New Construction Warranties
New Construction Warranties
With all the new construction happening, it’s a good time for a short refresher on Construction Warranties. California has laws in place to protect both the consumer and contractor. Some you may encounter are:
- 1-year Express Limited Warranty. CA Civil Code §900 mandates the builder to provide a one-year express written limited warranty, covering the “fit and finish” building components.
- Under CA Civil Code §896 other building components are covered at different rates:
- 2 year warranty: untreated wood posts in contact with soil and dryer ducts
- 4-year warranty: plumbing and sewer systems, electrical systems, exterior concrete/hardscapes and untreated steel fences
- 5-year warranty: paints and stains causing deterioration of the building surface
- 10-year warranty: structural integrity
California’s Right to Repair Act (SB800, 2001-2002) gives the builder the right to repair, or attempt to repair, before litigation commences.
- Civil Code: http://www.search-california-law.com/research/ca/CIV/896./Cal-Civil-Code-Section-896/text.html
- SB 800: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=200120020SB800
(This is not intended as legal advice. All warranty/guarantee clauses in your contract should be reviewed by an attorney.)