Understanding Your 10-Year Structural Warranty

Buying a new construction home comes with many benefits, but one of the most important is understanding what protections are in place after you move in. A 10-year structural warranty provides long-term coverage for certain qualifying structural defects involving major structural components of a home.

What Is a 10-Year Structural Warranty?

A 10-year structural warranty is a type of new home warranty designed to provide coverage for qualifying defects involving a home's major load-bearing structural components.

Unlike warranties that focus on appliances, mechanical systems, or workmanship, a structural warranty addresses certain defects that may affect the structural integrity of a home.

Allen Edwin Homes includes a 10-year structural warranty through Residential Warranty Company (RWC), providing homeowners with long-term protection through a third-party warranty provider.

What Does a 10-Year Structural Warranty Typically Cover?

Structural warranties generally focus on the major components responsible for supporting a home and maintaining its structural stability.

Depending on the specific warranty agreement, qualifying structural defects may involve:

Not every crack, movement, or cosmetic issue is considered a structural defect. Coverage depends on the definitions, limitations, and exclusions outlined in the applicable warranty agreement.

Homeowners should review their Residential Warranty Company documentation to understand which conditions qualify for coverage.

What Is Not Typically Covered by a Structural Warranty?

While a structural warranty provides valuable long-term protection, it does not cover every maintenance concern or repair a homeowner may encounter.

Common exclusions may include:

• Normal wear and tear
• Cosmetic imperfections, such as minor drywall cracks
• Routine home maintenance
• Appliances and household equipment
• Damage caused by improper maintenance or homeowner modifications
• Damage from certain external events, depending on warranty terms

What Warranty Coverage Does Allen Edwin Homes Include?

Every new Allen Edwin Homes home includes warranty protection designed to address certain workmanship, mechanical, and structural concerns after closing.

Allen Edwin Homes offers a 1/2/10-year new home warranty program, with specific coverage depending on the state where the home is located.

Coverage periods, covered items, limitations, and exclusions are subject to the applicable state-specific warranty terms.

What Does a Third-Party Structural Warranty Mean?

A third-party structural warranty means an independent warranty provider is involved in providing structural warranty protection rather than relying solely on the homebuilder.

Allen Edwin Homes partners with Residential Warranty Company (RWC) to provide 10-year structural warranty protection with every new home.

The applicable warranty agreement establishes coverage terms, eligibility requirements, exclusions, and procedures for submitting a claim.

For buyers comparing new construction homebuilders, understanding who provides the warranty can be just as important as understanding how long the coverage lasts.

Does Structural Warranty Coverage Differ by State?

Yes. While Allen Edwin Homes includes a 10-year third-party structural warranty with every new home, specific coverage terms, requirements, and exclusions may vary depending on the state where the home is located.

Allen Edwin Homes builds new construction homes throughout Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Homebuyers can review the applicable Residential Warranty Company sample warranty documents to better understand their coverage.

For additional warranty information and homeowner resources, visit our Customer Care & Warranty Information page.

These sample documents are provided for general reference. Actual coverage is determined by the warranty agreement issued for the individual home.

Why Is a Structural Warranty Important When Buying a New Construction Home?

A home is a significant investment, and understanding the protections included with that investment is an important part of the buying process.

A structural warranty can offer several benefits:

• Long-Term Protection: Coverage for qualifying structural defects extends beyond the initial move-in period.
• Clearer Expectations: Written warranty terms help homeowners understand which structural conditions may qualify for coverage.
• Additional Confidence: Knowing that a third-party structural warranty is included can help buyers feel more informed about their new home purchase.
• An Important Comparison Point: Warranty coverage is one factor worth evaluating when comparing new construction homes and homebuilders.

While a structural warranty does not eliminate the need for regular home maintenance, it provides a defined framework for addressing certain qualifying structural issues.

How Does Allen Edwin Homes Approach Quality Construction?

A structural warranty is one part of the overall homebuilding experience. The construction process and building standards behind the home are equally important.

With more than 30 years of homebuilding experience across Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio, Allen Edwin Homes follows defined construction standards and incorporates RESNET Energy Smart construction practices.

Our approach includes energy-efficient building techniques and third-party testing to support home performance.

Combined with our 10-year third-party structural warranty, these practices reflect our commitment to helping homebuyers understand both the construction of their new home and the protections available after closing.

Learn more about Allen Edwin Homes' homebuilding process and what to expect when purchasing a new construction home.

Frequently Asked Questions About 10-Year Structural Warranties

Warranty coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, definitions, limitations, and exclusions of the applicable warranty agreements. This article provides general educational information and does not modify or expand any warranty coverage.