New Home Builder Warranty Defects Log

Who this is for

Keep every defect in a new home on record until it is fixed. Log each fault, the builder's visits and replies, and anything taken to the warranty provider.

Owners of a newly built home in the period when the builder is responsible for putting defects right, and anyone whose builder has gone quiet on an open fault.

What this helps you track

• Every defect found after moving in, with where it is and a photo reference
• When each was reported, the builder's reference and when it was fixed
• How many days each defect has been open
• Every appointment, visit, reply and chaser in date order
• The days left in the builder's period from your policy

How to use it

1. Write the developer, the plot, the completion date, the warranty provider and policy number, and the end dates copied from your policy.
2. Give each defect a number and a row as you find it: where, what, and the photo file name.
3. Write the date you reported it and the builder's reference, then the date it was fixed and whether you are satisfied.
4. Log every appointment, visit, reply and chaser on page two, and anything sent to the warranty provider, with their reference.
5. Days open and the summary are worked out in the browser and the workbook; check the days left in the builder's period before it runs out.

Formats

• Printable PDF (A4 and US Letter)
• Fillable PDF with form fields
• Fill in online, saved in your browser
• Excel / Google Sheets workbook

The printable is laid out inside a box that fits both A4 and US Letter, so the two files are identical and neither one is scaled. The fillable PDF has real form fields. The workbook uses plain formulas only — SUM, IF, COUNTIF and the like — so it opens in Excel, LibreOffice and Google Sheets without anything breaking, and every calculated cell is grey so you can see which figures it worked out.

How to print

Download the A4 or US Letter file to match the paper in your printer, open it in a PDF reader and print at 100% — not "fit to page", which shrinks the writing space. Both files leave a 14 mm margin, which clears the unprintable edge on home printers. To print the online version with your entries in it, use the Print this sheet button, which prints only the sheet and none of the page around it. More on printing.

Questions

How is this different from a snagging list?

A snagging list is usually done at or just after completion. This log runs through the builder's warranty period, keeping each defect, every contact about it and any escalation in one dated record.

When should I go to the warranty provider?

Your policy sets out when and how you can ask the provider to step in, and what they need from you first. Read it, note its dates at the top, and keep this log as your evidence of reporting and chasing.

How are days open worked out?

From the date you reported the defect to the date it was fixed, or to today while it is still open. A defect not yet reported shows nothing.

What counts as a defect?

That is defined by your warranty or policy, not by this sheet. Log anything you think is wrong; the builder or provider will say whether it is covered, and their answer goes on page two.