Understanding Warranties: Protecting Your Investment
Temp Services Editorial Team
Home Service Cost Experts
Warranties provide essential protection when work or products don't perform as expected. But not all warranties are equal, and understanding the fine print before you have a problem saves frustration and expense later.
Types of Warranties
Manufacturer warranties cover products (appliances, roofing materials, equipment). Contractor warranties cover workmanship (installation, construction). These are separate—a manufacturer warranty on shingles doesn't cover poor installation. Make sure you understand what's covered by whom, and get both in writing.
Workmanship Warranty Details
Reputable contractors offer workmanship warranties, typically 1-2 years for most work, sometimes longer for major systems. Ask: What exactly is covered? What's the process for making a claim? What costs are included (labor, materials, travel)? What voids the warranty? Get this in writing—verbal promises are unenforceable.
What Voids Warranties
Common warranty-voiding actions include: DIY modifications to the work, failure to perform required maintenance (especially HVAC), using unqualified parties for follow-up work, or failure to address problems promptly when they appear. Read warranty terms carefully so you don't inadvertently void your protection.
Extended Warranties and Service Contracts
Extended warranties on appliances and equipment are essentially insurance—profitable for the seller, not always valuable for the buyer. They make sense for expensive items with known reliability issues or complex systems expensive to repair. For well-reviewed, reliable products, saving the warranty premium in an emergency fund often makes more sense.
Documenting for Warranty Claims
When work is complete, document everything: take dated photos, keep all receipts, store warranty documents safely, and note any verbal commitments in writing. If you need to make a claim, you'll have proof of original condition, purchase date, and promised terms. Email confirmations create written records of conversations.
✓ Key Takeaways
- Manufacturer and contractor warranties are separate—understand both
- Get workmanship warranties in writing with specific terms
- Read what voids warranties so you don't inadvertently lose coverage
- Extended warranties aren't always worth the cost—evaluate each case
- Document everything: photos, receipts, and warranty terms