Check out the details behind Pulte Homes' warranty with a full look at our industry leading warranty offering. Discover the ins and outs of Pulte Homes warranty request customer service and see all that is covered in your quality built new home.
N A T I O N A L V E R S I O N
™
New Home Limited WARRANTY and PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Pulte.com
Relax.
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You’ve made the right decision by choosing Pulte Homes ® . You are now the proud owner of an exceptionally well-crafted and smartly designed home. This book provides you with all the details of your home’s warranty. As you add the personal touches that make this home your own, you can look forward to a lifetime of enduring quality. Be assured that we, too, are committed to enhancing your pride in ownership, as we build a relationship that lasts as long as your home.
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Pulte Homes has long held a reputation for building superior homes and standing behind what we build. We strive to deliver a level of customer service that goes far beyond industry standards. With expert, personalized service throughout the warranty period, you can count on us to take care of you every step of the way. It’s just another reason why we’re one of the most admired companies in home building.
Overview 7 The Spirit of the Warranty 7 The Rights of Your Home 7 Your Rights and the Rights of Your Home 8 What the Homeowner Has a Right to Expect From the Builder 9 What Your Home Has a Right to Expect From You The Limited Warranty 11 The Limited Warranty 13 Limited Warranty Exclusions 15 Requesting a Home Repair 16 Waiver of Any Other Warranty’s Exclusive Warranty
Performance Standards 30 Interior Concrete and Foundation 32 Framing 33 Roof 35 Exterior Siding and Trim 36 Stucco, Cementitious Finish, Above Grade Block, and Concrete Walls 38 Exterior Paint and Finishes
39 Wood Decks 39 Site Drainage 40 Doors 41 Windows 42 Electrical 43 Comfort Control 44 Plumbing
45 Interior Paint and Finishes 46 Interior Trim and Moldings 47 Flooring 48 Cabinets and Countertops 49 Fireplace and Chimney 50 Retaining Walls 51 Landscape 51 Driveways and Exterior Concrete Surfaces 53 Outdoor/Indoor Pools 53 Appliances
17 Resolving Disputes 21 Attached Homes 22 Insurer’s Responsibility
HUD Addendum 24 HUD Addendum 25 State-Specific Addenda
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O N E
Overview
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This section provides a general overview of the
In general, the Limited Warranty is a commitment
PulteGroup (Pulte Homes, Centex, Fox & Jacobs,
that materials and workmanship are warranted
DiVosta, Del Webb and John Wieland Homes and
for one year from the time of closing. The heating,
Neighborhoods, as applicable) Home Protection
air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing systems
Plan, which consists of the Limited Warranty and
are warranted for two years from closing. Certain
the Performance Standards (collective referred
kinds of water infiltration and internal leaks are
to herein as the “Limited Warranty”) provided by
warranted for a period of five years from the time
PulteGroup (Pulte Homes, Centex, Fox & Jacobs,
of closing. Defects in materials and workmanship
DiVosta, Del Webb and John Wieland Homes and
in the structural elements of the home are
Neighborhoods, as applicable) through the building
warranted for ten years from closing. Elevators,
subsidiary identified in your purchase agreement
Solar Systems, Smart Home Components (as
for the home (the “Builder”). The specific details,
defined in Section 3 below) and Consumer Products
limitations, and conditions of the Limited Warranty
(as defined in Section 3 below) included in the
are provided to you (the “Homeowner”) in this
home are not warranted by the Builder, but are
book. If your home is financed through FHA/VA,
covered by separate warranties provided by the
please see the HUD Addendum. If your home is
manufacturer or supplier. These warranties are
located in Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas,
assigned to the Homeowner by the Builder at the
Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Oregon,
time of closing. In the event that a timely claim
or South Carolina, please refer to the state-specific
is made under one of these warranties without
addenda in the HUD Addendum.
response, the Builder will assist the Homeowner
in attempting to resolve the problem with the
This Limited Warranty includes procedures for
manufacturer or supplier. During the first year, the
informal settlement of disputes, such as arbitration,
Builder will correct the malfunction of an elevator,
which will be binding on the Homeowner and the
Solar System, Smart Home Component or
Builder. Additional information on the binding
Consumer Product installed by the Builder if the
arbitration procedure can be found in the “Resolving
malfunction is due to damage during installation
Disputes” section of this Limited Warranty.
or improper installation.
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The Spirit of the Warranty Our Limited Warranty commitment is easy to understand and is based on COMMON SENSE. We believe the Homeowner has a right to expect a clean home complete and free of defects at the time of closing. Things should work. If there are problems because of defects in materials and workmanship, as outlined above and described in more detail later, the Builder will arrange for their repair or replacement. If a problem results from actions by occupants of the home or others, or from ordinary wear and tear, the Builder is not responsible for the resulting repair or replacement. The Rights of Your Home We view your Limited Warranty in terms of what you, as our customer, have a right to expect. We view the issue of preventative maintenance in terms of what your home has a right to expect from you. None of the materials used in the construction of your home will last forever; however, most will last for a long time if properly maintained. It is our desire to help you understand how to prolong the life of your home through regular maintenance that is appropriate for the types of material used in your home. The following pages describe, in general terms, what the Homeowner has a right to expect from the Builder and what your home has a right to expect from you. Following that are sections on the Limited Warranty, Limited Warranty Exclusions, Limitation of Liability, Requesting a Home Repair, Waiver of Any Other Warranty’s Exclusive Warranty, Resolving Disputes, Attached Homes, Insurer’s Responsibility, and the Builder’s Performance Standards. Your Rights and the Rights of Your Home These sections discuss, in general terms, what you can expect from the Builder in the construction of your home, and what your home should expect from you in ongoing maintenance and care. The actual coverage is described in the Limited Warranty provided in this book. The “Home Care Guide” will provide most of the information you need to provide your home with the appropriate level of preventative maintenance.
