If you bought a newly constructed home, then it’s a good idea to order a builder’s warranty inspection within the first year of living there. Most builders offer a one-year warranty on the houses they build. Request this third-party inspection before the warranty expires to identify construction-related issues with the house that need to be fixed.
Save Money with a Builder’s Warranty Inspection
If your home has a problem like a leak or a malfunctioning appliance and it is discovered before the warranty expires, then you’ll save on future out-of-pocket repair costs. Just show your inspection report to your builder in time to file a claim while you’re still covered by the warranty.
Identify Issues with the House
The purpose of a builder’s warranty inspection is to identify any problems with the house. Even the smallest problems need to be caught sooner rather than later.
For example, a minor plumbing leak that goes unaddressed could cause a significant mold problem. Identifying flaws as soon as possible is always a good idea. If the inspection does not turn up any problems, you will have done your due diligence and gained peace of mind.
Getting this inspection before the warranty expires is an important way to protect your investment and give you peace of mind, but some homeowners don’t take advantage of this opportunity. Here are three things that sometimes keep homeowners from getting a builder’s warranty inspection:
Reasons People Don’t Get a Builder’s Warranty Inspection:
I Trust My Builder
Even competent builders make mistakes, and it’s always best to exercise an abundance of caution when it comes to your property. It is important to recognize that your builder is the manager of a project that is mostly executed by subcontractors who may not have done quality work. Issues also may develop in the first year that were not apparent to you or the builder when you first moved in.
I Got a Municipal Inspection
A municipal inspection checks that your home meets a bare minimum standard. It will issue your residential a certificate of occupancy, but that only means your house meets code compliance. A builder’s warranty inspection covers your house and its components more thoroughly and will identify any safety concerns, needed repairs, and poor craftsmanship.
My Home is New
It is not unheard of for new homes to have structural issues, electrical hazards, high radon levels, or other potentially serious problems.
Getting a builder’s warranty inspection is a financially smart decision. It helps you catch problems with your house before you become liable for the repair costs. Even if you don’t think there are problems with your house, getting the inspection won’t hurt, but skipping the inspection might. Err on the side of caution by getting your house inspected before your builder’s warranty expires.
Marked Improvement Home Inspection provides builder’s warranty inspections and other home inspection services to the NC Triangle. Contact us to book an appointment.