Warranty Information
A custom home is one of the largest investments you'll ever make. Our warranty exists to protect that investment — and to give you peace of mind that if something isn't right, we'll make it right. Here's how our warranty works, what it covers, and what to expect after you move in.
Warranty Coverage
One-Year Comprehensive
Covers workmanship and materials throughout the home for 12 months from the date of substantial completion. This includes: drywall cracks from normal settling, paint touch-ups, cabinet door and drawer adjustment, caulk and sealant gaps, door alignment, window operation, flooring issues, plumbing fixture function, electrical outlet and switch operation, HVAC performance, and any other defect in workmanship or materials. If we built it and it isn't right, we fix it.
Two-Year Systems
Covers major mechanical systems for 24 months: HVAC equipment and ductwork, plumbing system (pipes, drains, water heater), electrical system (panel, wiring, fixtures), and ventilation systems. This coverage is about function: your HVAC should heat and cool properly, your plumbing should not leak, and your electrical should work safely. System coverage runs concurrently with the one-year comprehensive warranty.
Ten-Year Structural
Covers designated structural elements for 10 years: foundation, load-bearing walls, beams, columns, floor systems, and roof framing. 'Structural defect' means actual physical damage that makes the home unsafe or unlivable — not cosmetic issues, not normal settling, not water infiltration (covered under 1-year), and not systems (covered under 2-year). This is protection against catastrophic structural failure.
What's Covered & What's Not
Covered by Warranty
- Drywall cracks from normal settling (year 1)
- Paint and caulk touch-ups (year 1)
- Cabinet door/drawer alignment (year 1)
- Flooring defects in materials or installation (year 1)
- Plumbing leaks in supply or drain lines (years 1–2)
- HVAC not heating/cooling properly (years 1–2)
- Electrical outlets, switches, or fixtures not working (years 1–2)
- Window or door operation issues (year 1)
- Roof leaks from workmanship defects (year 1)
- Foundation structural failure (years 1–10)
- Load-bearing wall or beam structural failure (years 1–10)
Not Covered by Warranty
- —Normal wear and tear (carpet wear, paint scuffs from use)
- —Damage from homeowner neglect (unreported leaks, lack of maintenance)
- —Damage from natural disasters (flood, tornado, earthquake — covered by homeowner's insurance)
- —Appliance warranty (covered by manufacturer — we provide all manuals and warranty cards)
- —Landscaping and plant material (covered by installer, if applicable)
- —Changes or modifications made by the homeowner after move-in
- —Condensation on windows (normal in humid North Texas conditions)
- —Minor concrete cracking (hairline cracks are normal in cured concrete)
- —Fading or wear of exterior paint from sun exposure
- —Pest or rodent intrusion after occupancy
- —Settling beyond normal — but the structure is still covered under structural warranty
What to Expect After Move-In
Your home will settle. You may notice hairline drywall cracks at corners, minor nail pops, doors that need minor adjustment as humidity changes. This is all normal. Document what you see — we'll address everything at the 30-day check-in.
We visit your home and walk through every room together. You point out any items of concern. We create a punch list, schedule any needed subcontractor visits, and get everything addressed in a single coordinated round. Most 30-day items are cosmetic adjustments.
Live in your home through all four seasons (or as many as apply). Run every system. Note anything that isn't performing as expected. The 6-month mark is your next formal check-in point — but don't wait if something is seriously wrong. Call us anytime.
Second formal walkthrough. By now, your home has experienced significant temperature and humidity swings. We address any items that have emerged since the 30-day check-in. Mechanical systems are verified. This is typically a shorter list than the 30-day visit.
Final walkthrough within the comprehensive warranty period. We address any remaining items before the one-year mark. After this visit, comprehensive workmanship coverage transitions to the two-year systems warranty and the ongoing structural warranty. We leave you with a final punch list report — zero items outstanding.
Systems warranty (years 1–2) covers HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. Structural warranty (years 1–10) covers foundation and load-bearing structure. After year 2, coverage is structural only — the big things. We remain available for questions even when items fall outside warranty coverage: we're still your neighbors.
How to Submit a Warranty Claim
Document the Issue
Write a brief description and take photos. Be specific: which room, what exactly is happening, when did you notice it. Photos help us diagnose before we arrive and bring the right materials and subcontractor.
Contact Us
Email info@southernshorehomestx.com or call (940) 641-0316. Describe the issue and attach photos. We respond within 2 business days — usually faster. Emergency issues (water leak, no heat, electrical hazard): call immediately — don't email.
We Evaluate & Schedule
We assess the issue — often from photos — and determine whether it's warranty-covered. If it is, we schedule the repair at a time that works for you. If it isn't warranty-covered, we'll explain why and can still arrange the repair at cost if you'd like us to handle it.
Repair & Follow-Up
The repair is completed. We follow up to confirm you're satisfied. All warranty work is documented for our records and yours. We track patterns — if the same issue recurs, we investigate the root cause rather than just treating the symptom.
Warranty FAQ
Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home?+
Yes — the structural warranty (years 1–10) transfers to the new owner. The one-year comprehensive and two-year systems warranties are tied to the completion date, not the owner, so a new owner within those periods receives the remaining coverage. We provide a warranty transfer letter as part of your closing documentation.
What's considered an 'emergency' vs a routine warranty item?+
Emergency: active water leak, no heat in freezing weather, electrical hazard (sparks, burning smell, breaker that won't reset), gas smell, or anything that threatens safety or property. Call (940) 641-0316 immediately — we answer 24/7 for emergencies. Routine: nail pops, drywall cracks, cabinet adjustment, paint touch-up, squeaky floor. Email us — we'll address it at the next scheduled visit or within a reasonable timeframe.
What maintenance am I responsible for?+
Basic home maintenance is the homeowner's responsibility: changing HVAC filters (every 1–3 months), keeping drains clear, maintaining caulk and sealant around tubs and sinks after year 1, touching up paint and minor drywall cracks after year 1, maintaining landscaping and irrigation, and addressing minor issues before they become major ones (a small caulk gap by a window is your responsibility; the water damage from ignoring it for two years is not covered). We provide a detailed maintenance schedule in your homeowner's manual.
Build With Confidence
A warranty is only as good as the builder who stands behind it. We've been answering the phone in Gainesville for years — and we'll be answering it for years after you move in.