Home Remodeling Warranties: A Complete Guide

Warranties can be a confusing aspect of home remodeling for many homeowners. From vague terms to inconsistent coverage, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure about what you’re actually getting.

Here at JSB, we’ve been a part of the remodeling industry for over 4 decades with experience in all types of home remodeling projects. We know the industry standards and common problems homeowners face when dealing with remodeling warranties. JSB was started because we saw too many homeowners being taken advantage of by other remodeling companies and it hurts us to see our industry represented that way. 

So, it’s time to remove the mystery surrounding home remodeling warranties and give you the tools you need to make sure you know what type of warranty coverage you are getting with your project. No matter what remodeling company you are working with, you’ll gain a clear understanding of what remodeling warranties are, the types available, and the key questions to ask to protect your investment.

Table of Contents:

• What Are Warranties in Home Remodeling?
• Types of Warranties Offered by Contractors
• Why Warranties Are Essential for Your Home Remodeling Project
• Key Questions to Ask About Home Remodeling Warranties
  • General Remodeling Warranty Questions
  • Remodeling Warranty Coverage Details
  • Remodeling Warranty Claims and Resolution Process
  • Remodeling Warranty Maintenance and Compliance Requirements
  • Remodeling Warranty Transferability and Longevity
• Warning Signs to Watch for in Home Remodeling Warranty Offers
• Tips for Maximizing the Value of Your Home Remodeling Warranty

What Are Warranties in Home Remodeling?

In the home remodeling industry, warranties are essentially promises of quality and performance. They protect homeowners by ensuring that contractors stand behind their work and that materials meet specific standards.

Having a solid warranty not only gives you peace of mind that your contractor is looking out for you but also safeguards your investment in case something goes wrong.

Types of Warranties Offered by Contractors

Workmanship Warranties

These warranties ensure the quality of the contractor’s work. Workmanship warranties are sometimes also called craftsmanship warranties. These terms are interchangeable.
Examples:

• If your kitchen backsplash is installed unevenly or with poor grouting, a workmanship warranty would cover reinstallation.
• A bathroom shower door that leaks due to improper sealing would be fixed under this warranty.
• If a sunroom’s windows aren’t installed correctly and allow drafts, this warranty would ensure proper repairs.

Manufacturer’s Warranties

These cover defects in materials or products used during remodeling.
Examples:

• If your new kitchen appliances fail prematurely, such as a refrigerator that stops cooling due to a defective compressor, the manufacturer’s warranty would cover repairs or replacement.
• Bathroom faucets with defective finishes that peel or corrode would fall under this warranty.
• Sunroom windows that develop condensation between panes because of a defective seal are often covered by the window manufacturer’s warranty.

Structural Warranties

This applies to foundational elements of your home, such as framing or other structural components.
Examples:

• If a newly added room develops foundational settling that causes noticeable cracking, the structural warranty would address repairs.
• Framing that fails to support the roof or ceiling properly would also fall under this category.

Extended Warranties

These are optional and offer additional coverage beyond standard warranties.
Examples:

• Purchasing an extended warranty for custom kitchen cabinetry could cover replacement parts for drawer slides or door hinges over an extended period.
• An extended warranty for bathroom flooring might include coverage for resealing grout or replacing tiles.

Why Warranties Are Essential for Your Home Remodeling Project

Warranties Protecting Your Investment

A strong warranty ensures that unexpected repair costs don’t derail your remodeling budget. The last thing you want is to finish a project, find a problem, and have to pay again to fix the issue.

Example: After completing a kitchen remodel, a homeowner noticed that the finish on their quartz countertops began to discolor. The manufacturer’s warranty covered the replacement, saving the homeowner thousands of dollars and ensuring their kitchen remained in top shape.

Warranties Hold Contractors Accountable

Warranties encourage contractors to deliver high-quality work the first time, knowing they’ll need to honor their guarantees. Contractors who offer long coverage periods are very confident that their work is of the highest quality and will stand the test of time.

