Buying a brand-new home in Jackson, Tennessee is an exciting milestone. Everything looks perfect — fresh paint, new appliances, modern finishes, and that feeling of starting from scratch. But even new homes can hide issues that won’t show up until months after move-in.
That’s why every new homeowner should schedule an 11-month warranty inspection before the builder’s one-year warranty expires. It’s your final opportunity to catch construction defects and workmanship issues while the builder is still responsible for fixing them — not you.
What Is an 11-Month Warranty Inspection?
An 11-month warranty inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s major systems, components, and structure — just like a standard home inspection, but performed near the end of your builder’s warranty period.
As a licensed home inspector serving Jackson and West Tennessee, I go through the same process I would with any other home inspection: assessing the foundation, roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and interior systems, along with attic, crawlspace, and exterior conditions.
The goal is simple — identify anything that may not have been installed correctly, has failed prematurely, or wasn’t visible during your initial walk-through.
Why It’s So Important for New Homes
Even the best builders can’t prevent every problem. Homes settle, materials expand and contract, and small defects can develop over time. In Jackson’s variable climate — with humid summers and heavy spring rains — those small changes can lead to cracks, leaks, and other early warning signs of future trouble.
Common findings during 11-month inspections include:
- Minor foundation settling or drywall cracking
- HVAC or ductwork performance issues
- Roof flashing or shingle defects
- Leaks around windows, tubs, or showers
- Drainage or grading problems
- Missing attic insulation or ventilation gaps
- Loose handrails, trim, or cabinetry
- Incomplete electrical or plumbing finishes
While these might seem minor, addressing them before the warranty ends can save thousands in future repairs.
How It Helps Protect Your Warranty Coverage
Most builders in Tennessee provide a one-year workmanship warranty, which covers defects in materials and labor. Some also include longer coverage for structural components. But after that period ends, the cost of repairs shifts entirely to you.
By having a professional inspection at the 11-month mark, you’ll receive a detailed, photo-documented report that clearly outlines any issues — perfect for submitting a warranty claim. Builders typically appreciate the specificity, since it helps them address legitimate concerns quickly and efficiently.
Without this documentation, it’s easy for small issues to go unnoticed until the warranty window has passed.
Common Defects Found in Jackson’s New Homes
In newer subdivisions throughout Madison County, I frequently find:
- Roof shingles not sealed properly or flashing left incomplete
- Crawlspaces with missing vapor barriers or damp insulation
- Condensate drains from HVAC systems routed improperly
- Plumbing leaks under tubs or behind access panels
- Electrical panels with labeling errors or loose breakers
- Poor drainage near the foundation due to ungraded landscaping
These aren’t necessarily signs of bad construction — they’re normal punch-list items that arise as a new home “settles in.” The inspection simply ensures you have them addressed while still under warranty.
Why Hire an Independent Inspector (Not Just the Builder’s Team)
Builders often perform their own warranty walkthroughs, but those inspections are designed to protect their liability — not your long-term investment. An independent inspector works exclusively for you, with no ties to the builder or warranty company.
I approach 11-month inspections the same way I would for any home purchase: detailed, unbiased, and documented with clear recommendations. This ensures you have objective evidence of every issue that needs repair, along with an understanding of which items are routine maintenance versus true defects.
The Best Time to Schedule
The ideal time for an 11-month warranty inspection is around month 10 or 11 after your closing date. That allows time for the builder to schedule and complete repairs before the warranty expires.
If you’ve already passed that point, it’s still worth having a professional inspection — many builders honor claims submitted slightly beyond the deadline if backed by a certified report.
The Bottom Line
Your new home should be worry-free for years to come, but “new” doesn’t always mean “perfect.” An 11-month warranty inspection gives you confidence and leverage — helping ensure the builder addresses issues before they become your responsibility.
At Upchurch Inspection, I provide detailed, unbiased reports that empower homeowners across Jackson and West Tennessee to protect their investment and enjoy their homes with peace of mind.
📞 Schedule Your Jackson 11-Month Warranty Inspection Today
Serving Jackson, Medina, Humboldt, and communities across West Tennessee, Upchurch Inspection offers certified home inspections, 11-month warranty inspections, and specialized testing for mold, radon, water quality, and sewer systems.
📞 Call (901) 350-8885 or visit UpchurchInspection.com to schedule your inspection today.
