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