Whether you call it a Builder’s Warranty Inspection, a One-Year New Home Warranty Inspection or an 11th-month Warranty Inspection, a home inspection prior to the expiration of the home builder’s warranty is crucial. While many home builders provide a warranty to cover any issues that arise within the first year of a home’s life, it is important to leverage an official home inspection to ensure all issues are adequately addressed before that one-year warranty expires.
For some homebuyers, new construction and custom architectural work is an attractive prospect, often viewed as an option that will present fewer issues within the home. However, this isn’t necessarily true.
“People assume new homes are issue-free,” explained Adam Long, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service. “Often, builders have dozens of subcontractors working on the same home. There can be a lack of consistency as some builders aim to build the home as quickly and inexpensively as possible.”
Further, while the builder and the county or city where the home is located will conduct a review before closing, it is not as thorough as an independent home inspection. Thus, Long recommends buyers schedule an inspection both before closing and at the 11-month mark.
Though no home is perfect, most builders offer a one-year warranty on new construction, recognizing that issues may arise within the first year of a home’s life and should be remedied. Many first-year warranties will cover things like faulty carpentry, drywall, electrical, flooring, insulation, plumbing, waterproofing and more.
Some of these issues can be difficult to identify with an untrained eye. For example, small cracks and gaps may not be noticeable or appear to be just a minor issue; overlooking these types of problems can lead to more significant issues with moisture, rotting and mold down the line.
A professionally trained eye is the only way to ensure that issues are identified and can be resolved without long-term damage.
“Hire a professional inspection company to inspect your home at month 11, so any issues found are still under the builder’s warranty,” Long added. “An independent, whole house inspection is the only way to get an unbiased perspective.”
An 11th-month warranty inspection allows a qualified home inspection company to inspect and provide a report on the home's condition, just like any other home inspection. However, scheduling the inspection during the 11th month allows a homeowner sufficient time to report any issues and make necessary claims on a builder’s one-year warranty before its expiration.