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SECTION 1 : What the Homeowner Has a Right to Expect From the Builder 1.1 Soil Drainage Your home has been placed on soil engineered to withstand the anticipated settlement based on soil conditions found in your area. It should not settle in such a way as to create structural problems during the Limited Warranty period. 1.2 Concrete Surfaces The concrete surfaces in your home should fulfill the functions for which they were intended without excessive settlement, cracking, or secondary damage such as leaking. Since concrete is likely to crack, standards are defined in the detailed Performance Standards which follow. 1.3 Structural Integrity Since homes are constructed by human beings using a variety of materials, small tolerances are normal. What we consider unacceptable tolerances are defined in the detailed Performance Standards which follow. 1.4 Intrusion of the Elements Your home should not leak. Exceptions might occur such as when a driving rain forces water into vents, windows, or under doors. Under normal circumstances, your home should protect you from the intrusion of the elements.
1.5 Mechanical Systems Those systems installed in your home to provide power, water, treated air, ventilation, and waste disposal should work. 1.6 Finished Surfaces Finished surfaces should maintain uniform or characteristic appearances for a reasonable period of time. Cracks or surface deterioration should be repaired as provided in the Limited Warranty. 1.7 Care and Maintenance Although things wear out, components in your home should last a reasonable length of time (assuming you give them appropriate care and maintenance). This time will vary with geographical regions, the types of materials involved, and usage. As time goes on, adjustments will be required.
1.8 Common Elements If your new home is part of a multifamily
development, the common elements should be in the same clean and completed condition as your unit. This includes entries, common hallways, and common utility and service areas.
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SECTION 2: What Your Home Has a Right to Expect From You
2.5 Since the mechanical systems of your home were designed for normal usage, placing unreasonable demands upon them will present problems. Plugging several electrical devices into one circuit may cause it to overload. Loading materials into a drain may cause it to clog. Undue weight should not be placed on pipes or showerheads because they can break. Some devices must be cleaned periodically (e.g., furnace filters so that they can do what they were designed to do. 2.6 Wood requires cleaning and sealing to prevent problems associated with water penetration and continual exposure to the elements. Painted or sealed surfaces must be cleaned and refinished according to the requirements of your geographic area. If this is not done, the surface will deteriorate. 2.7 Instructions for care and maintenance are included with many components of your home, including finished flooring, appliances, and air handling equipment. By following these instructions you will extend the life of these components. 2.8 The common areas require the same care and maintenance as your home. Although your homeowner or condo association is responsible for maintenance, all residents should strive to keep these areas clean and usable.
2.1 Your home and lot were designed with a particular drainage pattern, which should carry rainwater away from the foundation. Water should not be directed to the edge of the foundation, either in the form of lot drainage or the watering of flowers. 2.2 Concrete surfaces should be free of salts (for ice), other deicing chemicals, and excessive weight such as a moving van. Yard drainage should be maintained to divert water away from concrete surfaces, if possible, to eliminate the chance it will undermine the surface and erode the bearing soil. 2.3 Structural alterations to the home must be performed by professionals who understand the load-bearing requirements of the change. The reason that local municipalities require permits for building alterations is to make sure that the structural integrity of the home is maintained. 2.4 In many cases, the seal around doors and windows is caulk. This material will require annual inspection and any necessary replacement after one to two years. Water from yard and lawn watering devices should not come in contact with the structure.
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T WO
The Limited Warranty
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The Homeowner should read the Limited Warranty in its entirety, including any addenda attached at the end of this Limited Warranty booklet, in order to understand the protection it provides, exclusions that apply, and the performance standards which determine coverage in each case. FHA/VA Homeowners refer to those sections of this Limited Warranty as noted by a dagger ( † ) indicating the applicability of the HUD Addendum.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
One-year Coverage The Builder warrants the construction of the home will conform to the tolerances for materials and workmanship, as defined in the Performance Standards, for a period of one year after the closing date. † Two-year Coverage The Builder warrants the workability of the plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and other mechanical systems, as defined in the Performance Standards, for a period of two years after the closing date. Five-year Coverage The Builder warrants against various types of water infiltration and internal leaks, as specifically defined in the Performance Standards, for a period of five years after the closing date. Ten-year Coverage The Builder warrants the construction of the home will conform to the tolerances set forth in the following Performance Standards for Structural Elements for a period of ten years after the closing date, subject to the limitations set forth below. Structural Elements are footings, bearing walls, beams, girders, trusses, rafters, bearing columns, lintels, posts, structural fasteners, subfloors, and roof sheathing. Floating slabs and partition walls that do not carry any load other than their own weight are not Structural Elements. A Structural Element will not be deemed defective, and no action will be required of the Builder, unless there is actual physical damage that diminishes the ability of the Structural Element to perform its load-bearing function such that the home is unsafe.
