When you buy a house, it might come with a home warranty. This type of insurance policy will cover things like an appliance breaking down or your HVAC system having a problem. If you build a new house, you will probably get a different kind of warranty: a home builder’s warranty.
A home builder’s warranty comes with new homes. It covers construction defects in the structure, systems, and workmanship for a specified period of time. It comes with new construction homes as part of the purchase price.
At Carl Deputy & Son Builders, we are proud to offer builder’s warranties for each and every Delaware custom and semi-custom home that we build. We are proud of both the materials and the craftsmanship that we use in building homes, and we stand behind our work 100%. If you’re interested in building a new house in Kent or Sussex Counties in Delaware or the Eastern Shore of Maryland, reach out to us to set up a consultation.
Have questions about building a home or making home renovations? Sometimes talking directly to an expert is easier than reading a post. Speak with a builder at Carl Deputy & Son Builders > (302) 284-3041
What Is a Home Builder’s Warranty?
Building a new home is both exciting and stressful. It is a major financial investment, and might even be the biggest purchase that you will ever make. When you put that much time and money into a new house, you want to be sure that it is built to last.
Home builders provide builder’s warranties for new construction homes. Most new construction homes come with a builder’s warranty. These warranties typically cover anything that is a permanent part of the home.
A home builder’s warranty is sometimes referred to as a structural warranty. It is a contract between the builder and the homeowner. It will define the home builder’s obligations related to the quality of the home construction.
These warranties are often purchased from a third-party provider by the builder. If something covered by the warranty fails during the coverage period, the builder might repair or replace it. Alternatively, they may directly reimburse you for the cost of repair or replacement.
What Is Covered by a Home Builder’s Warranty?
A builder’s warranty offers coverage on workmanship and materials for various components of the home. The coverage is for a specified period of time, usually based on what it is for:
- One year: Coverage for workmanship and materials on most components in a house is usually for a period of one year. For example, a builder’s warranty may cover doors, trim, paint, and drywall for a period of one year.
- Two years: HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems are usually covered for a period of two years.
- Ten years: Many builders’ warranties offer coverage for as long as 10 years for major structural defects. This generally includes any type of defect that could make a home unsafe. For example, if a foundation wall cracks or a support column fails, that would be considered a major structural defect.
This type of warranty is considered a classic 1-2-10, because it covers 1 year of workmanship/materials, 2 years of select mechanical systems, and 10 years for major structural components.
A builder’s warranty typically covers all major structural elements of a house. This may include:
- Electrical wiring and systems
- Plumbing, including water, gas, drain, or vent lines
- Water heater functionality
- Garage door openers (if not covered by a manufacturer’s warranty)
- HVAC system components
- Range exhaust units (if not covered by a manufacturer’s warranty)
- Built-in whirlpool tubs (if not covered by a manufacturer’s warranty)
- Central vacuum systems and associated ducts
- Roof collapse
- Structural failure in load-bearing areas
- Sink, bathtub, shower, and toilet stoppages
- Interior surfaces, including drywall, paint, and trim
- Doors and windows
- Roofing materials and installation
- Structural components, including foundation, columns, lintels, girders, masonry, framing, beams, floor systems, footings, and load-bearing walls
Each warranty is different, so it is important to read the documentation carefully. The warranty will also specify how repairs will be performed.
It is also important to check when the warranty coverage begins. Some warranties do not offer coverage until the third year after the closing. If signs of a structural defect appear in the first year or two, then the builder will be responsible for fixing damages related to that defect throughout the term of the warranty.
What Is Not Covered by a Home Builder’s Warranty?
Builder’s warranties typically do not cover minor issues, such as a small crack in a tile. They also don’t generally offer coverage for household appliances, like ovens or washing machines, or any components of the home that are covered under a manufacturer’s warranty. It also doesn’t usually include landscaping or outbuildings. These contracts also usually do not cover structural damage that results from natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, or floods.
Again, it is critical that you carefully read your home builder’s warranty to determine exactly what is covered and the warranty period. This documentation will also explain exactly how to file a claim and seek coverage.
Any builder worth their proverbial salt will offer a builder’s warranty – and you shouldn’t hire a construction company that does not offer one. At Carl Deputy & Son Builders, we use only the highest quality materials and the finest workmanship. Our custom and semi-custom homes are built to last. We stand behind our work and are happy to offer a comprehensive builder’s warranty to give our homeowners additional peace of mind.
What Is the Difference Between a Builder’s Warranty and a Home Warranty?
A home warranty is also referred to as a service contract. It is often purchased by either a homeowner or the seller in a real estate transaction. Unlike a builder’s warranty, which is included with the purchase price of your home, a home warranty is a separate cost.
A home warranty is usually purchased for existing homes, rather than new construction. It covers repairs and replacements on things that are not a permanent part of your home, such as appliances. While you can purchase a home warranty for your new construction house, it often isn’t necessary because your new appliances will come with a manufacturer’s warranty, and other parts of your house (like the HVAC system) will be covered by the builder’s warranty.
Home warranties can often be frustrating for homeowners because it can be hard to get coverage. In addition to the cost of the warranty, you may also have to pay a service fee. That is why you should think carefully about whether a service contract is actually necessary for your new construction home.
Neither a home warranty nor a builder’s warranty is the same as homeowner’s insurance. If you borrow money to finance your home or construction, then your lender will typically require you to purchase homeowner’s insurance. Even if you are not required to purchase homeowner’s insurance, it is always a good idea to have insurance to protect yourself and your investment in your new home.
Ready to Build Your Forever Home In Delaware?
When you make the decision to build a new custom or semi-custom home, you might feel a bit nervous about the process. A builder’s warranty can offer peace of mind, letting you know that if there is a major or minor issue with the materials, workmanship, or structural issues in your home, it will be covered. We are happy to walk through our builder’s warranty with you and help you understand its terms – and make sure that you know that we stand behind our work.
Carl Deputy & Son Builders builds the highest quality homes in Kent and Sussex Counties in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We use high-quality material and only work with trusted subcontractors to make sure that your home is built right and built to last. To learn more about or to schedule a consultation with a member of our team, give us a call at 302-284-3041 or fill out our online contact form.
