Buying a new home is exciting, but let’s be real, there’s a lot of paperwork. Somewhere between your keys and the welcome mat, you probably heard the words “builder warranty.” But what does that actually mean?

The Chesapeake Homes Warranty Team took the time to answer the most common questions homeowners have. No gibberish. No confusion. Just the stuff you want to know:

First things first: What is a new home warranty?

Think of it like a safety net for your home. A new home warranty is a builder saying, “If something major goes wrong early on, we’ve got your back.”

In short terms, it gives you:

• Peace of mind that your home was built to last
• Financial protection in case something needs repairing
• Clear expectations so there are no surprise repair bills

So… What exactly is covered?

It’s not everything, but here’s a quick breakdown of the big stuff:

• Systems – HVAC, plumbing, and electrical
• Structure – foundation, framing, and load-bearing walls

The good news is you don’t have to guess. With Chesapeake Homes, you’ll receive a detailed warranty folder with a breakdown of what’s covered and when.

Let’s clear up some common misconceptions:

There are a lot of assumptions out there when it comes to warranties, and not all of them are true. Here are a few we hear a lot:

Myth 1: Everything’s covered.

Not quite. Normal wear and tear is expected as your home settles. The warranty focuses on structural or system issues, not maintenance or minor cosmetic issues.

Myth 2: The warranty lasts forever.

We wish! Most builder warranties have tiers:

• 1 year: Manufacturer Defects
• 2 years: Systems (Plumbing, HVAC, etc.)
• 10 years: Structural Defects

Myth 3: You only get one shot to report something.

Nope! There are designated check-in points at 12 weeks and 10 months. However, urgent issues like leaks or electrical problems should be reported right away.

Wear and Tear vs. Warranty Issues: What’s the difference?

Basically, if it’s something that naturally happens as you live in the home, it’s likely not covered. If it’s something that shouldn’t happen, like a broken system or bad install, it probably is.

Here are some quick examples:

How Do I File a Warranty Request?

We make it simple: log in to our online warranty portal or contact Quality Builders Warranty directly. We also offer a video tutorial and a step-by-step guide on our website.

Include clear photos and descriptions to help us assess and assign your request faster.

What’s the Response Time?

Emergencies are always prioritized. For non-urgent issues, we schedule requests as quickly as possible. Chesapeake Homes offers 2 times for Warranty Requests:

• 12 weeks after move-in
• 10 months after move-in

We’ll send your dates via email, plus give you a printed folder with the dates and info.

What makes Chesapeake Homes different?

A lot of builders offer a warranty. We take it a step further because we believe the relationship doesn’t end when the front door closes. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Easy digital submission process
• Dedicated in-house warranty inspectors
• Transparent timelines and open communication
• Trusted, licensed partners for any repair work
• Real people behind the scenes

Final thoughts: Don’t stress, just reach out

Owning a home is a journey, and we’re here for you every step of the way. If you ever have questions about your warranty or aren’t sure whether something’s covered, just ask. That’s what we’re here for.