The construction company covers repair of some construction items for a specific period of time, usually one year. Clearly understand if, how and for how long, construction work is warranted. The warranty should reference or include written standards by which construction performance may be evaluated.

There are many different ways work is warranted. Some items are covered by a manufacturer, with the duration and financial coverage defined by the manufacturer (like an oven). Others are the responsibility of the construction company. Before you sign a contract ask that a copy of all construction warranties are attached to the contract.

Some companies offer an extended warranty, which is usually an expense charged to the buyer, and is backed by a third party. This type of warranty should include a description of conditions, repair and coverage timeline that is required for the warranty to be enforced.

Warranties are not maintenance agreements nor do they cover "change of heart" issues such as once the furniture is moved in the wall color is not what you anticipated. The homeowner should perform usual and customary maintenance such as re-caulking areas that show fine line separation or changing furnace filters and gutter cleaning.

Because of the wide temperature differentials in North Texas it is important that watering around the slab is consistent and even in order to maintain slab integrity. Maintaining the designed water drainage patterns is also important. Talk to your builder, before moving in, about the best methods to maintain your slab‘s integrity.