11-Month Builder Warranty Inspection
You've spent nearly a year living in your new home. By now, you've noticed the little things — a door that doesn't close quite right, a crack that wasn't there when you moved in, or a room that never seems to reach the right temperature. Some are normal settling. Others may be signs of problems that deserve a closer look. Before your builder's first-year warranty period ends, let Vivid Home Inspections give your home an independent evaluation.
Your Home Is Almost a Year Old. What's Changed?
When you first moved into your newly constructed home, everything was clean, freshly painted, and ready for move-in. But a home doesn't stop changing after construction is complete. Materials expand and contract. The ground settles. Heating and cooling systems operate through different seasons. Plumbing connections experience daily use. Rain, snow, and temperature changes put the home's exterior to the test.
These conditions can reveal installation deficiencies, developing leaks, drainage issues, and other concerns that weren't apparent before closing. The problem? Some builder warranty coverage may be approaching its expiration date.
Vivid Home Inspections evaluates the visible and accessible systems of your home, looking for defects, safety concerns, and conditions that may have developed since construction. We document our findings with photographs and clear explanations so you have information to discuss with your builder before applicable warranty deadlines. We're not here to create problems with your builder — we're here to help you understand your home and identify concerns worth addressing.
How It Works
Schedule Before Your Warranty Deadline
Contact us approximately 30–60 days before your builder's first-year warranty coverage expires. This gives you time to receive the report, review the findings, and submit concerns to your builder.
We Inspect Your Home
Our licensed home inspector evaluates the home's visible and accessible systems and components, with particular attention to conditions that may have developed during the first year of occupancy.
Review Your Report and Contact Your Builder
Receive a detailed, photo-rich inspection report the same day. Use the documented findings to discuss potential repairs or corrections with your builder.
What We Evaluate
Roofing & Attic
Roof covering conditions, visible flashing defects, roof penetrations, accessible attic framing, insulation, and ventilation concerns.
Foundation & Structure
Visible foundation cracking, structural movement indicators, damaged framing, and other accessible structural conditions.
Exterior & Drainage
Siding, exterior trim, grading, drainage, gutters, downspouts, and conditions that may allow water intrusion.
Plumbing Systems
Visible leaks, fixtures, drains, water pressure concerns, water heaters, and accessible supply and drainage components.
Electrical Systems
Electrical panels, accessible wiring, receptacles, switches, GFCI protection, and visible electrical safety concerns.
Heating & Cooling
HVAC operation where conditions permit, airflow concerns, visible ductwork defects, condensate drainage, and equipment installation conditions.
Windows, Doors & Interior
Doors that bind or fail to latch, windows that don't operate properly, visible drywall cracking, ceiling stains, and indications of moisture intrusion.
Insulation, Ventilation & Moisture
Accessible insulation deficiencies, ventilation concerns, visible moisture conditions, and potential air leakage indicators.
Included at No Extra Cost
Thermal Imaging
Helps identify temperature anomalies that may indicate insulation deficiencies, moisture concerns, or other conditions requiring further investigation.
Moisture Meter Evaluation
Helps evaluate suspected water intrusion and moisture-related concerns in accessible materials.
Drone Roof Evaluation
When conditions permit, drone technology helps us evaluate roof areas that may be difficult or unsafe to access directly.
Same-Day Digital Report
A comprehensive report with photographs, clearly organized findings, and explanations you can reference when communicating with your builder.
Haven Homeowner Portal
Keep your inspection information and important property records organized in one convenient location.
Common Problems Found During the First Year
Even newly constructed homes can develop or reveal problems after occupancy. Some of the concerns we look for include:
Not every condition represents a construction defect or a warranty-covered repair. Our role is to document observed conditions and explain their significance.
- Drywall cracking or separation that may warrant further evaluation
- Doors and windows that no longer operate or seal properly
- Plumbing leaks at fixtures and connections
- Missing or displaced attic insulation
- Improperly secured or disconnected HVAC ductwork
- Condensate drainage problems
- Improper exterior grading and drainage
- Moisture intrusion around windows, doors, and roof penetrations
- Electrical safety deficiencies
- Incomplete or defective installation work
Your Warranty Deadline Is Worth Paying Attention To
Builder warranties vary depending on the builder, the warranty documents, and applicable state requirements. Some items may have one-year coverage, while other systems or structural components may have longer coverage periods.
An 11-month warranty inspection is designed to help identify observable concerns before common first-year warranty deadlines. We recommend scheduling approximately 30–60 days before the applicable deadline, allowing time to review findings and submit documentation.
The inspection does not determine warranty eligibility or guarantee the builder will perform repairs. Your warranty agreement determines the applicable coverage and claim procedures.
What You'll Walk Away With
A clearer understanding of your new home — an independent evaluation of visible and accessible systems, including potential concerns that have developed during your first year of ownership.
Documentation you can share with your builder — a report with photographs, descriptions, and recommendations that can help you communicate observed defects and deficiencies.
More confidence moving into Year Two — whether your inspection uncovers significant issues or relatively minor concerns, you'll have a better understanding of your home's present condition and maintenance needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't Let Your First-Year Warranty Deadline Sneak Up on You
Pricing varies based on the size of the home. Contact us or use our online scheduling system for pricing specific to your property.
Vivid Home Inspections proudly serves homebuyers and homeowners throughout South Jersey, including Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties, as well as Eastern Pennsylvania.
Client Reviews
What Our Clients Say
Real reviews from real home buyers and sellers across South Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.
Home Inspections Across South Jersey & Eastern PA
We proudly serve home buyers, sellers, and owners throughout South Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. Local expertise means we know the common issues in regional construction, soil, and aging housing stock.
- Burlington County
- Camden County
- Gloucester County
- Salem County
- Mercer County
- Eastern Pennsylvania
Ready for a Vivid, Detailed Home Inspection?
Book online in minutes or call us directly. Certified inspectors, same-day digital reports, and coverage across all of South Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania — so you can move forward with confidence.
Certified & Insured
InterNACHI certified, NJ licensed & insured.
Same-Day Reports
Detailed, photo-rich findings within 24 hours.
Easy Online Booking
Schedule your inspection in minutes.
Talk to a Real Person
Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM