Buying a new build home, how much warranty is normal from the builder?

[Anonymous]

Hi,

We're thinking of buying a newly built home in the DC MD area. How much warranty is normal for the builder to provide? for structural and non-structural elements.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Montgomery County Code 31C requires that new home builders be licensed before contracting to build new homes. This licensing also means that the home purchaser is coveredma by the Maryland Home Builder's Registration Unit's Guaranty Fund . In addition, County law also requires the builder to provide certain warranties to the new home buyer.
Warranty Requirements

For one year, the new home is warranted to be free from any defect in materials or workmanship, subject to the performance standards, limitations and exclusions listed below.
For two years, the new home is warranted to be free from any defect in the electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, ventilating, and mechanical systems, subject to the performance standards, limitations, and exclusions listed below.
For five years, the new home is warranted to be free from any major structural defect, subject to the performance standards, limitations, and exclusions listed below.


https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp/a_z/home_ownership/warranties.html

[Anonymous]

After a year, we did a walkthrough where they fixed anything I complained about and fixed ALL the nail pops. Various times over the first year I asked for work on the flagstone, repaint my porch, and the builder did it all at no charge. It's been 3 years since I bought my house. I know if I called my builder and said something wasn't working, he would come over that week to fix it. Find a builder like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:After a year, we did a walkthrough where they fixed anything I complained about and fixed ALL the nail pops. Various times over the first year I asked for work on the flagstone, repaint my porch, and the builder did it all at no charge. It's been 3 years since I bought my house. I know if I called my builder and said something wasn't working, he would come over that week to fix it. Find a builder like that.

You mind me asking the name of your builder? Sounds like a solid person that stands behind their work. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Not in MD or DC, but we are with a VA new builder. Ours is structured as follows:

-1 year builder liability for everything indoors (like appliances, heating/Ac, cosmetic, etc)
-3 years (electrical and plumbing) or anything due to water damages
-10 years structural damages.

[Anonymous]

We went with a known builder and some things were 1 yr warranty and some were 3 yr. They were a PITA to deal with. Its like they hired Maxine for their warranty dept.

[Anonymous]

Everything for 1 year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Everything for 1 year.

This would be a violation of the law in MoCo.

[Anonymous]

Also everything for 1 year, and actually trying to get them to come out was a massive PITA. seems like maybe I had the same builder as PP....

[Anonymous]

I think the one I'm building now is 1 year with the builder, but then a 10 year warranty through a third party.

[Anonymous]

It all varies by builder and changes based on market supply/demand. Ten years ago the same builders offered more extensive warranties than today. MoCo county rules aren’t typical in other areas, so disregard if that’s not your purchase area.

[Anonymous]

Just be sure the builder is licensed!!! Check with MoCo or local jurisdiction. Some use loopholes and its buyer beware