Buyers touring model homes in Buck Crossing or Cumberland Trails almost always ask me the same thing once the excitement of the finishes wears off: “Okay, but what actually happens if something breaks?” It’s a fair question, and the honest answer is that new-construction warranties aren’t one-size-fits-all — you need to know what you’re getting before you sign.
The typical structure: 1-2-10
Most production builders in the OKC metro, including the ones building at Craft Homes communities, follow some version of a 1-2-10 warranty:
- Year one: Covers workmanship and materials — drywall cracks, paint, trim, doors and windows that don’t operate correctly.
- Years two: Covers the major mechanical systems — plumbing, electrical, and HVAC distribution.
- Years three through ten: Covers major structural defects only — foundation, load-bearing framing, that kind of thing.
Notice the gap: normal-wear items and most appliances usually fall outside this entirely and are covered instead by the manufacturer’s own warranty, not the builder’s.
What to actually read before closing
Every builder’s warranty document is a little different, and the fine print matters more than the marketing brochure. Before you close, I want my clients to know:
- Who administers the claim. Some builders handle warranty service in-house; others use a third-party warranty company, which changes how fast (or slow) repairs actually happen.
- What voids coverage. Unapproved renovations, certain landscaping choices near the foundation, or skipping required HVAC maintenance can quietly void sections of the warranty.
- How disputes get resolved. Many builder warranties require binding arbitration rather than a lawsuit if something goes wrong — know that going in, not after there’s a problem.
Why this matters even more in new construction than resale
With a resale home you inspect what exists today. With new construction, you’re trusting a warranty to cover problems that haven’t shown up yet — settling, minor foundation movement, the first hot Oklahoma summer testing the HVAC system. That’s exactly why having your own agent (at no cost to you as the buyer) matters here: someone reviewing that warranty language on your behalf before you’re emotionally attached to a lot and a floor plan.
If you’re shopping new construction anywhere in the Edmond, Yukon, or Mustang corridors, bring me the builder’s warranty packet before you sign anything — I’ll walk through it with you line by line. Most real estate agents focus on the transaction. We focus on making sure you’re still protected long after it closes.
— Doug Arnett, OKC Metro Group
