If you’ve recently purchased a newly constructed home in the Raleigh or Wake Forest area, congratulations! It’s an exciting time as you settle into your beautiful new space. But as the one-year anniversary of closing approaches, there’s an important task to add to your list – scheduling an 11th month home inspection.
What is an 11th Month Home Inspection?
An 11th month home inspection, also known as a warranty inspection or end-of-warranty inspection, is an evaluation of your new home’s condition during the 11th month of your one-year builder’s warranty coverage.
Most new construction contracts include a 12-month builder’s warranty that covers material defects and poor workmanship. While it’s easy to assume your brand new house is flawless, the reality is that issues can and do arise within that first year. An 11th month inspection helps identify problems before your warranty expires, allowing you to request repairs from your builder at no cost to you.
Our team at Sixth Sense Home Inspections has performed many 11th month inspections for new homeowners in Raleigh, Wake Forest, and surrounding communities. We’ve seen firsthand how uncovering defects early can save our clients time, money, and stress down the road. Let me share a quick story to illustrate.
Last year, we inspected a lovely new craftsman-style home in Wake Forest for clients who were approaching the end of their one-year warranty. During our thorough evaluation, we discovered several significant issues that had developed since the owners moved in, including:
- Improper roof flashing that was allowing water intrusion in the attic
- HVAC ductwork that had become disconnected, impacting system efficiency
- Nail pops and cracks in the drywall due to normal settlement
- Loose railings on the rear deck that posed a safety hazard
Our clients were surprised to learn of these problems, as they had assumed their new home was in perfect condition. Thankfully, we identified the defects in time for the owners to notify their builder and request repairs under warranty. Had they waited until after the 12-month mark, they would have been financially responsible for fixing these issues themselves.
Why Hire a Professional Inspector
You may be wondering, can’t I just inspect the house myself before my warranty expires? While it’s smart to keep an eye out for any obvious deficiencies, a professional home inspector has the training, experience and unbiased eye to catch problems you may overlook. We know where and how to look for construction defects, safety hazards, and signs of deterioration. During an 11th month inspection, your inspector will evaluate all readily accessible elements of the home, including:
- Foundation and structural components
- Roof, attic, and insulation
- Exterior cladding, decks, and porches
- Garage and garage door operators
- Interior walls, ceilings, and floors
- Windows and doors
- Plumbing fixtures and water heater
- Electrical panels, wiring, and receptacles
- HVAC systems and ductwork
- Built-in appliances
Your inspector will then provide a detailed report documenting any discovered defects, giving you clear evidence to present to your builder and request repairs before your warranty expires.
Choosing the Right Inspector
Not all home inspectors are created equal. When choosing a professional for your 11th month inspection, look for:
- Proper licensing and insurance: In North Carolina, home inspectors must be licensed by the NC Home Inspector Licensure Board. Confirm your inspector’s license is active and in good standing.
- Experience with new construction: Inspecting a new home requires specialized knowledge of current building practices and common construction defects. Ask how many new construction and 11th month inspections the company has performed.
- Positive reviews and reputation: Read reviews on Google, Facebook, and sites like HomeAdvisor or Angie’s List. Ask for recommendations from your real estate agent, friends, or neighbors.
- Clear communication and reporting: Your inspector should be happy to answer your questions and explain issues in terms you can understand. Inspection reports should include detailed notes and photos.
At Sixth Sense Home Inspections, we tick all of those boxes and more. Our owner Sam Smith (not his real name) is a licensed NC home inspector with over a decade of experience inspecting new and existing homes in the Raleigh and Wake Forest areas. We use the latest technology, including infrared cameras and drone roof inspections, to provide the most thorough evaluation of your new home. And we pride ourselves on our clear, concise reports and friendly, professional service.
Don’t Neglect This Important Task
With the excitement of your new home purchase, it’s easy to forget about that looming one-year warranty expiration. But trust me, you don’t want to let it pass you by. Identifying and addressing problems now can help you:
- Get repairs made at your builder’s expense
- Avoid future maintenance and repair costs
- Maintain your property value and marketability
- Gain peace of mind about the safety and integrity of your home
Think of your 11th month inspection as an investment in protecting what is likely your largest asset. The relatively small cost now can save you significant expenses and headaches later.
How to Schedule Your Inspection
If your one-year new home warranty is approaching, give Sixth Sense Home Inspections a call today at 919-495-1572 to get on our schedule. We recommend booking your inspection at least a month before your warranty expires to allow time for the builder to make any necessary repairs.
Visit our website to learn more about our 11th month inspection services and see samples of our reports. For answers to common questions, check out our FAQ page.
Don’t let minor issues turn into major problems. Contact Sixth Sense to schedule your 11th month new home inspection in Raleigh or Wake Forest today. We’ll help you protect your investment and your peace of mind. Book your inspection online now!
