InterNACHI 11th-Month Warranty Inspector key terms

A pre-expiration walkthrough performed near the end of a builder's first-year warranty so defects can be documented and submitted before the correction obligation lapses.

A written contractual promise from a builder or seller to repair or replace specified defects in a new home for a defined period, with stated standards and exclusions.

A warranty whose terms are stated in writing, such as a builder's limited one-year workmanship warranty or a manufacturer's product warranty document.

A warranty imposed by law rather than by written contract, such as implied warranties of workmanlike construction, habitability, or fitness for a particular purpose, varying by jurisdiction.

The process by which remaining warranty coverage passes to a subsequent owner, typically requiring written notice to the builder and sometimes a fee within a stated window.

The act of recording a new home or product with the builder or manufacturer so that coverage is activated and claims can be honored later.

Coverage supplied by the maker of a component or material, such as shingles, windows, or water heaters, separate from the builder's own warranty obligations.

Reading the builder's warranty, addenda, and manufacturer documents before the inspection to learn covered items, exclusions, claim deadlines, and required submission methods.

Contract language identifying conditions the builder will not correct, such as cosmetic cracks, normal shrinkage, landscaping, or damage caused by owner neglect.

The homeowner's duty to perform routine care such as caulking, grading, filter changes, and moisture control, which affects whether a defect remains warrantable.

Deterioration or failure resulting from owner actions or omissions, such as unrepaired leaks, blocked drains, or improper alterations, usually excluded from warranty coverage.

A flaw not discoverable through reasonable inspection at the time of purchase that later becomes apparent, sometimes carrying longer or separate warranty or legal remedies.

A defect that is visible or reasonably discoverable during an ordinary walkthrough, which may be subject to shorter notice periods under warranty terms or state law.

A law setting an absolute time limit, measured from substantial completion, after which construction defect claims are barred regardless of when the defect was discovered.

A written inventory of incomplete or defective items identified during a walkthrough, used to request correction before closing or during a warranty period.

A stated benchmark, such as a maximum allowable crack width or floor slope, against which an observed condition is judged acceptable or defective.

The permitted range of variation in workmanship or installation, within which a condition is considered normal and not a reportable defect.

Sorting observed conditions by type and severity, such as safety, structural, water intrusion, workmanship, or cosmetic, to help the builder prioritize and respond.

A condition affecting appearance rather than function or safety, such as paint blemishes or minor drywall marks, often limited or excluded by warranty terms.

A condition presenting risk of injury, such as missing handrails, exposed wiring, or improper venting, which should be reported promptly regardless of warranty status.

A building component or condition whose failure could cause serious harm, including smoke alarms, egress paths, guardrails, and gas appliance venting.

Unwanted entry of moisture through the building envelope or plumbing, a leading warranty claim category because it causes rot, mold, and finish damage.

The slope of soil and the performance of gutters, downspouts, and swales in directing water away from the foundation, commonly inspected for warranty defects.

A hand-held instrument that indicates relative moisture content in building materials, used to confirm suspected leaks or elevated readings behind finishes.

Use of an infrared camera to reveal temperature differences that may indicate missing insulation, air leakage, or hidden moisture, supporting but not replacing visual inspection.

The defined list of systems and components examined, and the limits of that examination, stated in the agreement and report so expectations are clear.

Published inspection guidelines defining minimum systems to examine, how to report findings, and what inspectors are not required to do.

Building elements or conditions outside the agreed inspection scope, such as septic systems, wells, pools, or concealed components, which should be disclosed in writing.

Recording each defect with location, description, cause if evident, and supporting evidence so the builder can locate and verify the condition without dispute.

A numbered set of images with captions and locations that supports each reported item and helps the builder match findings to the written narrative.

Producing a clear, organized written account of findings that separates observed facts from recommendations and states limitations and conditions present at inspection.

A signed contract before the inspection that explains scope, fees, limitations, and liability terms, and confirms the client's consent to proceed.

Setting realistic expectations up front about what the inspection covers, what the warranty may or may not cover, and what the inspector can and cannot determine.

A written statement identifying conditions that prevented full examination, such as stored items, finished surfaces, or weather, so findings are not overstated.

Delivering the defect list and supporting documentation to the builder through the method the warranty requires, with proof and date of delivery retained.

Professional, factual correspondence with the builder's warranty representative that states findings, requests correction, and documents responses and scheduled repair dates.

Tracking a submitted warranty claim through acknowledgment, scheduling, repair, and verification, and documenting any denial or incomplete correction.

A return visit after repairs to verify that listed items were corrected and that no new related conditions appeared, reported in a supplemental document.

Promptly alerting the client and, where appropriate, the builder about hazardous conditions found during the inspection rather than waiting for the written report.

The calendar date on which the builder's coverage period ends, which sets the deadline for inspection and for submitting claims to preserve rights.