The Caruso Warranty: What’s Covered (and for How Long) After Closing

Many buyers assume that a 10-year new-home warranty covers everything from loose doorknobs to foundation cracks. While that sounds like total coverage, a builder warranty actually operates on a tiered system to ensure the right protection is applied to the right parts of your home at the right time.

The Caruso warranty is built in tiers: different coverage windows for different parts of your home. 

Here's how it breaks down, what's included at each stage, and how to use it when something needs attention.

What Does the Caruso Homes Warranty Actually Cover After Closing?

The Caruso Homes warranty covers construction-related defects through a tiered 1-2-10 structure:

• One year for workmanship and materials
• Two years for mechanical systems like plumbing and HVAC
• Ten years for structural components

This builder warranty applies specifically to how the home was built, not wear from everyday use or appliance breakdowns. It’s also backed by a third-party provider, giving our homeowners an added layer of protection beyond the builder alone.

We'll get into the specifics of each coverage tier in detail below.

For now, know that the Caruso Homes warranty structure is designed to match protection windows with the type of work: shorter timelines for visible finishes, longer ones for hidden systems, and a full decade for the parts of your home that carry the most weight.

The 1-2-10 Warranty Breakdown

Caruso Homes' warranty coverage is split into three tiers based on what typically needs attention and when.

1-Year Coverage: Workmanship and Materials

Year one covers the things you see and touch, such as drywall, trim, paint, flooring, and cabinetry. Most cosmetic or fit-and-finish issues get flagged during the 10-month walkthrough, which gives you a window to report concerns before your first anniversary.

2-Year Coverage: Mechanical Systems

Behind-the-wall systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC are covered for two years. That includes leaks caused by installation errors or problems with how the system was set up (not wear from use or manufacturer defects that would be covered by a separate manufacturer warranty). 

10-Year Coverage: Structural Warranty Components

The foundation, framing, beams, and other load-bearing elements are protected for a full decade. 10-year structural warranty coverage kicks in when there's a major defect that affects the structural integrity of your home.

Understanding Builder Warranty vs. Home Warranty

A builder home warranty differs from home warranties you might buy later. The builder warranty covers defects caused during construction, not wear from use or appliance failures.

A home warranty is more like a service plan. It covers things like your dishwasher breaking down or your AC unit giving out after years of use. 

Understanding the nuances of new build warranties, specifically the difference between a builder’s coverage and a third-party service plan, is a vital step for any savvy homebuyer. 

If you're still early in your research, it also helps to understand what to ask a builder before you sign a contract so you know exactly what’s covered and what’s not.

What's Not Covered (And What You're Responsible For)

Warranty coverage doesn't include routine maintenance, cosmetic wear, or issues caused by normal use after you move in. Think of your warranty as a safety net for construction essentials, while regular maintenance remains the heartbeat of keeping your new home in top shape.

Regular maintenance includes:

• Changing HVAC filters
• Re-caulking around tubs, sinks, and windows
• Yard care and landscaping
• General cleaning and household maintenance
• Cosmetic damage after you take possession
• Remodels

Caruso handles certain cosmetic fixes once, usually during your 10-month inspection. 

Drywall touch-ups and grout repairs fall into this category. After that, keeping things looking good is part of homeownership.

New homes shift as they settle. Small drywall cracks and nail pops are expected and don't qualify as defects.

How the Warranty Process Works (Step-by-Step)

The Caruso Homes warranty process starts with a service request submitted through the homeowner portal, followed by a review, inspection, and scheduled repairs if the issue qualifies under warranty coverage.

Once a warranty request is submitted in the portal, here's what happens:

1. You describe the issue and submit the request
2. Customer Care reviews and schedules an on-site inspection
3. A Caruso team member conducts a walkthrough (often tied to your 10-month review)
4. Warranted repairs are documented as work orders
5. Contractors or techs contact you to book repair appointments

Each work order lists specific tasks. You'll need to be present for interior repairs to verify the work before signing off on completion.

When It's an Emergency

No heat in winter or a serious plumbing failure qualifies as an emergency. Contact your assigned service provider directly. Don't wait for the portal process. 

Everything else follows the standard request flow. Most non-emergency requests are reviewed within a few business days, with repair timelines depending on the type of work and contractor availability.

What Third-Party Backing Adds to Your Warranty

The Caruso Homes warranty is backed by Residential Warranty Company (RWC), a national provider that adds independent oversight and standardized warranty guidelines.

Having a national provider involved means the builder doesn't manage the warranty alone. It adds accountability and gives you another layer of protection if something significant needs to be addressed.

Caruso Homes has consistently received the “Award of Distinction” from RWC, recognizing 10 Years of continuous “Quality Building Practices & Exceptional Customer Service.”

How the Caruso Homes Warranty Supports You After Closing

Your warranty offers protection for construction defects within specific timeframes, but regular maintenance is still your responsibility. Caruso's tiered structure, backed by RWC, gives you a clear framework for what's covered and how to request service. The process is documented, the timelines are defined, and there's independent oversight to ensure the warranty holds up when you need it.

After 40+ years of building homes, we've learned that the best customer relationships don't end at closing.

If something comes up or you're not sure whether it's covered, our Customer Care team is happy to walk you through it! We're here to support you for the long haul. 

New Construction Home Warranty FAQs

What is the difference between workmanship, systems, and structural coverage?

Workmanship covers finishes, systems cover mechanical components, and structural coverage applies to load-bearing elements. 

Each category has a different coverage period based on how those components perform over time.

How long does HVAC and plumbing coverage last?

Two years. These systems fall under mechanical coverage, which applies to defects in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC installation. Defective parts for these systems are covered under a separate manufacturer's warranty.

Is the warranty transferable if I sell the home?

Yes, in many cases. Transferability depends on the terms provided at closing and the specific warranty agreement.

How do I submit a claim?

Through the Caruso Homes warranty team. Requests are submitted via the homeowner portal and handled by our Customer Care team, not the sales team.