Updated on January 16, 2026

Buying a new home can be exciting, but it also comes with uncertainties about construction quality—especially in newly built residential developments. That’s why understanding builder warranty claims is crucial. These claims help homeowners address construction defects that arise after moving into a newly constructed home, ensuring that their financial investment and long-term safety remain protected.

In California, navigating builder warranty claims is particularly important because state law provides homeowners with specific rights and remedies when construction problems occur. Whether the issue involves poor workmanship, defective materials, or more serious structural concerns, knowing what a builder’s warranty covers—and what it does not—can help homeowners take timely action before legal deadlines expire.

Because construction defects may not always be immediately visible, understanding warranty protections early can prevent small issues from turning into costly disputes.

What Are Builder Warranty Claims in California?

Builders’ warranties are legally binding obligations that require home builders to repair, replace, or correct certain construction defects within a defined period after a new home is completed. These warranties exist to ensure that newly constructed homes meet minimum standards for quality, safety, and workmanship under California law, including compliance with the California Right to Repair Act (SB 800).

In California, builder warranty claims are often the first step homeowners must take when defects such as water intrusion, faulty installations, or structural deficiencies become apparent after move-in. These claims trigger a process that gives builders an opportunity to inspect and repair the problem before a dispute escalates.

There are two main types of builder warranties. Express warranties are written promises included in purchase agreements or warranty booklets that clearly define what is covered and for how long. Implied warranties, on the other hand, arise automatically under California law and protect homeowners by guaranteeing that a new home is reasonably fit for its intended use and constructed with proper workmanship—even if these protections are not expressly stated in the contract.

Understanding the difference between express and implied warranties is especially important in California, where statutory protections may apply even when a builder disputes written warranty limitations.

What Do Builder Warranties Typically Cover in California?

In California, builder warranties commonly cover defects based on the following timeframes:

• 1 year: Materials and workmanship defects
• 2 years: Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and mechanical systems
• Up to 10 years: Major structural defects affecting stability or safety

A typical home builder’s warranty protects homeowners from defects that affect both the appearance and the structural integrity of a newly constructed home. In California, coverage periods often vary depending on the type of defect involved and how it impacts the home’s performance, safety, or habitability.

Generally, materials and workmanship are covered for approximately one year. This period commonly applies to issues such as defective paint, drywall cracks, improper window or door installation, and minor exterior finishes like stucco or trim. These defects are often considered observable shortly after move-in and are expected to be addressed early in the warranty period.

More complex systems and components, including plumbing, electrical wiring, HVAC systems, and ductwork, are typically covered for about two years. Defects affecting these systems may not be immediately apparent but can interfere with the normal use and functionality of the home.

The longest coverage period—often lasting up to ten years—applies to major structural defects. This includes critical structural elements such as the foundation, roof, floors, and load-bearing walls or beams. Under California law, these defects may also fall within statutory protections when they substantially affect the home’s stability or safety.

Because warranty timelines vary by defect type, identifying the nature of the problem early is essential to preserving a homeowner’s rights under California builder warranty and construction defect laws.

What Isn’t Covered by a Builder’s Warranty in California?

Builders’ warranties are primarily intended to address defects related to materials, workmanship, and installation, rather than issues caused by normal use or external factors. In California, warranty coverage generally does not extend to conditions resulting from ordinary wear and tear, exposure to weather, natural aging of materials, or homeowner-made alterations and additions to the property.

Items such as household appliances, landscaping features, or components covered under separate manufacturer or service warranties are typically excluded from a builder’s warranty. Likewise, minor cosmetic issues—such as small surface cracks, slight variations in finishes, or routine maintenance concerns—are often outside the scope of warranty protection unless they indicate a larger underlying defect.

Understanding these exclusions is important because disputes often arise when homeowners mistake maintenance or cosmetic issues for warrantable defects, especially when deadlines under California law are approaching.

Construction Defects vs. Builder Warranty Issues: What’s the Difference?

Builder warranty issues and construction defects are related but not identical:

• Builder warranty claims focus on enforcing repair obligations during defined warranty periods
• Construction defect claims address broader design, material, or workmanship failures that may require legal action when warranties are insufficient

Construction defects involve flaws in a building’s design, materials, or workmanship that can compromise safety, functionality, or long-term property value. Common examples include inadequate drainage leading to water intrusion, improper roofing installation, or foundational failures that affect the structural stability of the home. In California, these types of defects often form the basis of construction defect claims when they exceed minor or cosmetic concerns.

Construction defects are generally classified as either patent defects or latent defects. Patent defects are visible or reasonably discoverable through ordinary inspection, such as noticeable cracks, leaks, or uneven surfaces. Latent defects, by contrast, are hidden issues that may not become apparent until years after construction is complete, including concealed structural weaknesses, improper waterproofing, or subsurface plumbing failures.

Builders’ warranties, on the other hand, are contractual or statutory promises that certain components of a home will perform to defined standards for a specified period of time. While some construction defects may be addressed through warranty claims, others—particularly serious or latent defects—may fall outside standard warranty coverage or require legal action when builders fail to comply with their obligations.

In California, identifying whether a problem qualifies as a warranty issue or a broader construction defect can affect both the repair process and the legal remedies available to homeowners.

What Happens If a Builder Won’t Honor a Warranty Claim in California?

Homeowners in California should consider taking action if:

• A builder refuses or delays repairs
• Defects reappear after attempted fixes
• Structural or water-related issues affect habitability
• Warranty deadlines are approaching

When a builder refuses to repair defects, delays inspections, or disputes responsibility, warranty claims in California can escalate into formal construction defect disputes. This often occurs when defects affect habitability, safety, or structural integrity, or when builders fail to follow required notice and repair procedures.

In these situations, homeowners may have legal options beyond the warranty itself. California law allows property owners to pursue remedies when builders do not comply with their obligations, but acting within required time limits is critical.

Schorr Law represents homeowners in construction-related disputes involving defective workmanship, structural issues, and unresolved builder warranty claims. To learn how these issues are addressed through legal action, visit our Construction Disputes practice area for additional information.

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