Catch Builder Issues Before the Warranty Ends
New Homes & 1-Year Warranty Inspections in Reno for identifying workmanship defects and incomplete items within warranty timelines
Ponderosa Inspections provides New Homes & 1-Year Warranty Inspections in Reno to help you document issues before builder warranties expire. Even in newly constructed homes, you may find that windows leak air around seals, drywall seams show cracking, HVAC ductwork is disconnected in the attic, or grading slopes toward the foundation instead of away. An inspection performed before your final walkthrough or just before the one-year mark gives you time to submit repair requests while the builder is still obligated to address defects in materials and workmanship.
The inspection covers the same systems reviewed in resale homes: foundation, framing, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, ventilation, windows, doors, and grading. Inspectors look for incomplete punch list items, code violations, improper installations, and wear patterns that suggest underlying problems. In Northern Nevada's growing construction areas, new homes often include builder-grade materials and assembly methods that benefit from third-party verification before the warranty clock runs out.
If you're purchasing or living in a newly built home in Reno and want to verify quality before the warranty expires, schedule your inspection with Ponderosa Inspections.
What the Inspection Uncovers in New Construction
You receive a digital report with photographs and descriptions of each defect or incomplete item, organized by system and location. Common findings include missing caulk around windows, gaps in attic insulation, unsealed ductwork joints, improperly sloped dryer vents, reversed electrical polarity, loose plumbing connections, cracked foundation slabs, and grading that allows water to pool near the foundation. Each finding is documented so you can provide it to the builder with specific locations and evidence.
After the inspection, you'll know which items the builder must address under warranty and which are cosmetic or outside the warranty scope. Ponderosa Inspections provides clear next-step guidance to help you organize repair requests and follow up with the builder's warranty department. Addressing these issues within the warranty period prevents you from paying out of pocket for problems that should have been corrected during construction.
The inspection typically takes two to three hours and includes all accessible areas. It does not include destructive testing, code compliance verification for permits, or review of construction plans, but it does identify visible defects and system malfunctions that warrant builder attention. The 11-month timing is critical because most builder warranties expire at one year, leaving little room for delay.
What Homeowners Ask About New Home Inspections
These are the questions that come up most often when scheduling inspections for newly constructed homes in Reno.
Why inspect a brand new home?
Builders and subcontractors work under tight schedules, and mistakes happen, so an independent inspection catches issues like missing insulation, disconnected ducts, or improper flashing before the warranty period ends and you lose the chance for free repairs.
What is the difference between a final walkthrough and an inspection?
A final walkthrough is typically a brief review with the builder, while an inspection is a thorough evaluation by a licensed professional who tests systems, checks installations, and documents defects in a formal report.
When should I schedule the 11-month inspection?
Schedule the inspection around the tenth or eleventh month after closing so you have time to submit repair requests, allow the builder to schedule work, and ensure corrections are completed before the one-year warranty expires.
What tools are used during a new home inspection?
Inspectors use moisture meters to check for leaks, infrared cameras to identify missing insulation, electrical testers for outlet function, and manometers to measure duct leakage, all of which reveal hidden issues not visible during a casual walkthrough.
How do I submit findings to the builder?
Most builders have a warranty claim process that requires written documentation with photos and descriptions, which is exactly what the inspection report provides, making it easier to file claims and track responses in Reno's active new construction market.
If you've purchased a new home in Reno or Sparks and want to protect your investment before the warranty expires, contact Ponderosa Inspections to schedule your new home or 11-month warranty inspection.
