New Construction Inspection and the 11-Month Warranty Review

Separate the pre-closing inspection from the warranty review

Before closing, ask an independent inspector what is included, what access is required and how much time you need for follow-up. Coordinate scheduling and site access with the builder. Keep the builder’s walkthrough list alongside the independent findings without treating them as interchangeable.

After moving in, note issues as you observe them. Some conditions become apparent through normal use or changing weather. Record the date, location, symptom and what was happening; avoid assigning a cause before it has been checked.

Read the warranty before choosing the date

The FTC distinguishes builder warranties from service contracts and explains that coverage and claim procedures differ. Read your documents for what is covered, exclusions, deadlines and the required notice method.

Schedule any professional review early enough to investigate and submit the required information. Do not wait for month eleven if your warranty has an earlier deadline or you have already identified a problem. An inspection does not extend the warranty by itself.

Build a useful issue log

Give each issue a short identifier and a precise location. Add photos where safe, the first observed date, relevant documents and the requested next step. Keep copies of the notice and confirmation of receipt.

Separate “reported,” “appointment scheduled,” “work completed” and “result checked.” A closed service ticket is not the same as your verification that the original symptom has been resolved. Record the outcome in plain language.

• Exterior and drainage: record where water accumulates or enters, without climbing onto roofs or entering unsafe spaces.
• Doors, windows and finishes: record location, operation and changes over time.
• Heating, cooling and plumbing: record symptoms, operating conditions and service responses.
• Documents: retain warranties, manuals, installation records and the builder’s contact and claim instructions.

Check completed work and retain the history

Ask the appropriate professional how to verify consequential repairs. Keep the repair description, date, contractor information and warranty response. For recurring issues, link the new observation to the earlier request so the history remains understandable.

A new-home plan can hold the outstanding questions alongside ordinary upkeep. Follow manufacturer maintenance instructions and the actual warranty terms; do not assume all systems have identical coverage.

Common questions