Buying a newly built home comes with the excitement of being the first person to live in the space. It also comes with new systems, materials, maintenance responsibilities, and paperwork to understand. A new home warranty helps explain how certain concerns will be handled after closing, but the exact coverage, timelines, exclusions, and request process can vary by builder and component.

Before closing, buyers should review the written warranty or home care documents provided with the home. Knowing what is covered, who is responsible for each item, and how to report a concern can make the first year of homeownership much easier.

What Is A New Home Warranty?

A new home warranty, also called a builder warranty or new construction warranty, is limited coverage provided for specified materials, workmanship, systems, or structural components in a newly built home. The written documents should explain the length of coverage, the standards used to evaluate a concern, the process for requesting service, and any exclusions or homeowner responsibilities.

A builder warranty is different from a home warranty service contract that a homeowner may purchase separately. Builder coverage generally applies to parts of the home created or installed during construction. A separate service contract may cover certain appliances or systems after a breakdown, depending on the contract.

Warranties also do not replace homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance may apply to covered losses caused by events such as fire, storms, or theft, while a builder’s program focuses on eligible construction-related concerns. Buyers should review each policy and document to understand how these protections differ.

What Does A New Home Warranty Cover?

The answer depends on the builder’s written program and the individual item. New home warranty coverage may include eligible defects in materials or workmanship, installation concerns, or problems with certain home systems during a defined period. Coverage may also be divided between the builder, product manufacturers, installers, and other providers.

Common coverage categories may include:

• Workmanship and materials used in constructing the home
• Installation of certain flooring, roofing, siding, windows, doors, fixtures, or finishes
• Plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling components
• Specified structural elements
• Products or equipment covered by separate manufacturer warranties

A covered issue is generally different from normal wear, routine maintenance, cosmetic damage that occurs after move-in, or changes caused by the natural movement of building materials. Always use the performance standards and definitions in your own written documents instead of assuming every builder warranty works the same way.

How Wolverton Homes’ One-Year Home Care Program Works

Wolverton Homes provides buyers with a One-Year New Home Orientation and Home Care Program. The program is designed to help homeowners understand their new home, document questions, and address eligible concerns during the first year after closing.

New Home Orientation Before Closing

Before move-in, Wolverton Homes conducts an orientation with the buyer and a Buyer Liaison. This is an opportunity to walk through the home, learn how important features and systems work, review the completed construction, and ask questions before closing.

Buyers should use the orientation carefully. Look at finishes in good lighting, operate doors and windows, learn where shutoffs and controls are located, and ask how to care for the materials selected for the home. Any visible cosmetic concerns should be discussed and documented during the walkthrough.

60-Day Check-In

Some questions do not appear until a homeowner has lived in the house for several weeks. Wolverton Homes’ program includes a 60-day check-in so buyers can discuss concerns that may have been overlooked during the initial orientation or noticed after move-in.

Keep a running list during the first two months. Include the room or location, a clear description of the concern, when it occurs, and photos or video when they would help explain the issue.

One-Year Home Care Review

Before the first year ends, homeowners can arrange a one-year Home Care review to address remaining questions or eligible concerns before enrollment in the program concludes. Do not wait until the final days of the coverage period to start reviewing the home. Set a reminder well in advance so there is time to prepare and submit the necessary information.

Builder Coverage vs. Manufacturer Warranties

One of the most important new home warranty basics is knowing which company is responsible for a specific item. Not every product inside a new home is covered directly by the builder.

Wolverton Homes’ published program explains that appliances and various installed products may carry manufacturer or installer warranties rather than direct Home Care coverage. Keep closing documents, manuals, model and serial numbers, receipts, and warranty registration confirmations together in a secure location.

What Is Usually Not Covered By A Builder Warranty?

A new construction warranty is limited, not an all-purpose repair plan. Common exclusions may include damage caused by misuse, owner alterations, lack of maintenance, normal wear, weather, accidents, or events outside the builder’s control. Small settlement-related or cosmetic changes may also fall outside coverage depending on the standards in the written program.

Wolverton Homes’ Home Care Program includes detailed guidance for individual components of the home. Examples of homeowner responsibilities include routine caulking, replacing HVAC filters, caring for flooring and finishes, maintaining drainage and sprinkler settings, protecting pipes from freezing, and following product instructions. Alterations or attempted self-repairs may also affect coverage, so contact Wolverton Homes before changing or repairing a condition that may qualify for Home Care.

