New Construction Home Warranties: What They Cover and How to Use Yours

You just closed on a brand-new home. The paint is fresh, the appliances are unused, and everything feels perfect. But six months from now, when a hairline crack appears in the drywall or the master bathroom shower starts draining slowly, you will have one question: who do I call, and what does my warranty actually cover?

Most new construction buyers in Texas receive a builder warranty at closing, but few understand what it includes, what it excludes, and the steps required to use it. A warranty that sits in a drawer is worthless. A warranty you understand and document properly is one of the strongest protections you have.

At the Shannon Miles Group, we walk every client through their warranty terms before closing. Here is what you need to know.

The standard Texas builder warranty: 1-2-6

Texas builders most commonly offer the 1-2-6 warranty structure, which breaks your home's coverage into three tiers.

One year: workmanship and materials. This covers the visible quality of the build, including paint finish, trim alignment, cabinet doors, grout joints, caulking, and appliance installation. One year goes faster than you think, so create a list of concerns early and do not wait until month eleven to start the conversation with your builder.

Two years: mechanical systems. This covers plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Texas heat, in particular, reveals HVAC issues that are invisible during a mild spring move-in. If your system struggles during its first August, document it and file a claim before the two-year mark.

Six years: structural components. This covers the foundation, load-bearing walls, roof framing, and structural integrity. In Northeast Texas, where expansive clay soils cause seasonal movement, settlement patterns can take years to emerge. If you notice foundation cracks, doors that suddenly stick, or windows that will not close properly, document everything and notify the builder immediately.

What the warranty does not cover

Builder warranties cover defects in construction, not damage from neglect, modification, or normal wear. Damage from alterations you make after closing is excluded, as are maintenance-related issues like clogged gutters or neglected HVAC filters. Cosmetic settling within normal thresholds is expected, and environmental damage like hail or flooding falls under your homeowner's insurance, not the builder's warranty.

How to file a warranty claim the right way

Document the issue immediately. Take photos and video. Note the date you first noticed the problem and write a brief description of what happened.

Submit your claim in writing. Email creates a paper trail that a phone call does not. Address your claim to the warranty department or construction manager specified in your warranty documentation. Include your lot number, address, purchase date, and a clear description with attached photos.

Request a response timeline and keep copies of everything. If your warranty document specifies a response deadline, reference it. If it does not, request a written acknowledgment and a scheduled inspection date. Save every email, photo, and written response.

Why early inspections strengthen your warranty position

If you scheduled independent inspections during construction, you have a documented record of your home's condition at multiple stages. When you can show that an issue was flagged at pre-drywall and the builder did not correct it, your warranty claim is far stronger. An inspection report does not just protect you before closing. It becomes the foundation of your warranty position after closing.

Under the Texas Residential Construction Liability Act, you must give the builder written notice of a defect and allow a reasonable opportunity to inspect and repair before pursuing other remedies. That process works best when you have documentation from the start.

Forestbrook Estates and warranty expectations

At Forestbrook Estates in Paris, TX, builders like D.R. Horton and Wyldewood Homes provide warranty coverage as part of the purchase process. D.R. Horton typically offers a 1-2-10 warranty through their warranty provider, extending structural coverage beyond the standard six years. Wyldewood Homes structures their warranty to reflect their hands-on approach to construction. We review these documents with every client to make sure you understand exactly what is covered and what you need to do to keep that coverage intact.

The bottom line

A builder warranty is a valuable protection, but it only works if you understand it, document issues early, and follow the proper process. Do not let the excitement of move-in day make you forget about the fine print.

Shannon and Scott Miles are new construction buyer specialists at eXp Realty in Paris, TX. They help clients at Forestbrook Estates and throughout Northeast Texas understand their warranty coverage, document concerns, and communicate effectively with builders after closing. If you are buying new construction and want a team that stays with you past closing day, reach out and let us protect your investment for the long term.

No pressure. No obligation. Just a team that helps you build with confidence and close with clarity.