Why Should I Get A One Year Warranty Inspection?

So you bought a brand new house, and it is seemingly flawless! However, after living in it for a few months, you start to notice some defects here and there. This is a very common occurrence. The fact is that, with something as complex and multi-faceted as a house, mistakes can happen – even with the best builders in the business. That is why most contractors provide a one year warranty on new builds.

It’s a great opportunity to take advantage of the builder’s warranty so that before the year is up, your home can be made to meet most all of your expectations. The best way to get the most from your warranty is to receive an expert and unbiased assessment of the home. This is why you should consider a One Year Warranty Inspection. 

What is a One Year Warranty On A Residential Home?

Most new homes come with some type of one year warranty (also known as a builder warranty). The coverage varies from builder to builder, so it’s your responsibility as the new homeowner to be familiar with your coverage.

The warranty will generally cover workmanship items such as siding, drywall, doors and trim, paint, etc. It will also cover major components of the home such as electrical, plumbing, floor systems, roofing, load-bearing walls, and ductwork.

Image sourced from: https://www.ibuildnew.com.au/

Most building companies provide their own coverage or outsource to a third-party warranty company. The cost of this warranty plan is almost always factored into the overall price of the home, so you won’t have any additional monthly fees.

Beware that builder warranties can be limited. For example, they generally don’t cover appliances that are under the manufacturer’s warranty. They are also not going to cover damage incurred by natural disasters or storms unless the damage is due to the builder’s error. Be sure to familiarize yourself with any limitations that your warranty may have to avoid costly surprises down the road.

What is a One Year Warranty Inspection?

After living in a home for some time, you may start to notice some issues. Some may be minor and others larger, but there may also be some things that you don’t catch. The last thing you want is for your warranty to expire, without identifying and having the opportunity to address any significant issues.

That’s why hiring a professional to take a fine-tooth comb over the home and premises is a wise decision. When one of our inspectors comes out to take a look, he can address any of the concerns that you have already experienced, and can additionally shed light on any other problems that may have been overlooked.

A one year warranty inspection is one of the many specialized services we offer at Scott Home Inspection. This service covers all of the major systems included in our standard home inspection:

Lots and Ground, Exterior Surfaces, Roof and Attic, Electrical Systems, Heating and Cooling Systems, Plumbing Systems, Interior Conditions, Appliance Functionality, Sprinkler Systems (During Summer).

Other Important Things You Should Know

It’s generally a good idea to schedule a one year warranty inspection about 10 months after you move into your new home. That gives you plenty of time before the warranty expires. The last thing you want is to miss out on that warranty window!

This will also give your inspection company ample time to fit you into their schedule. Scott Home Inspection is ready to help with this type of inspection as well. When it comes to your builder warranty, we want to make sure we can meet your needs before the one year deadline is up!

As the homeowner, you will be responsible to speak with your contractor about any issues you find. When it comes to builder warranties, an inspection is not required, but you can present the issues you have found on your own and likely negotiate the necessary repairs.

However, when armed with a comprehensive home inspection report completed by a certified home inspector, you will have even more leverage. Our inspectors know how to identify issues and recommend the necessary repair methods in their reports. This report can then be used as a valuable tool to encourage builders to make the repairs properly and timely.

While our warranty inspection reports do not guarantee that items will be fixed, since sometimes certain items are not covered by the builder warranty,  the report is simply a way to shed light on all of the observed problem areas.

If you are coming up on one year in your new home and looking to take advantage of your warranty, please feel free to reach out for more info or to book your inspection today!