Your Guide to Buying a Home Out of State
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Buying a new construction home is exciting. You get to be the first person to live in the home, choose many of the finishes, and enjoy a home designed around you.
But even a brand-new home may have a few things that need attention after you move in. Maybe a door or cabinet needs an adjustment, you notice a small issue with a finish, or something with one of your appliances isn't working quite the way it should. That's where a new construction home warranty comes in.
A builder warranty is designed to give homeowners peace of mind by explaining what the builder will address if certain covered issues come up after you move in. Knowing how your warranty works can help you feel more prepared and confident as you settle into your new home.
What Is a New Construction Home Warranty?
A new construction home warranty is a warranty provided by the builder that covers certain defects or issues with the home's construction, materials, workmanship, systems, or structure.
Think of it as a guide for what happens if something isn't quite right with your new home. The warranty outlines which items are covered, how long they're covered, and what you need to do if you find an issue.
It's important to remember that not every builder warranty is the same. Coverage and timeframes can vary, so you'll want to read the warranty for your specific home and understand what's included before you close.
What Does a New Home Warranty Cover?
The answer depends on the builder and the specific warranty program, but coverage can include certain issues related to the home's workmanship, materials, systems, and structural components.
For example, covered items may include certain issues with:
- Doors and windows
- Drywall and interior finishes
- Flooring and other installed materials
- Plumbing
- Electrical systems
- Heating and cooling systems
- Structural components
Different parts of the home may have different warranty periods. Some items may be covered for a shorter amount of time, while major structural components may have much longer coverage.
That's why it's helpful to look beyond simply asking "How long is the warranty?" The more important question is "What does the warranty cover and for how long?"
What Isn't Covered by a Builder Warranty?
A builder warranty doesn't cover every repair or maintenance issue that can come up during homeownership.
For example, normal wear and tear, damage caused by the homeowner, improper maintenance, or changes made to the home after construction may not be covered.
There's also a difference between a builder warranty and homeowners insurance. A builder warranty generally addresses certain covered construction-related issues, while homeowners insurance is designed to help protect your home from certain unexpected events and types of damage.
Your warranty documents should explain the specific exclusions and homeowner responsibilities, so be sure to review them carefully.
What Should You Look for in a New Construction Warranty?
When you're comparing new construction homes, the builder's warranty is worth a closer look.
Rather than focusing only on the number of years advertised, take a few minutes to understand what that coverage actually means. Look at the types of items covered, the length of coverage, exclusions, and how easy it is to submit a warranty request.
It's also helpful to know what support is available after you move in. A clear warranty process and responsive customer care can make a big difference in your experience as a new homeowner.
At M/I Homes, we know that buying a new home is about more than choosing the right floorplan and finishes. It's also about feeling confident in the home you're investing in and knowing you'll have support after you move in.
That's why we provide our M/I Homes Warranty for each home we build. In addition to our structural warranty coverage, our Customer Care team is here to help homeowners navigate warranty needs and questions after closing.
Ready to find a new home of your own? Explore our new homes to browse M/I Homes communities, floorplans, and available homes in your area. With thoughtful designs, quality construction, and support beyond closing, we're here to help you feel confident every step of the way.
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