Why New Construction Defects Need Immediate Documentation
Builders expect most homeowners to miss defects until it's too late. Warranty periods are short — typically one year for workmanship, two years for systems, and ten for structural. Once that window closes, you're paying out of pocket. Documentation from day one protects you.
What to Look For and Document
How to Build Your Warranty Claim
For every defect: photograph with wide context and close-up detail, capture with verified timestamps proving when you discovered it, document your report to the builder (email is best — creates a paper trail), and photograph their repairs (or lack thereof). A chronological timeline of defects and builder responses is your most powerful tool.
The Builder Pushback
Builders will say it's "normal settling," "cosmetic only," or "not covered." Your timestamped evidence showing when defects appeared, how they've progressed, and that you reported them on time eliminates these excuses.
