Building homes is a very complex thing. The National Association of Home Builders estimates that over 3,000 components are used in constructing a house. The single most problematic component for Residential Warranty Company, LLC (RWC) is the foundation, a wall of concrete block resting on a footing, supporting the full weight of the house, its contents, and inhabitants. This component is arguably the most important component. Why then is it the most problematic?

When designing and constructing a concrete block (CMU) foundation there are many very important elements that need to be considered. The single biggest dynamic that we are faced with is resistance to lateral movement. The forces that laterally impact CMU foundations should be considered when using this method of foundation construction. Steel reinforcement, introduction of pilasters, solid grout along with rebar in hollow cores and attention to backfill and soil types go a long way in constructing an adequate foundation wall that can resist lateral forces.

There are external factors that can affect CMU foundation performance. The height of the backfill along with the type of soil (clay, shale, sandy, expansive, etc.) may have required special attention when it was placed. The installation of perimeter drain systems whether internal or external will be evaluated. Is a sump pump installed and has the homeowner been proactive in using and maintaining the system? If the system is day lighted, is the line clear and does it function properly? Hydrostatic pressure created from over saturated soil has tremendous weight that can test the limits of the foundation wall if a potential water condition is not mitigated.

When a claim is made to RWC, a fact-finding inspection is ordered. A licensed professional engineer is scheduled to visit the home and assess all aspects of the condition reported. RWC will contact you and ask for any documentation you have regarding the construction of this home. If upon review of the fact-finding inspection report in relation to the Limited Warranty applicable to the home, the condition of the defect meets the specified criteria for coverage, RWC is obligated to take action. In most instances the mode of foundation movement is lateral and our responsibility is to restore the load-bearing function of the foundation wall. The engineer will evaluate the unbalanced fill condition as he evaluates the foundation wall. Any actions that the homeowner may have taken regarding landscaping, patio installation, modifications to the downspout locations or re-routing of the downspouts along with overall grading and drainage that may have been modified after the home was delivered by the Builder, are noted and taken into consideration.

During this phase of the claim, RWC will again reach out to your company. As the Builder, you have the most knowledge about this home. You have been intimate with this structure from the first idea that a home should be constructed until settlement changes title to your buyer. We understand and respect that you are most knowledgeable. We rely on your expert knowledge and ask that you provide us with the details regarding how this foundation was designed and built. This will include requests for drawings and details regarding any service orders or warranty claims that you have dealt in the first two years of the homes life. Anything that you can provide to us so we can carefully evaluate every aspect of this covered condition.

RWC will be required to provide a settlement offer, or in some cases, make repairs that will restore the load-bearing function to the CMU foundation. We are not obligated to rebuild the foundation wall however this may be necessary dependent on the severity of the lateral displacement. Our efforts commonly involve reinforcement utilizing solid core grouting and rebar installation and more recently the use of carbon fiber reinforcement. This work is most often performed from the interior of the home negating the extensive cost of exterior excavation. It is important to recognize that this work will be accomplished in accordance with a sealed structural repair plan provided by a licensed engineer and the work will be certified at completion by the same professional. Remember, the Limited Warranty requires that the load-bearing function be restored, that does not necessarily mean that a wall that shows signs of lateral movement needs to be plumb when the repairs are complete.

RWC understands that you are truly professional Builders. When we have to deal with this significant structural problem we know you have done your due diligence throughout the construction process and you will be able to provide us with the important data we need to ensure a fair evaluation of the claim and an adequate repair when required.

Written by Don Sechler, RWC Warranty Resolution

The new home building industry saw positive improvements over the past few years and continues to be on the upswing. The nation’s vacant home inventory is becoming depleted and new homes are being built to meet the demand. Buyers have more confidence so not only are homes being built, but they’re being bought.

What are you doing to entice buyers and set yourself apart from your competitors? What kind of bells and whistles are you including in your homes that other builders are not? How are you promoting your quality and strength? What’s your response to a potential buyer when they ask, “What if I have a problem in my home?”

That’s a real concern for buyers. None of us can forget how difficult the economy has been in the past. Home buyers, especially want to be assured they’re getting the most for their money and that they’re purchasing a home from a reputable, quality builder.

By providing RWC’s warranty, you’re proving to your customers that if there’s a problem in their home, it will be corrected. We investigate all of our members. We want to be sure RWC members have a solid reputation, build a quality home, have financial strength, and provide excellent customer service. You don’t just subscribe to RWC. You earn your membership, so be sure to proudly include and display the fact that you’re an RWC member. Add our logo to your printed materials and media advertising and add a link on your website to our Homeowners page.

This will also help you compete against resale homes on the market. Most resale homes include a third party warranty. Quality, reputation, reliability, warranties and assurance are all very important factors in a home buying decision.

Have you ever had a difficult homeowner after the sale? RWC can help you there, too. Our dispute resolution process is extremely effective. We have trained individuals that assist you and your homeowner through a free mediation process. Mediation is efficient and effective. From time to time, a homeowner isn’t satisfied with the outcome. For those occasions, binding arbitration is available. Again, RWC’s staff assists the parties through this process. It’s not necessary for you to hire an attorney.

Now that homebuilding is gearing up again, be sure to emphasize your advantages. Don’t miss out on sales because you didn’t promote yourself adequately. In addition to your company’s profile information, be sure to advertise that you provide an insured, third party warranty from the nation’s largest warranty company. The benefits are numerous for your homebuyers and for you.

When a builder provides a warranty on a newly built home, what exactly does that mean to your buyer and to you? It means protection, security, peace of mind and value. And a warranty from Residential Warranty Company, LLC will provide just that. One of the least expensive, longest lasting products a builder can purchase for the homes they build is an RWC warranty.

So why exactly is RWC your best choice?

OPTIONS: The RWC “Menu of Choices” allows you the ability to offer the best Warranty program for your business. From our FHA/VA accepted Standard 10 Year Warranty to our Day 1 Coverage Warranty to our Customized State New Home Warranty to our Remodelers Warranty and more, we have what your business needs.

FLEXIBILITY: RWC’s members are able to pick and choose which Warranty options to use and which projects they wish to enroll. We do not require 100% enrollment on detached homes.

MARKETING FEATURES: RWC provides its members with FREE attractive marketing materials to help promote your business and set yourself apart from your competition.

EASY: RWC offers online enrollment, the ability to order marketing materials, renew memberships and run reports through Warranty Express.

EXPERIENCE: RWC has been in business for 35+ years and has warranted over 3 million homes to date. The average tenure of our employees is 18 years.

STRENGTH: RWC’s insurer, Western Pacific Mutual Insurance Company (WPMIC), A Risk Retention Group, is A.M. Best rated “A- (Excellent)”. WPMIC insures only our thoroughly screened builder members and no other catastrophic risks such as planes, trains or automobiles, which can affect an insurer’s strength and equity. Less risk equals more strength. In fact, WPMIC currently has over $111 million in surplus equity.

CREDIBILITY: RWC’s membership criteria presents us with the strongest builder members. This screening process reinforces your credibility as an RWC member.

PROTECTION: RWC offers FREE mediation. When needed, binding arbitration is also available. Both offer effective resolution for Warranty disputes. This reduces your risk of litigation and legal fees.

ADVOCACY: RWC provides support to the Home Building Industry through our involvement and financial contributions as a member of local, state and national Home Builder Associations across the United States.

Our mission is to provide a level of security to homeowners and Builders alike. We can help you in maintaining or improving your customer service, define and limit your liability, and provide the warranty and insurance products your company needs. For more information, don’t hesitate to call 800-247-1812 x2149 or email sales@rwcwarranty.com.