Have you ever made a new purchase and added an extended warranty, only to discover that something breaks right after the guarantee expires? We’ve all been there at one point or another. Wouldn’t it be great if you could uncover problems before the warranty expires and avoid shelling out for expensive repairs? Vannier Home Inspection’s 11 month warranty inspection can help you do exactly that.
11 Month Warranty Inspection Uncovers Problems
Many new homeowners wait until they notice an issue before making a warranty claim. The problem with that approach is many issues can go unnoticed for weeks or even months. Your home can develop defects within the warranty period, yet do not become evident until after you are no longer covered.
By that time, you are on your own as far as repairs go. And as if that weren’t bad enough, some problems can worsen over time. As such, they might cost you far more money than they would have if you had just discovered them early on. Let’s face it, shelling out money to fix things is not what you had in mind when you purchased your new home.
Instead of waiting for the inevitable, why not schedule an 11 month warranty inspection? During this home inspection, we will thoroughly check your residence from top to bottom to discover if there are any issues your home warranty covers. Our report will give you the backup to submit a claim before the contract expires, saving you time and money.
11 Month Warranty Inspection Checklist
To be thorough, we include the following checkpoints in our 11 month warranty inspection looks at the following:
- Appliances (if provided by the builder)
- Attic joists and insulation
- Roof, soffits, and fascia
- Heating and air conditioning
- Doors and windows
- Siding
- Foundation and crawl spaces
- Electrical panel and outlets
- Gutters and downspouts
- Walls, floors, and ceilings (includes drywall condition)
- Plumbing and plumbing fixtures
- Ventilation system
- Ceiling fans
Each home warranty is different, yet most contain common elements. Accordingly, your inspection may include other items not listed above. For example, some builders cover the property itself. In that case, we may check for:
- Proper drainage
- Cracks or imperfections in a paved driveway
- Leaning, bowed, or buckled retaining walls
- Sloping or uneven sidewalks and walkways
Provides Adequate Time for Repairs
We recommend scheduling your 11 month warranty inspection about 30 days before the warranty expiration date. By doing so, you have allowed as much time as possible for problems to manifest. At the same time, you still have enough days remaining on your warranty to file a claim and avoid paying for expensive repairs yourself.
Gives You Peace of Mind
Many of our inspections result in finding no significant problems. Most homeowners feel a sense of relief in these instances because they know they won’t have to worry about shelling out a large sum of money on repairs soon.
Ensures Builder’s Cooperation
To remain competitive, builders must maintain their reputations. If an 11 month warranty inspection report uncovers issues, most builders are eager to resolve problems quickly.
Their reputation is on the line, and they do not want people talking about poor work quality or how they have “stiffed” someone out of warranty repairs. This proactive approach is especially true now that online reviews and viral social media posts have become more prevalent.
A professional report also gives homeowners support for their claims. Many times, builders will require written proof of problems before resolution. The final professional report could even be admissible in court if you have to take legal action.
Saves You Money
You may think that an 11 month warranty inspection is not necessary. After all, you live in your home every day and are already aware of any problems, right? Why spend money on an inspection when you can just wait until you notice something wrong.
The truth is that you cannot possibly know whether or not specific issues exist. When was the last time you climbed onto your roof or checked your attic for signs of damage? The odds are that you have never done that and likely never will.
When having an inspection performed before the warranty expires, you can ensure that the builder is held accountable for the damage. In turn, you save money from costly repairs that the warranty would have otherwise covered.
Can Assist with Selling
If you just purchased a brand new home, the last thing you are probably thinking about is selling. However, studies show that the average first-time homebuyer will stay in their residence only three to five years. So if this is your first home, you may be putting it on the market sooner than you think.
Other life changes – like a job change – may dictate that you sell your home. Maybe you purchased the house as an investment and are planning to resell it when the market is favorable.
Regardless of your reason for selling, having a recent home inspection can prove invaluable whenever it is time to sell. Most buyers are looking for an inspection anyway. The fact that you have already had one done means they will not have to fork over the money to initiate the inspection themselves.
When to Schedule
We recommend double-checking your warranty’s expiration date and then scheduling an appointment for 30 days before that. A complete inspection can take several hours, which is why we recommend setting aside at least half a day.
Your check-up should ideally take place when it’s light out because many issues are difficult, if not impossible, to discover when it’s dark outside.
Do not put off a Home Inspection
Has it been almost a year since you signed a builder’s home warranty contract? If so, contact Vannier Home Inspection to schedule an 11 month warranty inspection. Our professional, reliable inspections will give you the peace of mind you want.