Remodeling Warranty: What It Covers and What It Doesn't

A remodeling warranty is a written commitment by the contractor to repair or replace defective work or materials within a specified period after project completion. Warranties in remodeling come in two forms: the contractor's workmanship warranty, which covers the quality of the installation and labor, and manufacturer warranties, which are provided separately by the makers of products like cabinets, appliances, tile, and fixtures.

A one-year workmanship warranty is the industry standard minimum for residential remodeling. Some contractors offer longer warranties on specific types of work, and some states have statutory warranty requirements that apply regardless of what the contract says.

At Phoenix Home Remodeling, our workmanship warranty covers defects in our installation and labor. We stand behind our work, and our warranty process is part of our standard project closeout and post-completion follow-up.

Because every project, no matter how carefully executed, can develop a post-completion issue. Grout can crack at a specific joint. A door can develop a hinge squeak. A tile can chip during move-in. A contractor who stands behind their work makes these situations simple to resolve. A contractor who is hard to reach or disputes every warranty claim turns a minor issue into a frustrating and costly experience. The warranty is as much a measure of the contractor's character and business model as it is a legal document.

Workmanship warranty: Covers defects resulting from the contractor's installation, including improper installation of tile, cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, and electrical work. Industry standard is one year. Some contractors offer two years.

Structural work: Structural modifications such as beam installations and wall removals are often warranted for longer periods because failure modes take more time to manifest. Confirm what coverage applies to any structural scope in your project.

Waterproofing: Shower waterproofing failures may not be visible for twelve to twenty-four months. Ask specifically how long waterproofing work is warranted and whether the warranty covers the cost of tile removal and replacement if a membrane failure is found.

Manufacturer warranties: Cabinets, appliances, plumbing fixtures, and other products carry their own manufacturer warranties that are separate from the contractor's workmanship warranty. These are typically one to five years on parts and finish, and the contractor acts as an intermediary in submitting claims.

What is typically excluded: Normal wear and tear, damage caused by the homeowner, acts of nature, and issues resulting from homeowner modifications to the work are typically excluded from workmanship warranties. These exclusions should be clearly defined in writing.

A permit means the work was inspected and met code at the time of inspection. It does not guarantee the work against defects or create a warranty obligation on the contractor. A permit is a baseline code compliance document, not a quality or warranty instrument.

Generally no. Manufacturer product failures are handled through the manufacturer's warranty, not the contractor's workmanship warranty. However, if a product failed due to improper installation by the contractor, the workmanship warranty may apply to the installation error even if the product itself is covered by the manufacturer. These situations can require negotiation about where installation ends and product failure begins.

We conduct a formal walkthrough at project completion and document all punch list items before closing out a project. Post-completion issues that arise within our warranty period are handled promptly. We have a defined process for warranty claim submission and response, and our clients receive this information as part of project closeout documentation.

• What is the warranty period for workmanship and what does it specifically cover?
• How do I submit a warranty claim and what is your response time commitment?
• Is waterproofing covered for the same period as other workmanship?
• What manufacturer warranties apply to the products being installed and how do I access them?
• What circumstances void the workmanship warranty?

See also: Substantial Completion, Punch List, Fixed-Price Contract (Remodeling), Change Order, Lien Waiver, Design-Build Remodeling