Typical Builder Warranty?

16 years ago

I know the 1 year warranty, but isn't there anything for the structural/foundation? What if the basement caves in or cracks in walls or? I thought I read somewhere there is a 10 year warranty for structural?

Featured Answer

macv

16 years ago

I suspect the difficulty you are having is that you might be thinking of the house as something that you buy from the builder and therefore there should be a warranty that covers everything.

In reality, a house is a complex mixture of many elements provided by many sub-contractors and manufacturers and you are paying the builder to get it built according to your specifications and program. Inevitably there will things wrong with it and the builder can't give you a new one out of his inventory. Therefore, you want the various warranties from installers and manufacturers to flow through to you in case the builder goes out of business in later years. Ask you builder to explain what these warranties will cover.

The 1 year builder warranty is mostly an extended punch list for things that go wrong soon after you take occupancy and are not covered by other warranties.

Remember, the cost of a warranty is a cost of doing business for the builder so if you want one longer than one year you should expect to pay extra for it.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

macv
16 years ago
The warranty is determined by the contract and can be anything you and the builder agree to.

If a failure can be proved to be due to noncompliance with the contract documents, it would not be a warranty issue but a breach of contract issue.
shoelvr
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks!

What is reasonable to ask for? He gives a 1 year warranty in the contract. Wouldn't the excavation/cement be with the excavation company and not the builder?
Related Professionals
DeRidder Design-Build Firms · Aiken Design-Build Firms · Charleston Design-Build Firms · Merced Design-Build Firms · Temecula Design-Build Firms · Minot Design-Build Firms · Augusta Home Builders · Waycross Home Builders · Houma Home Builders · Aberdeen Home Builders · Annapolis Home Builders · Frederick Home Builders · Ithaca Home Builders · Williston Home Builders · Spanish Fork Home Builders
macv
16 years ago
The only people who would have a direct obligation to you would be those with whom you have a contract. It is possible to have a direct contract with the foundation contractor but but it would be rare.

The term builder does not tell us enough; there is usually a general contractor who may have his own forces but all sub-contractors (like excavation and foundation contractors) normally work for him rather than the owner.

If you have a Construction Manager (as Adviser) who coordinates the work of contractors and is not at risk, then the foundation contractor might have a contract with you and you might pay him directly. I don't advise this arrangement for anyone who is not highly experienced in home construction.

It would help to know the nature of your contract.
shoelvr
Original Author
16 years ago
Yes, we are using a GC who is employing the subs. I guess I'm confused, because I would think the subs guarantee their work for whatever period of time. The builder gives a 1 year, however that seems ridiculous for things like structure/mechanical/roofing.
macv
16 years ago
The 1 year blanket warranty in intended to cover things that usually go wrong in that time period and are not covered by more specific warranties so it doesn't void other explicit or implied warranties.

Many materials, equipment, and systems have warranties from the manufacturer and/or installer which are given to the homeowner at the completion of the project usually in a notebook.

The structure would not have a limited warranty period since it is expected to last far longer than the other elements of the house. A failure, unless caused by an act of God or owner negligence, would be the subject of litigation if testing found that the builder or designer had failed to follow acceptable engineering practice or meet building codes or the original specification.
shoelvr
Original Author
16 years ago
macv THANK YOU

You explained it in such detail it makes perfect sense now.

There is a lawsuit provision in the contract of five years.
manhattan42
16 years ago
Minimum Warranty periods are established by State laws and typically extend to any contractor or subcontractor who has worked on your house regardless of the existence of any written contracts.

Written contracts may extend warranty periods if both the owner and contractor(s) agree, but if no written contracts exist, the default is always the State legal minimum.

In most states, that minimum is 1 year for both materials and labor unless the materials and labor have been offered 'without warranty' in writing, in which case no warranty periods exist.
macv
16 years ago
State required minimum warranties vary greatly. Texas probably has the toughest.

Here is a link that might be useful: Texas home warranties