Here’s what you need to know about the 1-year new home warranty inspection. This is one aspect of EKAN’s home inspection business that can assist the homeowner in understanding their coverage and provide support documentation for a claim.
When a homeowner completes a renovation with a reputable contractor, there will be as a minimum a one year labour and material warranty on the work performed. In the course of that first year post-construction period, various items may be discovered that are deficient, including:
- Missing or incomplete items
- Sub-standard workmanship
- Non-functional components
These issues can certainly be frustrating. But the good news is that you don’t have just accept it and live with it.
The homeowner has exactly 12 months to identify the deficiencies and notify the contractor. The majority of contractors are conscientious and will return to make repairs under warranty because they are contractually obligated to do so. However if the homeowner delays reporting the issues beyond one year, the contractor is no longer responsible for those items.
Remember these points when it comes to warranty work:
- Keep your construction contract documents.
- Understand your warranty policy.
- Know your warranty expiry (anniversary) dates.
- If you believe you have a legitimate deficiency, file the claim at the earliest possible time and no later than 4-6 weeks before the anniversary date.
You’ve paid for that 1-year waranty. It’s there to be used when needed. But remember it does expire.