New Home Construction Warranties in Maryland
When considering the purchase of a new construction home in Maryland, it is important to understand what is covered by the builder’s warranty. While we expect new homes to be spotless and problem free, problems do arise more often than you might think. After all, a home is only as good as the materials, engineering, and workmanship. Just take a look at this new home community in Accokeek, MD.
Maryland law sets the minimum requirements for home warranty coverage and lengths, but individual home builders can offer warranties that exceed the minimum requirements.
What are the minimum requirements for new home construction warranties in Maryland?
Maryland law sets the following standards for new construction home warranties:
- 5 years for load bearing structural elements
- 2 years for major systems of the home
- 1 year for defects in materials or workmanship
Load bearing structural elements include foundation systems and footings, bearing walls, roof framing members, floor framing members, columns, lintels, girders, load bearing beams, and anything else that affects the structural integrity of the home.
Major systems of the home include anything HVAC related, plumbing and electrical systems.
Materials and workmanship covers items such as windows and doors, roofing, moisture barriers, insulation, cabinets, and more.
Be sure to review any home warranty disclosures thoroughly to have a complete understanding of which items are covered, which are exempted, and what corrective measures to expect from the builder.
How long are new home builder warranties in Maryland?
While the minimum new construction home warranty standards are explained in the previous section, it is common practice in Maryland for the coverage for "major structural defects" to extend to 10 years. Below are the warranty offerings from some of the more widely know home builders in Maryland. Be sure to check with each builder for the most up-to-date information.
Caruso Homes
Major Structural defects: 10 years
Major home systems: 2 years
Materials & workmanship: 1 year
Pulte Homes
Major Structural defects: 10 years
Major home systems: 2 years
Materials & workmanship: 1 year
*Water infiltration & internal leaks: 5 years
Lennar Homes
Major Structural defects: 10 years
Major home systems: 2 years
Materials & workmanship: 1 year
D.R. Horton Homes
Major Structural defects: 10 years
Major home systems: 2 years
Materials & workmanship: 1 year
Ryan Homes
Major Structural defects: 10 years
Major home systems: 2 years
Materials & workmanship: 1 year
Toll Brothers Homes
Major Structural defects: 10 years
Major home systems: 2 years
Materials & workmanship: 1 year
Should I get an inspection on Maryland new construction homes?
Given that costly items like your home's plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC systems are only covered for two years, it's a smart idea to have your own independent inspection done even when purchasing a new home. Even homebuilders that have a sparkling reputation aren't immune to human error!
Investing a few hundred dollars on a thorough inspection is better than finding issues 2+ years down the line that could cost tens of thousands to repair! And that is not even taking into account damage to the home that could be caused by the malfunctioning of these major systems, such as flooding, mold and mildew, and excessive utility bills just to name a few.
New Construction Home Warranties: The owners responsibilities
New construction home warranties aren't just about the builder's responsibilities. They also outline what is expected of the homeowner. Damage that is a result of improper maintenance or neglect by the homeowner will not be covered under your warranty, so it is important to understand what routine maintenance is required and what your responsibilities are under the home warranty agreement.
Below are examples of items that may be the homeowner's responsibility:
- Ensuring that drainage water is not directed towards the home's foundation
- Checking and repairing caulking around windows and doors
- Keeping gutters free from debris
- Replacing air filters
- Non overloading electrical circuits
- Proper treatment and cleaning of wood floors