{"id":3298,"date":"2019-02-12T16:00:50","date_gmt":"2019-02-12T10:30:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homedecorbuzz.com\/?p=3298"},"modified":"2021-04-29T21:52:26","modified_gmt":"2021-04-29T16:22:26","slug":"how-to-get-the-home-warranty-coverage-you-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homedecorbuzz.com\/how-to-get-the-home-warranty-coverage-you-need\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get the Home Warranty Coverage You Need"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re about to buy a home or you\u2019ve owned your home for some time, a home warranty<\/span><\/a> can provide the peace of mind you need in the face of looming repair costs. There\u2019s no way you can predict when your furnace will stop working, but Murphy’s Law states that it will happen in the middle of the year\u2019s biggest blizzard. When it does, you want to be ready. A home warranty can help defray the cost<\/span><\/a><\/span> of repairing or replacing major home systems and appliances.<\/p>\n

But, before you buy a home warranty, you need to know what these service contractors cover and how to customize a plan to cover sprinkler systems, hot tubs, pools and other systems and appliances not included in standard policies. That way, you won\u2019t be in store for any unpleasant surprises when you call your warranty provider for service. Here\u2019s how to make sure you know what you\u2019re getting and how to get the coverage your home needs.<\/p>\n

\"Guide<\/p>\n

Do You Need a Home Warranty?<\/h2>\n

Before you start shopping around for home warranty plans and asking questions about coverage and addendums, you should decide whether you even need a home warranty. Most homeowners will benefit from a warranty, but if you\u2019re purchasing a newly built home with new appliances, you may not need one.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s because most states require builders to guarantee a home\u2019s structural elements and systems for at least the first 10 years of a home\u2019s life. New appliances will still be covered by the manufacturer\u2019s one-year warranty. If you purchased them with a credit card, your card issuer may provide an extended warranty on the items.<\/p>\n

That said, a home warranty is often included as a seller\u2019s benefit when you purchase a home, even one that\u2019s not brand new. Sellers throw in home warranties because they keep buyers from calling them up after closing to complain about problems with the home. They can also cover repairs or maintenance that might be needed while the house is on the market. Some realtors may also offer warranties to new homeowners as a gift. If you\u2019re offered a free home warranty, take it \u2014 you might as well.<\/p>\n

Vet the Company<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re thinking of buying a home warranty, vet the provider to make sure you\u2019re getting your money\u2019s worth. Check online reviews at sites like the Better Business Bureau for customer complaints about any warranty company you\u2019re planning on using. Contact your\u00a0state attorney general\u2019s office<\/span><\/a>, office of consumer protection<\/span><\/span><\/a> or insurance commissioner to ensure that complaints or lawsuits haven\u2019t been filed against the company.<\/p>\n

Ask the Right Questions<\/h2>\n

Once you\u2019ve narrowed down your search to a reputable home warranty company, you need to know what they do and don\u2019t cover and how to customize your plan to your needs. Prepare a list of questions to ask the representative when you call. You\u2019ll need to know the cost of a home warranty policy<\/span><\/a>, how much the service fee is (usually $60 to $75 per visit) and what home systems and appliances are covered. Some questions to ask include:<\/p>\n