Buying a new home is exciting – and let’s be honest – a bit overwhelming. There’s a lot to think about, especially when it comes to protecting your investment. One thing that can bring real peace of mind is a structural warranty.
But what exactly is a structural warranty, and what does it cover? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Is a Structural Warranty?
A structural warranty is coverage that specifically protects your home’s load-bearing elements, the parts that keep your house standing strong. We're talking about the foundation, framing, and other crucial components.
Builders often provide this warranty to cover qualified structural defects, and when it’s backed by a leader like 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10), you know you’re in good hands.
What Does Structural Warranty Coverage Include?
Here are the nine load-bearing elements that structural warranties typically cover:
- Roof framing systems
- Load-bearing walls and partitions
- Beams
- Columns
- Footings and foundation systems
- Floor framing systems
- Girders
- Lintels
- Masonry arches
When 2-10 administers your structural defects warranty, it covers defects in designated load-bearing elements. But what counts as a “defect”? For a claim to be covered, all three of these must be true:
- There’s real physical damage to one or more load-bearing elements.
- That damage was caused by the failure of one of those elements.
- The failure makes the home unsafe, unsanitary, or unlivable.
In other words, if something major happens that makes your home unstable, 2-10 has your back.
How Might a Structural Warranty Save the Day?
Let’s say a family moves into their brand-new home. After their first winter, they notice large cracks forming in the basement walls. Turns out, the foundation is shifting due to soil movement – a very serious issue that is the #1 cause of residential structural failures.
Thanks to their structural warranty coverage from 2-10, the homeowners don’t need to scramble for $80,000 to fix it. The warranty steps in to help cover repairs, saving them from a massive financial hit.
That’s the power of a well-administered structural defects warranty.
Why Do Builders Offer Structural Warranties?
Every builder is legally responsible for building homes that are safe and habitable—that’s called an implied warranty. But here's the catch: Implied warranties can vary wildly from state to state and could lead to disputes that play out in court.
By offering a written structural warranty from a company like 2-10, builders:
- Avoid legal gray areas
- Get a clear roadmap for handling issues
- Protect themselves and their homeowners against the high costs of covered issues (the average structural claim costs up to $70,000)
- Show homeowners they stand by their work
And for you, the homeowner, it means clear expectations and a powerful backup plan.
Is a Structural Warranty Worth It?
Absolutely. A structural warranty doesn’t just protect your home—it protects your peace of mind. With rising construction costs and unpredictable issues, knowing your home’s most important features are covered makes all the difference.
If you’re a builder looking to shield your business or a homeowner wanting to feel confident about your investment, 2-10 HBW offers powerful protection for your home's load-bearing structural components.
