If you’ve ever purchased a new appliance or major electronics – which many of us have – you’ve likely been asked by the salesperson whether you’d like to purchase a warranty to protect your product in case anything goes wrong.
When purchasing a home, regardless of whether the property is brand new or is being purchased from a seller who has lived in it for years, you also have the opportunity to obtain a home warranty.
Having a home warranty can be extremely beneficial, as you simply don’t know what will break at any given time – even if you’ve had the home inspected prior to making the purchase. A basic home warranty can be usually be obtained for around $400 per year, and oftentimes a seller will include this in the sale of the home.
If there is an issue with a covered item, there is usually a small service fee of $50 or $75 that needs to be paid – which is typically much less than having to pay for the service call, as well as any needed parts, out of pocket.
It’s important to note that a home warranty differs from homeowner’s insurance. Where your homeowner’s insurance will typically cover structural damage due to perils such as certain natural disasters, fire, and theft, a home warranty will instead offer protection for items such as major systems and appliances that aren’t properly working.
While these types of warranties will generally differ from one company to another, they will typically cover issues like:
- Heating and electrical system components
- Garbage disposals
- Plumbing
- Sump pumps
- Dishwashers
- Built in microwaves
- Water heaters
You can also purchase more advanced home warranties that will cover additional items such as the refrigerator, washer and dryer, faucets, and even garage door remote control devices.
When purchasing a home, you are essentially buying a structure that is filled with appliances and systems – often of varying ages and usages. With that in mind, having a home warranty can be a great way to ensure that if something should go wrong, you will be covered. For more information on home warranties, call us today.
