What Is an 11-Month Warranty Inspection and Why Do You Need One?
If you bought a newly constructed home in the last year, you have something valuable: an active builder’s warranty on workmanship and materials. But that warranty has an expiration date — and before it runs out, you should get a professional inspection.
What Builder Warranties Typically Cover
- 1 year: Workmanship and materials defects
- 2 years: Mechanical systems — HVAC, electrical, plumbing
- 10 years: Structural defects — foundation, load-bearing walls, roof structure
The one-year workmanship coverage is the broadest — and the most time-sensitive. If it expires without being used, you lose the ability to have many first-year issues addressed at no cost.
What Develops in the First Year
- Lumber dries and shrinks, causing hairline cracks in drywall at corners
- Foundation settling can cause doors and windows to bind
- HVAC systems may reveal performance issues after a full seasonal cycle
- Grading around the foundation settles, sometimes redirecting drainage toward the house
- Caulking and sealants around windows and doors can shrink and develop gaps
How to Submit Warranty Claims
Most builders require written warranty claims with specific descriptions of defects. Our report gives you exactly that — documented findings with photos that make disputes difficult. Submit the report to your builder’s warranty department at month 11 and require written confirmation of their repair timeline.
Schedule Your 11-Month Inspection
If you’re approaching month 11 in a new construction home anywhere in Baltimore County, Harford County, Howard County, or Carroll County, call Precision Home Inspection to schedule. Give yourself a few weeks of lead time before the warranty expires.