HOW DOES MY WARRANTY WORK?
Fantastic news - your builder has chosen to provide a warranty for your home. What's even more promising is that, unlike some vague implied warranties or informal handshake agreements, the RWC warranty comes with clearly written and well-defined standards that outline responsibilities. To get a better handle on how warranties work, here are some insights that'll help you make sense of it all.
What exactly is a structural warranty?
A structural warranty is a written agreement for an established length of time, between the builder and the homeowner. It clearly defines the builder’s responsibility related to craftsmanship & quality. Homeowners are protected from unacceptable work or defects in materials & construction.
A structural warranty is a written agreement for an established length of time, between the builder and the homeowner. It clearly defines the builder’s responsibility related to craftsmanship & quality. Homeowners are protected from unacceptable work or defects in materials & construction.
What’s covered under MY warranty?
It all depends on which warranty your builder chose for your home. RWC offers several varieties, so you would need to check with your builder or consult the warranty book for details. However, in general terms, your builder is responsible for correcting warranted defects which do not meet the standards for the time period specified in your warranty book. If your builder is unable to meet his or her warranty obligations, RWC will assist you.
It all depends on which warranty your builder chose for your home. RWC offers several varieties, so you would need to check with your builder or consult the warranty book for details. However, in general terms, your builder is responsible for correcting warranted defects which do not meet the standards for the time period specified in your warranty book. If your builder is unable to meet his or her warranty obligations, RWC will assist you.
What things are NOT covered under the warranty?
Generally speaking, this is a structural warranty, so load bearing beams, columns, trusses & foundations are examples of items that are typically covered. Examples of things that are NOT covered are driveways, shingles, fences, & appliances.* Refer to your warranty book for a full list of exclusions). You as the homeowner are also responsible for maintaining your home, from changing light bulbs to keeping proper drainage patterns. If you fail to care for your property and the neglect causes damage, it will not be covered under the warranty.
Generally speaking, this is a structural warranty, so load bearing beams, columns, trusses & foundations are examples of items that are typically covered. Examples of things that are NOT covered are driveways, shingles, fences, & appliances.* Refer to your warranty book for a full list of exclusions). You as the homeowner are also responsible for maintaining your home, from changing light bulbs to keeping proper drainage patterns. If you fail to care for your property and the neglect causes damage, it will not be covered under the warranty.
*These items may be covered by warranties issued by the manufacturer or supplier. If applicable, your builder should pass them onto you at closing.
Do I REALLY need a warranty?
You may believe that nothing can possibly go wrong with your new home, but think again. Houses settle, soil shifts, and problems may not be unveiled for years. Without warranty coverage, a Major Structural Defect can cause huge headaches, drain your emergency fund, and conceivably end up in a courtroom.
You may believe that nothing can possibly go wrong with your new home, but think again. Houses settle, soil shifts, and problems may not be unveiled for years. Without warranty coverage, a Major Structural Defect can cause huge headaches, drain your emergency fund, and conceivably end up in a courtroom.
What causes structural damage anyway?
Soil movement beneath your foundation is a major cause of structural defects. This means the load-bearing parts of your home can develop unsafe fractures or damage, requiring expensive repairs. These types of defects are typically NOT covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy.
Soil movement beneath your foundation is a major cause of structural defects. This means the load-bearing parts of your home can develop unsafe fractures or damage, requiring expensive repairs. These types of defects are typically NOT covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy.
Why is having an insurance backed warranty important?
Even excellent builders can fall short financially for reasons beyond their control. If something goes sideways, don’t panic - RWC’s insurer will step in to cover the builder’s obligations. It’s like a safety net. Regardless of what the builder’s future may hold, the warranty marches on.
Even excellent builders can fall short financially for reasons beyond their control. If something goes sideways, don’t panic - RWC’s insurer will step in to cover the builder’s obligations. It’s like a safety net. Regardless of what the builder’s future may hold, the warranty marches on.
What happens if my builder and I don’t see eye to eye on a potential issue with my home?
If you are at an impasse, turn to the warranty book. It clearly outlines the responsibilities of the builder, homeowner, and the warranty company; and provides instructions on how to handle the matter at hand. Still in gridlock? We can help. RWC offers free neutral third party mediation to help reach a fair and reasonable agreement.
