to hit code requirements the first time.
For builders running multiple projects, this also creates consistency. Once crews understand common leak points, future homes perform better with fewer surprises.
Failing a blower door test is not the end of the world. It is information.
If a home does not meet the required ACH threshold:
Most failures come from a small number of repeat issues. Top plates, attic penetrations, garage interfaces, and poorly sealed mechanical openings are common culprits.
The goal is not to punish builders. The goal is to improve performance and get you through inspection.
Testing at the correct phase benefits everyone involved.
For inspectors:
They receive clear documentation that meets IECC and RESNET standards.
For builders:
You avoid failed inspections, rushed fixes, and rework after finishes are installed.
For homeowners:
They get a tighter, more comfortable, more efficient home with fewer drafts and moisture issues.
Energy code compliance is not just about passing inspection. It directly affects comfort, durability, and operating costs.
Once the blower door test is completed successfully, we provide:
No waiting. No chasing paperwork. No last-minute panic before a final inspection.
This is especially important for builders juggling multiple inspections across multiple jurisdictions in Middle Tennessee.
Over the years, we see the same issues repeat themselves:
Testing at the right construction phase prevents all of this. It replaces guessing with data.
We work directly with builders, contractors, and homeowners throughout Middle Tennessee, including Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Columbia, and surrounding areas.
Our role is not just to test. It is to help projects move forward smoothly while meeting code requirements.
If your home is still under construction and you are unsure when to schedule your blower door test, that’s exactly when you should call. Timing it correctly saves time, money, and stress later.
If a house is still under construction when it’s time for a blower door test, that is not a problem. It is expected.
The key is testing at the appropriate inspection phase, not too early and not too late. When done correctly, blower door testing becomes a helpful tool instead of a last-minute obstacle.
If you want to pass inspection the first time and avoid surprises, testing during construction is the smart move.