Your New Home Warranty Timeline: How Inspections Protect You Beyond Closing Day

Buying a new construction home comes with plenty of perks—modern layouts, energy-efficient systems, and everything brand new. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that new doesn’t always mean perfect, and even freshly built homes can develop issues within the first year.

Thankfully, most builders include a limited warranty on their new homes. This warranty offers peace of mind—but only if you know what’s covered and when. And just as importantly, you need to inspect your home before those warranties expire to make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to have defects repaired at the builder’s expense.

Here’s how to make the most of your warranty timeline—and how a well-timed inspection can save you thousands down the line.

Typical Builder Warranty Milestones

Most builders in Arizona follow a 1-2-10 warranty model, covering different systems over different periods. While specific terms vary by builder, here’s what homeowners can generally expect:

Year 1: Workmanship & Materials

This is your coverage for cosmetic and functional issues, including:

  • Drywall cracks or nail pops

  • Cabinet and countertop issues

  • Loose railings or door hardware

  • Sticking windows or misaligned doors

  • Paint touch-ups and trim

These are usually the easiest issues to spot—but also the most time-sensitive. Some cosmetic concerns, like drywall or paint flaws, may only be covered for 30 to 90 days, so it's important to check your builder’s specific timeline.

Year 2: Systems Coverage

In the second year, many warranties extend to major systems, such as:

  • Electrical wiring and panel issues

  • Plumbing leaks or fixture failures

  • HVAC performance or imbalances

These issues can take time to reveal themselves, especially as the seasons change and the systems are put under real-world stress.

Years 3–10: Structural Coverage

The final warranty period typically covers structural defects, such as:

  • Foundation movement or cracking

  • Framing or load-bearing failures

  • Roof framing or truss defects

These are less common but often much more serious and expensive to repair. Coverage here usually extends through year 10, but only applies to structural integrity—not surface-level problems.

Why the 11-Month Inspection Is Crucial

The most important window for new homeowners is the 11th month after move-in.

Why? Your New Home Warranty Timeline: How Inspections Protect You Beyond Closing Day

Buying a new construction home comes with plenty of perks—modern layouts, energy-efficient systems, and everything brand new. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that new doesn’t always mean perfect, and even freshly built homes can develop issues within the first year.

Thankfully, most builders include a limited warranty on their new homes. This warranty offers peace of mind—but only if you know what’s covered and when. And just as importantly, you need to inspect your home before those warranties expire to make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to have defects repaired at the builder’s expense.

Here’s how to make the most of your warranty timeline—and how a well-timed inspection can save you thousands down the line.

Typical Builder Warranty Milestones

Most builders in Arizona follow a 1-2-10 warranty model, covering different systems over different periods. While specific terms vary by builder, here’s what homeowners can generally expect:

Year 1: Workmanship & Materials

This is your coverage for cosmetic and functional issues, including:

  • Drywall cracks or nail pops

  • Cabinet and countertop issues

  • Loose railings or door hardware

  • Sticking windows or misaligned doors

  • Paint touch-ups and trim

These are usually the easiest issues to spot—but also the most time-sensitive. Some cosmetic concerns, like drywall or paint flaws, may only be covered for 30 to 90 days, so it's important to check your builder’s specific timeline.

Year 2: Systems Coverage

In the second year, many warranties extend to major systems, such as:

  • Electrical wiring and panel issues

  • Plumbing leaks or fixture failures

  • HVAC performance or imbalances

These issues can take time to reveal themselves, especially as the seasons change and the systems are put under real-world stress.

Years 3–10: Structural Coverage

The final warranty period typically covers structural defects, such as:

  • Foundation movement or cracking

  • Framing or load-bearing failures

  • Roof framing or truss defects

These are less common but often much more serious and expensive to repair. Coverage here usually extends through year 10, but only applies to structural integrity, not surface-level problems.

⏳ Why the 11-Month Inspection Is Crucial

The most important window for new homeowners is the 11th month after move-in.

Why? Because most builder warranties for workmanship and materials expire after one year. An 11-month inspection ensures that any defects that emerged during the first year are documented and submitted in time for builder correction.

Benefits of an 11-Month Warranty Inspection:

  • Catches gradual issues that weren’t present at closing

  • Creates a detailed report you can give to your builder

  • Gives you time to schedule repairs before coverage ends

  • Puts pressure on the builder to complete work while still obligated

Think of it as a final chance to "close the loop" on quality assurance for your new home.

