A new home warranty inspection — often called an 11-month inspection — is a comprehensive, whole-home evaluation performed near the end of your builder’s first-year warranty. Even a well-built home settles, shifts and reveals installation issues during its first year, and once the warranty period ends, correcting those defects becomes your expense. ValueGuard’s inspectors go through the home top to bottom, document every deficiency with photos, and deliver a clear report the next business day — giving you a builder-ready punch list while the repairs are still covered.
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I. Why an 11-month inspection
Timing is everything.
Your builder’s warranty has a deadline — and defects reported in writing before it expires are the builder’s responsibility to fix. Miss the window, and the same repairs come out of your pocket. A warranty inspection makes sure nothing slips through before your coverage ends.
Your warranty has a deadline
Most builders warranty workmanship for the first year (some systems longer). Once that window closes, repairs that would have been covered become your responsibility — and your cost.
Builders fix what’s documented
A defect put in writing with photos, before the deadline, is the builder’s job to correct. Our report gives you exactly that — a clear, credible record to submit for warranty repairs.
New homes still have defects
Even quality construction settles and shifts in year one, and installation issues that weren’t visible at closing often surface later. Better to find them now — while someone else pays to fix them.
An independent set of eyes
We don’t work for the builder. Our only job is to find and document what needs attention on your behalf — thoroughly, honestly, and in your interest.
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II. What we inspect
The whole home, examined in full.
A warranty inspection is a complete, top-to-bottom evaluation — the same thorough scope as a full home inspection, timed to your builder’s warranty. We document the condition of every major area and system, flagging defects and installation issues with photos.
Exterior
Cladding, trim, doors, windows, decks, walkways and driveways — checked for cracking, damage, rot, grading and potential moisture penetration.
Roof
Coverings, flashings, gutters, skylights and chimneys — inspected for vulnerable areas, installation defects and any evidence of prior repairs.
Structure
Foundation, basement, crawlspace, attic and the roof, wall and floor framing — examined for settlement, movement and cracking as the home ages into year one.
Interior
Walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, stairs, railings and the garage — assessed for defects, finish issues and safety concerns throughout the living space.
Electrical
Service panel, wiring, switches and receptacles, plus GFCI/AFCI testing and smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors — verified for safe, correct installation.
Plumbing & Gas
Supply and drain lines, fixtures, the water heater and shut-off valve locations — checked for leaks, corrosion and proper operation.
HVAC
Heating and cooling equipment, distribution and ductwork, vents and chimneys — tested for operation and inspected for installation issues.
Appliances
Basic operational testing of built-in kitchen and laundry appliances — confirming they run as intended before your warranty coverage lapses.
The goal is a complete, defensible record of every defect while it’s still the builder’s responsibility to fix. Structural, mechanical and cosmetic items are all documented so nothing gets overlooked before your first-year coverage ends.
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Understanding the difference
An inspection vs. a builder walkthrough.
Many builders offer a year-end walkthrough — but it’s led by the builder, and it’s easy for real defects to go unnoticed. An independent warranty inspection is a different level of thoroughness.
Independent Warranty Inspection
A licensed inspector working solely for you, evaluating the entire home top to bottom and delivering a photo-documented punch list. Thorough, unbiased, and formatted so you can submit it to your builder before the warranty deadline.
Builder Walkthrough
A convenient, well-intentioned tour — but conducted by the party responsible for the repairs, often focused on visible cosmetic items. Structural, mechanical and hidden defects can slip by without an independent, trained eye.
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III. Why ValueGuard
A warranty inspection you can trust.
Experienced Local Inspectors
Our inspectors have completed thousands of inspections across the Greater Philadelphia area. They know where new-construction defects hide — and how to document them clearly.
Independent & Builder-Ready
We work for you, not the builder. Your report is a clear, photo-backed punch list formatted so you can hand it straight to your builder’s warranty department.
Transparent, Fair Pricing
A warranty inspection is priced like a full home inspection — based on the size of your home. You’ll get a clear quote up front, with no hidden fees or surprises.
Fast, Next-Day Reports
Your report is delivered by email the next business day — with time to spare before your warranty deadline, so nothing holds up your builder repairs.
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IV. The ValueGuard difference
Not all warranty inspections are equal.
The value of a warranty inspection comes down to how thoroughly the home is examined, how clearly the report documents each defect, and how quickly you get it — with time to act before your deadline. Here’s how ValueGuard compares.
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Fast & easy
Your warranty inspection in three simple steps.
Booking is quick and straightforward — we handle the on-site work and get your builder-ready report back to you fast, with time to spare before your deadline.
Schedule before your deadline
Book online or call (215) 860-3150 — ideally around month 10 or 11, so there’s time for the builder to make repairs before your warranty ends.
Whole-home inspection
Your inspector goes through the home top to bottom — exterior, roof, structure, interior and every system — documenting each defect with photos.
Submit to your builder
Your report arrives by email the next business day — a builder-ready punch list you can hand to the warranty department to get repairs done.
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V. Serving Greater Philadelphia
Warranty inspections, county by county.
New construction is going up across the region — and every one of those homes has a warranty clock running. We perform new home warranty inspections throughout the Greater Philadelphia area and into New Castle County, Delaware.
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VI. What clients say
From recent ValueGuard clients.
★★★★★
Really nice experience with Michael! Very professional, patient and so humorous. Thorough examination and explanation, and he answered all of our questions and concerns. Will definitely choose them again.
Songlu Li
Google review
★★★★★
This was my first home inspection and I had no clue what it all involved. My inspector Nick explained everything clearly, didn’t rush, and answered all of our questions without hesitation. I highly recommend ValueGuard. Money well spent!
Rahkeeta Rogers
Google · Local Guide
Read all 1,300+ Google reviews →
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VII. Common questions
Warranty inspection questions.
What is a new home warranty (11-month) inspection?+
When should I schedule it?+
My home is brand new — do I really need one?+
How is this different from the builder’s walkthrough?+
How much does it cost?+
How long does it take, and when will I get the report?+
What do I do with the report?+
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Ready when you are · Before your warranty ends
Timing is everything. Inspect before your warranty ends.
Get a thorough, independent whole-home warranty inspection — with a builder-ready punch list delivered the next business day, from Greater Philadelphia’s most-reviewed inspection team. Schedule online in minutes, or call (215) 860-3150.
ValueGuard Home Inspections
100 E Penn Square, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19107 · (215) 860-3150
Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:00pm · Sat 9:00am–4:00pm · New home warranty & home inspections throughout Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Berks & Lancaster Counties, PA and New Castle County, DE
