The passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act marks a major step toward addressing America's housing shortage while supporting the residential construction industry. By reducing regulatory barriers, encouraging innovative building methods, and promoting the development of new housing, the legislation is expected to help builders deliver more homes to meet growing demand.

For builders, this creates new opportunities—but also increased responsibility. As more homes are built and more families achieve homeownership, buyers will continue to expect quality construction backed by trusted protection. That's where Residential Warranty Company (RWC) plays an essential role.

Supporting Builders in a Changing Housing Market
The ROAD to Housing Act is designed to streamline housing development and expand access to affordable homes by cutting bureaucratic red tape, increasing private investment, and modernizing federal housing programs. As builders respond to these opportunities, maintaining customer confidence becomes increasingly important.

Key Components of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act

Streamlining Construction & Planning: The law cuts costly red tape by streamlining and expanding exemptions from lengthy federal environmental reviews. It also empowers local communities to speed up permitting by utilizing pre-approved “pattern book” designs (such as duplexes and townhouses) and establishes guidelines for point-access block (single-stair) multifamily buildings.

Expanding Financing & Investment: It encourages private construction lending by lifting the Public Welfare Investment cap for supervised banks, increasing community banking operations, and updating FHA multifamily and manufactured housing loan limits. It also makes community land trusts eligible for HOME Program funding and adds new construction as an eligible use under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

Protecting Individual Homebuyers: To expand access for everyday families, the law curbs unfair competition by restricting large institutional investors from buying additional single-family homes if they already own a massive portfolio.

An RWC structural warranty helps builders demonstrate their commitment to quality while providing valuable protection for homeowners. Backed by decades of experience, RWC warranty programs help reduce builder risk, offer a clear process for addressing structural warranty claims, and provide homeowners with added peace of mind.

Building Consumer Confidence
Today's homebuyers are making one of the largest investments of their lives. In a market where affordability and value are top priorities, a structural warranty offers reassurance that their new home is protected against qualified structural defects.

For builders, offering an RWC warranty can help:

• Differentiate your business in a competitive marketplace.
• Reinforce your reputation for quality craftsmanship.
• Increase buyer confidence during the purchasing process.
• Provide third-party warranty protection that supports long-term customer satisfaction.

Preparing for Growth
As the housing industry continues to evolve, builders who combine efficient construction practices with strong consumer protections will be best positioned for long-term success. Legislative efforts like the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act are expected to encourage additional residential development, making trusted partnerships more valuable than ever.

Residential Warranty Company remains committed to supporting builders with industry-leading structural warranty programs, risk management resources, and exceptional customer service. Together, we can help build stronger communities while giving homebuyers the confidence they deserve. Whether you’re building your first home of the year or your thousandth, RWC is proud to be your partner in protecting what matters most.

You know homebuyers. They always have lots of questions. And not only just for you but they want to know about the products you used in their home. Below are many of the questions we get on a regular basis about the warranty you are providing with the homes you build. We just thought you should know in case any of these questions come up in your own conversations with your customers.  If you need more information, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

What is the value of an RWC warranty to my homebuyers?
- An RWC warranty provides insured, written coverage on various items for a specific period of time.
- Third party assistance to resolve customer service issues is available under all of our programs.
- Homeowners receive a clearly written warranty document spelling out exactly what is and is not covered.
- The resale value of your buyer’s home is increased when our warranty is transferred to the next owner.
- Homeowners have assurance that assistance is available if a covered item is defective.
- Builders wishing to use RWC or an Affiliate’s warranty must demonstrate technical competence, financial stability and ethical business dealings with their customers. Knowing that your builder is a member of one of our programs is assurance that these standards have been met or exceeded.
- The average cost to repair a structural failure exceeds $30,000. Having a warranty in place means that covered structural components will be repaired without causing you or your homeowner serious financial hardship.
- There is a greater likelihood of a major structural defect developing in a home than there is a fire which causes major damage. Homeowners probably have insurance to protect against fire damage. Why not be protected from structural failures as well?

What exactly is covered under my warranty?
RWC and Affiliates have over 75 different warranty options. So the answer to this question depends on which warranty was placed on the home. Coverage varies depending on the program selected by the Builder and the state in which the home is located. Refer to the warranty book received at closing for exact coverage and warranty terms.

How does a homeowner start the claims process?
The specific procedures to address a potential defect in a home are spelled out in the warranty book. The homeowner must send written documentation either by email to RWC at warranty.resolution@rwcwarranty.com or via certified mail, return receipt requested in order to initiate this process. We do not accept telephone or fax requests at this time.

What are mediation and arbitration?
RWC knows that, in the majority of cases, the root of many disputes is the lack of communication between a builder and a homeowner. Sometimes, all it takes to get an issue resolved is someone to take on the role of mediator and assist the others in coming to a fair and reasonable agreement, based on the warranty standards provided. Prior to heading to formal arbitration or costly litigation, RWC does its best to mediate disputes between Members and Homeowners.

Arbitration is a formal process conducted by an independent, neutral arbitrator to resolve disputes between two or more parties. In the case of our warranty programs, RWC uses arbitrators experienced in arbitrating residential construction matters. Unless prohibited by law, the decision of the arbitrator under our programs is binding on all parties, including the homeowner as well as the builder.

Your buyer has questions about the paperwork received regarding their home’s enrollment (duplicate book, incorrect information on Application for Warranty, etc). How do they contact RWC?
For questions regarding the Application for Warranty Form or any other Enrollment Paperwork issue, the homeowner may contact our main office at 717-561-4480 or click here and fill out our information request form.