11 Month Warranty Inspection
Ellingwood Pro provides 11-month warranty inspections across Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Tennessee, helping homeowners protect their investment before the builder’s warranty expires. Even in brand-new homes, hidden problems can develop during the first year of ownership—Ellingwood Pro ensures these issues are caught and documented so you don’t end up paying for repairs that should be covered.
When you move into your newly built home, it’s easy to assume that everything is perfect. However, Ellingwood Pro’s certified inspectors often find issues that city inspectors and homeowners miss—issues that can lead to expensive repairs if left unaddressed.
What Is an 11 Month Home Warranty Inspection?
An 11-month home warranty inspection takes place before your builder’s one-year warranty ends. It’s your last chance to ensure that any construction defects or issues are identified and corrected at no cost to you. Ellingwood Pro’s thorough inspections are designed to catch common problems and document them in a detailed report you can share directly with your builder.
During this inspection, Ellingwood Pro examines every vital area of your home, including:
- Structural elements – foundation, framing, roof system
- Plumbing systems – water lines, drainage, fixtures
- Electrical systems – wiring, outlets, service panels
- HVAC systems – heating, ventilation, and air conditioning performance
- Exterior components – siding, windows, doors
- Interior finishes – walls, floors, ceilings, and more
This thorough evaluation ensures your home is safe, complete, and built to last—without hidden surprises that can drain your wallet.
Understanding Your Builder’s Warranty
Most builders offer tiered warranty coverage, which typically includes:
| Coverage Type | Typical Duration | What It Covers |
| Workmanship & Materials | 1 year | Material defects, installation errors |
| Major Systems | 2 years | Plumbing, electrical, HVAC systems |
| Structural Components | Up to 10 years | Foundation, framing, and load-bearing structures |
Ellingwood Pro helps you navigate these coverage details, ensuring that any issues we find during your 11-month inspection are eligible for warranty claims. It’s important to remember that your builder’s warranty typically won’t cover issues caused by normal wear and tear or lack of maintenance, so distinguishing between warranty-eligible problems and standard homeowner tasks is essential.
When to Schedule Your 11 Month Inspection
To make the most of your warranty, Ellingwood Pro recommends scheduling your inspection 3-4 weeks before your warranty expires. This timing ensures:
- Ample time for repairs: Builders can schedule and complete work before your warranty ends.
- Flexibility for follow-up inspections: If repairs need re-checking, there’s still time to address any concerns.
- Priority scheduling: Booking early helps you secure an appointment with Ellingwood Pro’s most experienced inspectors.
Ellingwood Pro’s certified inspectors specialize in these warranty-phase evaluations, using years of construction knowledge and advanced tools to identify issues that other inspectors might miss.
Builder Responsibilities After Inspection
After Ellingwood Pro completes your 11-month warranty inspection, your builder is responsible for addressing any documented defects covered under your warranty. Here’s how that process typically unfolds:
| Builder Action | Your Response |
| Review inspection findings | Keep a detailed record of all communications |
| Schedule necessary repairs | Monitor and confirm repair progress |
| Complete warranty work | Verify repairs meet code and quality standards |
Ellingwood Pro recommends staying proactive throughout this process. Builders must complete repairs to local code and warranty terms, and you have every right to ensure that your home is safe and fully functional.
✅ Ellingwood Pro provides a detailed digital report with photos and notes, serving as evidence for your warranty claim.
✅ Keep copies of emails, texts, and photos to document all repair requests.
✅ If your builder does not address the issues promptly, you may need to escalate your warranty claim to protect your investment.
Why Choose Ellingwood Pro?
Ellingwood Pro is a veteran-owned home inspection company with deep experience in the building trades. We understand what can go wrong in new construction and how to catch those issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
- Certified and InterNACHI®-trained inspectors
- Same-day digital reports with clear, actionable findings
- Detailed documentation that builders respect and respond to
- Coverage across Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Tennessee
Ellingwood Pro’s 11-month warranty inspections protect your home and your wallet by ensuring builders honor their commitments.
Schedule Your 11 Month Warranty Inspection with Ellingwood Pro Today
Don’t let hidden issues slip past your warranty coverage. Ellingwood Pro is ready to help you protect your investment and secure your warranty rights before it’s too late. Call us at (276) 566-5669 or contact us online to schedule your inspection today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an 11-month warranty inspection?
An 11-month warranty inspection (also called a “pre-warranty expiration” inspection) is performed near the end of a builder’s one-year warranty. It helps identify defects or issues that should be addressed by the builder before the warranty expires.
Why should I schedule an 11-month warranty inspection?
Builders are typically responsible for repairing defects within the first year. Scheduling an inspection ensures you catch problems in time for the builder to fix them at no cost.
What is included in an 11-month warranty inspection?
We inspect all major systems and components of the home, including the roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, interior, and exterior.
Do you report on cosmetic defects?
No. We focus on functional, structural, and safety issues. Cosmetic defects, like minor scratches, paint imperfections, or aesthetic differences, are not included in the report.
What is covered under my builder’s warranty?
Coverage varies by builder and warranty type. While we provide a full inspection report, it does not guarantee that the issues we identify will be covered under your warranty. You should review your warranty documentation for specific coverage details.
When should I schedule my inspection?
Schedule the inspection about one month before the warranty expires to allow time for the builder to address any issues.
When will I receive my 11-month warranty inspection report?
Reports are delivered digitally on the same day as the inspection.
Do I need to be present for the inspection?
We recommend attending so you can walk through the findings with the inspector and discuss any concerns directly. If you cannot attend, you will need to provide an alternative way to access the home for the inspection.
Can this inspection be combined with other services?
Yes. You can add on services like WDO, thermal leak scans, or water testing if desired.
What happens after issues are found?
We provide a detailed report documenting all defects. You can then submit the report to your builder to request repairs before your warranty expires.