The Complete Guide to New Home Warranties

A new construction home warranty is one of the biggest reasons to buy a brand new house. It protects you if a defect shows up in the materials, the workmanship, or the structure of your home. Most buyers hear the term 1-2-10 warranty on a tour, but few get a clear explanation of what those numbers mean. This guide changes that.

We'll walk through how a new construction home warranty works, what it covers, and what it leaves out. Then we'll show you how to file a claim, how to protect your coverage with simple maintenance, and which questions to ask any builder. Along the way, you'll see exactly how the William Ryan Homes warranty works, so you know what to expect after closing.

What Is a New Construction Home Warranty?

A new construction home warranty is a written promise from your builder to repair certain defects after you move in. It covers problems with the original construction, such as poor workmanship, faulty materials, or failed home systems. It doesn't replace regular upkeep, and it doesn't cover everything. Think of it as protection against the surprises that no walk-through can catch on day one.

Most warranties use a layered structure. Shorter coverage applies to the whole home, while longer coverage applies to the parts that matter most, like the structure. That's why you'll often hear the phrase 1-2-10. Each number stands for years of coverage after closing, and we'll break them down in the next section.

Who stands behind the promise matters too. Under your purchase contract, the William Ryan Homes warranty is backed by the builder itself. That means you work directly with our team when you need service, and you don't have to chase an outside company. Because every contract is different, read your warranty documents carefully before closing and ask your sales consultant about anything that's unclear. Be sure you understand if the warranty is backed by the builder, building the home, or a third-party company they have contracted or sell your warranty to.

Why a New Construction Home Warranty Matters

Buying a home is likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make, so protection matters. A new construction home warranty gives you a safety net during the years when new homeowners worry most. If something goes wrong with the way the home was built, you have a clear path to get it fixed.

It also helps you plan your budget. When you buy a resale home, you often inherit repairs that the last owner put off. With a new home, your major systems and structure are new, and the builder stands behind the original work. That can free up money for the things you actually want, like furniture, landscaping, and weekend trips.

Finally, a warranty can support your resale value. A home with remaining coverage gives the next buyer more confidence. If you're weighing new against resale, our first-time buyer's guide to new construction can help you compare the trade-offs.

How the 1-2-10 New Construction Home Warranty Works

The 1-2-10 format is the most familiar way to structure a new construction home warranty. The three numbers apply to different parts of your home, and the coverage gets longer as the part gets more important. Here's how our warranty works.

Year One: Materials and Workmanship

For one year after closing, we warrant the quality of materials and workmanship of the original construction. This is the broadest tier. If a door won't latch, a cabinet separates, or drywall cracks beyond normal settling, this is the coverage that applies. Because it's the widest tier, it's smart to report issues as you notice them.

Years One and Two: Mechanical Systems

For two years after closing, we warrant the workability of your mechanical systems. That includes plumbing, electrical, and heating and air conditioning. These systems run your daily life, so this tier gives you extra time to spot problems that only show up after a full cycle of seasons.

Years One Through Ten: Structure

For ten years after closing, we warrant the structural integrity of your home, specifically the load-bearing components. This is the long-term protection that supports your investment. For a plain-English look at this tier, read our post on understanding your 10-year structural warranty.

What a New Construction Home Warranty Does Not Cover

No new construction home warranty covers everything, and knowing the limits helps you avoid frustration later. Most builder warranties leave out a few common categories. Check your own warranty documents for the exact terms that apply to your home.

Normal wear and tear comes first. Paint fades, caulk shrinks, and flooring shows its age over time. Cosmetic preferences and routine aging aren't defects. Next, weather damage usually falls outside a builder warranty. Wind, hail, and flooding are matters for your homeowners insurance, so make sure your policy fits your area.

Damage from misuse or skipped maintenance typically isn't covered either. For example, a clogged drain or an untreated pest problem can cause damage that a warranty won't repair. Finally, appliances usually carry their own manufacturer warranties. Register each product when you move in, and keep the paperwork where you can find it.

Small hairline cracks in drywall, tile, and concrete are also normal as a new home settles. If something looks larger than you expect, report it through MyHome 24/7 and let our team evaluate it. Reporting early is always better than waiting.

