2-10 HBW Will Guide the Process From Complaint to Repair
You know home builders warranties protect you, the homes you build, and your customers. But, what are your obligations and responsibilities as a builder when a homeowner makes a structural claim?
Home builders warranty coverage protects the builder, but it does more than that — it also adds value to your homes in an increasingly competitive market.
Just like other types of insurance, a structural warranty is something you hope you’ll never need to use. But it’s something you’ll be glad you have when the protection becomes something you need, rather than something you have just in case.
So what do you do when a homeowner comes to you with an issue? Two things:
1. File a claim, or make sure the homeowner does.
2. Sit back and let 2-10 HBW take it from there.
2-10 HBW will do the work — while keeping both builder and homeowner up to date on the progress of a claim. 2-10 HBW handles both the investigation of a claim, as well as repair, and will help homeowners determine if what they think is structural damage really is, and if they have a valid claim.
It starts with an inspection.
A structural engineer will visit and take a look at the load-bearing components to see if there are indications of a problem. Cracks in stucco, masonry and drywall aren’t pretty, but they don’t necessarily mean a home is in structural trouble. They might, however, be symptoms of movement in the foundation or elsewhere, which the engineer also will note during an inspection. The engineer also will examine doors and windows that might be sticking, showing gaps or otherwise not working quite right, and also might complete an elevation survey.
The engineer compiles inspection findings, photos, and measurements in a report to 2-10 HBW. If qualifying structural damage is found, the claim is accepted and the engineer proposes a plan to restore the house to its previous condition. Depending on the warranty, that plan also could include cosmetic fixes.
You, the builder, are not involved, unless your specialized knowledge will be helpful when creating the repair plan.
Even if you’ve got a perfect track record and have never had to deal with a claim, there are no guarantees it won’t happen sometime — even years after closing a sale; the majority of structural claims are reported four to seven years after completion of a home.
And keeping homeowners happy is key. For many people, a new home is the biggest purchase of their lives. If the home does not meet expectations, it puts a strain on the relationship between builder and homeowner, which can do more than create tension. Word of mouth matters and no one wants dissatisfied customers sharing their dissatisfaction with any and all who will listen. Worse yet, dissatisfaction could lead to lawsuits.
But it’s hard to tell a homeowner their claim isn’t valid or is simply unreasonable. A detailed warranty, to which homeowner and builder agreed, helps make sure everyone is on the same page. And good customer service when a claim is filed keeps dissatisfaction from growing into something more.
The warranty, and the way it is handled, is more than an insurance policy for the home and its workmanship; it is a policy for peace of mind. If the worst happens, you’re covered, with 2-10 HBW handling everything from the moment the claim is filed to the minute repairs are completed.
To learn more about home builders warranties and the benefits they can provide to you, see our Definitive Guide to Structural Warranties or become a member today!
