by Why Leaving New Construction Repairs Until After Closing Is a Bad Choice
When buying a new construction home, buyers are often told, “You can close now, and anything else will be handled under the builder’s warranty.” This advice commonly comes from Realtors, builder sales teams, and construction managers. While it may sound reasonable, buyers should understand why this suggestion is made and who benefits most from it.
In many cases, leaving repairs for after closing puts the buyer at a serious disadvantage.
The Power Shift Happens at Closing
Before closing, repairs are required to complete the sale. After closing, those same issues become warranty requests.
Once ownership transfers:
The buyer loses leverage
The builder no longer faces pressure tied to payment
Repairs move into a slower, lower-priority process
What could be resolved quickly before closing can take months afterward.
Professionals Who Commonly Suggest “Just Use the Warranty” and Why
Realtors
Realtors are often the first to suggest closing and relying on the builder’s warranty for remaining issues.
Why this happens:
Realtors are paid only when the transaction closes
Delays increase the risk of losing the sale
Commission is earned regardless of post-closing defects
Once the home closes, the Realtor is paid in full even if the property has unresolved issues or incomplete work. The Realtor does not manage warranty claims, does not control the builder, and does not live with the consequences of delayed or denied repairs.
Builder Sales Teams and Sales Associates
Builder sales representatives work for the builder, not the buyer.
Their incentives often include:
Meeting monthly and quarterly sales quotas
Earning bonuses tied to closed homes
Reducing unsold inventory and carrying costs
Promising future warranty repairs is often easier than delaying a closing. Once the home closes, the buyer enters the warranty system and competes with other homeowners for attention and scheduling.
Builder Construction Managers or Superintendents
Construction managers are responsible for keeping multiple homes on strict schedules.
Why they often push repairs to warranty:
They are measured on build timelines and completion quotas
Homes must close on schedule to meet sales numbers
Missed timelines can affect performance reviews and assignments
Bonuses may be tied to timely completions and overall sales performance
There is also a workload reality. Fixing issues before closing requires:
Calling subcontractors back to the job site
Re-inspecting completed work
Verifying that repairs were properly completed
Repeating the process if repairs are done incorrectly
By allowing the home to close and passing unresolved items to the warranty department:
The construction manager no longer has to coordinate repairs
Subcontractors do not need to be re-engaged
Follow-up inspections are avoided
The home is removed from their active responsibility list
Why These Incentives Matter to Buyers
None of these professionals are necessarily acting maliciously, but their incentives are not aligned with the buyer’s long-term interest.
Realtors are paid at closing
Sales teams are rewarded for closed inventory
Construction managers are evaluated on speed and volume
Buyers live with unresolved problems after closing
Warranty Is Not a Substitute for Completion or Proper Repair
Builder warranties are designed to address defects that appear after move-in, not unfinished or known issues.
Buyers are often surprised to learn:
Cosmetic items may be excluded
Visible pre-closing issues may be denied
Repairs can take weeks or months
Disputes over acceptable workmanship are common
Before closing, repairs are required to finish the sale. After closing, they become service requests.
Living With Repairs Is Worse Than Waiting to Close
Post-closing repairs often involve:
Repeated appointments
Workers entering an occupied home
Missed workdays
Ongoing noise and disruption
Resolving issues before move-in is always easier, faster, and cleaner.
The Smarter Strategy for New Construction Buyers
Buyers should:
Require all agreed-upon repairs to be completed before closing
Use a detailed written punch list
Get a professional inspection, even on new construction
Avoid verbal promises such as “we’ll take care of it later”
Understand that a warranty is protection, not leverage
Final Thoughts
When buyers are encouraged to close and rely on warranty, it is rarely because that option best protects them.
Realtors want the transaction completed
Builders want inventory closed
Construction managers want to move on to the next home
The buyer is the only one who bears the long-term consequences.
A warranty does not replace a finished home.
A completed home at closing protects the buyer.
Promises after closing protect everyone else.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
I’m Rich Noto, a Florida Realtor & Home Inspector with a focus on the best price house, and quality new construction oversight. I specialize in new house purchases which includes getting homes built to Florida Residential Building Codes and Manufactures Installation Instructions.
I help homebuyers beyond the “standard Real Estate sales agent” (who may disappear after purchase contract) by dealing with sales, construction managers, attending/monitoring inspections, and spotting defects. This helps buyers catch problems early.
Builders pay my commission so my service costs buyers nothing. Does not apply after buyer is in contract(all builders) or has contacted the builder alone(some builders). This top rated service is available at any town throughout Florida.
Any agent can “sell new homes” or be a “high volume seller” or have “builder relationships”. Sales marketing has nothing to do with understanding constructions defects. Home Defects are the main expense a homeowner will have and can cost home owners thousands of $$$. Depreciating future resale value.
I enjoy teaching my customers how new homes are built. How to identify water intrusion. And the steps to keep a house well maintained to prevent leaks over time. Out of state buyers get special walkthrough and inspection videos.
Whether its a completed move-in ready inventory house, or a to be built custom on the land, or a spec house. You deserve the best quality for your money.