Builder Warranty vs. Home Warranty vs. Homeowners Insurance

These three terms sound alike, but each one does a different job. A builder warranty, like ours, covers defects in the original construction of your new home. A home warranty is a service contract you buy separately, and it typically covers repairs to appliances and systems as they age. Homeowners insurance protects against sudden losses such as fire, theft, and storm damage.

Because your home is new, you may not need a separate home warranty for a while. Your builder warranty already covers the major systems and the structure, and your appliances come with manufacturer coverage. Meanwhile, you'll want solid homeowners insurance from day one. Talk with an insurance agent about what's covered in your area, and ask your lender what coverage your loan requires.

Builder-Backed vs. Third-Party Warranty Programs

Some builders buy warranty coverage from an outside company. Others back the warranty themselves. Both models can work well, so the better question is who stands behind the promise and how they respond when you call.

At William Ryan Homes, your warranty is builder-backed under your contract, and we provide service through the MyHome 24/7 homeowner portal. A builder-backed program often means direct, faster communication. A third-party program, on the other hand, can offer a standardized process and a neutral voice if there's a disagreement. Whichever model you're considering, read how disputes are handled and ask what happens if you and the builder see an issue differently.

Your Walk-Through and First-Year Warranty Reviews

Your warranty protection starts before you ever get the keys. At your pre-closing walk-through, you inspect the home with your builder and note anything that needs attention. Take photos, write a list, and make sure every item gets a clear plan. Many buyers also hire an independent inspector for extra confidence.

After you move in, William Ryan Homes offers two opportunities to address warranty concerns during your first year.

The 60-Day Tune-Up

The 60-day tune-up is an early opportunity to identify and report warranty-related issues after you move in. Most new homeowners notice small things in the first few weeks, like a sticky door or a loose fixture. This is the time to report them.

The 11-Month Warranty Review

The 11-month warranty review is your chance to report qualifying defects in the original construction materials and workmanship before the one-year coverage period expires. Keep a running list as you live in the home, and submit it before the one-year mark. Waiting until after the year ends could mean missing the window.

Your New Construction Home Warranty Timeline

Here's how a typical warranty journey unfolds, from closing day to year ten.

• Closing day: Review your warranty documents, save them in a safe place, and note your emergency contact information.
• First weeks: Settle in, and jot down small items as you notice them.
• Around day 60: Take part in the 60-day tune-up, and report warranty-related issues.
• Month 11: Complete the 11-month warranty review before the one-year coverage period expires.
• End of year one: Materials and workmanship coverage ends, while systems and structural coverage continue.
• End of year two: Coverage for plumbing, electrical, and heating and air conditioning ends.
• Year ten: Structural coverage for load-bearing components runs through the tenth year after closing.

Put these dates on your calendar the day you close, and your warranty will work harder for you.

How to File a New Construction Home Warranty Claim

Filing a claim is simple when you stay organized. William Ryan Homes provides warranty service through the MyHome 24/7 homeowner portal, where you can submit eligible warranty requests and manage your homeowner needs. Here's the process we recommend.

First, confirm that the issue falls inside the right coverage period. Second, log in to MyHome 24/7 and submit your request. Include photos, the room, and the date you first noticed the issue, since details help our team respond faster. Third, keep your own notes, including dates and the names of anyone you speak with. Fourth, check your warranty documents before you hire an outside contractor, because unapproved repairs can affect coverage with many builders. Finally, follow up through the portal until the work is complete.

Emergencies are different. For urgent issues, use the emergency contact information supplied in your closing or warranty documents, and contact the appropriate emergency service provider right away. A burst pipe or a gas odor can't wait for a portal request. Read the full details on our warranty page so you know where to turn before you need to.

Maintenance That Protects Your New Construction Home Warranty

You take care of upkeep, and your builder takes care of defects. Good maintenance keeps your home in top shape, and it helps you avoid problems that a new construction home warranty doesn't cover. A simple routine goes a long way.

