Posted On: Jul 25, 2026
Author: Jason H.
new-construction home-warranty maintenance-checklist
Congratulations on your new home! The first year is a whirlwind of excitement, unpacking, and making the space your own. But amidst the joy, there’s a critical deadline ticking away in the background: your one-year builder’s warranty.
Most new construction homes come with a one-year “workmanship” warranty. This is the builder's promise to fix issues that arise from faulty materials or subpar installation. After that first year, those problems become your financial responsibility. Settling is natural, but it can also reveal shortcuts and mistakes. Performing a thorough inspection around month 10 or 11 gives you the leverage to get these issues fixed on the builder's dime, not yours.
Don't wait until the last minute. Use this guide to create a comprehensive punch list and protect your investment from day 366 and beyond.
Grab a notepad, your phone for pictures, and some blue painter's tape to mark spots. Go through your home system by system.
This is where the home's natural settling process will show its cards.
These systems worked on day one, but have they held up?
Your home's first line of defense against the elements needs a close look.
The one-year warranty is a fantastic safety net, but it’s temporary. After the builder is gone, you are the Chief Financial Officer and Head of Maintenance for your home. The same diligence you used for your warranty inspection is what’s needed to protect your home's value for the next 30 years.
This is where Properteer steps in. Think of it as the instruction manual that didn't come with your house. Properteer helps you transition seamlessly from warranty-mode to smart-homeowner-mode. You can log all your major systems—your HVAC, your roof, your water heater—and understand their expected lifespan from day one. Properteer helps you build a personalized maintenance calendar and a budget for future replacements, so you’re never surprised by a $15,000 roof bill again.
Your warranty punch list is your home's first health report. Let Properteer help you manage all the ones that come after. Protect your investment, plan for the future, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from being a prepared homeowner.
Q: When is the best time to do my one-year warranty inspection? A: The ideal time is around month 10 or 11. This gives you time to thoroughly inspect your home, compile a detailed list with photos, and submit it to your builder without rushing against the final deadline. It also provides a buffer for the builder to schedule and complete the repairs.
Q: What's the difference between a common nail pop and a serious foundation crack? A: Nail pops are small, cosmetic circles on drywall where screws have pushed out slightly as the wood framing settles and dries. They are very common and usually an easy fix. A more serious structural crack is often wider than a quarter-inch, runs diagonally from the corners of windows or doors, or shows displacement where one side of the crack is higher than the other.
Q: What if the builder is unresponsive to my warranty claims? A: First, ensure you have a detailed paper trail of all your communication (emails, dates of calls, who you spoke with). Polite, persistent follow-up is key. If the builder remains unresponsive, consult your warranty documents for dispute resolution procedures. Your state's contractor licensing board may also be a resource.
Q: Does the builder's warranty cover my new appliances? A: Typically, no. Major appliances like your refrigerator, dishwasher, range, and microwave are covered by their own individual manufacturer's warranties. It's crucial to register these appliances with the manufacturer as soon as you move in to ensure their coverage is active.
