Is Your Builder’s 12-Month Warranty Expiring? Do These Things


Filed under: Home Tips


If you are still within the first year of living in a house that was built for you, it is a fun process of decorating and turning the house into your family home.

Now that you are settled into daily living, it’s likely that you have come across some potential construction mistakes and/or imperfections that need to be fixed. It’s easy to overlook these things during the final walkthrough because there is so much to inspect and review during that time.

The good news is that you can still take advantage of the builder’s warranty. In fact, if you are coming up on your year anniversary of moving into your new home, then it’s smart to go through a checklist to see if there is anything that needs to be addressed before the warranty expires.

Collaborate with Your Builder

Most home contractors offer a guarantee known as “fit and finish.” This means that if you notice any issues in the first year, then you can contact them and they will fix the problems.

Don’t be afraid to ask for repairs and adjustments, even for small projects. Builders are happy to stand behind their work and correct anything that needs to be made right. During this first year of homeownership, the builder is responsible for repairing any issues or defects.

It’s Time for a Full Inspection

Since you know that the warranty is coming to an end, walk through your home with a pen and notepad in hand. Be proactive about checking every detail so that you can make a comprehensive list of issues that need to be fixed.

Then, make sure to schedule the appointment with your builder before the warranty expires.

While you can do this inspection on your own, also consider the benefits of having a professional inspection. A home inspector will be able to identify any issues that you wouldn’t see with your untrained eye.

The inspector might be able to find issues with potentially pricey repairs that are needed, such as the plumbing, electrical, and structural systems. If you are proactive with these inspections now, it could potentially save you thousands of dollars in repairs in the future.

Be Proactive About Warranty Repairs

Remember that the builder’s warranty covers all of the repairs that are needed within the first year, which is why you should be proactive about fixing any defects before the warranty expires. Take advantage of living in a beautiful, perfect home that was built to your preferences.

If you need help buying a new build, then it’s smart to work with an experienced real estate agent. I’m always here to help with real estate in Temecula. Call (951) 473-0390 or email [email protected] to learn more.