Buying a brand-new home feels like the end of a long journey — but in reality, it’s the start of your home’s first big test. Even the best builders make mistakes, and materials naturally shift, settle, and expand during that first year. That’s why the 11-month warranty inspection is one of the smartest steps a homeowner can take.
In Bartlett, Arlington, and Lakeland, new subdivisions are popping up everywhere. These communities feature quality construction, but no home is perfect. A professional inspection just before your builder’s one-year warranty expires can reveal small issues before they turn into big repairs — while the builder is still responsible for fixing them.
Why Timing Matters
Most builders provide a one-year warranty covering workmanship, materials, and major systems such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structure. Around month eleven, it’s time to take a closer look. By then, your home has lived through all four seasons — heat, humidity, rain, and cold — giving defects time to reveal themselves.
That’s when I perform a full 11-month inspection, designed to identify problems that should still be covered under the original builder warranty. From foundation movement and roof flashing issues to drywall cracks and plumbing leaks, we check the entire property just as we would during a pre-purchase inspection — but with a focus on what your builder is still obligated to repair.
Common Issues Found in New Homes
Even new homes can have construction-related defects that only appear after the first few months of use. Some of the most common include:
- Nail pops and settling cracks in drywall or ceilings
- Improper grading or drainage near the foundation
- Leaking plumbing connections or loose drain fittings
- HVAC performance issues such as poor airflow or duct leaks
- Roof or flashing gaps leading to moisture intrusion
- Improperly sealed windows and doors allowing air leaks
- Insulation or ventilation problems in attics or crawl spaces
These aren’t unusual — they’re part of the natural settling process — but if left unchecked, they can lead to moisture problems, foundation movement, or high energy bills down the road.
How an 11-Month Inspection Works
During your 11-month inspection, I perform a complete top-to-bottom evaluation of your home, including:
- Structural, foundation, and roof components
- Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
- Insulation and ventilation
- Doors, windows, and exterior finishes
- Attic and crawl space (if applicable)
The final report is detailed and photo-documented, with clear explanations written in plain language. You can provide this report directly to your builder so they can address the listed concerns before your warranty expires.
Protect Your Investment Before the Clock Runs Out
Too many homeowners assume their builder’s warranty will take care of everything automatically — but in most cases, the builder won’t fix what hasn’t been reported. That’s why having an independent inspection is so valuable.
Your 11-month inspection gives you the evidence you need to request repairs and ensures your home continues performing as it should for years to come.
📞 Schedule Your 11-Month Warranty Inspection Today
Serving Bartlett, Arlington, Lakeland, and the greater Memphis area, Upchurch Inspection provides certified 11-month warranty inspections, along with full home inspections, mold and radon testing, water quality analysis, and sewer scope inspections.
📞 Call (901) 350-8885 or visit UpchurchInspection.com to schedule your inspection before your builder’s warranty expires.
