11-Month Builder Warranty Inspection
Protecting your investment with a full inspection before your builder warranty runs out.
Builder Warranty Inspections in Waxhaw, NC
You’ve spent the first year enjoying your new construction home in Waxhaw. As the one-year mark approaches, so does a critical deadline: the expiration of your builder’s warranty. A builder warranty inspection, also known as an 11-month inspection, is your final opportunity to have an independent expert identify and document any construction defects that the builder is still legally obligated to repair.
At Waxhaw Home Inspections, we specialize in helping new homeowners protect their investment. Our thorough 11-month warranty inspection in Waxhaw ensures that you don't get stuck paying for the builder's mistakes after the warranty period ends.
What is an 11-Month Builder Warranty Inspection?
A builder warranty inspection is a complete home inspection performed during the 11th month of your occupancy. The scope is the same as a standard buyer's inspection, covering all major systems and components from the foundation to the roof. The goal is to find any issues that may have developed as your new home has settled through its first four seasons—issues that were not apparent during your final walkthrough.
This inspection provides you with a professional, third-party report that you can submit to your builder as a formal list of repair requests before your warranty expires.
Why a Warranty Inspection is a Crucial Final Step
Even the best-built homes can have hidden issues that only surface over time. A warranty inspection is a cost-effective way to protect your investment and ensure the long-term health of your home.
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Uncover Issues Caused by Settling: All new homes settle. This can lead to drywall cracks, nail pops, sticking doors and windows, and even minor foundation cracks. An inspector can identify these issues and determine if they are simple cosmetic fixes or signs of a larger problem.
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Save Money on Future Repairs: Once your warranty expires, the responsibility for all repairs becomes yours. A minor caulking failure around a window found during the inspection is a simple fix for the builder; if missed, it could lead to a costly water damage and mold problem for you to fix later.
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Hold Your Builder Accountable: A professional inspection report from an unbiased third party provides the documentation you need to ensure your builder honors their warranty obligations. It creates a clear, actionable punch list and streamlines the repair process.
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Gain Lasting Peace of Mind: This is your final chance to get a comprehensive check-up of your home while the builder is still on the hook. It provides confidence that your new home is safe, sound, and built to the quality standards you paid for.
Common Defects Found in a One-Year Warranty Inspection
After a year of living in a new home, certain types of issues commonly appear. Our builder warranty inspection in Waxhaw pays special attention to these areas:
Exterior and Drainage
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Improper grading that allows water to pool near the foundation.
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Cracked or shrinking caulk around windows, doors, and siding penetrations.
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Loose siding, nail pops, and other cosmetic issues that have developed over time.
Roofing and Attic
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Damaged or improperly installed shingles and flashing that can lead to leaks.
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Missing or insufficient insulation in the attic, leading to higher energy bills.
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Improper attic ventilation.
Interior and Systems
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Drywall cracks and nail pops caused by normal settling.
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Doors that no longer latch properly and windows that stick.
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Minor plumbing leaks under sinks or around toilets.
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HVAC systems that are not heating or cooling efficiently.
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Inoperable electrical outlets or missing GFCI protection.
The Waxhaw Home Inspections Advantage: A New Construction Specialist
Choosing the right inspector for your warranty inspection is critical. While any licensed inspector can perform one, my specialized training as an InterNACHI Certified Pre-Drywall Inspector gives me a unique and powerful advantage.
This certification means I have an expert understanding of how new homes are constructed from the ground up. I know where builders and subcontractors often make mistakes, and I can identify subtle signs of underlying issues that a generalist might miss. This deeper knowledge of new construction ensures you receive the most thorough and insightful 11-month warranty inspection in Waxhaw possible.
