Homeowners warranty: top 8 maintenance & repairs FAQs answered
At the end of each new home build we’re always delighted to hand the keys over to the new homeowner – confident that our work has been completed to the highest degree. Whether it’s an investment property development or a new home build, every project is proudly guaranteed with a homeowners’ warranty.
But what happens if there is a structural problem or an appliance breaks down? Who’s responsible for the repairs? Our customers often have similar questions about new home build warranty inclusions so in this article we’ve pulled together the top 8 queries we’re frequently asked about maintenance and repairs in relation to homeowners warranties after a build is complete.
1. Who is responsible for the maintenance of a new home build?
The upkeep of a new home is entirely the new home owner’s responsibility and this goes beyond regular tasks such as mowing the lawns and washing the floors. It’s important to make relevant seasonal and annual checks of your property and your appliances.
We also recommend that you take the time to read the manuals that come with your appliances. A simple tip for organising and maintaining a newly built home is to keep a folder for the manuals of all your new appliances to ensure essential information is easy to access.
2. How often should homeowners’ maintenance be done?
- Seasonal maintenance: Air conditioning filter cleaning, gutters, rainwater tank filter cleaning and landscaping should be serviced seasonally.
- Annual inspection: Certain systems such as garage door servicing requires an annual inspection to keep warranties valid. Pest inspection, particularly for termites, is also advised.
A handy homeowner maintenance checklist to add to your to-do’s may include:
- Cleaning gutters
- Air-con filters, cleaned every 3 months.
- Testing smoke alarms
- Keeping gardens and lawns properly maintained
- Cleaning windows and sliding door tracks
- Cleaning glass with appropriate solutions
- Keeping gas cooktop jets clean
- Dishwasher maintenance and cleaning
- Silicone spray door hinge maintenance
- Appropriate use of cleaning chemicals in wet areas
- Cleaning stainless steel appliances
- Hard floor cleaning suitable for your type of flooring
3. What is generally covered under the homeowners warranty?
- Structural: Coverage often includes foundations, load-bearing walls, and the structural integrity of the building.
- Systems: Air conditioning, electrical and plumbing systems may have coverage for a certain period.
- Appliances: Some installed appliances might have separate warranties (often handled directly by manufacturers or the builder/ supplier).
- Exclusions: Normal wear and tear, and damages due to misuse are typically not covered.
4. How long does the homeowners warranty last?
- New Construction: Generally, warranties are valid for 6 years for structural issues and 2 years for non structural.
- Products/Appliances: Warranties vary widely, from 1–5 years on appliances to a lifetime on specific components. It is best to check with the user manual or with your builder or supplier on these warranties.
5. How do I make a warranty claim?
- Contact the builder or supplier first. The best way to start the process is to send an email to the builder / supplier. Include the following information: address, your name, email and phone number, description of issue and clear photos and/or videos.
- Response Time: Typical response time may range from 24–72 hours for initial contact. Once the service call has been placed by the builder or supplier, depending on the urgency, the service agent is usually in contact with the owner or tenant within 24-48 hours.
6. What voids the warranty?
- Unauthorised Repairs : Using unapproved or unlicensed contractors or making unauthorised repairs can void the warranty.
- Negligence: Failing to perform recommended maintenance can also invalidate coverage.
- Modifying the original work completed: Modifying work after handover will void warranty.
7. Who is responsible for contacting service providers?
- Typically, while a property is still under warranty the owners or real estate should contact the builder for advice before proceeding.
8. Are emergency repairs covered?
- The builder must always be notified before any works are carried out. The warranty does not cover emergencies caused by occupier damage.
- If an emergency occurs on a weekend and is covered under warranty, the builder will require full documentation (photos and invoice) for reimbursement providing the owner cannot engage the builder. The weekend emergency repairs must be carried out by a licensed contractor.
Confidence guaranteed: feel free to ask us more
Valley Homes is the Maitland builder with extensive industry experience and long-standing supplier connections. We value quality and durability. Our new home build warranty ensures client’s confidence in our craftsmanship and their new home appliances. We’re here to support clients and that’s why we offer comprehensive homeowners warranty inclusions.
If you need to know more or you have another question not covered here, don’t hesitate to call us today, the friendly team at Valley Homes is always here to help.
