3 Keys to Navigating Your One-Year Warranty
With housing shortages driving new construction across Mobile and Baldwin County, more families than ever are moving into brand-new homes. That first year of coverage from your builder is valuable — but it doesn’t last forever. Here are three key questions for navigating your one-year warranty period:
1. What warranty documentation do I need going forward?
If you haven’t already received it, request your closeout package from your builder. The closeout package should include appliance manuals, product registrations, warranty cards, roofing/HVAC details, and any extended manufacturer warranties. Just as important is making sure you also have your finish schedule and product selections documented — paint colors, flooring, countertops, tile, fixtures, and hardware. And if your home was certified under programs like FORTIFIED Home™, keep that certification paperwork in your records. Insurance companies often request it when applying or renewing discounts tied to the certification.
2. What maintenance is required to keep my warranty valid?
Most warranties require proper care to remain in effect, so be sure to ask your builder for a recommended maintenance schedule. A typical maintenance schedule usually includes changing HVAC filters, refrigerator and dishwasher filters; re-caulking; cleaning gutters; inspecting roofs; and sealing countertops and other natural materials. These tasks may seem minor, but missing them could void your one-year waranty coverage.
3. Who do I call if warranty issues come up?
During the one-year warranty, concerns should be reported directly to your builder — and handled through the warranty process or communication channels that the builder specifies. Some builders structure checkpoints at 3, 6, or 11 months, while others may follow a different checkpoint schedule.
Before the warranty period expires, it’s a good idea to request a list of subcontractors and vendors (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, cabinetry, etc.). You may not need this list during your warranty coverage, but it can be very helpful afterward if you require additional service or repairs. Many trades are willing to return for work once the builder’s formal obligations end.
Why Timing Matters for Warranty Cosmetic Issues
Depending on your builder’s warranty policy and performance guidelines, cosmetic deficiencies (like nail pops, drywall cracks, or caulk shrinkage) may only be repaired once. For this reason, it’s often wise to let your home pass through a full seasonal cycle before submitting cosmetic requests. Heat, humidity, and settling will reveal most of the cosmetic issues in your first year. Instead of requesting multiple small fixes, consider flagging issues with blue tape, photos, or notes, and then submit one thorough request.
If your builder has not clearly referenced a set of performance standards in their warranty documents, the NAHB Residential Construction Performance Guidelines can serve as a helpful resource for what is considered acceptable practice, versus a warrantable defect.
Beyond One-Year Warranty Basics
Some homeowners also choose to go further by having warranty documents reviewed, drafting warranty request letters, or creating a custom maintenance calendar. These are optional services, and not required for everyone.
How We Can Help
At Gulf Star Inspection Services, our 11-Month Warranty Inspection is a thorough, independent inspection designed to identify deficiencies before your coverage expires. This service is available whether or not we performed your original home inspection.
Additional services are available upon request, such as warranty document review, subcontractor/vendor list requests, or creating a custom maintenance plan. These are billed separately and tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to schedule your 11-Month Warranty Inspection — and let us help you protect your new home and your warranty coverage.