When hiring a Home Builder you need to make sure you get a Warranty on their Workmanship. Years ago, there was an agency that provided this protection - TRCC (Texas Residential Construction Commission). The commission adopted a set of limited warranties and building and performance standards. The adopted limited warranties included a one-year workmanship and materials warranty, a two-year mechanical, and a ten-year structural warranty.
Most builders continue to live by these outlined warranties. This agency no longer exists, but the left us great guidelines . This agency once protected the consumer and the builder.
Here is a break down on the basic warranties listed above:
-Parts covered for one year include exterior concrete, framing, drywall, insulation, exterior siding, trim, masonry, stucco, roofing, doors, windows and interior flooring.
-The two-year warranty covers the delivery systems of the plumbing, electrical, heating, air-conditioning and ventilation systems. Major structural parts are covered for ten years. They include the footings, foundations, beams, columns, load-bearing walls, roof framing systems and other parts that support the home.
-The ten-year warranty of habitability addresses hidden defects discovered after the expiration of a given warranty period. For example, after the two-year warranty ends, a nail hammered into a pipe later rusts away and leaks, making the house unfit or unsafe for humans to live in. Although the plumbing warranty ended, the fact that an unseen defect led to an unsafe or unfit condition within ten years of the home’s completion makes the defect subject to the warranty of habitability.
Ask your builder if they structure their warranties like this. If not, how do they structure them? Personally, as a Builder, we go one step further and supply a notarized Affidavit stating all bills have been paid. A book is given to the new home owner with actually warranties, pictures of the home as it is being built, set of plans and specifications, any subs used and their contact information, etc. As always, walk and talk to the builder before, during, and after the project. Enjoy your new home.
For ALL Your Real Estate and Building needs or questions, call Debbie at (830) 833-4249 / (713)818-6658 or debbie@vallonerealestate.net
More from Putting the Pieces Together.