Don’t Miss Your Final Opportunity

A one-year builder warranty inspection, often called an 11-month warranty inspection, is an independent home inspection performed near the end of a builder’s initial warranty period. Its purpose is to  identify observable defects, performance concerns, and repair items for the Builder to remedy.

Many production and custom home builders provide a limited one-year warranty covering certain workmanship and material defects. Homeowners should carefully review their warranty documents to understand what is covered and how claims must be submitted.

The inspection itself does not determine whether an item qualifies for warranty coverage. Instead, it documents visible conditions that homeowners can use when discussing potential warranty items with their builder.

Many homeowners schedule an 11-month warranty inspection because it provides time to receive the inspection report, review the findings, and submit eligible concerns before the builder’s warranty period expires. Waiting until the final days may leave little time for follow-up or builder review.

Why a One-Year Builder Warranty Inspection Matters

A new home may look complete on move-in day, but the first year of occupancy can reveal issues that were not apparent during the final walkthrough. Seasonal weather changes, normal settling, and everyday use can make certain conditions more noticeable over time.

Common items documented during a builder warranty inspection may include:

• Settlement-related cracks or signs of foundation movement
• Drywall cracks or nail pops
• Doors and windows that no longer open or close properly
• Visible roofing defects, including damaged shingles or flashing concerns
• Exterior grading or drainage issues
• Plumbing leaks
• Visible electrical concerns, such as loose outlets or improperly functioning switches
• Observable HVAC performance concerns during normal operation
• Insulation or ventilation deficiencies

Some observations may involve routine maintenance, while others may warrant further evaluation or builder review. The value of the inspection is that it documents visible concerns before the builder’s first-year warranty period typically expires.

What a Builder Warranty Inspection Provides

A builder warranty inspection provides homeowners with an independent evaluation of the home’s visible and readily accessible components. Rather than relying on memory or a quick walkthrough, homeowners receive a detailed written report documenting observed conditions and deficiencies at the time of the inspection.

Because the builder’s written warranty agreement governs warranty coverage, the inspection does not determine whether repairs will be covered. Instead, homeowners can compare the inspection findings with their warranty documents and follow the builder’s required claims process.

Kissee Inspection Services’ New Construction Inspection Process

Kissee Inspection Services supports buyers and homeowners throughout the new construction process with inspections performed at key stages of construction.

The process may include:

• Pre-Pour (Foundation) Inspection: Evaluates visible foundation preparation before concrete is poured.
• Pre-Drywall Inspection: Reviews accessible framing, structural components, and installed systems before drywall is installed.
• Final Inspection: Identifies visible concerns before closing.
• 11-Month Warranty Inspection: Reviews the home near the end of the builder’s initial warranty period.

Each inspection serves a different purpose. The 11-month warranty inspection is often the final opportunity to document observable concerns before the builder’s first-year warranty period typically expires.

Schedule Before Your Builder Warranty Expires

Timing is important. After the builder’s initial warranty period ends, responsibility for many repairs may shift to the homeowner, depending on the warranty agreement. Scheduling an inspection early provides time to receive the report, review the findings, and submit eligible warranty items before coverage expires.

Kissee Inspection Services provides independent new-home warranty inspections that help homeowners better understand their home’s condition. Inspectors evaluate visible and readily accessible components, document observed conditions, and provide information homeowners can use when discussing eligible warranty concerns with their builder.

If your newly built home is approaching the end of its first year, don’t wait until the last minute. Schedule your one-year builder warranty inspection with Kissee Inspection Services before your builder’s warranty period expires and gain valuable documentation while there’s still time to address eligible concerns.