Example: A family had a sunroom installed but later noticed gaps in the trim that caused air leaks. The contractor promptly resolved the issue under the workmanship warranty, demonstrating their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Key Questions to Ask About Home Remodeling Warranties

When you are interviewing remodeling contractors for a project, you should ask them these questions about their warranty. If they can’t answer the questions or don’t want to, find a different company! It sounds extreme but these questions ensure that the company sees you and your home personally, not as a number in their project list.

Under most of these questions, we will list the industry standard or minimum requirement as well as JSB’s answers to these questions. Any company should be able to give you the same type of information listed here.

General Remodeling Warranty Questions

What warranties are included with your services?

Standard industry practice includes a one-year workmanship warranty, but premium contractors may offer longer periods.

JSB offers products that have manufacturer warranties. We also have a limited lifetime craftsmanship warranty. This means that we stand behind our work for as long as you own your home.

How long does each warranty last?

• • Workmanship warranties: 1–2 years (industry minimum is one year). JSB’s workmanship warranty is for as long as you own your home.
    
    JSB's craftsmanship warranty is a lifetime warranty. We cover our work for the amount of time that you own your home, whether that's 5 years or 50 years.
    
    
  • Manufacturer’s warranties: Typically 10–20 years for roofing materials, windows, and major appliances. Bathroom and kitchen material warranties vary by supplier.

The manufacturer warranties offered on JSB products differ by manufacturer. For example, one of our shower wall lines offers a lifetime warranty and our sunroom materials have 50 years of coverage. We will provide you with the paperwork that comes with your products from the manufacturer detailing their coverage details.

• • Structural warranties: Commonly 10 years or more, as they cover critical elements of the home.

Are extended warranties available, and what do they cost?

Many contractors partner with manufacturers to offer extended warranties for an additional fee. Costs vary but can range from $500–$2,000 depending on the scope and length of coverage.

JSB does not have extended warranties, mostly because we can’t cover your project for any longer than we already do!

Remodeling Warranty Coverage Details

What exactly does the warranty cover?

• A workmanship warranty usually covers installation errors.
• Manufacturer’s warranties cover product defects.
• Structural warranties cover issues like foundational cracks or roof sagging.

Does the warranty include both materials and labor?

A reputable contractor should offer a workmanship warranty to cover any damage due to defective installation and the costs to repair it. They should also provide quality materials that come with comprehensive warranties from the manufacturer.

JSB offers coverage for labor and materials associated with issues due to defective installation as part of our craftsmanship warranty. If you have a manufacturer warranty issue, the manufacturer will cover material costs. JSB can install the new product and you would only be responsible for the labor costs.

Are there specific exclusions?

Exclusions typically include damage from natural disasters, homeowner misuse, or routine wear and tear. This is standard across the industry and also within JSB.

Remodeling Warranty Claims and Resolution Process

How do I file a claim if there’s an issue?

Contractors should provide clear instructions, typically requiring written notice and photographic evidence.

At JSB, all you have to do to submit a craftsmanship warranty claim is call in to our office. You’ll be connected with a manager who can assess your needs and work to resolve the issue. They will also take care of scheduling your service appointment.

For manufacturer warranty claims, typically you would contact the manufacturer directly using information in your manufacturer warranty paperwork that comes with your product. If you run into issues or aren’t sure what type of warranty claim you have, you can give us a call and we will help direct you.

What is your average response time for warranty claims?

Industry best practices suggest a response within 48–72 hours for warranty inquiries.

At JSB, our goal is to respond to warranty-related phone calls within 24 hours. Depending on the severity of the issue, we will arrange a time to come to your home, inspect the problem and determine the best course of action to fix the issue. If you have a cabinet door that fell off the hinges, we will schedule a time to come out and fix it. If you have water gushing out from under your bathtub, we are grabbing our keys to come out right away.

Will repairs be handled in-house or outsourced?

Reputable contractors typically use in-house teams for warranty repairs to maintain quality control. This is true of how JSB handles warranty claims as well.

Remodeling Warranty Maintenance and Compliance Requirements

Are there specific care guidelines I need to follow?