SECTION 3: The Limited Warranty
The Builder’s Limited Warranty relates only to “Covered Defects,” which are defined as defects in material and workmanship that are either part of the structure or are elements of the home as supplied by the Builder at the date of closing. The existence of a Covered Defect does not constitute a breach of this Limited Warranty; however, the Builder is obligated to repair or replace the item to conform to the Performance Standards. This is not an insurance policy, nor a maintenance agreement, but a definition of what the Homeowner has a right to expect in terms of warranties. This Limited Warranty is provided to the original purchaser of the home and to all subsequent owners who take title within the Limited Warranty period identified in the Performance Standards, and use the home for their residence only.
† See the HUD Addendum for modifications to this section.
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The Builder assigns the Homeowner warranties furnished by the manufacturer to the Builder for Consumer Products, and, if installed in the home, Elevators, Solar Systems, and Smart Home Components. The term “Consumer Products” means all appliances, pieces of equipment or other items within the home that are a consumer product for the purposes of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C § 2301 et seq.), including without limitation, a refrigerator, freezer, trash compactor, range, oven, kitchen center, dishwasher, oven hood, microwave oven, clothes washer and dryer, air-conditioning system, boiler, heat pump, space heater, furnace, central vacuum system, smoke detector, fire alarm, humidifier, ice maker, garage door opener, chimes, waterpump, intercom, burglar alarm, whirlpool bath, garbage disposal, water heater, electronic air cleaner, exhaust fan, thermostat, fire extinguisher, electric meter, gas or electronic barbecue grill, water softener and sump pump. The term “Solar System” means all components of the solar energy system, including without limitation, the solar power electrical inverter, wiring, mounting hardware and other related equipment. The term “Smart Home Components” includes all hardware, software and other components of any computer network, data network or telecommunications network within the home, whether wired or wireless, including, without limitation, modems, routers, access points and extenders, and any home automation devices, smart devices, remote controls, connected devices or other components connected to any such network (which may include, by way of example, but not limitation, smart thermostats, or other climate control devices, lighting controls, garage door controllers, door locks, security systems interfaces or controllers, speakers, smart speakers, voice controls and intelligent personal assistants). The Builder provides no warranty on any of those items except where the malfunction is due to damage during installation or improper installation. If it is necessary to request warranty service in such a case, the Homeowner must make a request directly to the manufacturer. In the unlikely event that the manufacturer is not responsive to the request, the Builder will assist the Homeowner in attempting to obtain the necessary repairs or replacements from the manufacturer.
Limitation of Liability It is understood and agreed that the Builder’s liability, whether in contract, tort, statute, negligence, or otherwise, is limited to the remedy provided in this Limited Warranty. The Builder’s obligations under this Limited Warranty, and under the purchase agreement, are limited to repair and replacement. Under no circumstances shall the Builder be liable for any special, indirect, or consequential damages, including without limitation any damages based on a claimed decrease in the value of the home, even if the Builder has been advised of the possibility of such damages. This Limited Warranty is the only warranty applicable to this purchase. To the extent permitted by law, all other warranties, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, all implied warranties of fitness, merchantability, or habitability, are disclaimed and excluded. In the event of any inconsistency between this Limited Warranty and the Performance Standards, the terms of this Limited Warranty shall control. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth above, the Limited Warranty on common elements associated with a multifamily condominium building begins to run on the closing date of the first unit sold in each building. For a definition of common elements, see your condominium or other relevant documents. If a defect occurs in an item covered by this Limited Warranty, the Builder will repair or replace it to conform to the Performance Standards. In the case of defects in Structural Elements, the Builder will repair or replace the Structural Element to restore the load- bearing function, as designed, and make such other repairs as are necessary to return the home to a safe status. The repair of a defect will include the correction, replacement, or refinishing of only those surfaces, finishes, and coverings that were damaged by the defect and that were a part of the home when the title was first transferred by the Builder. The Builder will repair or replace surfaces, finishes, and coverings that require removal in order for the Builder to repair or replace a defect. The extent of the repair or replacement of these surfaces, finishes, and coverings will be to approximately the same condition they were in prior to the defect, but not necessarily to a “like new” condition. The Builder cannot guarantee, nor does it warrant, exact color matches with the original surrounding area due to factors such as fading, aging, or unavailability of the original materials.
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The benefits included in this Limited Warranty are only available when service is requested according to the procedures established by the Builder and included in your Limited Warranty material. In addition, the Homeowner’s failure to reasonably provide access to the home during normal working hours for making repairs will relieve the Builder from its obligations under this Limited Warranty. The Builder’s aggregate total liability shall not exceed the original contract price of the home. The Builder reserves the right to use its judgment in determining the most appropriate method of repairing Limited Warranty defects. The Builder’s offer to resolve an issue for which it bears no responsibility under this Limited Warranty does not create the responsibility to provide the resolution in another situation for which it bears no responsibility. Actions taken to cure defects will not extend the period of coverage specified in this Limited Warranty or any applicable statutes of limitation or repose.
