Warranty Home Inspection

Sherlock Homes Inspections

Call: 403-404-1514

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Why have a Warranty Inspection?

 
An 11-month warranty inspection is a professional assessment of a new construction home conducted just before the standard one-year builder’s warranty expires. It identifies construction defects, material failures, or safety issues that have emerged as the house “settles” through its first full cycle of seasonal changes. 
 

Key Components of the Inspection:

At Sherlock Homes Inspectors – and as a Certified Master Home Inspector, we will typically perform a non-invasive evaluation of all the major home systems as follows:

  • Exterior: Roof shingles and flashing, gutters, siding, foundation grading, and drainage.
  • Structure: Inspection of the foundation for large cracks, wall and ceiling settlement, and attic integrity.
  • Interior: Doors and windows for proper seal/alignment, drywall “nail pops,” and flooring issues.
  • Systems: Comprehensive testing of HVAC & plumbing (fixtures and hidden leaks), and electrical (panels, outlets, and safety features like smoke detectors).
  • Attic & Insulation: Checking for disconnected vent pipes, moisture, and proper insulation levels. 

Why the 11th Month Matters:

  • Financial Protection: Most builders are legally responsible for repairing workmanship and material defects identified within the first 12 months. After this period, repairs become the homeowner’s out-of-pocket expense.
  • Seasonal Disclosure: One year of living in the home exposes it to various weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, or heat), which can reveal hidden issues like roof leaks or foundation movement.
  • Leverage with Builders: Our professional Inspection reports with clear photographs and technical descriptions provides documented proof of issues, making claims more likely to be honoured by the builder. See images 3 & 4 on the right – this eventually was a legal claim against a new build home developer. See case 6 on our Expert Witness Statement page.

Typical Process: Schedule Early: 

It is recommended to book the inspection in the 10th or 11th month to ensure you have 3–4 weeks to submit the claim before the deadline.

  1. Receive Report: You will get a detailed digital report outlining material defects and safety hazards.
  2. Submit to Builder: Provide the report to your builder as a “punch list” for repairs/concerns.
  3. Repair Verification: At Sherlock Homes Inspectors, We also offer a follow-up inspection to ensure the builder has addressed your concerns, issues & repairs.
Beautiful two-story home in Okotoks, Alberta
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Areas we serve:

Calgary, Calgary NW, Calgary SW, Calgary NE, Calgary SE, Okotoks, High River, Blackie, Bears Paw, Banff, Priddis, Longview, Bragg Creek, Millarville, Nanton, Diamond Valley, Auburn bay, Chestermere, Cochrane, Airdrie, Balzac. Red Deer, Edmonton, Claresholm, Canmore, YYC Area, Arbour lake, Bow valley, Bowden, Taber, Carstairs, Didsbury, Aspen Woods, Cremona, Crossfield, Lethbridge, Innisfail, Irricana, Linden, Penhold, Rocky Mountain House, Aspen woods, Vulcan, Strathmore, Sundre, Sylvan lake, Three Hills, Trochu, Torrington, Water Valley,