When to Schedule an 11-Month Warranty Inspection
- Matt Cameron
- 8 hours ago
- 10 min read
Buying a new home doesn’t always mean it’s free of issues. That’s why an 11-month warranty inspection is essential. This inspection, done just before your builder’s one-year warranty expires, helps identify problems while they’re still covered. Here’s what you need to know:
Why it matters: Over 80% of new homes have defects, and 39% of homeowners face major issues in the first year. Catching these problems early can save you thousands in repair costs.
Timing: Schedule your inspection during the 10th or 11th month of homeownership. This allows time to document issues and get them fixed before the warranty ends.
What’s inspected: Foundation, roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and more. Inspectors use tools like thermal imaging to find hidden problems.
Cost vs. savings: Inspections typically cost $300–$500 but can prevent repairs ranging from $1,500 to $15,000 or more.
Don’t wait until it’s too late - schedule your inspection early to protect your investment and avoid costly surprises.
Episode 2: 11-Month Warranty Inspections – Catching Issues Before the Clock Runs Out
Why You Need an 11-Month Warranty Inspection
Newly constructed homes often conceal flaws that only become apparent after several months of settling. Industry statistics reveal that 80% to 90% of new homes develop at least one warrantable defect by the 11-month mark. A 2023 InterNACHI survey highlighted that 85% of new construction homes had workmanship issues, with drywall cracks in 45% and plumbing leaks in 30% of properties. Without an inspection, these issues may surface after the warranty expires, leaving homeowners to shoulder the repair costs. Below, we’ll explore common hidden problems and the financial consequences of ignoring them.
Find Hidden Construction Problems
Some defects take time to show up. Foundation settling cracks, for instance, often appear 6 to 9 months after construction. Roof leaks might only become noticeable after a heavy rainstorm or a harsh freeze-thaw cycle, while HVAC imbalances may take a full summer or winter to reveal themselves.
Independent inspectors use advanced tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters to detect these hidden defects. They look for signs such as horizontal foundation cracks, which could indicate potential structural failure, as well as misaligned or missing shingles, improper flashing around vents and chimneys, and compromised seals that can lead to water damage. They also identify hidden plumbing leaks, faulty electrical connections, and ductwork issues that could drive up energy costs. Catching these problems early prevents costly repairs and preserves your investment.
Avoid Paying for Repairs Yourself
Spotting defects before your warranty expires can save you thousands of dollars. For example, a hairline foundation crack caught during the warranty period can be repaired at no cost to you. If left unaddressed, it could lead to water intrusion and structural damage, costing between $5,000 and $15,000 by the third year.
Take the case of a homeowner on the Alabama Gulf Coast in September 2025. Their 11-month inspection uncovered poorly sealed shingles, which the builder repaired under warranty. This proactive step saved the homeowner nearly $7,000 in out-of-pocket expenses. Independent inspections resolve around 90% of warranty issues, compared to builder-led walkthroughs, which only address about 40%.
Get Peace of Mind
An 11-month warranty inspection isn’t just about saving money - it’s about protecting your peace of mind. A professional inspection provides a detailed, unbiased report, complete with photos, that identifies potential issues and confirms your home’s structural integrity. Armed with this report, you can ensure your builder fulfills their warranty obligations. And if no issues are found, you’ll have the reassurance that your home has been thoroughly evaluated by a certified professional. This proactive step helps Alabama homeowners protect their most significant investment and maintain long-term property value.
When to Schedule Your Inspection with Trinity Home Inspections
Timing your 11-month warranty inspection is crucial. It can be the difference between catching issues while they’re still covered under warranty and paying for repairs out of pocket. The idea is to give your Alabama Gulf Coast home enough time to show any hidden problems while leaving enough room for your builder to handle repairs before the warranty runs out.
Schedule During Month 10 or 11
The best time to schedule your inspection is during the 10th or 11th month of homeownership. By this point, your home has gone through a full year of seasonal changes, which can expose problems like HVAC inefficiencies, roof leaks, or foundation settling - issues that might not have been apparent earlier.
Aim to schedule your inspection at least three to four weeks before the warranty expires. This gives your builder enough time to review the inspection report, arrange visits, order materials, and complete necessary repairs. If you wait until the last minute, you risk running out of time to make warranty claims.
"Timing is key: you want to complete it while you still have at least three to four weeks left to make any necessary claims on your builder's warranty before it expires." - HomeGauge
Scheduling too early, like in the 9th month, might mean missing emerging issues. On the other hand, waiting until the 12th month - or later - is often too late. In fact, nearly 70% of homeowners who skip this inspection find major problems only after their warranty has expired. Trinity Home Inspections provides same-day digital reports, making it easier for you to act quickly and get repairs done before your coverage ends. This makes locking in your appointment especially important during busy times of the year.
