Whether you hire a contractor to build your home, or buy a newly built one, there are warranties you should expect from the builder.

As of July 1, 2004, all Mississippi builders are required to operate under an improved New Warranty Act endorsed by The Home Builders Association of Mississippi. This act protects both the buyer and the builder, by putting the responsibilities for both parties in writing.

As a part of this act, a builder is required to give the new home owner written notice of the New Home Warranty Act at the closing. Not doing so extends the builder’s warranty until such notice is given.

Also, the home buyer is required to give the home builder the right to repair any construction defect before he can sue the builder.

The New Home Warranty states that the builder warrants the home to be free of any defect due to noncompliance with the building standards for one year, and that the home be free from major structural defects for six years due to noncompliance with the building standards.

Unless it is agreed in writing, the warranty excludes such things as detached garages and carports, except outbuildings which contain the plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling or ventilation systems serving the home; swimming pools and other recreational facilities; driveways; landscaping; fences; and other outside items.

It also would not include normal wear and tear or damage caused or made worse by negligence, improper maintenance, or improper operation by someone other than the builder.

For a complete copy of the New home Warranty, ask your builder. To find out more about the Home Builders Association of Mississippi, visit www.hbam.com.



Bobbie Rea is a Realtor with Pigford and Corey Realtors in Meridian.