Each month, check your HVAC air filter and replace it when needed. In spring, test your sprinklers, inspect your caulk, and clean your gutters. In summer, watch your cooling system closely, especially in hot markets like Phoenix and Dallas-Fort Worth. In fall, clear debris and confirm that the ground around your foundation slopes away from the home. In winter, check weather stripping and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Keep a simple home file too. Save your warranty documents, maintenance receipts, and photos of any issue in one place. If you ever need to show when a problem started, or that you kept up with maintenance, those records make the conversation much easier.

Schedule pest control as often as your provider recommends, and walk your property twice a year. Note any new cracks, sticking doors, or damp spots, so you can report them during your warranty reviews. Our first-year maintenance calendar walks you through the whole year. Your energy-efficient construction helps too, and you can learn more on our energy efficiency page.

State Rules That Work Alongside Your Warranty

Your builder warranty isn't the only protection you may have. Texas, Arizona, and Florida each have their own laws about home construction and defects, and some of those rules apply in addition to your warranty. The details vary by state and by situation, so this guide can't cover them all.

If you have a specific legal question, talk with a real estate attorney in your state. You can also ask your sales consultant for the warranty documents that apply to your community. We build in Dallas-Fort Worth, Phoenix, Tampa, and Southwest Florida, and each market page lists the communities we have there.

Is a New Construction Home Warranty Transferable?

Ours is. The William Ryan Homes warranty is fully transferable, and it stays with the home for the remaining coverage period. If you sell, the new owner simply contacts William Ryan Homes Customer Service, and our team updates the homeowner contact in our system.

That's a real advantage when you sell. A buyer who sees remaining structural coverage often feels more confident about the home. Keep your warranty documents and service records in one folder so you can hand them over at closing.

Questions to Ask About Any New Construction Home Warranty

Whether you buy from us or another builder, ask these questions before you sign.

• Does the builder or an outside company back the warranty?
• What does each coverage period include, and when does it start?
• What isn't covered?
• How do I submit a request, and what response should I expect?
• Is the warranty transferable if I sell?
• Are there early check-ins, like a 60-day tune-up or an 11-month review?
• Who do I contact in an emergency?
• Can I read the full warranty document before I sign?

Our sales consultants are happy to answer these for any home. If you're touring a ready home, start with our available quick move in homes and ask about the warranty on your visit. Our quick move in homes guide explains the rest of the process.

Common Questions About a New Construction Home Warranty

How Long Does a New Construction Home Warranty Last?

The length depends on the builder, but many follow the 1-2-10 format. At William Ryan Homes, coverage runs one year for materials and workmanship, two years for mechanical systems, and ten years for load-bearing structural components.

What Does the William Ryan Homes Warranty Cover?

We warrant the quality of materials and workmanship for one year, the workability of plumbing, electrical, and heating and air conditioning for two years, and the structural integrity of the home for ten years.

Who Backs the Warranty?

Under your purchase contract, the warranty is backed by William Ryan Homes. You work directly with our team for service.

How Do I Submit a Warranty Request?

Log in to MyHome 24/7 to submit eligible warranty requests and manage your homeowner needs.

Does the Warranty Transfer If I Sell My Home?

Yes. It's fully transferable. The new owner contacts our Customer Service team, and we update the homeowner contact in our system.

What If I Have an Emergency After Closing?

Use the emergency contact information in your closing or warranty documents, and contact the appropriate emergency service provider.

Should I Still Get an Inspection on a New Home?

Many buyers do. An independent inspector can add items to your walk-through list before closing, which gives you extra peace of mind.

What Isn't Covered by a Builder Warranty?

Most builder warranties exclude normal wear and tear, weather damage, and problems caused by misuse or skipped maintenance. Review your warranty documents for the exact terms that apply to your home.

When Should I Report a Problem?

Report issues as soon as you notice them. Use the 60-day tune-up and the 11-month review to submit anything you've collected, and use MyHome 24/7 anytime in between.

Build With Confidence at William Ryan Homes

A strong new construction home warranty gives you more than repairs. It gives you peace of mind, and that's a big part of why buyers choose new. With 1-2-10 coverage, builder-backed service, and a transferable warranty, you can move in knowing your home is protected.

Ready for the next step? Browse our available homes, schedule a tour, or request information and a new home specialist will reach out. If you're still comparing options, our guide to buying a new construction home and our comparison of new construction vs. resale homes can help.

Your home should feel protected from day one. Let us show you how.