Why a One-Year New Home Warranty Inspection Is One of the Most Important Inspections You’ll Ever Do
Buying a brand-new home is exciting. Everything is fresh, modern, and untouched—or so it seems. What many homeowners don’t realize is that some of the most serious construction issues don’t show up until months after you move in. That’s exactly why a one-year new home warranty inspection is so important.
At Arrow Inspections, we regularly find defects in homes that are still well within their builder warranty period—but only if homeowners act before that deadline passes.
If your one-year warranty is approaching, this inspection can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress.
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What Is a One-Year New Home Warranty Inspection?
New homes in Alberta come with a builder warranty that covers workmanship, materials, and certain systems for the first year. This inspection is completed before that one-year mark expires to identify deficiencies that should be corrected by the builder—at their cost, not yours.
Think of it as your last chance to have a professional advocate thoroughly review your home before you lose warranty protection.
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Why Waiting Until the End of the First Year Matters
Many construction defects don’t show up immediately. Over time, your home experiences:
• Seasonal temperature changes
• Settlement and movement
• Normal daily use of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
• Moisture exposure from rain, snow, and humidity
By the 10–11 month mark, issues are far more visible—and far easier to document for new home warranty claims.
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Common Issues We Find During One-Year New Home Warranty Inspections
Even well-built homes can have problems. Some of the most common issues we uncover include:
• Cracked drywall or nail pops from settlement
• Improper grading or drainage around the foundation
• Roof or attic ventilation issues
• Plumbing leaks or poor drainage
• HVAC performance or airflow problems
• Insulation gaps or missing vapor barriers
• Electrical deficiencies
• Exterior issues like siding gaps, caulking failures, or flashing problems
These are items that builders are typically responsible for fixing—but only if they’re reported in time.
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Our Step-by-Step Warranty Inspection Process at Arrow Inspections
We don’t just “walk through” your home. Our process is designed to protect you and make warranty claims straightforward.
1. Comprehensive Top-to-Bottom Inspection
We inspect your home just as thoroughly as a resale property—covering:
• Roof, attic, and insulation
• Foundation and structure
• Exterior grading and drainage
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems
• Heating and cooling
• Interior finishes and safety components
2. Focus on New Home Warranty-Eligible Deficiencies
We specifically look for items that fall under builder warranty coverage, ensuring nothing important is missed.
3. Detailed, Builder-Ready Report
You receive a clear, professional inspection report with photos, descriptions, and documentation that can be easily submitted to your builder or warranty provider.
4. Clear Next Steps
We walk you through the findings so you understand:
• What should be fixed
• Why it matters
• How to submit it before your warranty expires
Our goal is to make the process simple, stress-free, and effective.
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Why Skipping This Inspection Can Cost You Later
Once your one-year warranty expires, those repair costs become yours. What could have been addressed by the builder may turn into expensive out-of-pocket repairs down the road.
A one-year new home warranty inspection is one of the highest-ROI inspections a homeowner can get.
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When Should You Book Your One-Year Warranty Inspection?
We recommend booking your inspection between months 10 and 11 of homeownership. This allows enough time to:
• Receive the report
• Submit warranty claims
• Follow up with your builder before the deadline
Waiting too long can mean missing your window entirely.
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Protect Your Investment Before the Warranty Runs Out
Your new home is likely one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. A one-year new home warranty inspection ensures that investment is protected—before responsibility shifts entirely to you.
If your one-year warranty is approaching, now is the time to act.
👉 Book your One-Year New Home Warranty Inspection with Arrow Inspections today and make sure everything that should be fixed—gets fixed. Book Here!
