Warranty Information
Your Peace of Mind, Built In
At Laine Street Homes, our commitment to quality extends well beyond the day you receive your keys. Every home is backed by a comprehensive warranty program designed to protect your investment and provide confidence in your purchase. Our team is here to support you, address concerns, and ensure your home continues to perform beautifully for years to come.
Warranty Request
Frequently Asked Questions
A new home builder warranty helps protect homeowners by covering certain defects in workmanship, materials, and designated components of a newly constructed home for specified periods after closing. Coverage typically varies based on the type of issue and the terms of the builder's warranty program. Your warranty documents provide detailed information about what is covered, any applicable exclusions, and the procedures for submitting a warranty request.
The length of a builder warranty depends on the type of coverage and the terms of your specific warranty program. Different components of your home, such as workmanship, mechanical systems, and structural elements, may each have their own warranty period. Your warranty documents outline the coverage and timeframes that apply to your home, so it's important to review them carefully and report any eligible concerns within the applicable warranty period.
A builder-backed warranty provides homeowners with added peace of mind after closing by offering guidance, customer support, and a clear process for addressing eligible warranty concerns. It demonstrates the builder's ongoing commitment to quality construction and customer satisfaction.
Review your warranty documents, determine whether the issue is covered, gather photos if possible, and provide a detailed description of the concern. Clear documentation helps speed up the review process.
A builder warranty covers the construction of a newly built home, including workmanship and structural components. A home warranty is a separate service contract that typically covers appliances and mechanical systems after purchase and is different from a builder's warranty.
To submit a warranty request, complete the warranty request form above. Include a clear description of the issue, the location within your home, and photos if possible, as this helps the warranty team evaluate your request more efficiently. Once your request is received, it will be reviewed, and a warranty representative will contact you with the next steps, including scheduling an inspection or repair if the item is covered under your warranty.
Some cosmetic issues may be covered under your builder warranty if they are identified within the applicable warranty period and meet the builder's warranty standards. Common cosmetic concerns may include drywall imperfections, paint touch-ups, trim adjustments, or other finish-related items resulting from workmanship. Normal wear and tear, homeowner damage, and minor changes that occur over time due to normal settling or seasonal conditions are generally not covered. Always refer to your warranty documents for specific coverage details and reporting deadlines.
Most appliances installed in a new home are covered by the manufacturer's warranty rather than the builder's warranty. This typically includes items such as the refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, microwave, and other manufacturer-installed appliances. Homeowners should register their appliances with the manufacturer after closing and keep all warranty documentation for future service or repairs. Refer to your homeowner documents for information about the warranties that apply to each appliance.
While coverage varies by builder and warranty program, builder warranties generally do not cover normal wear and tear, homeowner neglect, improper or lack of routine maintenance, damage caused by severe weather or natural disasters, or issues resulting from unauthorized modifications or misuse. Always review your warranty documents for complete exclusions.
Yes, you can make changes to your home, but certain modifications may affect your builder warranty. Alterations to structural components, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC equipment, or other major features may void warranty coverage if they contribute to a future issue. Before beginning significant renovations or upgrades, it's best to review your warranty documents and consult your builder to understand how the changes could impact your coverage.
Normal settling is a natural process that occurs as a new home adjusts to changes in temperature, humidity, and soil conditions during the first several years after construction. Common signs of normal settling include small drywall cracks, minor nail pops, slight gaps in caulking, and doors or windows that may need minor adjustments. These cosmetic changes are expected in most new homes and do not typically indicate a structural problem. If you notice significant cracks, uneven floors, or other major concerns, contact your builder to determine whether further evaluation is needed.
A structural warranty issue typically involves defects in the home's major load-bearing components that affect its safety, stability, or structural integrity. This may include elements such as the foundation, load-bearing walls, beams, floor systems, and roof framing. Minor cosmetic concerns, normal settling, or routine maintenance items are generally not considered structural issues. Refer to your warranty documents for specific coverage details and definitions.
The timeline for a warranty repair depends on the type of issue, the availability of materials, contractor scheduling, and weather conditions for exterior work. Once your warranty request has been reviewed, your builder or warranty team will coordinate the appropriate trade partner and communicate the next steps. While some repairs can be completed quickly, more complex issues may require additional time to ensure the work is completed properly and meets quality standards.
