11-month builder warranty inspection in Milwaukee, WI
A thorough, independent inspection near the end of your first year of ownership – before your builder's one-year warranty expires – so every defect is documented while repairs are still the builder's responsibility, not your expense.
Most new homes come with a one-year builder warranty. As that first year winds down, small defects have had time to reveal themselves – settlement cracks, nail pops, sticking doors, grading and drainage issues, HVAC and plumbing quirks – but the window to have your builder fix them for free is about to close. An 11-month builder warranty inspection is scheduled with roughly a month to spare so you have a documented list in hand while the warranty is still active. This is a distinct service from our new construction phase inspections: those happen while the home is being built, and this one happens after you have lived in it for nearly a year.
Homesight has performed more than 12,000 inspections across Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin since 1997, and homeowners call us every week asking specifically for an 11-month builder warranty inspection. Every Homesight inspector is Wisconsin state-licensed, independent of your builder, and completes annual continuing education. We deliver an easy-to-read, photo-documented report the next business day – a clear punch list you can hand straight to your builder before the one-year deadline.
A full look at the systems most likely to need warranty repairs
After a year of living in the home, this is where builder defects tend to surface. Here is what Homesight evaluates.
Foundation & concrete
Settlement and shrinkage cracks in the foundation, basement floor, driveway, and flatwork that appear as the home settles through its first year.
Roof & flashing
Shingle seating, exposed fasteners, flashing, and penetrations that can loosen or leak after a full cycle of Wisconsin weather.
Exterior & grading
Siding, trim, caulking, and the grading and drainage around the home – a leading source of first-year warranty claims.
Windows & doors
Operation, sealing, and alignment of windows and doors that commonly stick, gap, or leak once framing settles.
Interior finishes
Drywall cracks, nail pops, seam separation, trim gaps, and flooring issues that emerge as the structure moves and dries out.
Plumbing
Fixtures, supply and drain lines, water heater, and connections checked for leaks, drips, and slow drainage.
Electrical
Panel, outlets, GFCI and AFCI protection, and fixtures verified for correct, safe operation.
HVAC
Heating and cooling operation, airflow, and thermostat function after a full season of use in your new home.
Attic & insulation
Insulation coverage, ventilation, and any signs of moisture or air leakage that reduce comfort and efficiency.
What comes with every inspection
Rapid Report Delivery
Our organized, easy-to-understand reports are delivered the next day – a clear punch list ready to hand your builder before the warranty deadline.
Independent of your builder
Homesight works for you, not the builder. Every inspector is Wisconsin state-licensed and gives you an honest, unbiased evaluation of the home.
200% Satisfaction Guarantee
If you are not completely satisfied at the end of your inspection, we won't charge you AND we will cover the cost for another Licensed Home Inspector of your choice to re-inspect the property.
Photo-documented findings
Every finding is captured with photos so your builder sees exactly what needs attention, with no ambiguity about the condition or location.
11-month builder warranty inspection FAQ
What is an 11-month builder warranty inspection?
It is a thorough, independent inspection of your new home scheduled near the end of your first year of ownership, just before your builder's one-year warranty expires. We inspect the home top to bottom and deliver a photo-documented report so you can submit any defects or unfinished work to your builder while they are still responsible for the repairs.
Why 11 months and not 12?
Scheduling around the eleventh month leaves time to review the report, submit your list to the builder, and have repairs completed – all before the one-year warranty deadline passes. Waiting until month 12 risks running out the clock while claims are still being processed.
How is this different from a new construction inspection?
A new construction inspection happens while the home is being built – pre-pour, pre-drywall, and final walkthrough. An 11-month builder warranty inspection happens after you have lived in the home for nearly a year, once settlement and first-year defects have had time to appear.
How do I use the report with my builder?
You receive an easy-to-read, photo-documented electronic report the next business day. It serves as a clear punch list you can hand directly to your builder, with photos of every finding so there is no ambiguity about what needs to be addressed under warranty.
What areas do you serve for 11-month builder warranty inspections?
We serve 13 counties across Southeast Wisconsin: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, Jefferson, Dodge, Rock, Dane, Sheboygan, and Fond du Lac.
Book your 11-month builder warranty inspection.
Schedule online or call the 24-hour line. A thorough, independent inspection and a photo-documented punch list, backed by our 200% Satisfaction Guarantee.