4.2 Any damage to the extent it is caused or made worse by: (A) Negligence, improper maintenance, or intentional or improper operation by anyone other than the Builder or its agents or subcontractors, including, but not limited to, damage resulting from rot, corrosion, or rust. (B) Failure by the Homeowner or anyone other than the Builder or its agents or subcontractors to comply with the warranty requirements of manufacturers of elevators, Solar Systems, Smart Home Components and Consumer Products included in the home. (C) Failure by the Homeowner to give timely notice to the Builder of any defects. (D) Changes in the grading of the ground by anyone other than the Builder or its agents or subcontractors. (E) Changes, alterations, or additions made to the home by anyone other than the Builder or its agents or subcontractors after the Limited Warranty commencement date. (F) Dampness or condensation due to the Homeowner’s failure to maintain adequate ventilation.
4.3 Loss or damage that the Homeowner has not taken timely action to minimize.
SECTION 4: Limited Warranty Exclusions
4.4 Any defect caused by, or resulting from, materials or work supplied by someone other than the Builder or its agents or subcontractors.
This Limited Warranty excludes any loss or damage which is not a Covered Defect, including:
4.5 Normal wear and tear or normal deterioration.
4.1 LOSS OF, OR DAMAGE TO, ANY REAL PROPERTY WHICH IS NOT PART OF THE HOME COVERED BY THIS LIMITED WARRANTY AND WHICH IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE OF THE HOME AS STATED IN THE CLOSING DOCUMENTS.
4.6 Loss or damage not otherwise excluded under this Limited Warranty, which does not constitute a defect in the construction of the home by the Builder or its agents or subcontractors.
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4.12 Loss or damage caused by failure to maintain proper temperatures (heating and cooling) within the home.
4.7 Loss or damage caused by, or resulting either directly or indirectly from, accidents, riots and civil commotion, theft, vandalism, fire, explosion, power surges or failures, smoke, water escape, falling objects, aircraft, vehicles, acts of God, lightning, windstorm, hail, tornado, hurricane, mudslide, earthquake, and volcanic eruption. 4.8 Loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by flood, wind-driven water, surface water, waves, tidal waves, overflow of a body of water, or spray from any of these (whether or not driven by wind); water which backs up from sewers or drains; changes in the water table which were not reasonably foreseeable at the time of construction, or water below the surface of the ground (including water which exerts pressure on, or seeps or leaks through, a building, sidewalk, driveway, foundation, swimming pool, or other structure); wetlands, springs, or aquifers. 4.9 Loss or damage caused by soil movement, including subsidence, expansion, or lateral movement of the soil (excluding flood and earthquake), which is covered by any other insurance or for which compensation is granted by state or federal legislation. 4.10 Loss or damage to the home, persons, or property directly or indirectly caused by termites, other insects, birds, vermin, rodents, or other wild or domestic animals.
4.13 Loss or damage to utility services that were not installed by the Builder.
4.14 Any condition which does not result in actual damage to the home, including, but not limited to, uninhabitability or health risk due to the presence or consequence of electromagnetic fields (EMFs), radon gas, mold, formaldehyde, or other pollutants and contaminants; or the presence of hazardous or toxic materials.
4.15 Bodily injury or damage to personal property.
4.16 Loss or damage caused by, or resulting from, abnormal loading of Structural Elements by the Homeowner, which exceeds design loads as mandated by codes. 4.17 Consequential damages including, but not limited to, costs of shelter, food, and transportation; moving and storage; any other expenses related to inconvenience or relocation during repairs to the home; and any diminution of the market value of the home. 4.18 Loss or damage to elevators, Solar Systems, Smart Home Components and Consumer Products which may be included within the home.
4.11 Loss or damage resulting from the use of the home for nonresidential purposes.
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(C) Step 3 - Our response. After investigating, we will inform you whether there is a construction defect covered under this Limited Warranty. If there is a covered construction defect, we will repair or at our option replace it as provided in this Limited Warranty. Alternatively, instead of correcting the construction defect, we may decide at our option to pay you the reasonable cost of correction. (D) Step 4 - Repair process. We will need access to your home during our normal working hours to perform the repair work. We prefer not to be in your home when you are not there, so we may ask you to be at home when the work is performed. We will start and complete the work as soon as possible based on your schedule, our work schedule, and the availability of the contractors and materials required to do the work. Your cooperation and flexibility are needed for us to complete the work promptly. 5.2 Failure To Allow Us To Make Repairs We are not responsible for any damage that occurs because you failed to allow us to timely make repairs. Additionally, if you make or pay for r epairs without first notifying us of the problem and allowing us to investigate and repair it as required by this Limited Warranty, then we will not reimburse you for those repairs. 5.3 Emergency Repairs If an emergency condition exists that requires immediate repairs to protect the safety of occupants of your home or to prevent imminent serious damage to your home, you may make the repairs and we will reimburse you the reasonable cost of those required repairs that would otherwise be covered by this Limited Warranty. You are still obligated to give us notice as soon as possible, even in an emergency situation.
