Published: January 28, 2025 | Closer Look Home Inspectors · InterNACHI Certified · Mankato, MN

11th Month Warranty Inspection Guide: Protect Your New Home Investment

By Closer Look Home Inspectors | Updated January 2025 | (507) 721-3820

If you purchased a newly built home in the Mankato area, your builder likely provided a one-year warranty covering workmanship and materials. This warranty is valuable, but only if you identify and claim defects before it expires. An 11th month warranty inspection, performed just before the one-year anniversary, is your last opportunity to have defects corrected at the builder's expense rather than yours.

Why 11 Months Is the Right Timing

Scheduling the inspection in month 11 rather than earlier provides two advantages. First, the home has been through nearly a complete annual cycle of Minnesota's extreme seasons, meaning winter frost heaving, spring moisture, summer heat, and fall cooling have all had the opportunity to reveal construction deficiencies. Second, scheduling in month 11 provides time for the builder to complete warranty repairs before the one-year deadline.

Many defects only appear after the home has been lived in and cycled through seasons. Foundation settling cracks may take 6 to 12 months to appear. Grading issues become apparent during spring thaw. HVAC performance problems show up during extreme weather. Window and door seal failures manifest during temperature differentials.

What the 11th Month Inspection Covers

The warranty inspection covers everything in a standard home inspection with additional focus on construction quality issues:

Foundation and Grading

• Settlement cracks in foundation walls and basement floor slab
• Grading and drainage that has settled or changed since construction
• Basement moisture intrusion through foundation wall cracks or floor-to-wall joints
• Sump pump operation and discharge routing

Exterior

• Siding installation quality and caulking condition at all transitions
• Window and door flashing and sealing
• Roof covering, flashing, and gutter installation
• Deck attachment, railing security, and finish condition
• Concrete flatwork for settling, cracking, and drainage

Interior

• Drywall cracks from settling, particularly above door and window openings and at ceiling-to-wall transitions
• Door and window operation, as settling can cause binding
• Cabinet installation and hardware function
• Tile grout condition in bathrooms
• Flooring condition including hardwood gaps, carpet seams, and tile cracks

Systems

• HVAC operation, airflow distribution, and filter access
• Plumbing for leaks, drainage speed, and fixture operation
• Electrical for proper GFCI and AFCI protection, outlet function, and panel organization
• Smoke and CO detector placement and function

Common Warranty Items We Find

In our 11th month inspections across the Mankato area, the most frequently identified warranty items include:

• Grading deficiencies: In over 60 percent of new homes, the final grading has settled or was never properly completed, directing water toward the foundation rather than away.
• Caulking failures: Exterior caulking at window and door trim, siding transitions, and penetrations frequently shows early failure or was never properly applied.
• HVAC duct issues: Disconnected ducts in unconditioned spaces, unbalanced airflow between rooms, and missing register boot seals are common.
• Settlement cracks: Foundation and drywall cracks from normal settling are expected but should be documented for warranty repair, especially cracks wider than hairline.
• Incomplete exterior work: Missing kick-out flashing, incomplete siding details, and gaps in weatherproofing.

Presenting Warranty Claims to Your Builder

Your professional inspection report provides documented evidence of deficiencies with photographs. Present this report to your builder in writing, requesting specific corrections before the warranty expiration date. Most reputable builders address warranty items promptly when presented with professional documentation. Keep records of all communications and requested repairs.

Beyond the Builder Warranty

Many builders also provide extended warranties on structural components, typically 2 to 10 years. Our inspection report identifies structural concerns that may be relevant to these longer warranty periods. Additionally, manufacturer warranties on products like windows, roofing, and mechanical equipment may extend beyond the builder's warranty. Our inspection helps you understand which warranties apply to which issues.

New home approaching its one-year anniversary? Call Closer Look Home Inspectors at (507) 721-3820 to schedule your warranty inspection before it is too late.