When you move into a newly built home, everything feels fresh and flawless. The pristine walls, shiny appliances, and brand-new fixtures can give a sense of perfection. However, even newly constructed homes can have hidden issues.

If your builder’s warranty is nearing its expiration, now is the time to act. A home inspection can help identify problems that might otherwise go unnoticed—saving you from costly repairs later.

Let’s explore why a pre-expiration inspection is essential and how it can protect your investment.

The Importance of an Inspection Before Your Warranty Ends

Most builder warranties cover the first year of a home’s life. While celebrating your first anniversary in your home is exciting, it’s also a critical moment to evaluate its condition.

Even if everything looks fine on the surface, hidden issues can develop over time. By scheduling an inspection before your warranty expires, you can catch potential defects or construction problems early.

Here’s the key: if any issues are identified, your builder is typically responsible for fixing them within the warranty period. After the warranty ends, however, the responsibility—and the repair costs—fall to you.

What Does a Builder’s Warranty Inspection Cover?

A Builder’s Warranty Inspection, often called an 11-Month Warranty Inspection, is tailored to uncover potential issues in your home before your warranty expires. While each inspection may vary, here are some common areas that professionals typically review:

• HVAC System: Inspectors check for malfunctions, inefficiencies, or damage that could impact your comfort or safety.
• Safety Features: Fire sprinklers, carbon monoxide alarms, guardrails, and stairways are assessed to ensure they meet safety standards.
• Foundation: The structural integrity of your home depends on a solid foundation. Inspectors look for cracks or signs of instability.
• Roof: Your roof protects your home from the elements. An inspection will identify leaks, missing shingles, mold, or other potential problems.
• Plumbing: From leaks to drainage issues, inspectors evaluate the plumbing system to prevent risks like flooding or mold growth.
• Windows & Doors: Inspectors ensure windows and doors are properly aligned and sealed, checking for drafts, cracks, or poor installation.

When Should You Schedule Your Inspection?

The ideal time to schedule your inspection is about one month before your builder’s warranty expires. By this point, any hidden issues are likely to be noticeable to a trained professional.

Once you receive the inspection report, you can present it to your builder and have the concerns addressed while they’re still under warranty.

Protect Your Home with CR Home Inspections LLC

Your home is one of your biggest investments—don’t let hidden issues turn into expensive repairs. At CR Home Inspections LLC, we specialize in 11-Month Builder’s Warranty Inspections to help homeowners like you uncover potential problems before it’s too late.

Contact us today to schedule your inspection and ensure your home is everything it should be.