Common Defects Found in the 1-Year Warranty Inspection

Brand-new homes feel perfect. After a year, small problems often show up. Doors may stick. Hairline cracks can appear. Your AC might work too hard in the summer heat.

That is why many homeowners schedule a 1-Year Builder Warranty Home Inspection with Desert State Inspections, a trusted home inspection company in Phoenix. This inspection documents issues while your builder is still responsible for repairs. Below we explain the common defects found in the 1-year warranty inspection and how to protect your home before the warranty expires.

Why this inspection matters in Arizona

• Heat and sun. Roofs, seals, windows, and paint get year-round UV. Materials dry out. Caulk shrinks.
• Soil and settling. Foundations and framing adjust during the first seasons. Doors and windows can shift.
• HVAC load. Long summers stress AC systems and ductwork. Poor airflow wastes energy and comfort.

If you wait past month 12, repairs become your cost. Book in month 10 or 11 so there is time to file the list and complete builder repairs.

Common defects found in the 1-year warranty inspection

Foundation and structure

We often see small slab or stucco cracks, minor settling, and grading that slopes toward the home. In Arizona, soil movement and monsoon moisture can make these more likely. Early fixes keep water away from the foundation and reduce future repair costs.

Roof and attic

Loose or missing tiles, poor flashing at roof penetrations, and thin attic insulation are common. UV exposure can harden sealants. Correcting flashing and insulation now protects against leaks and reduces AC load in peak heat.

Plumbing

We find slow drains, small leaks at traps or supply lines, and pressure that is too low or too high. Catching these early prevents water damage. It also helps the builder correct installation or material defects before the warranty ends.

HVAC performance

Weak airflow to certain rooms, duct leaks, and units that short-cycle waste comfort and money. In our climate, AC issues add up fast. Sealing ducts and balancing airflow improves cooling and lowers bills.

Electrical and safety

Dead outlets, reversed polarity, or missing GFCI and AFCI protection show up on many new builds. These are quick fixes for a builder but important for safety. Clear labeling in the panel also helps future service.

Windows, doors, and weather seals

Sticky doors, latches that do not catch, and gaps at weather stripping are common. Window seals can fail and cause fogging between panes. Reseating or replacing seals keeps conditioned air in and dust out.

Energy and air sealing

Gaps around can lights and attic hatches, unsealed pipe and wire penetrations, and missing foam at sills show up often. These small openings reduce comfort and increase AC run time. Sealing them is low cost with high return.

Cosmetic items

Drywall nail pops, seam cracks, paint misses, and flooring gaps are normal first-year items. They are still part of your home’s value. Have the builder correct them while the warranty is active.

Note: We use pro tools, including thermal imaging when needed, to help spot hidden moisture and missing insulation that eyes alone can miss.

What to do after the inspection

1. Send the full report to your builder in writing.
2. Track each repair item and agree on dates.
3. Keep all emails and notes. Save your records.
4. Request a reinspection if you want repairs verified.

Why choose Desert State Inspections

• Local expertise. We know how the desert climate affects new homes.
• Independent and unbiased. We work for you, not the builder.
• Clear, photo-backed reports. Designed to help get repairs approved.
• Trusted across the Valley. Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Tempe.