Buying a new home in North Texas? Every builder offers a 1-2-10 warranty — but most homeowners don’t really know what it covers or how to use it when something breaks. Here’s what those numbers mean, what’s actually covered, and how to protect your investment long after closing day.
What Is a 1-2-10 Builder Warranty?
Almost every new-construction home in Texas comes with a 1-2-10 builder warranty, a shorthand way to describe the coverage timeline:
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1 year for workmanship and materials (think paint, trim, doors, drywall)
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2 years for major systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing)
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10 years for structural components (foundation and framing)
It’s a combination of builder guarantees and third-party insurance, designed to give buyers peace of mind after closing.
Year 1: Workmanship and Materials
The first year covers cosmetic and finishing details — the stuff you actually see and touch every day.
✅ Examples: nail pops, caulking separation, sticking doors, baseboard gaps, paint issues.
This is when you’ll want to document every small imperfection you notice. Builders usually provide one or two scheduled warranty visits during that first year (often at the 30-day and 11-month marks).
Pro tip: Schedule a detailed 11-month warranty inspection with a licensed home inspector before your first year expires. That way, you can hand your builder a full punch list of items that are still covered.
Year 2: Major Systems
The two-year coverage period is all about functionality. It’s meant to ensure that the “bones” of your home’s internal systems perform as intended.
✅ Examples:
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Plumbing leaks inside walls or under sinks
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Electrical wiring issues
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Air conditioning or heating malfunctions due to installation problems
Wear-and-tear or maintenance neglect (like clogged filters or dripping faucets) typically isn’t covered — the issue has to be tied back to original installation.
Years 3–10: Structural Coverage
This is the long-term protection most homeowners forget about. The 10-year structural portion is typically backed by a third-party insurer, not the builder directly.
✅ Examples of covered defects:
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Foundation settlement beyond industry tolerance
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Structural framing failure
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Load-bearing wall movement or roof collapse
Not covered: cosmetic cracks, landscaping movement, or drainage issues (those are considered maintenance).
If you ever notice a major crack or uneven floor several years in, contact your warranty provider immediately — not the builder’s sales office. They’ll send an engineer or adjuster to evaluate whether the issue qualifies.
How to File a Claim
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Find your warranty provider’s packet or online portal. You’ll typically get login info at closing.
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Submit a detailed written request. Photos and dates are crucial.
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Allow inspection and repair timelines. Builders or third-party reps will review and respond within a set time frame.
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Keep records of all correspondence. It helps if issues resurface later.
What’s Not Covered
Even the best builder warranty doesn’t cover:
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Normal settling or shrinkage cracks
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Landscaping, fencing, or driveways
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Appliances (these have their own manufacturer warranties)
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Damage caused by neglect, weather events, or lack of maintenance
Regular upkeep — especially exterior caulking, drainage management, and HVAC filter replacement — keeps your warranty valid and your home in top condition.
North Texas Insight: What I See Most Often
In Frisco, Prosper, Celina, McKinney, etc the biggest warranty calls I see after closing are:
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Cracked grout or separated trim in the first year (workmanship)
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AC refrigerant leaks or thermostat issues in the second year (system)
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Foundation movement around years 5–8 (structural, usually covered)
Builders in communities like Windsong Ranch, FIELDS, Mustang Lakes, Painted Tree, Star Trail are usually very responsive early on — but once your warranty clock runs out, those repairs become your responsibility.
FAQs
Can I sell my home and transfer the builder warranty?
Yes — most 1-2-10 warranties are transferable one time to a new owner.
Do I need to register the warranty after closing?
Usually yes. Make sure to register your address with the third-party warranty company (often emailed within 30 days of closing).
Can I hire my own contractor for warranty repairs?
Not unless approved. Using outside contractors can void coverage for that item.
Final Thoughts
Your 1-2-10 builder warranty is one of the biggest advantages of buying new construction — but it only helps if you understand how to use it.
Keep copies of your documents, schedule your 11-month inspection, and don’t wait to report issues.
If you’re building or buying new construction in Frisco, Prosper, Celina, or anywhere in Collin, Denton, or Dallas County, I’d be happy to review your builder’s warranty with you before closing to make sure you’re protected.
— Logan Walter, North Texas Realtor
