New Construction Warranties: What Builders Won’t Fix After Closing
Congratulations on your new construction home! You’ve waited months, maybe even years, for it to be built. From choosing the perfect lot to selecting all the finishes, you’ve been a part of the building process every step of the way. And now, you’ve finally closed on your dream home and are ready to move in. The excitement is palpable and you can’t wait to start making memories in your new space.
New Construction Warranties: What Builders Won’t Fix After Closing
While you may have thoroughly reviewed your home’s warranties before signing on the dotted line, there are a few things that your builder may not have mentioned. These items may not be covered under the warranties and it’s important to be aware of them to avoid any surprises down the road. In this article, we’ll discuss the things that builders typically won’t fix after closing.
Landscaping
Many builders offer a warranty for landscaping that typically lasts for one year after closing. This warranty covers issues such as trees or shrubs that die or fail to grow. However, any changes or additions that you make to the landscaping after closing will not be covered by the warranty. It’s important to keep this in mind when planning out your outdoor space and budget accordingly.
Appliances
You may assume that all new appliances come with their own warranty, but this is not always the case with new construction homes. While most builders do include warranties for major appliances, such as the refrigerator or stove, these warranties usually expire within the first year after closing. It’s important to keep track of the warranty expiration dates and consider purchasing extended warranties for any appliances that are not covered by the builder’s warranty.
Cosmetic or Aesthetic Issues
During your final walkthrough, you may have noticed some minor cosmetic or aesthetic flaws, such as a small scratch on newly installed wood floors or a small dent in a wall. While these may seem like easy fixes, they are not typically covered by new construction warranties. Builders usually only cover structural or major mechanical issues, so it’s important to address any minor issues before closing.
Normal Wear and Tear
As with any home, normal wear and tear is to be expected. This includes things like paint chipping, grout cracking, or faucets leaking. While these issues may arise shortly after closing, they are not typically covered by new construction warranties. It’s important to perform routine maintenance on your home to prevent these issues from occurring.
Changes to Building Codes
Building codes are constantly evolving and changing. If your home is built to code at the time of construction, but the code is updated after closing, your builder is not responsible for making any necessary changes. This is why it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the building codes in your area and to have your home inspected by a professional before closing.
Acts of God
Natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes, are usually not covered by warranties. These events are considered to be acts of God and cannot be predicted or prevented. It’s important to have proper insurance coverage for your home to protect against any potential damage caused by these events.
DIY Repairs
As a homeowner, you may be tempted to try and fix any issues that arise on your own. However, doing DIY repairs could void any warranties you have on your home. It’s best to contact your builder or a professional contractor to address any issues covered under your warranties to ensure they are properly fixed.
Conclusion
While new construction warranties may offer peace of mind to homeowners, it’s important to fully understand what is and is not covered. By knowing what your builder won’t fix after closing, you can be better prepared for any potential issues that may arise. Take the time to thoroughly review your warranties and ask your builder any questions you may have before closing to avoid any surprises in the future.
