Understanding Your New Construction Home Warranty—And What Comes Next
After months—or even years—of design decisions, construction milestones, and walkthroughs, moving into your newly built custom home is a major milestone. At this stage, most homeowners are ready to take a step back and simply enjoy the results.
That’s exactly why it’s the right time to think about maintenance going forward. While your builder’s warranty is a valuable safeguard, it’s not designed to handle the day-to-day upkeep or long-term care a home requires. Understanding what your warranty covers—and what it doesn’t—is the first step toward protecting your investment and ensuring everything runs optimally.
What Is a New Construction Home Warranty?
A new construction home warranty—also referred to as a builder’s warranty—offers protection against certain defects in workmanship, materials, and major systems. While coverage terms can vary by builder, most warranties resemble the following structure:
1 Year: Materials and workmanship (e.g., drywall, trim, paint)
2 Years: Systems such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC
10 Years: Structural components like the foundation and framing
These warranties are a standard part of most new home builds and offer peace of mind. Still, they’re intended to cover specific, qualifying issues—not everyday upkeep or damage from deferred maintenance.
What New Construction Home Warranties Don’t Cover
A builder’s warranty is not all-encompassing. Some of the most common exclusions include:
Routine maintenance (e.g., changing filters, HVAC servicing, gutter cleaning)
Damage from improper use or neglect
Natural wear and tear over time
Environmental damage (from storms, pests, or moisture)
Cosmetic changes or imperfections after occupancy
Appliances (usually covered under a separate manufacturer’s warranty)
Put simply, a builder’s warranty won’t handle the day-to-day maintenance and interruptions inherent to homeownership—those fall to the homeowner.
Why Having a Dedicated Maintenance Resource Matters
Even in the most impeccably built homes, regular care is essential. Small issues—like a slow-draining sink or a tiny crack in the caulking—can evolve into costly and more serious problems without attention. And in some cases, failure to maintain key systems can void parts of your warranty coverage.
Once your home is complete, your builder typically hands off a detailed resource binder—including contacts for subcontractors and documentation for major systems. In many cases, homeowners will still be looking for guidance, and the go-to point of contact becomes the Project Manager who oversaw your build.
While this arrangement can work in theory, it often proves challenging in practice. That same Project Manager is likely already focused on the next job site, meaning follow-up requests for service or support are difficult to prioritize. Without a dedicated maintenance resource, homeowners are left to coordinate vendors, manage timelines, and chase down service themselves.
That’s why it’s so important to have a reliable, responsive team in your corner. A trusted maintenance partner can serve as your single point of contact for all regular, seasonal, and emergency needs—ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. With the right plan in place, you get the benefit of continued care, without the day-to-day hassle.
From Post-Construction to Peace of Mind
At My Estate Concierge, we specialize in the ongoing care of luxury homes throughout New England, including historic properties in Boston, waterfront homes in Newport, and estates across Fairfield County. We partner with many of the region’s top builders and trade professionals to provide a seamless transition from construction to long-term ownership.
Our services go far beyond standard maintenance. We work closely with homeowners to:
Develop a custom annual maintenance plan tailored to your home’s features
Handle seasonal maintenance and coordinate trusted vendors
Monitor key systems and catch issues early
Document service history to support warranty claims
Ensure consistent care that supports the long-term performance of your home
Perform home watch services and walk-throughs for seasonal properties or homes left unattended
Whether your home is newly finished or newly yours, MEC is here to simplify what comes next.
Final Thoughts
A new construction home warranty is a valuable starting point—but only part of the bigger picture. For true peace of mind, it’s essential to have a trusted maintenance partner in place. At MEC, we work alongside your builder to ensure your home receives the expert, ongoing care it deserves—so you can focus on enjoying it.
Ready to create a custom plan for your home? Get in touch today to learn more about membership with My Estate Concierge.