Plan Ahead for Peak Seasons
During high-demand times like spring and early summer, inspection schedules can fill up fast. To secure your spot, contact Trinity Home Inspections several weeks in advance. Booking early ensures you’ll have time to align schedules, review your report, and address any repairs without rushing.
What Trinity Home Inspections Examines During the Inspection
An 11-month warranty inspection involves a detailed review of all major systems and structural components in your Alabama Gulf Coast home. Trinity Home Inspections performs a thorough evaluation, typically lasting 2 to 4 hours, though the duration depends on the home's size and complexity. The primary goal is to catch construction defects or potential issues while your builder's warranty is still active, ensuring every key area is assessed before the coverage period ends.
Foundation and Structural Components
The process begins with a close examination of your home's structural foundation. Inspectors look for visible cracks, shifting, and any signs of water seepage. Proper drainage and the presence of crawlspace vapor barriers are checked to prevent moisture buildup that could lead to mold or wood rot.
Inside the house, inspectors assess rafters, trusses, and floor joists for sagging or inadequate support. They also look for signs of settling, such as drywall cracks, nail pops, squeaky floors, or doors and windows that don’t close properly. Using thermal imaging, they can detect hidden moisture or structural weaknesses that aren't immediately visible.
"An inspection is not a guarantee of a perfect house. It is a visual, non-invasive snapshot. But even a snapshot can save a life." – Matt Cameron, Trinity Home Inspections LLC
These evaluations are essential to help homeowners avoid unexpected repair costs once the warranty period ends. Next, the inspection moves on to your home's critical systems.
Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical Systems
All major systems are carefully reviewed during the inspection. For plumbing, this means checking for leaks under sinks, around toilets, and at shower fixtures. Inspectors also test water pressure, assess hot water heater performance, and look for signs of corrosion. Gas lines are inspected to ensure safety measures like sediment traps are properly installed.
The HVAC system undergoes a thorough review, including thermostat functionality, airflow testing, and inspection of air filters, coils, and vents. Inspectors listen for unusual noises and check for refrigerant leaks. Electrical systems are also scrutinized - every outlet and switch is tested, including GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, and garages. The main electrical panel is reviewed for proper grounding and accurate labeling.
"Anything less than 3 hours for an average 2K square foot home is a 'quickie' and not worth the money you will be paying. My home inspections run between 4 and 8 hours, depending upon the size of the home and what I find." – Ronald Greene, Certified and Licensed Home Inspector
These evaluations ensure that any hidden issues in your home's systems are identified before they turn into costly repairs.
Roof, Attic, and Crawlspace Checks
Trinity leverages FAA-certified drone technology to inspect roofs for missing, loose, or damaged shingles or tiles. Flashing around chimneys and vents is checked for gaps or installation errors that could cause leaks. Inspectors also verify that gutters and downspouts are intact and capable of directing water away from the home.
In the attic, inspectors search for moisture stains, mold, or mildew - early indicators of potential roof leaks. They ensure insulation is properly installed and undisturbed by any work on HVAC or electrical systems. Proper attic ventilation is also verified, and structural elements like rafters and trusses are inspected for damage.
Crawlspace evaluations focus on detecting moisture issues, such as water seepage or high humidity levels that could compromise the structural wood. Inspectors confirm that crawlspaces are sealed and insulated correctly, while also checking foundation walls for cracks or shifting that may have occurred during the home’s first year.
These inspections are designed to identify and address problems early, helping homeowners avoid unexpected expenses once the warranty concludes.
Benefits of Finding Problems Before Your Warranty Expires
Save Money on Repairs
Spotting construction defects before your 12-month warranty runs out can save you a fortune. Builders are obligated to fix issues related to workmanship and materials during this period. But once the warranty expires, the repair costs fall entirely on you.
"Once the builder's warranty expires, you're on your own when it comes to repairing or amending any construction that falls outside the realm of major structural components." - Super Inspection Pros
Hiring a professional inspection, which typically costs between $300 and $500, is a small price to pay compared to the potential savings. Identifying warrantable defects early can save you $1,000 or more in immediate repairs. Plus, catching minor issues now can prevent them from turning into major expenses later. For example, a small plumbing leak could lead to mold remediation and structural repairs costing anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000. Similarly, poor grading around the foundation could cause basement flooding, leading to similar repair bills.
Another bonus? Inspection reports can sometimes help you negotiate lower homeowner's insurance premiums. By showing that your home's systems meet current safety and building codes, you may qualify for discounts. These savings go beyond repairs - they help maintain your home's value over time.
