What is included in an 11-Month Warranty Inspection?

It is a full structural and mechanical review of your new Calgary home performed before your 1-year builder warranty expires, ensuring repairs are covered by the builder.

11-Month Warranty Inspection

Importance of the First Year of a New Home in Alberta

Most issues found during an 11‑month inspection are normal first‑year items that builders expect to address.

Alberta' New Home Warranty Context

The first year in a newly built Alberta home is a period of natural adjustment. Materials settle, humidity levels shift with the seasons, and minor defects or performance issues often appear as the home goes through its first full cycle of weather. Alberta’s new‑home warranty program is designed around this first‑year period, which is why most coverage for workmanship, materials, and systems expires at the 12‑month mark. An 11‑month inspection helps you document these items while they are still covered, giving you a clear, builder‑ready list to submit before your warranty window closes.

CMHC Eco Plus Context

During the first year of owning a newly built home, many Alberta homeowners discover they may also qualify for CMHC’s Eco Plus Program. CMHC states: “Apply for a 25% partial premium refund if you’re CMHC insured and buying a newly built¹ energy efficient home.” Newly built means a home that has never been occupied, and for condominium units, CMHC clarifies that the home must not have been occupied for residential purposes other than temporary interim occupancy before registration or possession. If your new home meets recognized energy‑efficiency standards, you may be eligible for this refund during your first year of ownership, making it an ideal time to confirm your home’s energy performance and ensure you receive any benefits available to you.

Common Defects Found in Calgary Homes

Even well‑maintained homes can develop issues over time. We frequently see moisture intrusion, aging plumbing, electrical concerns, insulation gaps, ventilation problems, and foundation movement—especially in properties exposed to Calgary’s climate. Our inspections highlight these findings clearly so you understand what’s minor, what needs monitoring, and what may require further evaluation.

Building‑Science Diagnostics in Every Inspection

Our approach goes beyond a visual walkthrough. We assess how your home performs as a system—looking at moisture patterns, airflow, insulation performance, ventilation, and temperature variations. This building‑science lens helps us identify root causes, not just symptoms, giving you a deeper understanding of your home’s condition.

How Inspections Support Real Estate Conditions

Whether you’re buying or selling, a professional inspection provides the documentation and clarity needed for conditional offers, negotiations, and insurance requirements. Our reports offer unbiased evidence that helps reduce surprises, prevent delays, and support informed decision‑making during real estate transactions.

Condo, Townhome & Multi‑Unit Inspections

Multi‑unit properties come with unique considerations. We focus on the components you’re responsible for—interior systems, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, and moisture risks—while also noting concerns related to shared walls, common areas, and building‑wide maintenance. This helps you understand both your unit and the broader building context.

What Happens After We Find an Issue

If something needs attention, we explain it in plain language and outline practical next steps—whether it’s a repair, a maintenance task, or further environmental testing. Your report includes photos, priority levels, and clear guidance so you can move forward confidently.

When Urgent or Same‑Day Inspection or Testing Is Recommended

Some situations call for faster action. Whether you’re facing a tight real‑estate timeline or dealing with a recent leak, musty odours, suspected asbestos disturbance, or air‑quality concerns, urgent scheduling may be appropriate.

FAQ which apply to 11‑Month Warranty Inspection

Homeowners often have questions about what’s covered during the first year of a new build and how the warranty process works. These FAQs provide clear, practical answers to help you feel confident as you prepare your warranty submission. We help with the most common questions homeowners have as they prepare for their one‑year warranty deadline.

What is an 11‑month warranty inspection?

An 11‑month warranty inspection is a full home inspection completed just before your builder’s one‑year warranty expires. The purpose is to document defects, performance issues, and unfinished items while they are still covered under your new‑home warranty program.

Every inspection follows a structured, Alberta‑licensed process that evaluates all major systems in the home:

Exterior

- Roof, shingles, flashing, gutters, downspouts

- Siding, stucco, brick, exterior trim

- Decks, balconies, porches, railings

- Grading, drainage, retaining walls

- Driveways, walkways, garages, carports

Interior

- Walls, ceilings, floors

- Doors, windows, hardware

- Stairs, railings, safety features

- Attic insulation, ventilation, moisture patterns

Mechanical Systems

- Plumbing: supply lines, drains, fixtures, water heaters

- Electrical: panels, breakers, wiring, outlets, GFCIs

- HVAC: furnace, AC, heat pumps, ducting, airflow

- Ventilation: bathroom fans, kitchen exhaust, HRVs

Structural Components

- Foundation, footings, visible cracks

- Basement moisture patterns

- Load‑bearing walls, beams, joists

- Crawlspaces and accessible structural areas

Why is the 11‑month mark important?

Most builder warranties expire at 12 months, so the 11‑month point gives you enough time to submit a claim with supporting documentation. This ensures issues are addressed before coverage ends.

What happens when an issue is found during an 11‑Month Warranty Inspection?

If we find an issue during your 11‑month inspection, it’s documented clearly in your report with photos, descriptions, and the specific location of the concern. You can submit this report directly to your builder or warranty provider as part of your one‑year warranty claim. Most items identified at this stage are normal first‑year issues—such as settlement cracks, ventilation problems, grading concerns, or workmanship defects—and builders expect homeowners to report them before the 12‑month deadline. Once your claim is submitted, the builder reviews the items, schedules repairs, and confirms completion before your warranty expires.

Will the report help with my builder warranty claim?

Yes. Your report is written in a clear, builder‑friendly format with photos and descriptions that make it easy to submit warranty requests.

Does my new home qualify for CMHC’s Eco Plus refund?

Your home may qualify for CMHC’s Eco Plus Program if it is CMHC‑insured and meets the definition of a “newly built” energy‑efficient home. CMHC states that newly built means a home that has never been occupied, and for condominium units, it must not have been occupied for residential purposes other than temporary interim occupancy before registration or possession. Eligibility also depends on whether the home meets recognized energy‑efficiency standards at the time of construction. For more details on energy performance and how homes are evaluated, visit our Energy Auditing page.

What’s NOT Included in a 11‑Month Warranty Inspection?

A standard property inspection is thorough, but it does have clear boundaries. These limitations exist to protect homeowners, inspectors, and the home itself. Here’s what is not included:

1. Invasive or destructive testing

- No cutting drywall

- No removing flooring, siding, insulation, or ceilings

- No dismantling HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems

2. Specialized environmental testing

(Not included unless added as a separate service is booked as an add‑on)

- Mold | VOC | Particle testing

- Asbestos sampling

- Radon testing

- Air quality assessments

- Sewer‑camera scans are not part of a standard inspection

4. Code compliance or permit verification