Warranty Work Follow-up

How to Follow-up on Warranty Work for Your New Home

A Word About Warranty Work

The City of Woodbury's Building Inspection Department receives many inquiries from new homeowners regarding warranty work. Homeowners often are concerned that warranty work for their home is not being completed in a timely manner or not being completed at all. The City of Woodbury has no legal authority to require that warranty work be completed. Warranty obligations are a private matter between the builder and homeowner. Homeowners with complaints pertaining to warranty items may use the procedures outlined below as a guide to assist in the follow-up on home warranty items.

Understanding Your Warranty

In seeking warranty work, homeowners must understand the home's warranty and the procedures they should follow. Begin by checking the warranty information given by the builder to find out if:

• Items are covered by the home's warranty.
• There is a waiting period required for the items, i.e., weather conditions and material availability.
• The builder requires the property owner to fill out a warranty request form or to send a letter requesting warranty work.

Minnesota State Statute, Chapter 327A, requires a warranty on new homes. The warranty is a contractual agreement between the builder and homeowner and cannot be enforced by the city. The following are items covered by the state statute for warranty work:

Materials & Workmanship

During the one-year period from and after the warranty date, the dwelling shall be free from defects caused by faulty workmanship and defective materials due to noncompliance with building standards.

Plumbing, Electric, Heating & Cooling Systems

During the two-year period from and after the warranty date, the dwelling shall be free from defects caused by faulty installation of plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems.

Major Construction Defects

During the ten-year period from and after the warranty date, the home shall be free from major construction defects.