Home Warranty Alleviates Stress

Purchasing a home warranty, or buying a property that includes one, can extend a sense of calm to new homeowners. Do you need one for your next property?
Many people wonder whether they really need home warranties. One way to decide is to analyze the cost of repairs to major systems and appliances should they malfunction. Heating systems may cost more than $1,000 to replace, while a hot water heater is likely to cost more than $400. You could spend thousands more if your electrical systems, plumbing, range or refrigerator need to be replaced. Compare this likely cost with cost of an annual premium and a service call charge, and you will be able to judge whether it's worth it to get a home warranty.

Even new homes are not exempt from problems that can lead to costly home repairs. Things like your appliances and other important systems can and do break down. Once you've invested so much money just getting into your home, it can be an unwelcomed event to have to spend more money on repairs. Having a home warranty lets you enjoy your home without worrying about expending thousands of dollars on repairs, as long as you get a quality home warranty. Although a home warranty can shield you from some of the things that home owners have to face, it is important to know what you are doing before you make the purchase.

Certain home builders will offer you a warranty for your home. Depending on where you live, your home may come with a warranty on at least the construction, as this is required in some states. If you are lucky enough to have appliances and major systems included on the home warranty, be a aware that this is typically only for a short period of time. Many builder warranties only cover structural problems. Also, once a builder moves on to another project, it can be hard to find the builder to make a claim on the warranty. The nice thing about a builder's warranty is that it is very often incorporated into the purchase price of your home. There are also individual, private companies that will offer you a warranty that you can purchase on your own. These policies can cost several hundred dollars a year, but if your home is going to need repairs, these warranties can be well worth the price. Many of these sorts of service contracts will last for ten years after your purchase date.

When you are shopping for a home warranty, you really need to take the time to read the small print. You need to know exactly what your policy is and is not intended to cover and how your individual policy is going to help you maintain your property. In most instances, when you have an appliance or home system that breaks, you contact your warranty provider and they send out a contracted repair person. You will usually have to shell out the for the service call. In most instances, a home guarantee contract includes coverage for air conditioning and heating systems, fridges, stoves, refrigerators, fans, indoor plumbing, garbage disposals, telephone wiring and electrical systems. Keep in mind that not every policy will cover all of these eventualities. You also need to know if outdoor systems are included, and what types of things can make your warranty void like not having maintenance performed regularly.

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By Anita Koppens
Published: 9/20/2008
 
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