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home-improvements-void-home-warranty-image.pngYou have a brand new home. You have a warranty on your home. Did you know that changes or even improvements made on your home can nullify a warranty?

Many hands are involved in the construction of a home. The trades people and technicians take pride in their work and will complete repairs to anything that has gone wrong during specified warranty periods. The warranties provided are in effect as long as the installation is not altered.

 

Some people end up nullifying their warranties by accident when making changes to their new home, since they don’t know how invasive their improvements are. Here are some common causes for cancellation of warranty, so you can be aware of what is involved and the risk to your warranty before you get started!


Basement Developments

During basement development, ductwork, electrical systems, plumbing lines, insulation, furnace and hot water tanks are all at risk of being added, altered, or removed. Development of a basement typically involves a lot of changes to major components and delivery systems. Once these components are altered, the original warranty will be voided. If you want to personalize your basement without voiding your warranty, consider ways to make the space your own without altering the delivery systems, like painting the walls or rearranging the furniture.

Air Conditioners

It is best to purchase and install an air conditioning unit from the heating company that installed the furnace in your home. A/C installation will affect the electrical and heating elements of your home. If the unit is not sized properly for the home, it can affect furnace performance. Improper installation methods can also cause furnace breakdowns which would not be covered under warranty. If you know ahead of time that you want an A/C unit installed, notify your builder and see if they can include that as part of your original build!

Garage Door Openers

Installing your own garage door opener can void some of the warranty on your garage overhead door. If you are adding or replacing an opener, wait until the current warranty has expired or install an opener from the company that provided the garage overhead door.

home-improvements-void-home-warranty-plumber.pngAfter-market Plumbing Add-ons

Common additions such as handheld shower wands, soap dispensers, bidets, etc. can void the warranty on the plumbing fixtures to which they are attached. Check your warranty before making any major plumbing changes, and if you’re concerned about voiding it, there are many non-invasive options for similar products you can use instead.

Window Warranty

Installing black out blinds or after-market frosting/tinting products can void the warranty on the entire window unit. These products have the potential to superheat the window unit and can cause warping of the frame or fracturing of the glass. This is another item you can discuss with your builder if you’re planning a newly built house. Pacesetter includes window treatments as part of your designQ interiors session. If you’re interested in specific window treatments, see if you can get it included in your new build from the beginning, and if not, double check to see the impact it can have on your warranty.

Concrete

The most common cause of a warranty cancellation is salt damage. Most homeowners are aware that they should not salt their concrete. What is not so widely known is that tires carry road salt onto driveways. Proper maintenance of concrete is essential. Apply a sealant annually—this will not prevent salt damage, but it can help slow down the effects of weather in our Alberta winters. Concrete de-icers that say “safe for driveways” should still be checked to ensure the list of ingredients does not contain any sodium chloride (rock salt) or other corrosive substances. Any de-icer, no matter how safe for concrete, should be shovelled away as soon as the bond between ice and concrete is broken.

Finally, if you are making changes in your new home while under warranty, remember to check if permits are required. If you are not certain of the ramifications of the proposed changes, contact the Warranty department or contact the original installer directly to find out how your plans will affect your warranty coverage.

We know that personalizing your home to be exactly what you and your family need is important. It’s one of the greatest benefits to owning and designing an exceptional new build home! At Pacesetter, we keep you in mind every step of the way, so always remember to communicate your desires with your builder. There are many ways to get the home you want, without sacrificing safeguards like your warranty. Just get in touch with us, and we’ll help you navigate these complex decisions.

Photo credit: house, plumber