What Does a Builder’s Home Warranty Cover?
- Ryan DePoppe
- May 1
- 3 min read
Here’s What You Should Know Before You Close on a New Construction Home
Buying a brand-new home is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of fine print—and one of the most important pieces is the builder’s warranty. What does it actually cover? And what should you know before you move in? Let’s dive into it.
What’s Usually Covered by a Builder’s Home Warranty
Most builder warranties offer limited coverage on workmanship and materials for key parts of the home. That usually includes:
Windows and doors
Siding and roofing
Plumbing systems
Electrical systems
Heating and cooling systems (HVAC)
Coverage timelines can vary, but here’s a general idea:
Workmanship and materials are often covered for one to two years.
Major structural elements—like the foundation or load-bearing walls—might be covered for up to ten years.
Builder warranties also spell out how repairs are handled and by whom, which is good to know ahead of time. Some warranties require you to use the builder’s subcontractors for any repair work.
What’s Typically Not Covered
Just as important: knowing what isn’t covered. Most builder warranties do not include:
Household appliances (these usually come with their own manufacturer warranties)
Hairline cracks in tile, drywall, or concrete (considered normal settling)
Landscaping or irrigation systems
Anything already protected by a manufacturer's warranty
Expenses you might incur during repairs, like renting storage space
In short, builder warranties focus more on the "bones" and systems of the house—not on cosmetic details or anything you can easily swap out.
Smart Questions to Ask Before Closing
Before you sign on the dotted line, it’s smart to get clarity from your builder or warranty provider. Here are some questions to ask:
What’s covered—and for how long?
What’s not covered?
If I need to file a claim, what’s the process and timeline?
If a claim is denied, is there an appeals process?
What’s your maximum liability?
Can you connect me with homeowners who’ve worked with you before?
Heads up: for privacy reasons, many builders won’t hand over past client contact information. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options, though.
How to Get Real Feedback on a Builder’s Warranty
If you can't get direct referrals, here’s how you can still gather real-world insight:
1. Tap Into Social Media
Many neighborhoods today have private Facebook Groups. If you’re able to join your future community’s group, post a question about the builder and ask about warranty experiences.
No luck finding a neighborhood group? Try broader city or community groups. Chances are, someone will chime in.
2. Read Reviews—But Read Them Smart
Reviews can tell you a lot—but you’ll want to dig deeper than a quick Google search.
Check Google Reviews, BBB (Better Business Bureau), and even sites like Yelp.
Look across multiple neighborhoods, not just one.
Focus on thoughtful, detailed reviews that mention warranty claims, responsiveness, and build quality.
Look for patterns—one random complaint isn’t a big deal, but repeated issues can be a warning sign.
Final Thoughts
A builder’s warranty can offer real peace of mind—but only if you understand what it covers (and what it doesn’t). Take the time to ask questions, do a little digging, and read between the lines. It’s worth it for the long-term protection of your new home.
Questions about new construction? Feel free to shoot me a call or text.
Ryan DePoppe
843-469-6825
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