If you are at an impasse, turn to the warranty book. It clearly outlines the responsibilities of the builder, homeowner, and the warranty company; and provides instructions on how to handle the matter at hand. Still in gridlock? We can help. RWC offers free neutral third party mediation to help reach a fair and reasonable agreement.
I decided to move - now what?
No problem. If you sell your home within the warranty term, the balance of the warranty automatically transfers to the next homeowner. No paperwork...No fees...Not even necessary to notify us. We have it all in our system.
No problem. If you sell your home within the warranty term, the balance of the warranty automatically transfers to the next homeowner. No paperwork...No fees...Not even necessary to notify us. We have it all in our system.
How are warranty issues resolved?
RWC has established an excellent resolution process in the event that an unresolved warranty issue arises.
We recommend that you act in accordance with the following steps to request warranty performance.
We recommend that you act in accordance with the following steps to request warranty performance.
Follow Your Builder's Instructions
If a need for a warranty performance arises, follow your Builder's instructions. Usually, this means calling and letting your Builder know about the problem. Some Builders provide the Homeowner with a list of subcontractors to call directly about specific services. Others have a special warranty department and/or a form to send to the builder.
Written Notice to Your Builder
If Step 1 is not successful, send a clear and specific letter to your Builder, describing the problem and requesting a response.
Notify the Warranty Company
If written notice to your builder does not achieve results, send a letter to RWC. In your warranty book, RWC describes specific procedures to provide us with notice as well as applicable time frames and a list of information that must be included.
In general, you will need to provide copies of the letters to your builder, your RWC validation number, effective date of warranty, your phone number and all details about the issue. RWC will review the case and attempt to resolve it through mediation by communicating with you and your Builder. It may be necessary for an RWC Representative to inspect your home. After the inspection, RWC will provide you and your Builder with a Warranty Coverage Report outlining your Builder's warranty obligations. There is no fee to either party for this mediation step.
In general, you will need to provide copies of the letters to your builder, your RWC validation number, effective date of warranty, your phone number and all details about the issue. RWC will review the case and attempt to resolve it through mediation by communicating with you and your Builder. It may be necessary for an RWC Representative to inspect your home. After the inspection, RWC will provide you and your Builder with a Warranty Coverage Report outlining your Builder's warranty obligations. There is no fee to either party for this mediation step.
Unresolved Warranty Issue
If RWC is unsuccessful in mediating your warranty issue, we will notify you that your request has become an Unresolved Warranty Issue. You can request binding arbitration for the Unresolved Warranty Issue. An independent third party will review all the details and make a final ruling. RWC stands behind its builders. If your Builder fails to comply with the specified arbitration award, RWC's insurers will be responsible for completing the work, subject to any applicable warranty service fee.
Note: These steps vary if you have an Unresolved Warranty Issue with RWC in Years 3 through 10. For a complete understanding of the procedures, review your Warranty book. Definitions of various warranty terms are listed for your reference in our glossary. In New Jersey, these steps may vary so please consult your Warranty book for details that apply to your home.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The specific procedures to address a potential defect in your home are spelled out in your warranty book. The warranty company will need to receive written documentation from you as outlined in the Requesting Warranty Performance section of the warranty book that pertains to your home. Notice can be sent by mail to the Administrator’s address or by email to warranty.resolution@rwcwarranty.com. For convenience, you may also use our online form. We do not accept telephone or fax requests at this time. You will need to provide:
- Validation Number and Effective Date of Warranty;
- Your Builder’s name and address;
- Your name, address, email address, and telephone number;
- A reasonably specific description of the Defect(s) (including the date on which the defect was discovered);
- A copy of any written notice to your Builder;
- Photographs, if they would be helpful in describing the Defect; and
- A copy of each and every report you have obtained from any inspector or engineer.
Contact us with the correct information.
Did you close on your home prior to November 1st, 2014? Contact our Enrollments Dept. to verify coverage or request duplicate copies. Call us at 717-561-4480 or complete our Enrollment Information Request online. Please note that there is a charge associated with duplicate warranty books which varies based upon the format requested (paper copy or PDF).
Are you the original homeowner and did you close on your home after November 1st, 2014? Your warranty documents will be available online 60 DAYS AFTER YOUR CLOSING. If 60 days have passed since your closing, then confirm your warranty coverage. If you are unsuccessful at obtaining the documents online after the 60 days, contact us for assistance at 717-561-4480 or complete our Enrollment Information Request online.