Most warranties end at one year. Walking the building before that protects the client and your reputation.
In this article
Why it matters
After turnover, owners discover small problems: cracks, doors that stick, leaks after heavy rain. If they wait until after the warranty, they feel abandoned. An 11-month walk shows you care, fixes issues while they're covered and keeps the relationship alive.
Schedule it at turnover
Put the date on the calendar during closeout.
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Who attends
Project manager, superintendent and the owner's facility contact.
Checklist
Envelope, roofing, doors and hardware, finishes, MEP performance and site.
Document issues
Photos, location and responsible subcontractor for each item.
Notify subcontractors
Send items quickly with a deadline.
Fix fast
Close items within weeks, not months.
Close the loop
Send the owner a final report with photos of each fix.
Talk about what's next
Ask about upcoming projects during the walk.
A message to the owner
"Your one-year warranty period ends next month. We'd like to walk the building with your team on the 15th to make sure everything is performing as it should."
Where to start
List all projects turned over in the last year and schedule their 11-month walks.
Common mistakes
Forgetting the walk, slow subcontractor follow-up and no final report.
Know your numbers
Items found per walk, days to close each item and new projects discussed during walks. Over time, recurring items show which details need better execution.
Run tighter jobs and win the right ones.
We help construction companies build the systems, online presence and client relationships that bring better projects.
Frequently asked questions
Why do contractors do an 11-month warranty walk?
To find and fix issues before the one-year warranty expires, show the owner the contractor stands behind the work and open the door to future projects.