SECTION 5: Requesting a Home Repair 5.1 Procedure If you believe there is a construction defect covered by this Limited Warranty, you must take these steps: (A) Step 1 - Contact us. Contact us with details of your concerns as soon as possible. Conditions that could cause additional damage, such as water leaks, should be reported immediately. Do not communicate your request to any person that is not our employee, such as a contractor. Please contact our local office and ask to speak with a Limited Warranty or customer service representative. If you do not know the contact information for our local office, please visit our Web site at www.Pulte.com . Our goal is to promptly respond to all warranty- related requests, so if you do not receive an acknowledgment within a reasonable time, please follow up to make sure your message was not misdirected. Except as otherwise required by law, all Limited Warranty claims must be received by us no later than 30 days after the expiration of the applicable warranty coverage period. Please note this provision does not extend the Limited Warranty coverage period. (B) Step 2 - Allow us to investigate. We will review the information you give us and investigate your concerns. Our investigation may involve sending employees or consultants to your home to inspect the component or to perform tests or other analysis. If that is necessary, we will need your cooperation, which will often include, but not be limited to, meeting us or our representatives at your home during normal working hours.
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5.4 Repairs by or Payment From Insurance Company - Waiver of Claims Coverage for construction defects is provided by this Limited Warranty, and we encourage you to submit construction defect claims to us. This Limited Warranty, however, is not a homeowner’s insurance policy, which typically provides coverage for certain property damages and casualty losses. If you receive from an insurance company or any other party payment or repairs relating to or arising from a construction defect, then to the extent permitted by law you hereby waive for yourself and on behalf of anyone acquiring rights through you, including, but not limited to, any insurance company, all subrogation claims, and other claims against us or such payments or repairs received by you.
6.1 Examples of Disclaimed Warranties
Examples of warranties that are disclaimed by us and waived by you include, but are not limited to, statutory warranties, implied warranties, implied warranty of quality or fitness for use or a particular purpose, a warranty of construction in a good and workmanlike manner, warranty of habitability, and warranty of merchantability. 6.2 Non-waivable Warranties You are entitled to (and nothing in this section reduces) any warranty coverage provided by law that may not by law be waived, disclaimed, or reduced by this Limited Warranty or substituted with the terms of this Limited Warranty. If an arbitrator or court determines that a warranty cannot be waived, disclaimed, or reduced by this Limited Warranty or substituted with the terms of this Limited Warranty by law, then the specific term in this Limited Warranty that conflicts with the warranty term that may not be waived, disclaimed, reduced, or substituted will not apply, but all other terms will remain applicable to the extent permitted by law.
SECTION 6: Waiver of Any Other Warranty’s Exclusive Warranty
To the fullest extent permitted by law, all warranties regarding your home and any building common element, including, but not limited to, statutory and implied warranties, are hereby disclaimed by us and waived by you. This Limited Warranty is substituted in place of all such warranties. This means that this Limited Warranty is the only warranty that applies and governs your and our rights and obligations related to your home and that there are no other warranties except as may be required by law.
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SECTION 7: Resolving Disputes † 7.1 Overview Our preferred method of resolving Limited Warranty claims is to address them directly with you. That is why we require the procedure described in Section 5. If we, however, are unable to resolve your concerns, you have the option of requesting mediation as provided in Section 7.2 below. If you elect not to pursue mediation or if mediation does not resolve the dispute, then the dispute must be resolved by binding arbitration as provided in Section 7.4. 7.2 Mediation by PWSC If you are not satisfied with our response to your Limited Warranty request, you have the option of requesting mediation of your Limited Warranty request by providing written notice to Professional Warranty Service Corporation (“PWSC”). PWSC’s contact information is: Professional Warranty Service Corporation, P.O. Box 800, Annandale, VA 22003-0800 (4443 Brookfield Corporate Drive, Suite 300, Chantilly, VA 20151). Confirm the physical address before sending hand-delivered materials by calling 800.850.2799. Mediation is not arbitration. It is simply the process of a third party trying to help other parties resolve a dispute. If PWSC is unable to successfully mediate your Limited Warranty request within 45 days after PWSC’s receipt of the mediation request, or at any earlier time that PWSC determines that you and Pulte Homes are at an impasse, PWSC will notify you that your Limited Warranty request remains unresolved. At any time you may terminate the mediation process. Your election to mediate a dispute regarding your Limited Warranty request does not eliminate your obligation to comply with state procedures as described in this section.
7.3 State Procedures - Prior to Arbitration
Some states require parties to take preliminary steps before an arbitration or legal action may proceed. Those steps may include, but are not limited to, a notice of alleged defects by the Homeowner to a specific person or by specific means (such as certified mail or personal delivery) using particular notice language. Any response by us to a notice that does not comply with the applicable state’s requirements will not be a waiver of our rights under the applicable state law. 7.4 Arbitration If a claim relating to your home or this Limited Warranty is not resolved, we believe it is best to have a fair and efficient way to resolve that claim. Accordingly, either party must submit any unresolved claim or dispute concerning your home or this Limited Warranty, whether based on statute, in tort, contract, or other applicable law (including, but not limited to, any and all claims, cross- or counterclaims, defenses, and/or affirmative defenses related to the purchase and sale of your home, disputes regarding whether a defect is covered by this Limited Warranty, and claims for personal injury) to binding arbitration, except that either party may bring any claim to a small-claims court if the claim is within the small-claims court’s geographic and monetary jurisdiction. Binding arbitration means that we each give up the right to go to court or jury to assert or defend rights (except for matters that may be taken to small- claims court). That does not mean, however, that you give up any claims simply by presenting those claims to an arbitrator. The parties’ rights will be determined by a neutral arbitrator and not by a judge or jury. An arbitrator’s decision is final and binding, subject to appeal as provided later in this Limited Warranty. If a party uses litigation to enforce the requirement to arbitrate, the court will award such party its court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees.
† See the HUD Addendum for modifications to this section.
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7.7 Construction Arbitration Rules The arbitration will proceed in accordance with the AAA’s rules applicable to the dispute. With respect to any portion of the dispute pertaining to a construction issue, the arbitration will proceed in accordance with the AAA’s Home Construction Arbitration Rules. If those rules have been repealed or replaced at the time the arbitration claim is filed, the AAA’s rules then most applicable to residential construction will apply. However, we will be entitled to visually inspect and perform testing on any component claimed to have a construction defect, and no AAA rule shall apply if it is inconsistent with the provisions of this Limited Warranty.
7.5 Applicable Law This Limited Warranty, including, but not limited to, the arbitration provision, will be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”) which overrides and preempts certain state, local, or other laws concerning arbitration, including, but not limited to, laws that have the purpose of defeating or restricting arbitration. 7.6 Appointment of Arbitrator The arbitration will be conducted before an arbitrator appointed by the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”). If the AAA declines to arbitrate a dispute, or if the AAA is not available, the parties will agree to an alternative arbitrator or have a court appoint a new arbitrator whose experience and training in construction arbitration is similar to that of an AAA-trained arbitrator. Any disputes concerning the interpretation, the enforceability, or the unconscionability of this arbitration agreement, including, without limitation, its revocability or voidability for any cause, the scope of arbitrable issues, and any defense, including, without limitation, defenses based upon waiver, estoppel, or laches, shall be decided solely by the arbitrator.
7.8 Joinder of Additional Parties to Arbitration We both agree that:
(A) Any dispute covered by Section 7.4 that i nvolves claims against our officers, directors, agents, employees, representatives, and parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or successor entities or affiliated companies also will be resolved through binding arbitration as set forth herein. Both parties agree that this arbitration agreement inures to the benefit of those parties. (B) Either party may join as a party to the arbitration any third-party consultant, contractor, subcontractor, or supplier (including, but not limited to, any contractor, vendor, engineer, architect, or design professional) involved in the dispute.
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7.9 Initiating Arbitration Either party may begin the arbitration process by filing a demand for arbitration with the AAA and serving a copy of the demand on the other party. To the extent not consistent with the FAA, all of the provisions of this paragraph are subject to the general qualification that state laws, requirements, and rules, including, but not limited to, state filing limitations (such as statutes of limitation and statutes of repose), may affect how and when arbitration may be initiated and administered. The following is a brief description of the steps to initiate arbitration and the arbitration process: (A) Step 1 - Filing a request. The party initiating arbitration must notify the AAA in writing of the request for arbitration under the terms of this Limited Warranty. If we initiate arbitration, we will pay the AAA’s filing fee and any other administrative fee or cost charged by the AAA to initiate the arbitration. If you initiate arbitration, you will pay the lesser of half of those costs and fees or the amount provided by the AAA rules and we will pay the other half or remainder. Any other costs or fees shall be paid in accordance with the AAA rules. Except as otherwise required by law, your arbitration request must be received by the AAA no later than 90 days after the expiration of the applicable Limited Warranty coverage period. Please note this provision does not extend the Limited Warranty coverage period.
(B) Step 2 - Hearing. The arbitration will probably be held at a location agreed to by the parties, usually in the metropolitan area where the home is located. The hearing typically will be scheduled by the arbitrator or the arbitration organization at a time mutually agreeable to all parties. At the hearing, the arbitrator will hear and consider evidence presented by all parties. If a party timely notifies the AAA of a request for a record of the hearing prior to the earlier of the hearing date or the date, if specified, in the AAA’s rules, the arbitrator will preserve all evidence presented at the arbitration. Oral evidence will be preserved in a manner that it can be converted into a written transcript. The costs of the record will be paid by the party requesting the record or shared equally among the parties requesting a copy. (C) Step 3 - Award. The arbitrator’s award will decide whether there is a construction defect covered by this Limited Warranty and, if requested by a party, the scope and manner of correction. The arbitrator’s award will be based on applicable law, except to the extent the FAA overrides and preempts state, local, or other law, and will include findings of fact and conclusions of law. If permitted by the AAA rules, either party may request a written explanation of the award. Each party will bear its own attorneys’ fees and costs.
