Should You Get an 11-Month Warranty Inspection? Pros and Cons

Buying a brand-new home feels exciting. Everything is clean, modern, and untouched. But even new homes can have problems. That’s why many homeowners schedule an 11-month home inspection before their home warranty expires.

This special inspection can help you catch issues while repairs are still covered. But is it really worth it? Let’s look at the pros and cons so you can decide.

What Is an 11-Month Home Inspection?

An 11-month home inspection is a full home check-up done around the 11th month after you move into a newly built home. Most new homes come with a one-year builder warranty. This warranty covers problems caused by poor workmanship or faulty materials.

Once that year ends, the builder is no longer responsible for most repairs. That means you would have to pay out of pocket.

The 11-month inspection gives you time to find problems and report them before the warranty runs out.

What Is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a service contract that covers certain repairs and replacements in your home. For new construction homes, this is often called a builder warranty. It usually lasts for one year and covers:

• Heating and cooling systems (HVAC)
  
  
• Plumbing systems
  
  
• Electrical systems
  
  
• Roof leaks
  
  
• Structural defects (in some cases)
  
  
• Doors, windows, and other components
  
  

However, not everything is covered. Normal wear and tear, damage from accidents, and cosmetic issues are usually excluded. That’s why it’s important to understand your warranty details.

Why Is an 11-Month Home Inspection Important?

Many homeowners assume new homes are perfect. But construction mistakes can happen. Some problems don’t show up right away. After living in the home for several months, issues may begin to appear.

An 11-month home inspection helps you:

• Find hidden defects
  
  
• Document problems
  
  
• Request repairs before coverage ends
  
  
• Avoid surprise repair bills later
  
  

It acts like a final safety check before your warranty expires.

Pros of Getting an 11-Month Home Inspection

Let’s start with the benefits.

1. Catch Problems Early

Some issues take time to show up. For example:

• Small plumbing leaks
  
  
• Cracks in drywall
  
  
• Roofing issues after storms
  
  
• HVAC performance problems
  
  
• Electrical concerns
  
  

A professional inspector knows what to look for and can spot problems you might miss.

2. Save Money on Repairs

This is one of the biggest advantages. If the inspector finds covered defects, your builder may fix them at no cost to you.

Without the inspection, you might not discover the problem until after your home warranty expires. Then you would have to pay for the repair yourself.

Spending a few hundred dollars on an inspection could save you thousands later.

3. Use Your Home Warranty Fully

Many homeowners forget about their home warranty until it’s too late. An 11-month home inspection helps you take full advantage of the coverage you already paid for when buying your home.

It ensures you don’t leave repair benefits unused.

4. Peace of Mind

Even if the inspector finds only small issues, you’ll feel more confident knowing your home is in good shape.

Owning a home is a big investment. Having a professional confirm everything looks good can help you relax and enjoy your space.

5. Professional Documentation

A detailed inspection report provides written proof of any defects. This makes it easier to file warranty claims with your builder.

Clear documentation can help prevent disagreements about what is or isn’t covered.

Cons of Getting an 11-Month Home Inspection

While there are many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider.

1. Inspection Cost

An 11-month home inspection usually costs a few hundred dollars, depending on the size of your home and your location.

If no major problems are found, you might feel like the money was unnecessary. However, many homeowners see it as insurance against future repair bills.

2. Possible Warranty Disputes

Sometimes builders or warranty companies may argue that a problem isn’t covered. This can lead to delays or frustration.

Not every issue found during the inspection will qualify for repair under your home warranty.

3. Time Limits

If you wait too long to schedule the inspection, you might not have enough time to complete repairs before the warranty expires.

That’s why it’s smart to schedule your inspection between months 9 and 11 instead of waiting until the last minute.

4. Scheduling and Coordination

You will need to:

• Book the inspection
  
  
• Review the report
  
  
• Contact the builder
  
  
• Schedule repairs
  
  

This takes time and effort. Some homeowners may find the process inconvenient.

When Should You Schedule It?

The best time to schedule an 11-month home inspection is between month 9 and month 11 of ownership.

This gives you enough time to:

• Review inspection results
  
  
• Submit warranty claims
  
  
• Allow the builder to complete repairs
  
  

Waiting until the final weeks of your warranty may create unnecessary stress.

Is It Worth It?

For most homeowners with a new build, the answer is yes.

Even well-built homes can have small issues. Construction crews work fast, and minor defects can slip through the cracks.

An 11-month home inspection is especially valuable if:

• You’ve noticed small problems
  
  
• Your HVAC hasn’t been working perfectly
  
  
• You see cracks or leaks
  
  
• You want reassurance before warranty coverage ends
  
  

If your home is no longer under warranty, this type of inspection may not apply. But for new construction homes, it can be a smart move.

What Does an 11-Month Inspection Include?

A professional inspector typically checks:

• Roof and attic
  
  
• Foundation and structure
  
  
• Plumbing systems
  
  
• Electrical systems
  
  
• HVAC system
  
  
• Windows and doors
  
  
• Appliances (if covered)
  
  
• Exterior grading and drainage
  
  

The goal is to find defects related to workmanship or materials.

Final Thoughts

A new home doesn’t always mean a perfect home. An 11-month home inspection gives you a chance to find hidden issues while your home warranty is still active. Although there is a cost involved, many homeowners find that the benefits outweigh the risks.

It’s a small step that can protect one of your biggest investments.

Schedule your 11-month home inspection with Guardian Angel Inspections today and make sure your home warranty works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)