Home Warranty Do’s and Don’ts
Are you in the market for a home in Edmonton? One important decision that comes up in the home-buying process is whether or not you’ll need to purchase a home warranty. Understanding the do’s and don’ts of buying a home warranty can help take some burden off trading up to your dream property – plus give you peace of mind down the road!
A home warranty offers protection against potential breakdowns, malfunctions, and repair costs for your newly purchased property. But it’s also important to know exactly what to look out for when deciding on such a purchase.
We’ll help demystify this process with helpful tips so that you can make an informed decision about purchasing a home warranty plan that’s right for your needs. Read on for more information about Home Warranty Do’s And Don’ts!
DO – Discover Whether You Need To Buy A Warranty Or Not
In Alberta, Canada, all newly built homes come with a mandatory home warranty as per the New Home Buyer Protection Act. This warranty includes a minimum of one year for labour and materials, two years for defects in labour and materials related to heating, plumbing and electrical systems, five years for building envelope protection, and ten years for major structural components.
However, for older homes or homes sold by owners (AKA resale), a home warranty will most likely not be included unless it was built within the last ten years. In such cases, purchasing a home warranty could be a prudent step. Particularly, if the home appliances and systems are aging and likely to require repairs or replacements in the near future.
On the contrary, if you’re buying a new build home, or if the major systems and appliances in the home are still under manufacturer’s warranties, you might not feel the need to purchase a separate home warranty.
DON’T – Assume Everything Is Covered
It’s important to note that not all systems and appliances in a home are covered by a home warranty. Generally, most warranties cover major systems such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing and exterior siding. However, they don’t usually cover items like refrigerators, dishwashers or washers and dryers. Some warranties may also not cover pre-existing conditions or wear and tear, so it’s essential to read the fine print and understand the terms of your warranty before signing on the dotted line.
In addition, even if an item is covered by a home warranty, there may be certain exclusions you should take into account. For example, some warranties will not cover the cost of any repair or replacement if it is due to incorrect installation or misuse. It’s important to ask your home warranty provider for a list of all exclusions, so you know exactly what is and isn’t covered.
DO – Research into the Home Warranty: Understand the Terms, Conditions, and Covered Items
When it comes to protecting your home, having a home warranty can provide much-needed peace of mind. But before you commit to any plan, it’s essential to do your research.
Understanding the terms and conditions of the warranty will help you determine what’s covered and what’s not. Take the time to carefully read through the policy and ask any questions you may have. Knowing which items are covered under the warranty can save you a lot of money and stress in the long run.
With the right home warranty plan, you can feel confident that your home is protected from unexpected repairs and expenses.
DON’T – Forget to Read Reviews for the Home Warranty Company – This Can Help You Make an Informed Decision
If you’re purchasing a home warranty from a third-party provider such as Blanket Home Warranty or National Home Warranty, it’s important to do your research.
One simple way to do this is by reading reviews. By taking the time to read reviews, you can gain valuable insights into the experiences of other customers. Did they have a positive experience with the company? Were there any issues with the service provided?
Ultimately, this information can help you make an informed decision and choose a home warranty company that will provide the coverage and service you need. So next time you’re in the market for a home warranty, don’t forget to take a look at what other homeowners have to say.
DO – Keep Track of Your Claims; This Will Help you Better Utilize Your Home Warranty
When it comes to owning a home, unexpected repairs can quickly become a financial burden. One way to ease this burden is by investing in a home warranty. However, simply purchasing the warranty isn’t always enough.
To fully utilize its benefits, it’s crucial to keep track of any claims you make. By tracking your claims, you can ensure that you’re getting the most out of your warranty and identifying areas where you may need additional coverage. Don’t let unforeseen repairs catch you off guard, stay on top of your home warranty claims for a more stress-free homeownership experience.
DON’T – Wait Until the Last Minute to Report Problems or Submit a Claim; This Could Lead to Delays in Repairs
When it comes to reporting problems or submitting claims, procrastination is never a good idea. Waiting until the last minute could result in delays in repairs.
Imagine a scenario where a small issue, like a leaky faucet, is left unreported for weeks. Over time, the problem could escalate into a major plumbing disaster, causing more damage and calling for more time-consuming and costly repairs.
By addressing issues as soon as they arise, you’re not only protecting your property but also saving time and money. So, don’t wait until it’s too late. Make reporting issues and submitting claims a top priority – your future self will thank you for it!
DO – Use the Builder’s Resources
It’s important to have access to information about your home warranties. For example, Sterling Homes offers a homeowner’s portal on their website to support new homebuyers. The portal provides helpful resources such as warranty details, policy reviews, and contact information for builder representatives.
By utilizing these resources, you can make an informed decision about your home warranty and ensure you receive proper coverage.
Don’t – Forget to Review Your Warranty Regularly To Ensure it is Still Meeting Your Needs
You may think that once you sign up for a home warranty, the job is done. But that’s not always the case. It’s important to regularly review your policy and make sure it is still meeting your needs. Ask important questions like:
- Are there any additional items or systems that should be covered?
- Is the coverage enough to protect you from unforeseen repairs?
- Are there areas where you could benefit from higher limits?
Taking the time to review your home warranty periodically will help ensure that you have the right coverage and protection for your home. Don’t let an unexpected repair catch you off guard – take a few minutes to review your policy today!
A Home Warranty is a crucial part of your home purchase and one that should not be taken lightly. Do your research and make sure you understand the terms, conditions, and coverage of the warranty.
When filing claims, try to stay organized and maintain records which could help you get the most out of your Home Warranty policy.
Additionally, don’t delay in submitting a claim as this could cause unwelcome delays in repairs. Depending on your situation, it may be beneficial to add extra coverage for unforeseen circumstances or events. Regular review of the policy is also necessary as over time needs may change. For further information on home warranties feel free to contact Sterling Homes anytime!
Originally published January 10, 2018, updated September 14, 2023
About the Author:
At Sterling Homes, our mission is to provide the opportunity for affordable homeownership without compromise. Over the last 70 years, Sterling Edmonton has quickly become one of Edmonton’s most popular builders. We bring more than seven decades worth of exceptional customer service, superior design and unparalleled craftsmanship to the greater Edmonton area. As a member of the Qualico Group, Sterling Homes focuses on greater Edmonton’s finest family communities, while being able to offer some of the region’s most family friendly prices thanks to volume purchasing power for materials, trades and land. This has not only made Sterling one of Edmonton’s bestselling, move-up builders, but also one of the industry’s most respected home providers. It is through our uncompromising commitment to our customers that we proudly deliver the Sterling Advantage – that’s why each and every home we build includes a 10-year home warranty, a completion guarantee and new home warranty excellence rating. Our Advantage is our pledge that, when you build your dream home with Sterling, we will deliver a timely, well-built home you’re sure to enjoy for years to come.
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