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7.10 Step 4 - Repairs. Unless designated otherwise in the award (and unless appealed), we will, within ten days after a final award, elect to either perform the correction awarded by the arbitrator or, at our option, pay you the reasonable cost of such correction. If we elect to perform a correction under an award, we will complete the correction within 60 days after a final award or as may be specified by the arbitrator. If the correction cannot be reasonably completed in that time, the arbitrator must grant reasonable additional time to make the correction. If you believe that the correction was not performed satisfactorily or in a timely manner, you may have these issues determined in a later arbitration. If the cost of the correction is not specified in the award and we elect to pay you the reasonable cost of the correction, you may have the amount of that payment reviewed in a later arbitration.
(i) Right to appeal award. Each party has the right to appeal the arbitrator’s award to the AAA by filing a written notice with the AAA (with a copy to the other party) within 30 days of the date of the arbitrator’s award. The party appealing the award shall pay the fees necessary to initiate the appeal. If both sides appeal, the fees shall be split 50/50. The notice of appeal must include the specific items the party seeks to change in the award and the supporting facts and law. The appeal will be heard by a panel of three arbitrators from the AAA. The appeal will be conducted in accordance with the applicable rules of the AAA and provisions of this Limited Warranty as if the claim was being initially filed with the AAA, except that: (1) the only issues to be determined on appeal are the issues described in the notice of appeal and any issues raised by the non-appealing party in response to the issues in the notice of appeal, (2) the arbitrator’s award on appeal will be final, binding, and non-appealable, and (3) no new evidence will be accepted or considered by the arbitrators if a record of the initial arbitration was made. (ii) Award final. The award of the arbitrator will be final, subject to appeal as provided above. If a notice of appeal from the initial hearing is not received by the AAA within 30 days after the date of the initial award, then the initial award will be final. Once the award is final, it will be binding on and enforceable against all parties, except as modified, corrected, or vacated according to the applicable arbitration rules and procedures or to the extent not consistent with the FAA or applicable state law. Either party may present the final award to any court having jurisdiction over the dispute to enter that award as a judgment of the court.
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SECTION 8: Attached Homes 8.1 Scope of Limited Warranty for Attached Homes For homes that are physically attached to other homes, this Limited Warranty includes coverage for both the portion of the home owned exclusively by you and the building common elements. Building common elements are those elements and property that are part of the building or structure in which the home is located, and (2) either owned in common by all of the owners in the building or owned, insured, or maintained by an owner’s association. Building common elements may, but do not always, include items such as walls, foundations, and roofs. However, building common elements do not include items such as clubhouses, exterior walkways, streets, swimming pools, and recreational buildings. 8.2 Limited Warranty Coverage Period Commencement Date for Building Common Elements Unless otherwise required by law, the Limited Warranty coverage period commencement date for building common elements will begin on the date title to the first home in the building is transferred to the first homeowner in that building and end on the expiration date of the applicable Limited Warranty coverage period.
8.3 Filing a Limited Warranty Claim (A) Component other than building common element. You may make a Limited Warranty claim for construction defects in a component of your home that is owned exclusively by you and not maintained or insured by the owner’s association. (B) Building common elements. Unless otherwise required by law, claims that a building common element has a construction defect must be made by the owner’s association, and may not be made by an individual Homeowner. If you believe a building common element has a construction defect, you should inform your association. Although you may contact us to report a construction defect, this does not change the fact that the association, through its board of directors or a validly elected or appointed officer, is the appropriate party to submit, process, or settle claims related to building common elements.
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SECTION 9: Insurer’s Responsibility In certain situations as required by HUD, VA, or other laws or regulations, this Limited Warranty is backed by an insurance policy, as further described in the HUD Addendum. In those situations, in the event the Builder is unable to meet its obligations under this Limited Warranty and a Limited Warranty claim must be resolved by the Insurer, the following conditions shall apply: 9.1 The decision of whether to repair or replace a defective item, or pay the Homeowner the reasonable cost of doing so, is the Insurer’s.
9.5 The Insurer’s Warranty coverage is in excess of coverage provided under other warranties or insurance, whether collectible or not 9.6 Any claim involving a common element in a condominium must be made by an authorized representative of the condominium association. 9.7 If the Insurer decides to pay the reasonable costs of repairing a claim, the payment shall be made to, or on behalf of, the Homeowner and any mortgagee or their successors, as each interest may appear, provided the Insurer shall not have any obligation to make payment jointly to the Homeowner and mortgagee where the mortgagee has not notified the Insurer in writing of its security interest in the home prior to such payment. Any mortgagee shall be completely bound by any conciliation or arbitration relating to a claim between the Homeowner and the Insurer. † 9.8 Any dispute between the Homeowner and the Insurer related to, or arising from, this Limited Warranty will be resolved by binding arbitration. † Any such binding arbitration will be initiated by contacting the Plan Administrator to obtain a Binding Arbitration Request Form. The process for such arbitration will be conducted in the same manner as outlined in Section 7 of this Limited Warranty.
