Quality lumber, for example, is hard to find in many areas of the country. When a warped or green timber starts to dry, nails can pop out or a door can stick to the jamb. That's why a warranty can be critical. It pays to research a builder's reputation and their warranties carefully for what they do and do not cover. A typical new home warranty covers mechanical items such as plumbing, electricity, and heating and cooling systems for two years.
Some builders offer a ten-year warranty against construction defects and repairs.
But the real test is not the warranty but the builder's reputation for following up on problems and fixing them to the customer's satisfaction. For example, concrete is supposed to last for 50 years but not if improperly mixed or formed. The time to find out is before you buy. Ask for at least three customer references and call them, and check with state and local consumer affairs agencies for complaints. Remember that no warranty is perfect or idiot-proof.