Unlike some implied warranties or handshake promises, the RWC Limited New Home Warranty is very detailed and specific. The information provided here is a sample summary of our “standard” 10 year warranty book to assist you in understanding the Warranty on your new home.
Depending on the warranty book issued for your home, the steps listed below may vary somewhat. We urge you to read the RWC Warranty book issued for your property for a comprehensive understanding of the limitations, exclusions and applications.
It applies to single family homes, condominiums, townhomes and other types of residences. The Warranty is limited and certain exclusions apply.
In the first year, the Warranty applies generally to workmanship and materials*. If the workmanship and/or the materials used in building your home do not meet specified quality standards as outlined in the Warranty, your Builder is responsible for correcting the deficiencies. *Does not apply to “structural only” plans.
For the first two years** of the standard 10 year warranty, portions of the major systems in your home are warranted. These systems include wiring, ductwork and pipes. If they do not operate as specified in the Warranty book, your Builder is responsible for servicing them. **The warranty term applicable to the major systems in your home may vary based on the warranty provided. Does not apply to “structural only” plans.
In addition, the Warranty includes 10-year protection*** on warranted structural elements in your home, as defined in your Warranty book. The Warranty identifies which parts of a home are warranted, and the criteria for establishing a structural defect. ***The warranty term applicable to the structural element protection on your home may vary based on the warranty provided.
Your Builder is responsible for correcting warranted defects which do not meet Warranty Standards for the time period specified as his term of responsibility in the Warranty book. If your Builder is unable to meet his or her warranty obligations, RWC will assist you. RWC’s insurers are responsible for the structural warranty coverage in subsequent years as well as during the term of your builder’s responsibility if for any reason, he defaults. Any request for warranty performance satisfied by RWC’s insurers is subject to a warranty service fee. See your Warranty book for exact service fee amounts (HUD financed homes, homes in the State of New Jersey and homes in Newark, Delaware, are subject to different service fees. Refer to the Addenda section of the Warranty book for specific details).
Note
The Warranty is limited. You are responsible for maintaining your home, from changing light bulbs to keeping proper drainage patterns. Areas which are not part of the primary residence, such as driveways, are excluded from your Warranty. Some products have a manufacturer’s warranty.
We assume both sides simply want warranty issues resolved. The root of most disputes is miscommunication. A misunderstanding develops over a minor issue and, before you know it, both sides are infuriated. RWC’s goal is to get both sides talking and resolve the issue.
We recommend that you act in accordance with the following steps to request warranty performance. See your Warranty book for further details.
If a need for 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. Be sure to follow your Builder’s established guidelines for best results.
If Step 1 is not successful, send a clear and specific letter to your Builder describing the problem and requesting a response.
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 all cases, refer to your warranty book for the exact list that applies to you.
In general, you will need to provide copies of previous 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 you or your Builder for this mediation step.
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.
Did you close on your home PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 1ST, 2014? Contact our Enrollments Dept. to verify coverage or request duplicate copies of your warranty book, validation sticker or application for warranty. Call us at 717-561-4480 or complete our Enrollment Information Request form online. Please note that there is a charge associated with duplicate warranty books which varies based upon the format requested (paper copy or PDF).
OR
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. For example, if your closing was November 1st, your warranty documents will become available online after January 1st. If 60 days have passed since your closing, then click here to confirm your warranty coverage online. 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 form online.
Contact us with the correct information.
Yes. The Limited Warranty automatically transfers to subsequent buyers throughout the warranty term. There are no fees to pay or forms to complete. Please note that in the case of a foreclosure, the warranty may be voided.
We have over 75 different warranty options. So the answer to this question depends on which warranty was issued for your home. Coverage varies depending on the program selected by your Builder and the state in which your home is located. Refer to the warranty book you received at closing for exact coverage and warranty terms.
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:
Mediation. We know 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. Mediation is an informal process involving the Builder, the Homeowner and the Warranty Company during the Builder’s term of responsibility. There is no charge to either side to this initial process.
Arbitration. If resolution is not reached during mediation, the next step is arbitration, a formal process conducted by an independent, neutral arbitrator to resolve disputes. We use 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 both you and your Builder. There is a fee for the arbitration which is paid according to the terms spelled out in your warranty document.
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