Great question....
99% of my business is doing one year warranty inspections. I also on occasion do "punchlist" inspections within 30 days after you close, but that is something many new homeowners elect to do themselves.
Understand that although MOST things are warrantied for one year, SOME items are only warrantied for 30 days. You would be wise to consider this 30 day time after your closing your "Honeymoon period", where it is easier to get some things fixed that warranty will not fix when the home approches a year old.
These are the things you need to focus on right after closing.
Check the following as soon as possible;
1) Ripped or missing screens- This in most cases will not be covered a year from now because a ripped screen could be caused by a landscaper.
2) Scratches in sinks, tubs, mirrors, countertops, vinyl floors, sliding glass doors, windows, Appliances, etc.-
Once you've lived there for months, who is to say you did not cause these issues?
3) Landscaping- This one is tough....make sure your sprinklers are working properly.
4) Cracks, gaps in the caulk, etc.
5) Know that some things you are better off waiting until your 10-11 month inspection, as they will only come out to fix some things once. If you find 4 cracks, I will find 4-5 more most likely.
It is wise to schedule your one year warranty inspection 3-4 months ahead of your one year closing date. The better Inspectors get booked up often for two months ahead of time.
So...to answer your question, most folks do their "punchlist" themselves, (Do a good one!!) and have a good Inspector do the one year inspection about 10-11 months after you close. At that time your Inspector will in most all cases walk all over your roof, check your attic well, etc. He will find some things you will be surprised at.
I do about 400 warranty inspections a year and have never once been told afterwards that id was not worth it. It is your last chance to get issues fixed without opening your wallet. In my humble opinion, (of course) I think it is good money spent. My customers tend to agree.
Respectfully, Frank D'Angelo
Hope this helps! Congratulations on your new home!
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Florida licensed Home Inspector #HI688. (352) 250-7818
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