Having a home warranty contract is sort of like having health insurance. Once you sign up with a particular provider, you risk violating your contract by going to unauthorized clinics. You could also breach the agreement by receiving treatment outside of your insurer’s limits.
Home warranties apply to many different appliances and systems in your house. Different technicians may repair different pieces of equipment, but they still work for or are certified by the same home warranty provider. Roofs, HVAC systems, carpets, and windows are just a few of the household systems that are covered by these warranties.
Multiple technicians are utilized to maintain and replace different systems, but the same general principles of your warranty agreements still apply. This includes potentially violating the contract, which could then void your warranty. Here are four easy ways to accidentally void your home warranty agreement.
Using A Non-authorized Repairman
Part of the agreement with home warranties is to use certain technicians. They directly represent the manufacturer of the equipment in question or the contractor that sold it to you. Everything needs to go through proper channels and leave behind official paper trails. One reason for the strict formalities is to control expenses for repairs and replacements. Another is to have clearly defined records to reference if something goes wrong later.
This means you can’t use a technician that’s helped you in the past if they’re not part of the home warranty system. Outsourcing the repair job will almost certainly void the warranty.
There are benefits to the consumer in spite of this rigid system. There’s consistency with the people maintaining your home’s systems and with the parts they are allowed to use. The technician also has an obligation to their company to provide quality service and properly fix the issue.
Not Fixing Equipment Promptly
Neglecting any damage done to your roof, or other appliances and systems in your home is grounds for termination of your home warranty. If a system remains broken for too long, then the contractor will most likely blame further damage to your house as a result of negligence.
Do your best to regularly inspect your home’s appliances and systems to prevent damage from accumulating. Learn how your machines work so you can spot the first signs of a malfunction and get it fixed immediately.
Failing to Meet Building Codes
Building codes determine the safety standards for structures of all kinds. They’re updated every year, and it’s up to you to stay up to date on these changes. When in doubt you should contact your authorized technician to inspect your home’s systems. Ensure they’re up to date with the latest building codes.
Failing to keep your house, and any other structures on your property, updated with new building codes could void your home warranty. These regulations are meant to prevent fire, electrical, gas, and other hazards that modern structures are prone to. Roofs require the utmost upkeep to stay up to date.
Misplacing Your Documentation
There are a few golden rules when it comes to buying a new piece of equipment. One is to read the manual. Another is to keep it. There’s almost always a registration card, tag, or serial number that comes with the documents of your new appliance. Keep all of those things in a safe place, or it could result in a voided warranty.
Technicians will need that information to determine you’re the rightful owner of that equipment. They also need that info to find the correct replacement parts or contact the original manufacturer when necessary.
Home warranty systems work because there are strict formalities and procedures that the consumer and technicians must follow. Stability and reliability of service are perhaps the greatest strengths of owning a home warranty. Be careful with how you proceed with repairs and maintenance checkups, and avoid voiding your warranty.
