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What does a Typical 5-year Workmanship Warranty Cover in Home Remodeling?

In home remodeling and foundation projects, a typical five-year workmanship warranty covers the installation labor and the contractor’s craftsmanship. Unlike a material warranty, which covers manufacturer defects in the products themselves, a workmanship warranty protects you against errors made during the physical assembly or installation process.

Typical Coverage Inclusions

For remodeling and foundation work, the warranty generally covers:

  • Installation Labor: Protection against faulty labor for specific systems installed, such as helical piers, tiebacks, and concrete work.
  • Structural Performance: Ensuring the installed components function according to engineering specifications and load-bearing requirements.
  • Affected Systems: In remodeling, coverage is usually limited to the specific foundation systems or structural modifications performed during the project, rather than the entire pre-existing structure.
  • Ancillary Services: This often includes the drilling, anchoring, and tensioning processes, as well as epoxy crack injections or polyurethane foam lifting.

Standard Exclusions

Workmanship warranties typically do not cover issues beyond the contractor’s control, such as:

  • Natural Soil Conditions: Normal soil settlement or extraordinary ground movement.
  • Pre-existing Issues: Structural problems or finishes (like drywall or flooring) that were not part of the contractor’s specific scope of work.
  • External Factors: Damage from natural disasters, third-party excavations, or a lack of proper property maintenance (e.g., failing to address drainage issues).
  • Unauthorized Modifications: Any alterations made to the work by other parties after the project is complete.

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