Before the common one-year deadline
Review a full cycle of seasons while warranty time remains.
Count backward from the actual deadline in the written warranty. Leave enough time for a qualified inspection, your own review, and the builder's required submission process.
When should I schedule an 11-month warranty inspection?
Read the signed warranty first, then work backward from its actual submission deadline. A common planning window is four to six weeks beforehand so there is time for an inspection, report review, clarification, and on-time submission.
Four to six weeks before
- Read the warranty, exclusions, maintenance duties, submission method, and deadline.
- Review unresolved closing, punch-list, and 30-day items alongside repair history.
- Consider scheduling an independent warranty inspection early enough to receive and review the report.
Whole-home review
- Exterior drainage, grading, roof and flashing observations from safe locations, siding, masonry, sealants, windows, doors, decks, patios, and garage.
- Interior floors, walls, ceilings, trim, cabinets, counters, stairs, railings, doors, windows, and signs of moisture movement.
- Plumbing fixtures and visible piping; electrical devices and panels; heating, cooling, ventilation, and installed appliances.
- Attic, crawlspace, or other areas only when safely accessible and permitted.
Build the submission
- Separate report observations into individual items with location, date, and supporting evidence.
- Distinguish new concerns from previously submitted items that remain unresolved.
- Submit before the stated deadline and save proof of submission.
- Track builder responses, scheduled work, and verification after each repair.
What should I bring to the inspection?
Bring the written warranty, prior inspection or walkthrough reports, unresolved punch-list and 30-day items, repair history, and access information for permitted areas. Keep each new observation separate and connect it to supporting photos or report pages.
Coverage and deadlines differ. Follow the signed warranty and obtain qualified professional or legal advice for disputed, structural, safety, or coverage questions.
Continue documenting
Related homeowner guides
30-day warranty checklist
Bring early move-in observations and repair history into the final review.
Open the 30-day guide →Construction photo checklist
Review original construction images when later conditions need more context.
Open the photo guide →Bring a year of evidence into one warranty record.
Home Storia connects inspection findings, earlier promises, due dates, and verification notes.