In general, the warranty is a commitment that materials and workmanship are warranted for one year from the time of closing. The heating, air conditioning, electrical and plumbing systems are warranted for two years from closing.
Certain kinds of water infiltration and internal leaks are warranted for a period of five years from the time of closing. defects in materials and workmanship in the structural elements of the home are warranted for ten years from closing. Some appliances, equipment and other components included in the home are not warranted by the Builder, but are covered by separate warranties provided by the manufacturer or supplier.
These warranties are assigned to the Homeowner by the Builder at the time of closing. During the first year, the Builder will correct the malfunction of an appliance or item of equipment if the malfunction is due to damage during installation or improper installation.
The Spirit of the Warranty – Our warranty commitment is easy to understand and is based on COMMON SENSE. We believe the Homeowner has a right to expect a clean home complete and free of defects at the time of closing. things should work. If there are problems because of defects in materials and workmanship, as outlined above and described in more detail later, the Builder will arrange for their repair or replacement. If a problem results from actions by occupants of the home or others, or from ordinary wear and tear, the Builder is not responsible for the resulting repair or replacement.
The Rights of Your Home – We view your warranty in terms of what you, as our customer, have a right to expect. We view the issue of preventative maintenance in terms of what your home has a right to expect from you. None of the materials used in the construction of your home will last forever, however, most will last a long time if properly maintained. it is our desire to help you understand how to prolong the life of your home through regular maintenance that is appropriate for the types of materials used in your home.
What the Homeowner Has a Right to Expect from the Builder:
1. Soil Drainage — Your home has been placed on soil engineered to withstand the anticipated settlement based on soil conditions found in your area. lt should not settle in such a way as to create structural problems during the warranty period.
2. Concrete Surfaces —The concrete surfaces in your home should fulfill the functions for which they were intended without excessive settlement, cracking or secondary damage, such as leaking. Since concrete is likely to crack, standards are defined in the detailed Performance Standards which follow.
3. Structural Integrity — Since homes are constructed by human beings using a variety of materials, small tolerances are normal. What we consider unacceptable tolerances are defined in the detailed Performance Standards which follow.
4. Intrusion of the Elements — Your home should not leak Exceptions might occur such as when a driving rain forces water into vents, windows or under doors. Under normal circumstances, your home should protect you from the intrusion of the elements.
5. Mechanical Systems —Those systems installed in your home to provide power. water, treated air, ventilation and waste disposal should work.
6. Finished Surfaces — Finished surfaces should maintain uniform or characteristic appearances for a reasonable period of time. Cracks or surface deterioration should be repaired as provided in the Limited Warranty.
7. Care & Maintenance — Things wear out, components in your home should last a reasonable length of time (assuming you give them appropriate care and maintenance). This time will vary with geographical regions, the types of materials involved and usage. As time goes on, adjustments will be required.
What Your Home Has a Right to Expect from YOU!
l. Your home and lot were designed with a particular drainage pattern, which should carry rainwater away from the foundation. Water should not be directed to the edge of the foundation, either in the form of lot drainage or the watering of flowers.
2. Concrete surfaces should be free of salts (for ice), other de-icing chemicals and excessive weight such as a moving van. Yard drainage should be maintained to divert water away from concrete surfaces, if possible, to eliminate the chance it will undermine the surface and erode the bearing soil.
3. Structural alterations to the home must be performed by professionals who understand the load bearing requirements of the drainage. The reason that local municipalities require permits for building alterations is to make sure that the structural integrity of the home is maintained
4. In many cases, the seal around doors and windows is caulk. This material will require annual inspection and any necessary replacement after one to two years. Water from yard and lawn watering devices should not come in contact with the structure.
5. Since the mechanical systems of your home were designed for normal usage, placing unreasonable demands upon them will present problems. Plugging several electrical devices into one circuit may cause it to overload. Loading materials into a drain may cause it to clog. Undue weight should not be placed upon pipes or shower heads because they can break. Some devices must be cleaned periodically (e.g., furnace filters) so that they can do what they were designed to do.
6. Wood requires cleaning and sealing to prevent problems associated with water penetration and continual exposure to the elements. Painted or sealed surfaces must be cleaned and refinished according to the requirements of your geographic area. If this is not done, the surface will deteriorate.
7. Instructions for care and maintenance are included with many components of your home, including finished flooring, appliances and air~handling equipment. By following these instructions you will extend the life of these components.