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Homeowners

Why Do I Need A New Home Warranty From MHWC?

Why Do I Need A New Home Warranty From MHWC?

Experience
MHWC has administered a ‘few’ new home warranties for homeowners and their builders over the years. In fact, together with our national affiliate, Residential Warranty Company, LLC (RWC), the number of homes warranted by this dynamic warranty group exceeds 3 million. That’s experience! And that expertise is put to use whenever a dispute arises between a homeowner and a builder so that the issues can be resolved efficiently in accordance with the terms of your warranty.

Strength
Warranties issued by MHWC and RWC are insured by Western Pacific Mutual Insurance Company, A Risk Retention Group (WPMIC), a company rated “A- (Excellent)” by A.M. Best. WPMIC exclusively insures warranties issued by MHWC and RWC and does not, in fact, write insurance for any other category of risk. With $112 million in surplus equity (as of December 31, 2017), the financial strength of the company is beyond reproach. Moreover, because the insurer is dedicated to new home warranty resolution, you never need to worry about the insurer behind your warranty going out of business because of either natural catastrophic losses (hurricanes, oil spills, etc.) or the man-made variety.

Resale Value
MHWC warranties are issued for specific time periods, usually 10 years. Your home is warranted for the entire warranty term even if you sell it during that time frame. The balance of the warranty simply transfers to the next buyer automatically. That “transferable” feature is an excellent marketing tool that potentially could increase your home’s value or perhaps shorten the listing period. Bottom line is that it may increase the value of your home in the eyes of your prospective buyers.

Protection
When your Manufacturer or your Builder/Dealer selects an MHWC 10 year warranty for your new home, you are being given an insured and written commitment that your home will be free from defects as specified in your warranty book. Your MHWC warranty is independently written & administered apart from either your Manufacturer or your Builder/Dealer. Regardless of what the future holds for either of them, your warranty remains viable for the entire warranty term. Structural defects are not easy fixes, with the average cost to repair surpassing $30,000. Your MHWC warranty means that warranted structural defects will be repaired by the Warrantor, not you.

Expert Second Opinion
As a homeowner, sometimes it’s hard to just take the Builder/Dealer or Manufacturer’s “word for it” when an issue arises. You want a neutral party to weigh in and confirm that what you’ve been told is right. MHWC is able to step in as the expert second opinion and base the answer on a set of spelled out written standards. The MHWC warranty book can be a valuable ‘measuring stick’ for evaluating any perceived construction issues. MHWC standards are based on accepted industry guidelines. If you reach an impasse with your Builder/Dealer or Manufacturer, and based on your warranty coverage you believe your issues are warranted, then refer to your warranty book for the steps to request assistance from MHWC.

I strongly suggest that anyone interested in selling factory built housing in a land/home package, to join MHWC/RWC in order to grow their business and make the transaction much smoother.

 Jay S., MHWC Builder Member

Managing Your Warranty FAQs

I have questions about my warranty documents or would like to request duplicate copies. What’s my next step?

Call 800-247-1812 and ask for our Enrollments Dept. or email enrollments@mhwconline.com. You can verify coverage, request duplicate copies of your homes’ warranty documents. For duplicate warranty books, there is a small charge based on the format requested (paper copy or PDF).

I noticed that information is wrong on my warranty documents. How do I get this corrected?

Call 800-247-1812 and ask for our Enrollments Dept.or email enrollments@mhwconline.com with the correct information.

What is the process to transfer my warranty?

The MHWC Limited Warranties automatically transfer to each successive buyer throughout the warranty period. There are no forms to complete or fees to pay. In the case of foreclosures however, warranties may be voided.

What exactly is covered under my warranty?

MHWC offers different programs for Manufacturers and for Builder/Dealers of HUD-Code homes. So what’s covered depends on which warranty was issued. Refer to the warranty book you received with your home for warranty terms and exact coverage.

If at some point in the future, an issue arises with my home, how do I start the warranty resolution process?

Review your warranty book for the specific procedures to take to address a potential defect. MHWC must receive written documentation from you (refer to Requesting Warranty Performance in your warranty book). Notice can be sent by mail to the Administrator’s address or by email to warranty.resolution@mhwconline.com. For convenience, you may also use our online form.  Neither telephone requests nor fax requests are accepted. Among the things you will need to provide are:

  • Validation (or Enrollment) Number and Effective Date of Warranty;
  • Your Builder’s name and address;
  • Your name, address, email address and telephone number (including home, cell and work numbers);
  • A reasonably specific description of the Defect(s), (including the date on which the Defect was discovered);
  • A copy of any written notice to your Builder;
  • Photographs, if they would be helpful in describing the Defect; and
  • A copy of each and every report you have obtained from any inspector or engineer.
What is involved in “warranty resolution”?

Mediation. Often, the root of a dispute is a lack of communication between the Builder/Dealer or the Manufacturer and the Homeowner. Mediation is the step MHWC takes to try to improve communication, get everyone talking and try to work out a resolution based on the warranty standards provided. It’s an informal step prior to arbitration that involves all relevant parties to the warranty and is provided at no charge by MHWC.

Arbitration. If MHWC is unable to get the issue resolved between the parties, then the next step is arbitration, a formal process conducted by an independent, neutral arbitrator to resolve disputes. Arbitrators used by MHWC are experienced in arbitrating residential construction matters. The arbitrator’s decision under our programs is binding on all parties, including you as well as your Builder/Dealer and/or Manufacturer as applicable, unless otherwise prohibited by law. The fee for arbitration is paid according to the terms outlined in your warranty book.

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