Regular maintenance helps protect your investment and keep your home performing as designed. During the first year, homeowners should change HVAC filters, clean gutters, inspect exterior caulking, maintain proper grading around the foundation, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, check plumbing fixtures for leaks, and follow all recommended maintenance outlined in the homeowner manual. Routine maintenance is an important part of homeownership and can help prevent future issues.
Preventative home maintenance helps protect your home long-term by keeping your home's systems and materials performing as intended. Routine tasks such as changing HVAC filters, cleaning gutters, inspecting caulking, testing smoke detectors, and checking for plumbing leaks can help prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs. Regular maintenance also supports the long-term performance of your home and helps homeowners meet the maintenance responsibilities outlined in their warranty documents.
During your warranty service appointment, a warranty representative or qualified trade partner will inspect the concern you reported to determine whether it is covered under your builder warranty. They will assess the issue, answer any questions you may have, and explain the next steps, including whether a repair is needed and when it can be completed. The goal of the appointment is to ensure any eligible warranty items are addressed efficiently while maintaining the quality and integrity of your home.
Yes. Throughout the construction process, your new home will undergo multiple inspections to help ensure it meets applicable building codes and quality standards. These inspections may include reviews by local building officials, third-party inspectors (when applicable), and the builder's own quality control team at various stages of construction. Before closing, your home will also receive a final inspection to help confirm it is ready for occupancy and meets the builder's quality expectations.
A pre-drywall walkthrough is an inspection that takes place before drywall is installed, allowing homeowners to see the home's framing, electrical wiring, plumbing, HVAC ductwork, and other major systems while they are still visible. This walkthrough gives you the opportunity to ask questions, confirm the placement of selected features, and gain a better understanding of how your home is being built. It is an important milestone that helps ensure everything aligns with the approved plans before construction moves to the next phase.
Your final walkthrough is your opportunity to inspect your new home with your builder before closing. During this meeting, you'll review the home's features and systems, learn how key components such as the HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and appliances operate, and identify any items that may need attention before move-in. It's also a great time to ask questions about routine home maintenance, warranty coverage, and the next steps after closing so you feel confident and prepared as a new homeowner.
Most builders are responsible for repairing defects that are covered under the terms of the builder warranty after closing. Coverage depends on the type of issue, the warranty period, and whether the concern results from workmanship, materials, or structural components. Homeowners should report covered concerns promptly and follow the warranty claim process outlined by their builder.
A new construction home warranty may be affected if damage results from homeowner neglect, lack of routine maintenance, unauthorized modifications, misuse, or repairs performed by unapproved contractors. Normal wear and tear, weather-related damage, and manufacturer-covered appliances are also generally excluded. Always review your warranty documentation before making significant changes to your home.
Before your one-year warranty walkthrough, make a list of any concerns you've noticed throughout your first year of homeownership. Walk through each room, test doors, windows, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, HVAC systems, and inspect walls, ceilings, and flooring for any issues. Taking photos and documenting concerns ahead of time helps ensure nothing is overlooked during the inspection.
If an issue is covered under your builder warranty, the builder or the responsible trade partner typically completes the repair at no cost to the homeowner. Repairs for items outside the warranty or resulting from homeowner maintenance issues are generally the homeowner's responsibility. Your warranty documents will explain what is and is not covered.
Workmanship warranties generally cover the quality of construction, including finishes and installation. Systems warranties typically cover major mechanical systems such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Structural warranties protect major structural components of the home, including the foundation and load-bearing elements. Each type of warranty has its own coverage period and conditions.
Some builder warranties may be transferable to a future homeowner, while others are only valid for the original purchaser. Transferability depends on the specific warranty program and any applicable requirements or deadlines. Review your warranty documents or contact your builder to determine whether your warranty can be transferred.
Minor drywall cracks, nail pops, and small gaps in caulking are common during the first year as a new home naturally settles and building materials expand and contract with seasonal temperature and humidity changes. These conditions are often considered normal and do not necessarily indicate a structural issue. If you notice significant movement or larger concerns, contact your builder for an evaluation.
You should submit a warranty request whenever you notice a concern that may be covered under your warranty. For non-emergency items, many homeowners choose to keep a running list of minor concerns and submit them together during scheduled warranty service visits. Emergency issues involving safety, water intrusion, or loss of essential utilities should be reported immediately.