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Are new construction warranties necessary?

On Behalf of | Aug 11, 2020 | Construction Litigation |

Forbes explains that a new build home that passes inspection may not be free of all construction problems. New construction does not necessarily mean a building with no issues. Common issues associated with new construction include cracks in fixtures, creaky floors due to structural problems, faulty wiring systems or defective materials.

Most homeowners handle these possibilities through home warranties for new construction.

Rushed builds can lead to more problems

While you may want your build complete as soon as possible, if your builders rushed the job or took shortcuts, you may find indications of construction issues. For instance, novice builders may block HVAC vents or forget to allow new materials to settle. An aggressive building schedule can create mistakes in appliance installation and wiring.

Structural issues do not always appear right away

Just like many other aspects of life, you cannot always see problems at the start. Structural issues become more apparent after completion and once you have a chance to live in the home. For some homeowners, the very idea that something could go wrong is a reason to have a warranty on new builds. If the builders do not address the issue, this is when most consider litigation.

Warranties can cover different construction elements

A warranty may have two different terms. One-year warranties can cover labor and materials, whereas two-year warranties cover electrical, plumbing and heating. A longer, 10- or 20-year warranty covers structural defects in load-bearing walls and foundations. Warranties save money and provide peace of mind. When you have a warranty, the builder must return to the home to fix the problem.