New Construction Warranty Basics: What’s Covered?

A new home warranty should bring peace of mind—but only if you understand what it actually covers (and what it doesn’t). This guide breaks down new construction warranty basics in plain language, with a Gulf Coast lens where heat, humidity, settling soils, and storm seasons can affect how a home “breaks in.” We’ll keep this high-level and practical—not legal advice—because details vary by builder and jurisdiction.

What a New Construction Warranty Usually Covers (High-Level)

Most builder warranties are organized into three buckets:

Workmanship Coverage

This relates to the quality of visible finishes and installation. Examples often include:

• Trim, doors, and interior finishes
• Paint touch-ups (within defined limits)
• Drywall cracks beyond typical settling tolerance
• Flooring installation issues (not abuse-related)

Reality check: Many minor items are considered normal break-in for a new home—especially during the first year as materials expand/contract in Gulf Coast weather.

Systems Coverage

This focuses on major mechanical systems, often including:

• Plumbing
• Electrical
• HVAC

Coverage usually applies to defects in installation or components defined in your warranty documents.

Structural Coverage

This typically refers to the home’s primary load-bearing elements, such as:

• Foundation and structural framing
• Beams, columns, and major structural supports
• Structural failures that affect safety or habitability

Note: Structural definitions are specific. Your contract will spell out what “structural” means for your home.

New Construction Warranty Timeline (Typical Ranges)

Warranty terms vary, but many builders use a structure similar to the examples below.

Important: These are common patterns—not a promise. Always confirm your specific warranty terms in writing.

What’s Often Not Covered (So You’re Not Surprised)

Even a strong warranty has boundaries. Many warranties exclude:

• Normal wear and tear (scuffs, scratches, carpet wear)
• Homeowner maintenance (caulking, sealing, filter changes, gutter cleaning)
• Cosmetic changes from environment (minor wood movement, slight drywall nail pops)
• Landscaping, drainage, and erosion unless explicitly included
• Appliances (often covered by manufacturer warranties instead of the builder)
• Damage from extreme weather or flooding (typically insurance-related, not warranty-related)
• Owner-caused damage (hanging heavy objects incorrectly, misuse of systems)

Gulf Coast-specific note

Humidity, heavy rainfall, and storm seasons can highlight issues like condensation, drainage problems, or material movement. Some of this is maintenance-related and some may be warrantable—your warranty process and documentation matter.

How Service Requests Work (And How to Get Faster Resolutions)

A warranty is only as useful as the process behind it. Here’s what usually helps:

What to include in a service request

• The location (room + wall/ceiling area)
• A clear description (“leak under kitchen sink P-trap” beats “plumbing issue”)
• Photos/video
• When it started and whether it’s getting worse
• Any troubleshooting you’ve already done (if safe and basic)

What to expect from scheduling

• Some items may be grouped into a single visit for efficiency
• Certain fixes depend on trade availability or material lead times
• Weather can delay exterior items (common on the Gulf Coast)

Keep it practical: Warranty teams work best with specific, documented issues—not broad lists without detail.

Checklist: Warranty-Smart Habits for New Homeowners

Use this checklist to avoid “that should’ve been covered” frustration:

• Read your warranty guide and note deadlines for reporting issues
• Save your closing documents, warranty booklet, and builder contacts
• Keep a simple home maintenance log (filters, gutters, caulking checks)
• Take photos of any issue as soon as you notice it
• Submit service requests early—don’t wait for a small issue to grow
• Understand what’s maintenance vs. workmanship (your builder can explain)
• Keep records of service visits and outcomes

Common Warranty Scenarios (What’s Usually Warrantable vs. Not)

Here are a few examples to set expectations:

Drywall cracks or nail pops

• Often normal to a point (settling + seasonal movement)
• May be warrantable if beyond tolerances defined in your warranty

• HVAC comfort issues

• Could be a warranty item if it’s equipment/setup-related
• Could be maintenance if filters are clogged or vents are blocked

Water intrusion concerns

• Potentially urgent—document immediately
• Coverage depends on cause (installation defect vs. storm event vs. homeowner maintenance)
• Requirements vary by jurisdiction and conditions on-site

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Key Takeaways

• A new construction warranty commonly covers workmanship, systems, and structural items—each with different timelines.
• “Not covered” often includes wear and tear, maintenance, and storm-related damage (typically insurance).
• The Gulf Coast environment can affect normal settling and moisture behavior—document issues early.
• Clear, detailed service requests (photos + specifics) lead to faster, cleaner resolution.
• Always rely on your actual warranty documents for coverage definitions and reporting deadlines.

FAQ: New Construction Warranty Basics

1) What is a new construction warranty?

A new construction warranty is the builder’s written promise to repair certain defects within defined timeframes—typically grouped into workmanship, systems, and structural coverage.

2) Is everything in a new home covered for the first year?

Not usually. Many items are excluded (wear and tear, maintenance, owner damage), and coverage depends on the specific warranty terms.

3) Are appliances covered by the builder warranty?

Often, appliances are covered by manufacturer warranties rather than the builder’s warranty. Check your documents for what’s included.

4) What’s the difference between workmanship and systems coverage?

Workmanship is about the quality of finishes and installation; systems coverage focuses on HVAC, plumbing, and electrical components and performance.

5) Does the warranty cover cracks from settling?

Sometimes—up to defined tolerances. Minor cracking can be normal as the home adjusts, especially with Gulf Coast heat and humidity cycles.

6) How do I submit service requests the right way?

Be specific: exact location, when it started, photos/video, and clear symptoms. Good documentation helps your warranty team respond quickly.

7) Are drainage or grading issues covered?

It depends on what your contract includes and site conditions. Drainage is also affected by weather and homeowner landscaping changes. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.

8) What should I do if I think something is urgent (like a leak)?

Document it immediately, take photos/video, and contact your builder/warranty team right away. If there’s active damage risk, take reasonable steps to protect the home.