There’s nothing quite like stepping into a brand-new home for the first time. Everything is fresh, untouched, and built just for you. From the smooth countertops to the perfectly painted walls, the excitement of a new construction home is real, and so are the important financial questions that come with it, like who pays closing costs on a new construction home.

But even in a home that’s never been lived in, questions can arise. What happens if something breaks? What if the HVAC system has a problem six months in? How do you know what’s covered and what’s not?

That’s what a builder’s new construction home warranty is for. A builder-backed new construction home warranty is designed to give you confidence in your purchase by protecting the most essential parts of your home during the early years of ownership.

At National HomeCorp, that promise is backed by one of the most respected names in the industry: the 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty® program. Every NHC home comes with this trusted coverage, offering homeowners clear protection, simple processes, and real peace of mind. 

In this blog, we’ll walk through exactly what a builder’s new construction home warranty is, what it typically covers (and what it doesn’t), how long it lasts, and what makes NHC’s approach stand out. 

What is a Builder’s Warranty?

A new construction home warranty certifies that the builder stands behind the materials, craftsmanship, and structural integrity of your new home for a specific time. It’s a formal commitment to address certain defects at no additional cost to the homeowner should they arise. Think of it as a quality assurance agreement that stays with you well after move-in day.

However, a builder’s new construction home warranty is not the same as a homeowner’s insurance policy. 

While insurance protects against unexpected events like fires, storms, or theft, a builder’s new construction home warranty focuses on construction-related issues like drywall cracks, plumbing leaks, or foundation problems that may appear after you’ve settled in.

It also differs from a home service plan, which typically covers wear-and-tear on systems and appliances, especially in older or resale homes.

At NHC, we’re proud to partner with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty®, one of the most respected new build home warranty providers in the nation. With over 40 years of experience and more than 6 million homes covered, 2-10 HBW offers proven protection and streamlined claims support.

What is Covered in a Builder’s Warranty?

One of the most valuable aspects of buying a newly built home is knowing that the key parts of your investment are protected. At NHC, not only are our listings the most affordable on the market, but every home also comes with a new construction home warranty that follows what’s commonly known as the “1-2-10” coverage model. This nationally recognized standard breaks protection into three core areas:

1-Year: Workmanship Warranty

This portion of the new construction home warranty covers the fit, finish, and craftsmanship of your home. If something wasn’t installed correctly or shows early signs of failure due to workmanship, this coverage has you protected.

Items typically covered include:

• Interior and exterior doors
• Drywall and paint finishes
• Baseboards and trim
• Flooring (tile, hardwood, carpet)
• Cabinets and countertops
• Roofing and flashing
• Siding and stucco finishes
• Fireplaces and tile work

2-Year: Distribution Systems Warranty

Behind the walls of your home are essential systems that keep everything running. The 2-year new build home warranty covers these distribution systems, including mechanical infrastructure that powers, heats, and moves water through your space.

Covered systems include:

• Electrical wiring
• Plumbing supply and waste lines
• HVAC ductwork and distribution

10-Year: Structural Warranty

The 10-year structural new house warranty protects against catastrophic failure of the key load-bearing elements in your home’s construction.

Covered structural components include:

• Foundation and footings
• Roof framing systems
• Load-bearing walls and partitions
• Beams and girders
• Columns, lintels, and masonry arches
• Floor framing systems

The structural new build home warranty also includes protection against certain types of soil movement, which can cause major shifts or cracks in the foundation. 

Considering that foundation repairs alone can average around $5,400, having a structural new house warranty provides significant financial protection against such substantial costs.

What’s the Difference Between a Home Warranty and a Builder’s Warranty?

It’s easy to confuse a builder’s warranty with a home warranty, but they serve very different purposes. Knowing the difference can help you make the most of your coverage.

Builder’s Warranty

A builder’s warranty is included automatically with the purchase of a newly constructed home. It’s provided by your builder and is focused on covering construction-related issues that may arise during the early years of homeownership. This includes:

• Workmanship defects (like improperly installed flooring or cabinetry)
• Distribution system failures (like faulty electrical or plumbing lines)
• Major structural issues (like foundation cracks or load-bearing wall failures)

Home Warranty (or Home Service Plan)

A home warranty, on the other hand, is typically something a homeowner chooses to purchase, especially for resale or older homes. These plans are designed to help cover normal wear and tear on appliances and systems over time, like your refrigerator, water heater, HVAC unit, or garage door opener.

Do You Need a Home Builder’s Warranty on New Construction?

Even the most carefully constructed homes can experience unexpected issues after move-in. A recent survey revealed that 77% of new homeowners encountered unforeseen repair costs within their first year, and emergency home repair costs around $2,000 on average.

Materials settle, systems are used for the first time, and environmental factors like weather or soil conditions can introduce challenges you didn’t anticipate. A builder’s new construction home warranty makes sure that if something does go wrong, you’re not left footing the bill.

Here’s what a builder’s new construction home warranty really means for you:

• Peace of Mind: You can focus on enjoying your new home instead of worrying about potential defects.
• Cost Savings: Covered repairs are handled at no cost to you within the warranty terms.
• Value Protection: Warranty-backed homes maintain stronger resale value, since future buyers appreciate the assurance of professional construction and long-term support.

What’s Not Covered in a Builder’s Warranty?

Nearly 60% of homeowners delay necessary repairs because of cost concerns. To understand what you will and won’t have to pay for, here are some of the most common exclusions you’ll find in any builder-backed new construction home warranty:

Normal Wear and Tear: Builder warranties are not designed to cover everyday use. That means things like scuffed floors, faded paint, or minor dings in the walls from furniture are considered a natural part of homeownership.

Improper Maintenance: Homeowners are responsible for keeping their homes in good condition. Damage caused by neglect typically voids warranty coverage.

Owner-Installed Upgrades or DIY Damage: If you install your own fixtures, appliances, or finishes after move-in, that is covered by the homeowner. The new construction home warranty only covers original materials and systems installed by the home builder and its contractors.

Appliances (Unless Covered by Manufacturer): Most appliances (like your oven, fridge, or washer) are not covered under the builder warranty unless they fail due to faulty installation. However, these items often include separate manufacturer warranties.

Landscaping and Fencing: While your lawn and outdoor features add curb appeal, they fall outside the scope of builder warranty protection. This includes grass, shrubs, trees, fences, irrigation systems, and any related damage caused by weather, erosion, or shifting soil.

How to Submit a New Construction Home Warranty Request with NHC

At NHC, we make it simple for homeowners to get support when they need it most. If you experience a covered issue, the most important thing to remember is this: submit your new construction home warranty request before the coverage period ends. Builder warranties operate on strict timelines, so acting promptly is key.

Here’s how to initiate a request:

• Review your warranty documents to confirm the issue is covered.
• Gather relevant details and documentation, like photos or a brief description.
• Submit your claim online using our quick form.

When you buy with National HomeCorp, you’re getting more than just a newly built house. You’re getting a home that’s protected by one of the most trusted warranty programs in the country. Our partnership with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty® ensures every NHC homeowner has access to industry-leading support, clear protections, and real peace of mind.

Whether you’re putting down roots in Texas, Florida, North Carolina, or Missouri, you can trust in your NHC home.

Explore NHC communities today and discover the affordable homes waiting for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Builder Warranties Last?

Builder warranties usually last one, two, or ten years, depending on your coverage. The 1-year model covers workmanship, including Interior and exterior doors, drywall, and paint finishes. The 2-year model covers distribution models like electrical wiring, plumbing supply, and waste lines. The 10-year model covers structural aspects like foundations, footings, and roof framing systems.