Yes. During the first year of ownership, it’s common for homes to experience settling, seasonal changes, and normal wear that can reveal issues not visible at closing. Without an inspection, some of these conditions may go unnoticed until after your warranty coverage ends.

A 1-year warranty inspection helps you:

• Identify issues early, such as settling cracks, moisture concerns, and system performance problems
• Document findings clearly so they can be submitted to your builder
• Take advantage of your builder’s warranty before it expires
• Avoid out-of-pocket repairs for items that may otherwise be covered

The purpose of this inspection is not to create concern—but to ensure your home is performing as intended and that any necessary corrections are addressed while coverage is still in place.

If issues are found during a 1-year warranty inspection, they are documented in a detailed report that you can submit to your builder for review and potential repair before the warranty expires.

The process typically includes:

• Clear documentation of findings, including photos and easy-to-understand descriptions
• Reviewing the report so you understand what was observed and why it matters
• Submitting a warranty request to your builder using the inspection report as supporting documentation
• Builder evaluation and response, based on the terms of your warranty coverage
• Repairs or adjustments, if the items are covered under the warranty

Many builders have established procedures for handling 1-year warranty requests and expect homeowners to submit items for review.

A 1-year warranty inspection typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size, condition, and accessibility of the home.

Inspection time can vary based on:

• Square footage and layout of the home
• Accessibility of key areas, such as attics, crawlspaces, and mechanical systems
• Number of findings that require closer evaluation and documentation
• Overall condition and complexity of the property

During this time, the inspector carefully examines the home and documents any conditions that may have developed over the first year, including settling, moisture concerns, and system performance issues.

A 1-year warranty inspection is similar to a standard home inspection in scope, but it is focused specifically on identifying issues that have developed during the first year of ownership—before the builder’s warranty expires.

Both inspections involve a comprehensive, visual evaluation of the home’s structure, systems, and major components. However, the timing and purpose are different.

A standard home inspection (typically before closing):

• Evaluates the home at the time of purchase
• Identifies existing or visible conditions prior to move-in
• Helps buyers make informed decisions during the transaction

A 1-year warranty inspection (after move-in):

• Evaluates how the home has performed over time
• Identifies issues related to settling, seasonal changes, and system use
• Helps homeowners address concerns while the builder is still responsible

While the process is similar, the value of a 1-year warranty inspection lies in its timing. It provides a final opportunity to identify and document issues before warranty coverage ends.

Yes. A 1-year warranty inspection can help you avoid future costs by identifying issues while your builder’s warranty is still in effect.

A 1-year warranty inspection helps you:

• Catch issues early, before they become more extensive or costly to repair
• Document concerns clearly so they can be submitted to your builder for potential coverage
• Take full advantage of your warranty, reducing the likelihood of out-of-pocket expenses
• Prevent minor issues from developing into larger problems over time

Without an inspection, some conditions may go unnoticed until after the warranty expires—at which point repairs may become your responsibility.