Protect Your Home's Long-Term Value
Taking care of construction defects early safeguards your home's long-term value. Problems like foundation cracks, roof leaks, or HVAC imbalances tend to grow worse (and more expensive) the longer they're ignored. For instance, a small foundation crack found at month 11 might cost the builder nothing to fix. But by year three, that same crack could require structural repairs costing tens of thousands of dollars.
A professional inspection report from your first year also adds credibility when it’s time to sell your home. Prospective buyers will see that you took proactive steps to maintain the property, which can prevent them from using unresolved defects as leverage to lower your home's value. Additionally, independent inspectors resolve about 90% of warranty issues, compared to only 40% when relying solely on builder-led walkthroughs. Taking these steps not only protects your investment but also ensures peace of mind for years to come.
How to Prepare Your Alabama Gulf Coast Home for the Inspection
Getting your home ready for an 11-month warranty inspection can make a big difference in ensuring everything is addressed properly.
Make Key Areas Accessible
Start by making sure the inspector can easily access critical areas like the electrical panel, water heater, HVAC system, attic access points, closets with attic hatches, and crawlspace entries. Clear out any stored items from these spaces a few days before the inspection for a smooth process.
Double-check that water, electricity, and gas are turned on. Replace HVAC filters, test all light bulbs, and secure any pets in a crate or off-site so the inspector can move freely around your home.
Once everything is cleared, take time to jot down any irregularities you’ve noticed over the past year.
Document Any Observed Issues
Keep a running list of problems you’ve encountered, such as flickering lights, slow drains, squeaky floors, or doors that stick. For seasonal issues like leaks or drainage concerns, include photos or videos for reference. If you’re in the Alabama Gulf Coast area, pay extra attention to exterior grading and drainage. Issues like post-storm flooding or soil erosion near your foundation are particularly important to note.
Combining your detailed notes with the inspector’s findings will give you a stronger case when asking your builder for repairs.
Examine Your Warranty Details
Review your builder’s warranty carefully to understand what’s covered and for how long. Most warranties are tiered, covering workmanship and materials for 1 year, mechanical systems like HVAC and plumbing for 2 years, and major structural components for up to 10 years.
Check your home’s warranty anniversary date and look for any exclusions, such as landscaping or appliances, which are often covered by separate manufacturer warranties. Be aware that many builders require written notice of issues within a specific time window before your one-year mark. Having your warranty details and issue list ready will help the inspector focus on areas your builder is responsible for fixing.
Conclusion
Don't let hidden defects in your home go unnoticed - schedule your 11-month warranty inspection with Trinity Home Inspections before your builder's warranty expires. Once you hit the 12-month mark, repair costs for issues like HVAC failures, roof leaks, or foundation cracks become your responsibility. And those fixes? They can easily cost thousands of dollars.
After a year of settling, problems like plumbing leaks, poor attic ventilation, or foundation cracks often surface. Tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters are used to detect these issues early, giving you a chance to address them while your builder is still on the hook for repairs. Industry experts agree on the importance of this proactive step.
As Angelo Menezes puts it:
"An 11‑month warranty inspection is one of the smartest moves a homeowner can make when purchasing a new home. It ensures that any hidden issues are identified and fixed while the builder is still responsible for covering the cost." – Angelo Menezes, Certified Inspectors
Timing is everything. Schedule your inspection during the 10th or 11th month to leave enough time for warranty-covered repairs. With same-day digital reports and an inspection cost ranging from $300 to $500, this small upfront investment can save you thousands in the long run. It’s a simple way to protect both your wallet and your home’s value.
Reach out to Trinity Home Inspections today and take the first step toward securing your home and peace of mind.
FAQs
What defects are usually covered by the 1-year builder warranty?
The 1-year builder warranty generally includes coverage for issues tied to the home's structure, HVAC system, plumbing, electrical systems, roofing, and even problems with grading or drainage. Many of these concerns can surface within the first year, which is why an 11-month inspection is crucial. This inspection gives homeowners the chance to spot and report any defects before the warranty period ends.
Will my builder accept the inspection report for warranty repairs?
Most builders generally accept inspection reports for warranty repairs. These inspections focus on uncovering defects or issues that fall under the builder's warranty, such as structural problems or system malfunctions. The goal is to help homeowners identify and resolve these issues before the warranty period ends, ensuring repairs are handled without extra costs.
What should I do if the builder won’t fix the issues in time?
If the builder fails to resolve the issues promptly, make sure to document the defects in detail. Communicate your concerns clearly and in writing, ensuring you have a record of all interactions. Follow the steps outlined in the warranty dispute resolution process, and keep a well-organized file with all relevant documents. If the situation remains unresolved, consider seeking legal advice to safeguard your rights.
