New Home Warranty & Builders’ Registration Act

We all know the difference between a house and a home. New construction is taking place all the time, but when will those projects become homes? It is truly up to the inhabitant. Once that person is able to call their place of residence “Home Sweet Home,” he or she most likely intends to keep it that way as long as possible. For those who are financially able, the best way to start is with a newly built home. In New Jersey, the state legislature has enacted the New Home Warranty & Builders’ Registration Act (the “Act”), which requires builders to issue a warranty with a new construction. The Act is designed to provide protection for those who make such a monumental life decision. It holds builders to high standards before and during each new construction. It also holds them responsible for the structure after completion. For how long, you ask?

One Year

Right from the start, there are building standards that must be followed. Faulty workmanship and defective materials are primarily what are to be avoided by such standards. Under the Act, the new home is to be free of such occurrences for one year from the start of the date of warranty.

Two Years

Past the basic structure, there must be consideration made for the “guts” of the building: the plumbing, heating, electrical and cooling systems. For two years from the start date of the warranty, any flaws or defects in these systems are covered. So far, the Act clearly covers the sort of issues that may arise as part of day to day dwelling.

Ten Years

From ten years from the start of the warranty, the Act expands to the bigger picture. It covers what it refers to as major construction defects. Basically, this refers to whether or not your home can still bear its load and thus safely shelter you and all other occupants. The very soil underneath can expand or move, altering the building’s load-bearing function. The only instance in which this is not covered would be natural causes, such as flooding or earthquakes.

Brand new houses are not all that is covered by the Act. It also protects condominiums and co-operatives. Whether you were aware of this Act or not, any builder of residential real estate is obligated to issue a warranty.

For more information regarding the New Home Warranty & Builders’ Registration Act or any construction-related matter, please contact the Law Office of H. Benjamin Sharlin LLC for an initial free consultation. The Law Office of H. Benjamin Sharlin LLC is owned and operated by H. Benjamin Sharlin and serves all of Mercer County, New Jersey and the surrounding areas. Mr. Sharlin is a bilingual Spanish-speaking attorney who vigorously represents the interests of all his clients.

Please be advised that this blog is for informational purposes only, is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.