Protect Your New Home Before Your Two-Year Warranty Period Expires

Have you recently purchased a new-build home? As your second anniversary approaches, it’s worth taking the time to check that your property is performing as expected.

Although a new home may look perfect when you first move in, some defects and workmanship issues only become apparent after months of occupation. From cracking and poorly fitted components to problems with doors, windows and finishes, identifying concerns early can help you raise them with your developer or warranty provider.

At New Homes Inspections, we provide independent two-year warranty inspections to help homeowners identify, document and report visible defects before their initial warranty period expires.

Why Is a Two-Year Warranty Inspection Important?

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but new-build properties can develop defects as materials dry out, components settle and the property experiences normal use.

Some issues may be minor cosmetic imperfections, while others could indicate poor workmanship or require further investigation.

Common concerns include:

• Cracking to internal walls, ceilings and external masonry.

• Poorly finished plaster work, paintwork and decorative surfaces.

• Doors that stick, fail to close correctly or require adjustment.

• Windows that are difficult to operate or have defective fittings.

• Damaged sealants, gaps and incomplete finishes.

• Defects to visible roof components and external elements.

• Plumbing concerns, leaks or poorly finished installations where visible or accessible.

• Uneven finishes and other workmanship defects.

Not every crack or imperfection indicates a serious problem. However, having concerns professionally inspected and documented can help you understand their nature and determine whether further investigation is appropriate.

What Does the JCT Contract Say About Defects?

Understanding how construction contracts deal with defects can help explain why keeping a clear record of building issues is important.

Under clause 2.35 of the JCT Design and Build Contract 2016, defects, shrinkage and other faults arising during the relevant Rectification Period because the contractor has failed to comply with its contractual obligations are addressed through a specified procedure.

The clause provides for defects to be recorded in a schedule issued to the contractor as an instruction, subject to the contractual time limits. It also provides for instructions requiring relevant defects to be made good before that schedule is delivered, within the limits set out in the clause.

However, it is important to understand that the JCT Rectification Period is not automatically the same as a homeowner’s two-year warranty period.

Your rights and the developer’s responsibilities depend on the applicable contracts, warranty terms and circumstances. A homeowner’s warranty arrangements may differ from the contractual relationship between a developer and its building contractor.

The practical takeaway? Keep a clear record of defects, raise concerns promptly and check the requirements of your own warranty and purchase documentation.

What Happens During a Two-Year Warranty Inspection?

A professional inspection provides an opportunity to assess the visible condition of your property and document concerns in a structured report.

At New Homes Inspections, our inspection process focuses on identifying visible defects and workmanship concerns throughout accessible areas of the home.

1. Internal Inspection

We assess accessible internal areas, including rooms, ceilings, walls, floors, doors, windows, stairs and visible finishes.

The inspection aims to identify defects, incomplete work and workmanship concerns that may warrant reporting.

2. External Inspection

We assess accessible external elements, including visible brickwork, pointing, external finishes, doors, windows, and other relevant building components.

Where suitable and available, additional inspection methods can help assess roof areas that cannot be safely accessed from ground level.

3. Photographic Evidence

Photographs help illustrate the location and appearance of identified defects.

A clear photographic record can make it easier to explain concerns when communicating with your developer or warranty provider.

4. Detailed Inspection Report

Following the inspection, you receive a structured report documenting the findings.

The report provides a record of the defects identified during the inspection and can help you organise the issues you wish to raise.

Where a concern cannot be adequately assessed through a visual inspection, further investigation may be recommended.

How Can an Independent Inspection Help?

When reporting defects, it is useful to provide clear information about what you have identified, where it is located and why it concerns you.

An independent inspection report can help by providing:

• A structured record: Defects are documented in an organised format.

• Photographic evidence: Images help illustrate the reported concerns.

• Clear descriptions: Findings explain the nature and location of visible defects.

• A basis for communication: The report can support discussions with your developer or warranty provider.

• Recommendations for further investigation: Where appropriate, concerns requiring specialist assessment can be identified.

An inspection report does not automatically establish liability or guarantee that a developer or warranty provider will accept every item. Decisions about responsibility and remedial work depend on the relevant contractual and warranty provisions.

Nevertheless, having a clear, professional record can make the process of raising concerns more straightforward.

When Should You Book Your Inspection?

We recommend arranging your inspection sufficiently early before your initial two-year warranty period expires.

This gives you time to receive the report, review the findings and raise relevant concerns in accordance with the applicable reporting procedures.

Avoid leaving the inspection until the final few days. Depending on the warranty arrangements, reporting requirements and the nature of any defects, additional time may be needed to communicate with the relevant parties.

Check your warranty documents to confirm the applicable deadlines and reporting requirements.

Why Choose New Homes Inspections?

New Homes Inspections provides independent inspection services to help homeowners identify and document defects in new-build properties.

Our services are designed to give homeowners a clearer understanding of their property’s visible condition and provide a structured record of concerns.

We focus on:

• Independent inspections of new-build homes.

• Detailed defect descriptions and photographic reporting.

• Assessment of accessible internal and external areas.

• Identification of workmanship concerns and defects requiring further investigation.

• Professional reports to support communication with developers and warranty providers.

Our objective is to help homeowners make informed decisions about the condition of their property.

Protect Your Investment Before Your Two-Year Warranty Period Expires

Your home is likely to be one of your most significant financial commitments. Taking the time to assess its condition before your initial warranty period expires can help you identify concerns that might otherwise go undocumented.

Whether you have noticed cracking, defective finishes, problems with doors and windows or simply want a professional assessment of your property’s visible condition, an independent inspection can provide valuable information.

Don’t leave it until the last minute.

Contact New Homes Inspections to arrange your two-year warranty inspection and receive a detailed report documenting the defects and workmanship concerns identified during the visit.

New Homes Inspections

Independent new-build inspections and defect reporting.

Website: www.newhomesinspectionsuk.com
Telephone: 0115 671 3446
Email: sales@newhomesinspections.co.uk

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. JCT contractual provisions apply where incorporated into the relevant contract. Warranty coverage, reporting deadlines and responsibility for remedial work depend on the applicable contractual and warranty arrangements.