An 11-month warranty inspection is a comprehensive home inspection conducted by a professional home inspector, providing homeowners with a detailed inspection report. This process mirrors the initial home inspection typically performed when purchasing a property, regardless of its age. If you had an inspection before closing on your new construction home, this will be a familiar process.
Timing of the Inspection
The name “11-month warranty inspection” comes from the common practice of scheduling it during the eleventh month of residing in a newly built home. However, it can be conducted anytime within the first year before the builder’s warranty expires. Ideally, you should plan the inspection with at least three to four weeks remaining on the warranty to allow sufficient time for any necessary claims.
The Importance of an 11-Month Warranty Inspection
The primary goal of this inspection is to provide you with detailed, visually-available information about your home’s condition and to identify any issues. Here’s why it’s crucial:
- Lived In: After some time living in the home, minor defects or issues may have arisen due to normal wear and tear, as well as the settling and curing of construction materials.
- Protect Your Investment: A qualified home inspector can detect common problems in new constructions, such as small leaks that could lead to significant damage like rot and mold if left unaddressed. Identifying these issues early can save you from costly repairs down the line.
- Thorough Documentation: The inspection report, complete with detailed findings and clear photographs, will support your warranty claims, increasing the likelihood that they will be honored by your builder.
In summary, an 11-month warranty inspection is an essential step in ensuring the longevity and safety of your new home, helping you address potential problems before your builder’s warranty expires.
