Skip to main content

What To Know About Warranties

New home builder warranties can be intimidating; nonetheless, having a good grip on how they work is important to avoid future headaches. Keep these helpful hints in the back of your brain, and it should alleviate some of your concerns.

Image via www.rigleyrealtygroup.com


  • Builder warranties often cover materials workmanship for 1 - 2 years for a new home, and coverage generally lasts up to 10 years on anything considered major structural elements.

  • Your state Attorney General Office or contractor licensing board is a good place to check that the builder you are working with is offering you the warranties that are required by law.

  • Many states now have laws that are being put into place that change the general 1 year warranty coverage to 2 years, covering materials and workmanship. Some are even adding more time to warranties for defects in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, structural defects, water damage, etc.

  • Sometimes, home buyers are coaxed into signing what is called a "warranty document," which you should not sign until you've read over it. The document often narrows warranty protections and differs from the original contracts and negotiations. 

  • Make sure you create a list in advance before moving into your new house. Thoroughly go through the house before move in day and check off each item that you discussed as being important. Complete this walk-through with the builder so you can discuss any discrepancies as they come up. Keep in mind your warranties as you go through the house one final time. This may be your last chance to catch any mistakes.

  • If you want to be completely sound with your decisions regarding warranties and your new house, have your home inspected before the walk through with your builder. This will take some time out of the waiting process, as you will already be aware if something is not up to code. This step can be particularly important as some of your warranties are likely to only last up to 12 months. 

 Sources
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/real-estate/what-do-builder-warranties-cover.aspx
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Let's Talk About Drafting

Let's Talk About Drafting Drafting is one of the most important part of the home building process. Having a way to view your home, far before it's built, is a valuable tool. You can change anything about your home, and have it reflected in the plan, so everyone included in the build process has access to the same information.
Post a Comment
Read more

Things are looking up!

When it comes to different types of ceilings, there is a lot to choose from. If you're like most people, you think of the standard drop ceiling that we're used to seeing in many homes is the only option. That kind of thinking couldn't be further from the truth! If you're considering switching things up with your new home, check out this post to brainstorm some ideas for a new ceiling. Vaulted A vaulted ceiling makes a room feel bigger without actually being bigger. The walls are at a slope, meeting at one point at the very top, center point of the ceiling. Image via www.imbrandon.com Exposed Beams Exposed beam ceilings are just what they say they are - exposed beam. Seeing the beams of the house in plain sight can create a rustic feel or simply add symmetry to the room's ambiance. Either way, they are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Image via www.decorpad.com Coffered Coffered ceilings can differ in design, but they remain to b...
Post a Comment
Read more

10 Tips for Beginning Gardeners

If you have just built a new home and are looking to spruce up the outside of it this spring with some gardening but don't even know where to start? Here are some tips for beginners.
Post a Comment
Read more