Warranty
As the homeowner, you are responsible for normal maintenance. But if part of the home behaves in a way that exceeds the warranty tolerance or if an installer erred in assembling materials, the materials and workmanship warranty applies. For instance, carpet requires regular vacuuming to look its best. This task is maintenance and therefore your job. If clumps of the carpet pull out revealing the backing, the material is defective. The manufacturer is obligated to your builder to replace it. If a seam comes apart, the workmanship is faulty. The installation company’s contract with your builder obligates the installer to correct the problem. You can maximize the protection from the warranties you recieve with your new home if you-
- Read and retain all warranty documents.
- Provide the recommended maintenance for all parts of your property.
- Follow claim procedures carefully.
- Maintain an accurate history of all work done on your home.
Non-Emergency Service Some builders suggest you report warranty items as you noticethem. Others ask that you keep a list and submit claims at one or more checkpoints. Builders who follow this procedure typically schedule the first checkpoint for 30 to 90 days after move-in and may send you a reminder near the end of the warranty period. However, remembering the expiration date of your warranty coverage is your responsibility, and your should always report warranty items in writing for the sake of accuracy in record-keepin and to protect your rights under the warranty.
The checkpoint procedure intends to produce more efficient service for all homeowners. When the builder can organize service activities according to a predictable schedule, everyone benefits from faster response times. However, this approach is not intended to deny you service. Between the builder’s suggested checkpoints, if an item requires attention, send a request for repair.
Upon reciept of a warranty request, the builder may schedule an inspection appointment with you to decide who should provide the repair. Your builder provides warranty action directly, through an employee-or indirectly, through a trade contractor. The response time for new home warranty repairs can range from the same day (for an emergency) to several weeks (if a part needs to be ordered).
Service work typically occurs Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Some Saturday or evening appointments may be available, but these are limited. If your builder does not accept keys or if you prefer not to provide one, the service person will contact you to set an appointment. You have a responsibility to arrange access to your home during normal business hours. However, you are under no obligation to allow anyone into your home without an appointment.
Emergency Service Fortunately, emergencies do not occur often in new homes. When they do, most builders welcome a report by phone. Builders typically define emergencies as
- Total loss of heat
- Total loss of electricity
- Plumbing leak that requires you to shut off the entire water supply
- Total loss of water
- Any condition that endangers the occupants or the home
Some builders arrange to have qualified staff members rotate after hours on-call responsibility. Others provide homeowners with emergency phone numbers for the critical trade contractors: plumber, electrician, and heating contractor. In an after-hours or weekend emergency, call the appropriate trade contractor or the builder’s emergency number as explained by your builder. No matter whom you call in an emergency, follow-up in writing to your builder so that your file is complete.
Homeowners usually think that a rook leak is an emergency. However, roof leak repairs can only be done when the roof is dry. Most builders accept reports of roof leaks by phone, and they will schedule repairs as soon as weather permits. After the repairmen correct it, everyone waits for a rain to test it. After severe weather, notify your homeowner insurance company if you suspect any storm damage to the roof. One sure sign of roof damage is seeing pieces of shingles in your yard.
Kitchen Appliance Warranties Appliance manufacturers work directly with you if repairs are needed. You find service numbers in their uses and care booklets. If you need to contact an appliance manufacturer, prepare to supply the model and serial number of the appliance. You find these numbers on a sticker or metal plate attached to the appliance. Activate manufacturer warranties by completing and mailing any registration allows the manufacturer to reach you in the event of a product recall.
Interpretation of Guidelines Although warranty and maintenance are neither synonymous nor interchargeable, the boundary between the two can be fuzzy. Too many possible items exist to have a written guideline for everything. Some items are subjective and setting a measureable guideline for them is difficult.
Most builders tempr a literal interpretation of written limited warranty guidelines with common sense and often exceed those guidelines. Yet builders do deny service on items excluded from coverage or when the warranty has expired. The guidelines you can count on are those in writing or shown in the builders models. Study the builder’s limited warranty, warranty guidelines, and your maintenance responsibilities carefully.
If you disagree with a warranty decision or are dissatisfied with service work, let your builder know in writing. Include a brief and objective history of the situation. End with a request that the builder inspect the item and discuss the matter.
Few products combine science, technology, art, and sweat as a new home does. With informed expectations, you can enjoy the building process and love the end result. Your home is more than an investment. It is an expression of your personality, a source of pride, and a haven from the outside world. Few things compare to the satisfaction of turning the key in the door of your well-cared for home at the end of they day.
