New Home Warranty Inspection Services
A thorough inspection near the end of your first year of occupancy.
Defects are documented before your warranty coverage changes or expires.
Commonly booked around the 11-month mark.
DEADLINE-DRIVEN CLARITY
Most homeowners notice issues after living in the home through seasonal changes. A warranty inspection helps capture concerns while coverage still applies.
ORGANIZED DOCUMENTATION
You receive a photo-rich digital report that helps you clearly communicate issues to your builder and track what needs follow-up.
Builder Follow-Up Support
Findings are organized to help homeowners track deficiencies, prioritize follow-ups, and document items for builder review during the warranty period.
What is a New Home Warranty Inspection?
A new home warranty inspection is a detailed, independent evaluation completed after you’ve taken possession—typically near the end of your first year. The goal is to document visible deficiencies, workmanship concerns, and performance issues that may be eligible for repair under your new home warranty coverage.
→ For coverage details, homeowners can reference the Alberta New Home Warranty program information.
Why Homeowners Book This Around the 11-Month Mark
Many issues don’t show up immediately. Once you’ve lived in the home through changing weather, routine use, and normal settling, patterns become clearer—drafts, condensation, surface cracking, drainage concerns, and mechanical performance issues often become easier to identify.
Booking around the 11-month mark gives you time to document concerns and begin the builder communication process before your first-year coverage changes.
What’s Included in a Warranty Inspection?
Exterior & Drainage
Grading, downspout discharge, surface drainage patterns, exterior cladding observations, penetrations and seals.
Windows & Doors Performance
Operation, weatherstripping concerns, drafts, condensation patterns, and visible sealing issues.
Interior Finishes & Settlement Indicators
Drywall cracking, nail pops, trim movement, floor squeaks, doors that bind, uneven finishes or workmanship issues.
PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL
Functional checks, visible installation concerns, fixture performance, visible leaks/staining, receptacle/GFCI/AFCI presence where applicable.
HEATING/ VENTILATION/ COOLING
Visible equipment condition, distribution observations, ventilation performance indicators, comfort inconsistencies, and common install issues.
Roofing & Attic Observations
Visible roof conditions, attic access permitting, ventilation indicators, insulation coverage concerns, moisture staining indicators.
Understanding 1-2-5-10 Warranty Coverage (Alberta)
Alberta’s new home warranty framework is commonly described as 1-2-5-10, referring to coverage timelines for different components of the home. Homeowners should always confirm the specifics of their own policy and provider documents, but the key takeaway is that coverage changes over time—so documenting concerns early is important.
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1 Year: Workmanship and Labour (commonly referenced for many interior/exterior deficiencies)
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2 Years: Delivery and distribution systems (includes items related to plumbing/electrical/HVAC performance)
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5 Years: Building envelope coverage categories
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10 Years: Structural coverage categories
Keeping copies of your warranty documents and inspection report supports organized follow-up and record keeping.
COMMON ISSUES FOUND DURING WARRANTY INSPECTIONS
Drainage & Water Management
Negative or incomplete grading, downspouts discharging too close to the foundation, surface ponding.
Window / Door Sealing & Drafts
Air leakage, inconsistent operation, visible sealing deficiencies.
Interior Settlement & Finish Defects
Drywall cracking, trim separation, nail pops, floor movement or squeaks.
Attic / Ventilation / Insulation Gaps
Inconsistent coverage, ventilation concerns, moisture staining indicators.
Mechanical Performance Concerns
Comfort imbalances, noisy operation, distribution inconsistencies, visible install issues.
Exterior Envelope Deficiencies
Siding gaps, penetrations, missing sealant where required, gutter/downspout concerns.
Using Your Inspection Findings With Your Builder
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Should I book this even if my home feels “fine”?
Many issues become clearer after seasonal changes and routine occupancy. A warranty inspection is a proactive way to confirm performance and document concerns from someone with a detailed eye before coverage changes.
Is a warranty inspection worth it if only a few issues are found?
In many cases, identifying and documenting even a single warrantable defect can offset the cost of the inspection. Issues addressed by the builder under warranty costs significantly less to resolve than having the same repairs completed privately after coverage changes or expires.
Does experience with new construction matter for a warranty inspection?
Yes. Warranty inspections benefit from an inspector who understands modern construction methods, sequencing, and common deficiencies seen in new builds. Familiarity with how homes are designed and assembled helps in identifying workmanship issues, performance concerns, and patterns that may not be obvious without direct new-construction experience.
→ Learn more about your Calgary Home Inspector
What does a warranty inspection include?
A warranty inspection is a visual evaluation of accessible components and systems, including exterior/drainage observations, interior finishes, windows/doors, attic/insulation/ventilation where accessible, plumbing/electrical observations in accessible areas, and heating/ventilation performance indicators.
What if the home is occupied, cluttered, or areas are blocked?
Inspections are limited to areas that are safely accessible and visible at the time of inspection. Any limitations will be documented and may affect what can be confirmed.
Do you Inspect Outside Calgary?
Yes. Service is available throughout Calgary and surrounding communities, including Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, and Okotoks. Inspections outside these areas may be subject to additional travel fees, depending on location.
SCHEDULE YOUR NEW HOME WARRANTY INSPECTION TODAY!
For any inquiries or to schedule an inspection, feel free to email us at chris@calgaryhomeinspector.ca, text 825-863-2372, or book a time slot online.
Not looking for a warranty inspection? Check out our other home inspection services to find the one that’s right for you.
We’re proud to extend our services beyond Calgary. We offer home inspection services in Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, Okotoks and more!