Yes, usually for manufacturer warranties. Most warranties include maintenance instructions you must follow to keep the warranty valid. For example, if you’ve installed new bathroom tile, the contractor may require you to reseal grout annually. Similarly, kitchen countertops like granite or quartz may need specific cleaning products to prevent surface damage. Neglecting routine maintenance often voids the warranty.

Pro Tip: Request a written list of care requirements and ensure they’re easy to integrate into your routine.

What actions could void the warranty?

Again, this is typically for manufacturer warranties. Certain actions, like using unapproved cleaning products, improper DIY repairs, or failing to follow recommended maintenance schedules, can void your warranty. For instance, if you install a sunroom and later modify the framing without consulting the original contractor, you might lose coverage for structural issues.

Pro Tip: Before making changes to any remodel, always check with the contractor to ensure warranty compliance.

Remodeling Warranty Transferability and Longevity

Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home?

Some warranties, such as those for sunrooms or structural elements, are transferable to new homeowners, which can increase your home’s resale value. However, transferability terms vary by contractor and warranty type.

At JSB, our sunroom manufacturer warranty is transferable to new homeowners but our workmanship warranty is limited to the original homeowners who signed the contract with us.

Pro Tip: If transferability is a priority, confirm this with your contractor and ask if there’s a transfer fee. It’s also a selling point for buyers, so be sure to document the warranty details.

Does the warranty coverage decrease over time?

Some warranties are pro-rated, meaning the coverage diminishes as time passes. For example, a 10-year warranty for sunroom windows might offer full replacement for the first five years, but partial coverage thereafter. Others, like many manufacturer’s warranties, maintain full coverage throughout the term.

The craftsmanship warranties offered from JSB do not decrease over time.

Pro Tip: Ask for a breakdown of the warranty timeline so you know how coverage changes over time and avoid surprises if repairs are needed later.

Warning Signs to Watch for in Home Remodeling Warranty Offers

1. Ambiguity in Warranty Language
   Beware of vague phrases like “limited warranty” without clear definitions. If terms aren’t spelled out, you may struggle to enforce the warranty later. For instance, if your sunroom warranty doesn’t specify whether glass replacement is included, you might be stuck with unexpected costs.
2. Short Warranty Periods
   Warranties lasting less than a year for workmanship or under 10 years for structural work may indicate a contractor isn’t confident in their work. For example, a contractor offering only six months on bathroom tile installation should raise concerns.
3. Lack of Documentation
   Always get warranties in writing. If a contractor hesitates to provide detailed documentation, it’s a red flag. You’ll want to have clear paperwork that specifies coverage for your remodel project.

Tips for Maximizing the Value of Your Home Remodeling Warranty

1. Keep All Documentation
   Organize receipts, contracts, and warranty details in a dedicated folder or digital archive for easy access. For example, if your new kitchen appliances fail, having the warranty readily available can streamline the repair or replacement process.
2. Follow Maintenance Guidelines
   Regularly clean and maintain items according to care instructions. For example:
   • Reseal your bathroom grout as recommended to keep it waterproof and ensure the warranty remains valid.
   • Clean your sunroom windows with approved products to avoid voiding the glass seal warranty.
3. Address Issues Promptly
   If you notice a problem, such as peeling paint on kitchen cabinets or a leaky faucet in your bathroom, report it immediately. Delaying could worsen the issue and complicate your warranty claim.

How Can You Protect Your Remodel with a Strong Warranty?

Warranties are a critical component of any home remodeling project. They safeguard your investment, ensure quality work, and offer peace of mind. By asking the right questions and securing clear, written agreements, you can avoid costly mistakes and unexpected surprises.

To help you find the right remodeling company for your project, we have created a Remodeling Company Comparison Guide. You’ll find questions to ask of any company your interview as well as space to record their answers. Some of the warranty questions discussed in this article are included and you can always record answers to more warranty questions in a separate notebook dedicated to remodel project planning.

If you’re planning a remodel, don’t hesitate to reach out to industry experts for guidance. Got a warranty story, nightmare or fairytail, to share? We’d love to hear it! Drop it in the comments below. Contact us for advice or explore our blog for more home remodeling insights.