If you live in a recently constructed home, the materials and workmanship should be covered by a builder’s warranty that typically expires after one year.
As you approach the 11th month of that one year, you should consider getting a full home inspection. If any problems are found, you’ll have time to make a claim with the builder so that repairs can be done at no cost to you.
First, let’s clarify the difference between a builder’s warranty and a traditional home warranty.
A builder’s warranty is provided by a builder for new home construction. After all, when you make a major purchase, you expect there to be some kind of warranty on it. Some of the materials and workmanship covered include concrete foundations and floors, roofing and siding, doors and windows, and systems like electrical and plumbing.
The typical home warranty is an optional purchase homeowners can make at any point in the life of a home. It focuses more on appliances like ovens, ranges, and dishwashers (which are usually not covered in a builder’s warranty) but also includes systems such as electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling.
When a warranty on any major purchase is nearing its expiration date, it’s good to evaluate the product and see if there are any problems that need to be addressed. A home is no different, and a builder’s warranty inspection is the way to see if any repairs need to be done while the warranty still covers the costs.
The process for a builder’s warranty inspection is essentially the same as for a standard home inspection.
(If your builder’s warranty has a different coverage time frame than one year, consider having an inspection one month before the warranty’s expiration date.)
As you approach the 11th month of that one year, you should consider getting a full home inspection. If any problems are found, you’ll have time to make a claim with the builder so that repairs can be done at no cost to you.
First, let’s clarify the difference between a builder’s warranty and a traditional home warranty.
A builder’s warranty is provided by a builder for new home construction. After all, when you make a major purchase, you expect there to be some kind of warranty on it. Some of the materials and workmanship covered include concrete foundations and floors, roofing and siding, doors and windows, and systems like electrical and plumbing.
The typical home warranty is an optional purchase homeowners can make at any point in the life of a home. It focuses more on appliances like ovens, ranges, and dishwashers (which are usually not covered in a builder’s warranty) but also includes systems such as electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling.
When a warranty on any major purchase is nearing its expiration date, it’s good to evaluate the product and see if there are any problems that need to be addressed. A home is no different, and a builder’s warranty inspection is the way to see if any repairs need to be done while the warranty still covers the costs.
The process for a builder’s warranty inspection is essentially the same as for a standard home inspection.
(If your builder’s warranty has a different coverage time frame than one year, consider having an inspection one month before the warranty’s expiration date.)