Why an 11-Month Warranty Inspection Matters
Most new-construction homes in North Carolina come with a one-year builder’s warranty — and once it expires, repairs are on you, not the builder. A warranty inspection gives you a final, independent look at your home while you can still hold the builder accountable for anything that wasn’t done right.
New homes settle. Materials cure. Systems get their first real season of use. Issues that weren’t visible at your final walkthrough often show up months later, including:
- Foundation and structural settling
- HVAC performance issues
- Plumbing leaks
- Grading and drainage problems
- Electrical and appliance issues that only show up with regular use
Scheduling your inspection around month 10 or 11 gives you time to document any problems and get them on the builder’s punch list before the warranty clock runs out.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I schedule my warranty inspection?
Most builder warranties last one year from your closing date. We recommend scheduling around month 10 or 11 so you have time to review the report and submit any findings to your builder before the warranty expires.
How is this different from my original home inspection?
It isn’t — a warranty inspection follows the same comprehensive process as our Certified Home Inspection. The only difference is timing: reviewing your home’s condition just before your builder’s warranty coverage ends.
What do I do with the report?
Your report gives you a clear, documented list of any issues so you can submit them to your builder while they’re still covered under warranty.
Do I need this if I already had a pre-drywall or final walkthrough inspection?
Yes. Those inspections happen during construction; a warranty inspection happens after you’ve lived in the home and systems have had time to be tested under normal use.
Best Timing
Schedule around month 10–11 of your one-year builder’s warranty
Your Report
A clear, documented report you can submit directly to your builder for repairs
See a sample report »
What’s Included
- The exact same comprehensive inspection scope as our standard Certified Home Inspection
FREE Termite inspection. ( Just mention this when booking and we’ll add it for you NO CHARGE )
We specialize in home inspections in new construction and existing homes throughout the greater Triangle, NC area, including Apex, Cary, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Durham, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Raleigh, Rolesville and Wake Forest.
