New Home Warranty Guide: Coverage, Timelines & Claims
Whether you just moved into a BEAR Homes residence or you’re still touring model homes, understanding your new‐construction home warranty is more than legal fine print—it’s peace of mind. Below you’ll find everything from coverage tiers to key maintenance tips drawn straight from your Homeowner Manual.
Basics & Legal Framework
A new-construction warranty usually covers three tiers: workmanship items for about a year, mechanical systems for one-to-two years, and major structural elements for up to ten years. Beyond builder promises, state building codes and the federal Magnuson-Moss Act require clear, written terms—always review them to confirm exact coverage and dispute steps where you live.
Coverage & Timeframes
Your warranty is layered protection: short-term coverage for cosmetic or mechanical hiccups and long-term protection for your home’s “bones.”
| Warranty Layer | Typical Length* | What’s Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Workmanship & Materials | 12 months (BEAR Homes) | Drywall, trim, flooring, doors, cabinets |
| Mechanical/Systems | 1 year (builder) / varies (manufacturers) | HVAC, plumbing, electrical install |
| Structural | 10+ years (industry norm)** | Foundation, load-bearing walls, roof framing |
| Manufacturer Warranties | 1–20 years | Appliances, windows, shingles, siding |
*Measured from closing date **Separate structural warranty agreement
TIP: Save all warranty documents; many manufacturers require registration within 30–90 days.
Inclusions vs. Exclusions
Your warranty protects the builder’s workmanship and manufacturer guarantees but excludes items outside that scope or resulting from homeowner neglect.
Usually Included
- Structural defects per written terms
- Workmanship issues discovered in first 12 months
- HVAC failures not caused by neglect
- Appliance malfunctions under manufacturer warranty
Usually Excluded
- Landscaping, sod, seed, grading
- Concrete flatwork (driveways, sidewalks, patios)
- Cosmetic hairline cracks or paint touch-ups post move-in
- Damage from homeowner alteration or neglect
Homeowner Homework: Seasonal maintenance—like controlling humidity to prevent window condensation—keeps your coverage valid.
How to File a Warranty Claim
- Submit via Buildertrend: Open a Warranty Request, attach photos & details.
- Response: Receive confirmation within 24–48 hours.
-
Emergency?
- Issues affecting livability (HVAC outage, major leak): call subcontractor directly (numbers in manual).
- Minor items: addressed during your 11-month service visit.
Pro Tips for Faster Resolution
- One ticket per issue for clarity.
- Include clear photos and model numbers.
- Check “emergency vs. non-emergency” in your manual.
Transferability & Resale Value
- BEAR one-year warranty: non-transferable (original owner only).
- Manufacturer warranties: often transferable—review each document.
- Resale benefit: documented first-year repairs reassure future buyers.
Costs & Extensions
- Built-In Coverage: All workmanship and materials warranties (first 12 months) are included in your purchase price with BEAR Homes.
- No BEAR Homes Extensions: We do not sell extended warranties; however, you are free to purchase a third-party home warranty plan once your one-year builder warranty expires.
- Manufacturer Defects After Year One: Should a covered item fail under its manufacturer’s terms, we’ll assist you in contacting the supplier to facilitate any applicable repairs or replacements.
- Optional Third-Party Policies: For additional long-term peace of mind, we recommend researching national or regional home warranty providers whose plans can cover systems and appliances beyond the first year.
Frequent Issues & Prevention
| Issue | Cause | Prevention Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall nail pops | Wood framing shrinks and settles as moisture levels change | Maintain indoor humidity (35–40 %) and schedule your 11-month touch-up visit. |
| Window condensation | Cold exterior temperatures combined with indoor humidity | Use bath fans, run a dehumidifier, and follow the Ventilation chapter in your manual. |
| Sod stress / bare patches | New sod establishing root systems in shifting soil | Water according to your Sod & Seed Lawn Care guide and avoid heavy foot traffic for the first few weeks. |
| Sump pump failure | Power interruptions or pump infrequent use | Test quarterly and keep the discharge line clear of debris (Sump Pump chapter). |
| HVAC filter clogging | Dust and pollen accumulation over time | Replace filters every 30–90 days per the Heating System: Gas Forced Air chapter. |
Ready to Protect—and Enjoy—Your New Home?
Considering a BEAR Homes build? Explore our move-in-ready homes or schedule a consultation to see how our one-year workmanship warranty and strong manufacturer partnerships keep your investment safe.