Today’s homebuyers are making the investment of a lifetime, and they want protection in the event their home develops a construction or structural defect. Most homes are built with pride and quality workmanship, but sometimes construction defects happen despite a builder’s best intentions and efforts. Savvy homebuyers require a new-home warranty from their builders not only to feel confident about their purchase decision, but to also give them peace-of-mind and protect them in the event the unforeseen occurs.
If you are in the market for a new home, be sure to ask your builder for an express home warranty that covers workmanship and materials (one year of coverage), systems such as wiring, plumbing, furnaces, air conditioners, and ductwork (two years of coverage), and major structural defects (6 years of coverage). The hope is that you will never need warranty coverage, but if a problem emerges, you’ll be glad you’re covered!
The owner should also request the contractor to provide all written warranties for all manufactured or consumer products that are installed during the course of construction, such as roofing materials, appliances, windows, heating and mechanical systems, etc.