Building a new home is an exciting journey with many benefits. One benefit is the new construction home warranties, which protect you from unexpected repairs and defects. These warranties offer peace of mind and financial security, ensuring your dream home remains in top condition.

What Is a New Construction Home Warranty?

A new construction home warranty is a guarantee provided by the builder (or a third-party warranty provider) to cover certain aspects of the build for a specific period. Also known as the Builder’s Warranty, this guarantee covers the cost and repair of workmanship, materials, mechanical systems, and the home’s structure for I-year, 2-years, and 10-years. You will often see this written as 1-2-10.

1-Year Builder Warranty for Workmanship & Materials

The one-year workmanship warranty provides surety-type coverage and backs the builder’s warranty for defects in workmanship and materials. Covered home components that do not meet the Construction Performance Standards during the first year will be repaired or replaced or you may be paid for the cost of repair or replacement.

CMS Homes 1-Year Workmanship and Materials Warranty covers defects and any issues with construction quality, including but not limited to the following items and features:

• Cabinets
• Carpet
• Ceramic tile
• Countertops
• Door panels
• Drywall
• Hardwood Floor
• Interior trim
• Paint
• Exterior siding
• Roof covering
• Windows

2-Year Mechanical Systems Warranty Coverage

The new-build systems warranty protects major mechanical systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, and typically lasts for two years. This provides surety-type coverage and backs the builder’s warranty for electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, ventilation, and mechanical systems defects. Covered components of a new home that do not meet the Construction Performance Standards during the first two years will be repaired or replaced or you may be paid for the cost of repair or replacement.

CMS Homes 2-year Systems Warranty covers:

• Ductwork
• HVAC
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Mechanical systems

10-Year Structural Warranty

The structural warranty covers major structural defects in the home’s foundation, load-bearing walls, and framing, usually for 10 years, and is valid from the day of closing. If a major structural defect occurs to a load-bearing element within the 10-year warranty term, it will be repaired, replaced, or paid for by the third-party surety company.

CMS Homes 10-year Structural Warranty includes the following:

• Load bearing structures
• Beams
• Floor Framing
• Foundation
• Walls
• Roof Framing

CMS Homes Includes 60-day & 10-month Warranty Repairs

In addition to the 1-2-10 warranties, CMS Homes in Troy, MO, includes 60-day and 10-month warranty repairs. During the first 60 days, new homes settle, humidity can be a factor, there might be nail pops, and it is not uncommon to find small material and workmanship issues that may not have been found in prior inspections. We do not want our new homeowners to panic and feel like they have to live with these issues, so we offer a CMS Homes guarantee to repair these items within the first 60 days or 10 months, until the Bonded Builders warranties begin.

Please visit our Warranty page for more detailed information on our specific warranty repair services, including what’s included and what constitutes an emergency warranty repair.

Why Are New Home Warranties Important?

When you build a home, a thorough and reliable new home warranty protects you from feeling vulnerable and provides physical comfort, financial security, and peace of mind.

The benefits of a new construction warranty include:

1. Protection Against Defects – Even the best builders can make mistakes, and a warranty ensures that any defects or issues will be addressed at no extra cost.
2. Financial Savings – Repairing major structural issues or system failures can be expensive. A warranty protects you from these unexpected costs.
3. Peace of Mind – Knowing that your investment is protected allows you to enjoy your home without worrying about hidden problems.
4. Increased Resale Value – If you decide to sell your home within the warranty period, a transferable warranty can make your property more attractive to buyers.

How to Maximize Your Home Warranty

To maximize your new home warranty, review your warranty coverage upfront to understand what is covered in what time frame and for how long. You also want to keep an eye on potential issues before your warranties expire. A good way to do this is to print out what’s covered by your warranty and perform regular inspections on those items. It is also prudent to keep solid records and documentation of repairs and communications with your builder.

If you need a warranty repair, be sure to submit claims properly and report issues as soon as they arise to ensure timely repairs and the ability to group repairs to save time.

CMS Homes has a warranty claims specialist, Jacob Wilson, who is also our Service Manager. Jacob understands the construction process in detail, so he walks homeowners through the claims process, answers questions, and manages all claims. He sends warranty information emails as soon as your closing date is finalized and provides an easy, user-friendly online experience through Buildertrend, where you report warranty claims, schedule them, and communicate in a way that works best for you and your schedule.

A New Construction Warranty: What It Is Not

A new construction warranty is not a home warranty, which is an optional service contract purchased by the homeowner for items like appliances. A home warranty is typically purchased when buying an aging home that has the potential for imminent repairs.

Additionally, a new build warranty is a warranty and not insurance. It does not replace your builder’s general liability insurance or your homeowner’s insurance.

Builder’s New Home Warranties: A Safeguard for Homeowners

A builder’s new home warranty is a crucial safeguard for homeowners, offering financial protection and peace of mind. That’s why it’s a good idea if you’re considering building a home to learn about the builder’s warranties up front to help you select your builder.

Then, before moving into your newly built home, take time to understand your home’s warranty, document any concerns, ask questions, get to know your warranty specialist, and maintain communication. By doing so, you can ensure your home remains in excellent condition for years to come.

Ready to Build a Home in the Troy, Missouri Area?

CMS Homes offers one of the most comprehensive warranty programs in the area and our dedicated warranty specialist makes understanding and utilizing your warranty a breeze. Stop in and see us at Orchard Grove to learn about building in one of our beautiful communities or to build on your land. We look forward to meeting you!