Buying New Doesn’t Mean Perfect

You just bought a brand-new home in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex — everything looks spotless, smells like fresh paint, and the builder promises a full one-year warranty. What could go wrong?

Unfortunately, plenty. Even the best builders miss things, and Texas homes endure unique stresses from clay soil movement, shifting foundations, and our dramatic weather swings. Many homeowners don’t realize that the builder’s one-year warranty clock starts ticking the day you close, not when issues appear. Once that warranty period ends, any hidden defects become your financial responsibility.

That’s where the 11-month builder warranty inspection comes in — an inspection designed to protect homeowners before the warranty window closes.

What Is a Builder Warranty Inspection?

A builder warranty inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s major systems — structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing — typically performed around the 10- to 11-month mark after closing.

Your inspector’s goal: find anything the builder should fix while it’s still covered under warranty.

At SFR Inspections, our inspectors follow Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) standards and focus on common post-construction issues we see across Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Allen, and surrounding North Texas cities.

Common Issues Found During 11-Month Inspections

Even “perfect” new homes often show surprising problems after a year of Texas weather and settling:

• Foundation movement and drywall cracks from expansive clay soil
• Improper roof flashing or missing sealant that causes leaks
• Drainage grading problems that send water toward the foundation
• HVAC system imbalances that create hot or cold spots in certain rooms
• Plumbing leaks at hose bibs, under sinks, or at water heaters
• Insufficient attic insulation or blocked ventilation
• GFCI/AFCI electrical issues that could cause tripped breakers or safety hazards
• Caulking failures around windows, siding, and tubs that invite moisture intrusion

These are all items your builder is typically responsible for correcting under the warranty — if they’re documented in time.

Why Dallas–Fort Worth Homeowners Need It

Our North Texas clay soil expands when wet and contracts when dry, putting pressure on foundations and slabs. Combined with seasonal storms, intense summer heat, and occasional winter freezes, the first year of home ownership can expose structural or mechanical issues fast.

A third-party inspector who’s not affiliated with the builder gives you an unbiased evaluation of your home’s condition. That means:

• You can submit a clear, written repair list to your builder before the warranty expires.
• You’ll have proof of defects supported by professional photos and documentation.
• You can avoid paying out of pocket later for repairs that the builder should handle now.

When to Schedule Your Builder Warranty Inspection

The ideal time is between 10 and 11 months after closing — early enough to allow your builder time to review and correct issues before the warranty deadline.

✅ Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the exact 12-month mark. Builders often require several weeks to schedule repairs, so getting your inspection done at 10 months gives you a comfortable window.

What You’ll Receive from SFR Inspections

When you schedule a builder warranty inspection with us, you’ll get:

• A comprehensive inspection following TREC Standards of Practice
• High-resolution photos of defects
• Same-day digital report delivery
• A clear builder-ready summary you can forward directly for warranty claims

We inspect homes throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Prosper, Celina, McKinney, Allen, Plano, Denton, and surrounding DFW communities.

The Bottom Line

Don’t assume your new home will stay flawless after closing. Texas weather, soil, and time expose issues quickly — and your builder’s warranty is your best chance to have them corrected for free.

Schedule your 11-month builder warranty inspection before your coverage expires, and let SFR Inspections help you protect your investment!

🛠️ Ready to book your 11-month builder warranty inspection?
Contact SFR Inspections today for fast scheduling, same-day reports, and expert insight across Dallas–Fort Worth and surrounding cities!
📞 Call (972) 505-2424 or 📅 Schedule online at sfrinspections.com