Most new homes are protected by a 1-year warranty on defects in materials
and workmanship, though a warranty is not required by law. Under a new house
warranty, the builder is obliged to repair items when contacted (usually
in writing) by the homeowner. Ask about the new house warranty before buying--
and be sure to get a signed warranty document.
In addtion, be sure you receive a package with product warranties-- the
roof, appliances, and so forth-- that are offered by the various manufacturers
of your home's materials. If something goes wrong with these parts of your
home, you must contact the manufacturer-- not the builder.
Some builders offer an extended new-house warranty, called an "insured
warranty." This generally covers any systems-- plumbing and electrical,
for example-- for a 2-year period. It may also warranty the structure for
up to 10 years. Insured warranties are acutally issued by an insurance company;
your home is covered even if the builder goes out of business.
