Preferred Home Services
Home Warranty Can Save You Hundreds!
By

COLORADO REAL ESTATE PROPERTY

Basic Contract Coverage

Seller* Buyer Plumbing System Plumbing Stoppages Microwave (Built-in) only Ductwork Central Vacuum System Instant Hot Water Dispenser Ceiling and Exhaust Fans Dishwasher Oven/Range/Cooktop Garbage Disposal Electrical System Heating System Trash Compactor Water Heater Garage Door Opener Toilets

* Additional Premium Required

Optional Coverage Buyer

First Class Upgrade Central Air Conditioning Pool/Spa Equipment Well Pump Clothes Washer/Dryer Septic Tank Pumping

While home warranties aren't necessary for every homeowner, they can help sell a home by providing the buyer with added protection. Not to mention a life saver for Investors.

Home warranties cover malfunctions of major appliances.

Generally, home warranties cover malfunctions of major appliances such as washers, dryers, ovens, and refrigerators. They also cover ductwork, plumbing, the electrical system, heating, and air-conditioning. In some cases, or for additional fees, the warranty might extend to garbage disposals, doorbells, ceiling fans, garage-door openers, water softeners, trash compactors, and built-in microwaves.

The National Board of Realtors describes home warranties as service contracts, typically lasting one year, that cover the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't overlap or replace the homeowners insurance policy. Think of it as a cause and effect relationship: If a hot water heater burst and destroyed a wall in your home, the warranty would repair the water heater and your insurance would pay to fix the wall.

Similarly, if your refrigerator were to stop working while you were on vacation, there could be spoilage, leakage, or floor damage. Your homeowners insurance might pay for the damage to the linoleum, while the home warranty would cover the fridge.

The age of your home usually does not matter, as far as warranty coverage is concerned. You can obtain a home warranty, as long the covered items are in good working order at the start of the contract.

On average Home warranties cost about $225 to $400 a year, plus $35 to $50 per service call. If your home is in good condition, the expense might not be necessary. On the other hand, when you do need to pay for repairs in an aging home, the costs can mount quickly.

© Copyright 2005 by IMC and HomesOfColorado.com