🔎 Examples of Post-Move-In Issues We Catch

Even in high-quality builds, wear, settling, and seasonal shifts can cause new issues to emerge within the first year. During our 11-month inspections, we often identify:

  • Foundation or drywall cracks from soil movement or settling

  • Water heater malfunctions or inconsistent hot water

  • HVAC imbalances, like hot and cold spots or weak airflow

  • Drainage problems that develop after landscaping is installed

  • Window or door misalignment from frame settling

  • Loose fixtures, cracked tiles, or deteriorating caulk

Because these issues happen after move-in, they typically aren’t visible during your final walkthrough inspection. That’s why a second look—just before the warranty ends—is so valuable.

💼 How Agents Can Add Value

Real estate agents have a unique opportunity to stand out by helping clients maximize their warranty benefits.

Here’s how:

  • Add 11-month inspections to your post-close checklist
    Remind clients at closing to schedule this milestone—it positions you as a knowledgeable, proactive partner.

  • Send a reminder email or postcard at month 10
    A friendly nudge shows you’re thinking ahead and still invested in your client’s satisfaction.

  • Partner with a trusted inspection company
    Refer your buyers to a licensed inspection team (like Dwellinspect Arizona) who understands new construction timelines, builder relationships, and Arizona-specific concerns.

  • Bundle it as a client appreciation offer
    Consider gifting a discounted inspection as a follow-up service. It’s a thoughtful gesture that protects your client and earns long-term loyalty.

✅ Final Thoughts

Your new construction home may be brand new—but it still needs follow-up care. Builder warranties are valuable, but they come with deadlines. Without a thorough inspection before those deadlines hit, small problems can become big headaches—and costly repairs—down the line.

At Dwellinspect Arizona, we specialize in 11-month warranty inspections that give homeowners the confidence to file timely warranty claims with clear documentation and support.

Are you an agent who wants to build lasting relationships with your clients? Let us help you set up a system for 11-month reminders, client reports, and branded inspection options. Just let us know!

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ChatGPT can make mistakes. OpenAI does builder warranties for workmanship and materials expire after one year. An 11-month inspection ensures that any defects that emerged during the first year are documented and submitted in time for builder correction.

Benefits of an 11-Month Warranty Inspection:

  • Catches gradual issues that weren’t present at closing

  • Creates a detailed report you can give to your builder

  • Gives you time to schedule repairs before coverage ends

  • Puts pressure on the builder to complete work while still obligated

Think of it as a final chance to "close the loop" on quality assurance for your new home.

Examples of Post-Move-In Issues We Catch

Even in high-quality builds, wear, settling, and seasonal shifts can cause new issues to emerge within the first year. During our 11-month inspections, we often identify:

  • Foundation or drywall cracks from soil movement or settling

  • Water heater malfunctions or inconsistent hot water

  • HVAC imbalances, like hot and cold spots or weak airflow

  • Drainage problems that develop after landscaping is installed

  • Window or door misalignment from frame settling

  • Loose fixtures, cracked tiles, or deteriorating caulk

Because these issues happen after move-in, they typically aren’t visible during your final walkthrough inspection. That’s why a second look—just before the warranty ends—is so valuable.

How Agents Can Add Value

Real estate agents have a unique opportunity to stand out by helping clients maximize their warranty benefits.

Here’s how:

  • Add 11-month inspections to your post-close checklist
    Remind clients at closing to schedule this milestone—it positions you as a knowledgeable, proactive partner.

  • Send a reminder email or postcard at month 10
    A friendly nudge shows you’re thinking ahead and still invested in your client’s satisfaction.

  • Partner with a trusted inspection company
    Refer your buyers to a licensed inspection team (like Dwellinspect Arizona) who understands new construction timelines, builder relationships, and Arizona-specific concerns.

  • Bundle it as a client appreciation offer
    Consider gifting a discounted inspection as a follow-up service. It’s a thoughtful gesture that protects your client and earns long-term loyalty.

Final Thoughts

Your new construction home may be brand new—but it still needs follow-up care. Builder warranties are valuable, but they come with deadlines. Without a thorough inspection before those deadlines hit, small problems can become big headaches—and costly repairs—down the line.

At Dwellinspect Arizona, we specialize in 11-month warranty inspections that give homeowners the confidence to file timely warranty claims with clear documentation and support.

Are you an agent who wants to build lasting relationships with your clients? Let us help you set up a system for 11-month reminders, client reports, and branded inspection options. Just let us know!

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Behind the Walls: What We See at Pre-Drywall Inspections