Warranty

What is a Warranty?

A warranty is a contractor's written guarantee that their work and materials will be free from defects for a specified period after project completion. It provides clients with protection and contractors with a competitive advantage.

Warranties demonstrate confidence in work quality and build trust with clients.

Types of Warranties

Workmanship Warranty

Guarantees that all work was performed according to industry standards and contract specifications.

Typical Duration: 1-2 years for most construction work.

Material Warranty

Covers defects in materials supplied by the contractor.

Typical Duration: Varies by manufacturer, often 1-10+ years.

System Warranties

Comprehensive coverage for entire systems like roofing, HVAC, or electrical.

Typical Duration: Often longer than individual component warranties.

Common Warranty Periods

General Construction: 1 year comprehensive warranty.

Roofing: 2-5 years on workmanship, 10-50 years on materials.

HVAC Systems: 1 year installation, 5-10 years equipment.

Electrical Work: 1-2 years on installation.

Plumbing: 1 year on installation, varies on fixtures.

Flooring: 1 year installation, material warranties vary widely.

What Warranties Cover

Covered Items

• Defective workmanship
• Material failures (if supplied by contractor)
• System malfunctions due to improper installation
• Structural issues from faulty construction

Excluded Items

• Normal wear and tear
• Damage from misuse or neglect
• Acts of nature (storms, floods, earthquakes)
• Damage from other contractors
• Changes made by others after completion

Warranty Best Practices

For Contractors

Clear Documentation: Provide written warranty terms with specific coverage details.

Prompt Response: Address warranty claims quickly and professionally.

Quality Control: Implement systems to minimize warranty callbacks.

Insurance Protection: Maintain insurance coverage for potential warranty claims.

For Clients

Keep Documentation: Save all warranty paperwork and receipts.

Regular Maintenance: Follow recommended maintenance to keep warranties valid.

Report Issues Early: Don't wait until warranty expires to report problems.

Use Authorized Repairs: Unauthorized repairs may void warranties.

Legal Considerations

State Requirements: Many states mandate minimum warranty periods for construction work.

Implied Warranties: Legal protections that exist even without written warranties.

Limitation Language: Specific wording required to limit warranty scope legally.

Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all warranty service provided.

Managing Warranty Claims

1. Document the Issue: Photos, descriptions, and timeline of problems.
2. Review Coverage: Verify claim falls within warranty terms.
3. Schedule Inspection: Assess the problem and determine cause.
4. Perform Repairs: Complete warranty work promptly and professionally.
5. Update Records: Document all warranty service for future reference.