9.2 The total liability of the Insurer under this Limited Warranty is limited to, and shall not
exceed, the lesser of the following: (A) The contract price of the home;
(B) The reasonable cost of that part of the home damaged for like construction and use on the same premises; (C) The necessary amount to repair or replace the portion of the building damaged by a Structural Element defect, less all amounts paid by, or on behalf of, the Builder or the Insurer under this Limited Warranty.
9.3 Actions taken to cure defects will not extend the period of coverage specified in this Limited Warranty.
9.4 When the Insurer finishes repairing or replacing, or pays the Homeowner the actual cost for repairing or replacing a claim under this Limited Warranty, the Homeowner must execute a full and unconditional release of all Insurers’ obligations with respect to the claim. The Insurer shall be subrogated to all the Homeowner’s rights including, but not limited to, assignment of the proceeds of any other insurance or warranties to the Insurer. The Homeowner shall do nothing to prejudice such rights of subrogation.
† See the HUD Addendum for modifications to this section.
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T H R E E
HUD Addendum
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SECTION 10: HUD Addendum
Ten-year coverage Structural defect is actual physical damage to the designed load-bearing portions of a home caused by failure of such load-bearing portions that affects their load-bearing functions to the extent that the home becomes unsafe, unsanitary, or otherwise unlivable. Load-bearing components, for the purpose of defining structural defects, are defined as follows: footing and foundation systems; beams; girders; lintels; columns; load-bearing walls and partitions; roof framing systems; and floor systems, including basement slabs for the first through fourth years where the home is located in an area designated by HUD regulations on the effective date of this Limited Warranty as containing expansive or collapsible soils (HUD has designated the State of Colorado as such an area). In those situations where HUD, VA, or other applicable laws or regulations require insurance backing, the Builder is insured by a member of the Zurich-American Insurance Group (“Insurer”) for its obligations arising from this Limited Warranty to benefit the Homeowner should the Builder not perform its obligations as contained in this Limited Warranty. The Limited Warranty coverage for basement floor slabs in the State of Colorado is extended from the first through the fourth year. The following language is added to Section 7 of the Limited Warranty The Homeowner of a home with original FHA/VA financing is not required to submit disputes related to or arising out of this Limited Warranty to the Binding Arbitration procedure available here; however, if the Homeowner elects to pursue the dispute to a final resolution, including judicial resolution of disputes, such election shall bar the Homeowner from pursuing the same dispute against this Limited Warranty through the Binding Arbitration procedure provided herein.
The following language is added to Section 3 of the Limited Warranty The effective date will be the date on which closing or settlement occurs in connection with the initial sale of the home. In no event will the effective date be later than the date of FHA endorsement of your mortgage on the home. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, during the first year of coverage, the Builder will correct Construction Deficiencies in workmanship and materials resulting from the failure of the home to comply with the standards of quality as measured by acceptable trade practices. Construction Deficiencies are defects (not of a structural nature) in the home that are attributable to poor workmanship or to the use of inferior materials, which result in the impaired functioning of the home or some part thereof. Defects resulting from abuse by the Homeowner or someone else or from normal wear and tear are not considered Construction Deficiencies. The Homeowner may ask for a review and resolution of a disputed claim by HUD prior to engaging in arbitration.
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The following language is added to Section 9 of the Limited Warranty If the Insurer of this Limited Warranty decides to pay the reasonable costs of repairing a claim:
1. The Homeowner will have ten (10) days to respond to the offer to make payment.
2 . If the payment offer is in excess of $5,000.00, the offer must have been made pursuant to a binding bid by an independent third-party contractor that the Homeowner may contract to perform the repairs, except where: a . The payment offer is made in settlement of a legal action; or b. The Homeowner is represented by legal counsel; or c. The payment offer has been reviewed on-site by a HUD-approved fee inspector.
3. The payment will be made jointly to the Homeowner and the Homeowner’s mortgagee. The Homeowner is required, if requested, to identify the mortgagee to the party making the payment.
SECTION 11 : State-Specific Addenda
Concrete Addendum (applicable only if your home is located in Colorado, Kansas, or Missouri). The following language is added to Section 12.4 (Performance Standards): The following language is substituted for the Performance Standards for Basement Floors (Concrete/Slab on Grade):
ACTION REQUIRED
ITEM
COVERAGE
OBSERVATION
The Builder will repair slab by either full or partial replacement of the slab. Filling, topping, grinding, or partial floor replacement are acceptable repairs by the Builder. Patching, caulking, grouting, injecting, filling, and grinding are all acceptable repair methods. Patching, caulking, grouting, injecting, filling, and grinding are all acceptable repair methods.
Slab out of level
Two Years
Slab elevation differential exceeds 3" or 1% of the slab, whichever is greater Unevenness in slab exceeding 1" per 32", or unevenness exceeding 3/4" within 24" of a foundation wall Cracks in excess of 1/4" in width or 1/4" in vertical displacement through the center of the slab Cracks in excess of 1/4" in width or 3/8" in vertical displacement in the contraction joint
Slab on grade bulged, humped, or domed
Two Years
Cracks in the center of a slab (not in contraction joints)
Two Years
Two Years
Cracks in slab in the contraction joints
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