When we think of home inspections, the typical occasions for professional inspections include before entering into a purchase agreement and going into closing when buying a home, before listing a home for sale on the market, and for periodic inspections for hazards like pests, mold, and radon. Another important time to consider how important and valuable a professional home inspection can be is before your existing home warranty expires.



Home warranties have become more common and widespread in recent years. They are contracts between homeowners and contractors or insurers who promise to cover the repair and necessary replacements for home systems, appliances, and components named explicitly in the warranty contract. They can cover a wide variety of items, including heating and cooling systems, plumbing systems, structural elements, and large and small home appliances. Contracts are often put together differently with different listed items that are included for coverage, and you usually can expect that only items named in the contract will be taken care of. They typically exclude coverage for problems that existed before the date of initial coverage or resulting from negligence or misuse.



When you need an updated report before your existing contract expires, we will conduct a thorough inspection with particular attention given to covered items and systems. In order to leave yourself sufficient time to make any claims that are necessary, you should schedule with us so that you will have your report in hand at least 30 days before the deadline for reporting potential claims. Any issues that are revealed that are close to failure or may require imminent repair can be included in claims, if appropriate. This is very important when defects are discovered that have not become apparent to the homeowner but are sure to need repair or replacement at some time.



Especially in newly constructed homes, many types of structural faults and defects go undetected throughout the initial timeframe. Without a valid claim during the coverage period, you could be left with difficult claims against contractors or other parties responsible for construction quality. These claims are often costly and produce uncertain results. Your best bet is to protect and preserve any claim you may have promptly, and a professional inspection is many times the only way to know if you have a claim and how to present it. 



Defects often found in inspections before newly constructed home warranties expire include premature cracking and problems with foundation walls. Shortly after construction, improper framing or curing of concrete can lead to cracks and shifting, improperly installed shingles and roofing elements are detectable before any actual leaking or damage begins. Plumbing and electrical problems from poor installation and construction can also be detected before system failure sets in. Poor drainage and other surface water issues can be identified, especially if wet weather seasons follow the completion of construction.



A professional home inspection prior to the expiration of your existing warranty can also be beneficial if you decide to purchase an additional home warranty after your current contract expires. That inspection report, along with the details of any repairs or replacements, can clearly establish what conditions do or do not pre-exist the beginning of any new coverage.



One of the most common complaints we hear from homeowners about claims regard disputes with the provider about whether damaged items or systems only need repairs as opposed to replacement. It stands to reason that warranty companies, like any insurer, prefer the least expensive option available for covered claims and will deny claims when possible under the contract. In these kinds of disputes, the best ammunition you have available is professional, thorough, and accurate documentation of the condition and reasons for damage to covered items or systems put together in advance of making a formal claim.



It is essential that you determine with certainty the date your coverage expires. Well in advance of the expiration, you will want professional documentation of needed and covered repairs or replacements so that any necessary claims can be shown to have been made before the deadline for claims.



ProPrecise Property Inspection is a veteran-owned and operated business serving the entire Akron region providing professional and comprehensive home inspection services. Our reputation for superior customer service gives you the peace of mind in knowing that every inspection is performed correctly and to the highest standards. Contact us today for more information and a free estimate for all of your home inspection needs.