Buyers should pay special attention to:

• Items that must be identified during the final walkthrough
• Shorter reporting periods for certain landscaping, grading, cosmetic, or adjustment concerns
• Routine maintenance required to keep coverage valid
• Products covered by a manufacturer or private installer
• Damage caused by weather, moisture, homeowner changes, or improper use

The full Wolverton Homes Home Care Program details should be the primary reference for Wolverton homeowners.

How To Submit A New Home Warranty Request

A clear, complete written request helps the builder understand the concern and determine the appropriate next step. Wolverton Homes asks that Home Care requests be submitted in writing through its website.

1. Review your documents. Check the applicable coverage period, exclusions, maintenance requirements, and request instructions.
2. Describe the concern clearly. Identify the room, area, fixture, or system and explain what you are observing.
3. Add useful context. Note when the issue began, how often it happens, and whether any action has already been taken.
4. Include photos or video. Visual documentation can help the team evaluate the request and prepare for a visit.
5. Keep a copy. Save the request, attachments, appointment dates, and follow-up notes with your home records.

Wolverton homeowners can use the online Home Care request form to begin the process. For an urgent concern involving leaking water, electricity, gas, or another condition that cannot safely wait, follow the emergency instructions in the Home Care Program and contact the Wolverton Homes office.

Questions To Ask Before Closing On A New Home

Do not wait until a problem occurs to learn how the warranty works. Ask these questions before closing and keep the answers with your home documents:

• When does the builder warranty begin and end?
• Which materials, systems, and types of workmanship are covered?
• Are any items subject to shorter or longer coverage periods?
• Which products have separate manufacturer warranties?
• What must be documented during the final walkthrough?
• How should routine and emergency requests be submitted?
• What maintenance is required to preserve coverage?
• Can homeowner alterations or self-repairs affect eligibility?
• Does the coverage transfer if the home is sold?
• How are coverage disagreements handled?

How To Stay Organized During The First Year

A simple home care file can save time and prevent missed deadlines. Keep digital and paper copies of the purchase agreement, Home Care Program, orientation notes, inspection reports, manufacturer manuals, warranty registrations, and all service communications.

It also helps to schedule three calendar reminders:

• A reminder before the 60-day check-in to review your running list
• A seasonal maintenance reminder for filters, exterior drainage, caulking, sprinklers, and freeze protection
• A reminder well before the one-year review to inspect the home and submit eligible concerns

New homes require regular care just like existing homes. Following maintenance instructions and reporting concerns promptly helps protect the materials and systems in the home while giving the builder useful information.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Home Warranties

How Long Does A New Home Warranty Last?

Coverage periods vary by builder, warranty provider, and component. Wolverton Homes offers a one-year Home Care Program beginning from the date of closing, with terms and limitations described in its written program. Manufacturer warranties for individual products may follow different timelines.

Is A Builder Warranty The Same As Homeowners Insurance?

No. A builder warranty addresses eligible construction-related concerns under its written terms. Homeowners insurance covers specified losses and events under an insurance policy. Neither should be assumed to replace the other.

Are Appliances Covered By A New Construction Warranty?

Appliances are often covered by their manufacturers rather than the builder. Wolverton Homes directs appliance concerns through the applicable manufacturer warranty process. Keep each appliance’s model number, serial number, manual, and warranty information.

Should I Get A Home Inspection On A New Construction Home?

Many buyers choose to hire an independent home inspector even when the home has passed required code inspections and includes a builder walkthrough. An inspection and a builder warranty serve different purposes. Buyers should discuss inspection timing and access with their real estate and construction professionals.

What Should I Do If I Notice A Problem After Moving In?

Review your written Home Care or warranty documents, document the condition, and submit the concern through the required process as soon as reasonably possible. Wolverton homeowners can submit a written request using the online Home Care form. Follow the program’s emergency instructions if the condition involves an immediate safety or property risk.

Build With A Team That Supports You After Closing

A well-explained new home warranty gives buyers a clear process for asking questions and reporting eligible concerns after move-in. Wolverton Homes combines a pre-closing orientation, scheduled first-year check-ins, and written Home Care resources to help homeowners understand and care for their new home.

If you are planning a new home in Twin Falls or the Magic Valley, explore Wolverton Homes’ floor plans or schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and learn more about the building experience.