A one-year warranty inspection examines your newly built home during the 10th or 11th month after purchase, before your builder’s warranty expires. You’ll get a professional inspector to check major systems like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, foundation, and structural components for any defects or issues. This inspection guarantees problems are documented and submitted to your builder for repairs while still under warranty coverage.
Understanding the 11-Month Home Warranty Inspection
New homeowners face an important deadline when it comes to their builder’s warranty coverage. Most builders provide a one-year warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship, but you’ll need to identify any issues before this coverage expires.
That’s where an 11-month warranty inspection comes in. By scheduling this inspection during the 10th or 11th month of your warranty period, you’ll have enough time to document and report any problems to your builder. The inspection timeline is essential – waiting too long could mean losing your chance to have repairs covered under warranty.
During this thorough evaluation, a certified inspector will examine your home’s major systems and components, looking for construction defects, settling issues, or other problems that may have developed since you moved in.
Key Areas Covered in Your Warranty Inspection
During your 11-month warranty inspection, trained professionals will thoroughly examine several key components of your home, guaranteeing no defects go unnoticed before your builder’s warranty expires.
The inspection process covers your home’s critical systems and structural elements, including:
- Foundation and structural components
- Electrical systems and wiring
- Plumbing fixtures and connections
- HVAC performance and functionality
- Windows and doors for proper operation
- Roof condition and drainage
- Interior walls, ceilings, and floors
- Exterior siding and trim
- Insulation and ventilation
- Garage doors and mechanisms
You’ll receive a detailed report highlighting any issues that need attention, empowering you to address concerns with your builder while still under warranty coverage. This thorough evaluation helps protect your investment and guarantees your new home meets quality standards.
Benefits of Scheduling Before Warranty Expiration
Scheduling your warranty inspection well before the one-year mark gives you crucial leverage when addressing potential issues with your builder. You’ll have time to thoroughly document concerns and negotiate repairs before your warranty expires. A timely inspection helps protect your investment and guarantees you don’t miss out on covered fixes.
Don’t wait until the last minute – schedule your warranty inspection at least 60 days before expiration. This buffer allows time for the inspection, report delivery, and builder communication while maintaining your rights under the warranty terms.
Common Issues Found During Warranty Inspections
While your brand-new home may appear flawless on the surface, warranty inspections frequently reveal hidden defects that builders must address before your coverage expires. During a thorough inspection checklist review, we often discover common defects that haven’t become apparent during your first months of occupancy.
Here are the top issues found during warranty inspections:
- Settling cracks in drywall, foundation walls, or concrete surfaces that weren’t visible during initial construction
- HVAC system performance problems, including improper installation, ductwork issues, or thermostat malfunctions
- Drainage concerns around the foundation, including improper grading, gutter problems, or water pooling that could lead to future damage
You’ll want these items identified and documented properly so your builder can make necessary repairs under warranty coverage.
Professional Documentation for Builder Claims
Once you’ve identified issues during your warranty inspection, proper documentation becomes your most powerful tool for successful builder claims. While the builder is typically responsible for repairing defects covered under the warranty, they may not be obligated to fix cosmetic issues or problems that fall outside of warranty terms. It’s important to review your builder’s warranty agreement to understand what is and isn’t covered. At Ellingwood Pro, we’ll provide you with a thorough report that includes detailed photos, descriptions, and an inspection checklist of all defects found during the evaluation.
You’ll receive your detailed report often on the same day as your inspection, complete with high-resolution images that highlight specific concerns. Our extensive documentation helps you communicate effectively with your builder and increases the likelihood of getting repairs covered under warranty. We’ll also explain each issue in clear, straightforward terms so you can confidently discuss repairs with your builder.
