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Buyer Tips

The 11-Month Warranty Inspection: Your Last Chance to Catch Builder Mistakes

Christopher Boykin, CMI

If you bought a newly built home, your builder almost certainly provided a one-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. But here's the catch: once that 12-month window closes, you're on your own for any repairs. That's why the 11-month warranty inspection is one of the smartest investments a new homeowner can make.

Why Month 11?

By scheduling your inspection in the 11th month, you give yourself enough time to identify issues AND submit warranty claims before the deadline. Many problems don't surface immediately — they develop over the first year as the home goes through seasonal temperature changes, settling, and daily use.

What We Commonly Find at 11 Months

  • Drywall cracks and nail pops — Normal settling causes cosmetic cracks, especially around door frames and ceilings. These should be repaired under warranty.
  • Grout and caulk failures — Bathrooms and kitchens frequently show deteriorating caulk lines within the first year.
  • HVAC performance issues — Systems that worked fine in mild weather may struggle during Georgia's extreme summer heat. Temperature splits outside normal ranges indicate problems.
  • Window seal failures — Fogging between dual-pane glass indicates a broken seal that the builder should replace.
  • Drainage and grading changes — Soil settlement can redirect water toward the foundation instead of away from it.
  • Appliance issues — Dishwasher connections, garbage disposal mounting, and range hood venting problems that weren't apparent at move-in.

How It Works

Our dual-inspector team performs the same comprehensive inspection we do for any home purchase — covering structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and all major systems. After the inspection, you receive a detailed report with photos that serves as your official warranty claim punch list. Simply submit it to your builder and they're obligated to address covered items.

11-month warranty inspections start at $335+ based on your home's size. Get your exact price here — it could save you thousands in repairs you'd otherwise pay out of pocket.

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