New Home Warranty Guide: Coverage Details Every Hogan Homeowner Should Know

Buying a new home is exciting, and if you’re exploring houses for sale in Corpus Christi, knowing what your warranty covers can give you added peace of mind. That’s why we’re here to walk you through what your home warranty covers, what it doesn’t, and how it helps protect your home over time. Knowing the ins and outs of your warranty gives you peace of mind and helps you get the most out of your new home.

What Your Warranty Covers

12 Months: Workmanship and Materials

During the first year in a new home, workmanship and materials are typically covered under warranty. This includes common minor issues that may appear after move-in, such as peeling paint, loose trim, cabinet adjustments, or uneven grout. Most builders provide an easy way to submit service requests and aim to respond promptly, usually within a couple of business days, to make necessary fixes and keep your home in great shape.

This aligns with guidelines from the Federal Trade Commission, which notes that most builders include a one-year warranty on materials and labor.

2 Years: Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC

From year one through year two, warranty coverage typically includes key systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. If you experience issues like a leaking pipe, a faulty outlet, or an AC system that’s not cooling, these are typically covered under a builder’s two-year warranty. This coverage is standard in new construction and helps protect the key systems behind your walls—plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. For added peace of mind, FHA and VA loans generally require builders to provide third-party home warranties that include this type of protection, giving buyers extra confidence in their investment.

6 Years: Structural Coverage

In Texas, state law requires that major structural components of a new home be covered for at least six years. This includes key elements like the foundation, load-bearing walls, beams, and floor systems. These components are essential to the safety and integrity of your home, and this six-year coverage ensures that any serious structural issues that arise within that period can be addressed.

Hogan Homes goes beyond the minimum by offering a 10-year structural warranty, giving you added protection and peace of mind. While major structural issues are rare in new homes, having this extended coverage provides reassurance that you’re protected well into the future. As always, check your builder’s warranty documents to understand exactly what’s included and for how long.

What Isn’t Covered

Appliances

Most new homes come equipped with appliances such as dishwashers, microwaves, and ovens, but these items are typically covered under each manufacturer’s warranty, not the builder’s. If an appliance stops working, it’s best to reach out directly to the brand or check the warranty information that came with the unit. Manufacturer warranties usually range from one to five years. The Federal Trade Commission explains that manufacturers or retailers must provide clear, written warranty terms before purchase, and these warranties often cover defects in materials or workmanship during the initial warranty period.

Normal Wear and Tear

It’s normal for homes to settle over time, and not every change is a sign of a problem. Hairline cracks, slight shifts in walls, creaky floors, and fading paint are all typical signs of a home aging—and they usually aren’t covered by builder warranties. Most warranties exclude issues caused by normal wear and tear or homeowner neglect. While small settling cracks are expected, larger or worsening ones, especially near the foundation, should be checked by a professional to rule out more serious concerns.

Homeowner Modifications

DIY projects like drilling into walls, swapping out tiles, or changing plumbing may seem simple, but they can affect your warranty. Most builder warranties include exclusions for damage caused by unauthorized changes or alterations. To keep your coverage intact, it’s best to consult your builder or a qualified professional before starting any major upgrades. This helps protect your warranty and ensures the work is done safely.

Temporary Living Expenses

Most builder warranties are designed to cover the cost of repairs only, not incidental expenses. That means if you need to relocate temporarily – staying in a hotel, renting housing, or eating out – those costs are not covered. For example, FTC guidelines specify that warranties are not required to include “incidental damages,” such as lodging or meals.

Why This Warranty Format Works

This layered warranty structure isn’t arbitrary; it’s built to match the natural progression of issues:

Year 1: Workmanship & Materials – Flaws in finishing work, like paint or trim, typically emerge early.
Years 2: Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC – These systems often show wear slightly later, as they begin regular use.
Years 6: Major Structural Components – Structural issues, though rare, can take years to surface. That’s why Texas law (HB 2024) now requires at least six years of structural coverage for foundations, load-bearing walls, beams, and floor systems.

In regions like South Texas, where coastal weather and shifting clay soils pose unique challenges, long-term structural coverage is especially important. Builders often rely on third-party structural warranties (such as 10-year plans) to provide additional protection against foundation settlement and soil movement, which are common risks in this area.

Smart Tips for Homeowners

Report Quickly

If you notice something unusual, report it right away. Texas law allows up to 60 days after discovering an issue to file a claim. Delays could make it harder to resolve.

Keep Documentation

Save receipts, photos, and emails related to your home. If you ever need to file a warranty claim, having a clear record helps speed things up and keeps things transparent.

Don’t Skip the Final Walkthrough

Before you move in, take time to inspect everything. Open drawers, flip switches, run faucets, and walk through each room. Your walk-through checklist is your chance to catch anything before closing.

How to File a Warranty Claim

If something goes wrong, filing a warranty claim is simple:

Visit our Warranty Request page.
Fill out the form or email warranty@hoganhomestexas.com.
We’ll respond within two business days and set up a repair with a trusted local professional.

This system keeps the process stress-free, so you can focus on enjoying your home.

Keep Your Warranty Valid

Regular maintenance helps protect your home and your warranty. Here are a few easy tips:

Replace HVAC filters every 30–60 days.
Clean gutters seasonally to prevent water damage.
Caulk windows or doors as needed to avoid drafts.
If installing heavy appliances or features, consult a professional.

Even though your home is under warranty, proper care will extend the life of your home and reduce the need for repairs.

How Texas Law Shapes Builder Warranties

Texas House Bill 2024 updated the rules in 2023 to establish a six-year limit for filing warranty claims, provided the builder offers defined coverage periods:

1 year for workmanship and materials
2 years for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems

You can link to the official legislation here: Texas HB 2024 – Enrolled Version

Experience the Hogan Difference

Your new Hogan Home comes with peace of mind built in. If you’re looking at houses for sale in Corpus Christi, it’s good to know that our homes come with clear warranty coverage, so you’re protected where it matters most.

Have questions or need to file a claim? Visit our Home Warranty page to get started. We’re here to help you take care of your home with confidence.

Sources

Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice – Warranties for New Homes
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/warranties-new-homes
Federal Trade Commission – Warranties for Newly Built Homes
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-FT-PURL-LPS104964/pdf/GOVPUB-FT-PURL-LPS104964.pdf
Lexology – Texas Shortens Cut-Off Date for Suits Against Homebuilders Who Provide a 6-Year Written Warranty
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=f1ca2dfe-1c53-4f1e-a167-8c6537ecb221
Service Works – Appliance Warranty: What You Need to Know
https://blog.service.works/service-business/appliance-repair/understanding-appliance-warranties-what-you-need-to-know/
Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice – Warranties
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/warranties
Felix – Builder Warranties: What to Ask When Buying New Construction
https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/new-home-builder-warranty
RocketLawyer – Who Is Responsible for Damage Caused by Settling in New Homes?
https://www.rocketlawyer.com/real-estate/home-ownership/buy-or-sell-property/legal-guide/home-settling-consequences-and-responsibility
Landon Homes – One-Year Workmanship/Materials Two-Year Delivery Portion of Systems 10-Year Major Structural Defects
https://landonhomes.com/site2021/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Strucsure-Warranty-Booklet_2022.pdf
Home Buyers Warranty Corporation – Texas Home Builder & Structural Warranty
https://www.2-10.com/builders-warranty/texas-home-builder-warranty/