Home - Home - 9 Things A Home Warranty Does Not Cover
9 things a home warranty does not cover

9 things a home warranty does not cover

A home warranty is a service contract that offers financial cover for the wear and tear of a home’s appliances and systems. So, if something breaks down, the homeowner does not have to bear the cost of repairs. Rather, the warranty company will cover the expenses. But it is important to note that a home warranty does not cover all repairs. When signing the contract, one must take note of the exclusions.

Cosmetic repairs
Cosmetic repairs are made solely for aesthetics or to improve the home’s appearance. A home warranty does not cover such repairs. It only covers the cost of damages caused by normal wear and tear. For instance, if an oven breaks down or stops working during regular use, homeowners can expect the home warranty to cover the expenses. The contract will not cover the price of fixing scratches or dents on the oven because it counts as cosmetic repairs.

Outdoor elements
Another big thing a home warranty excludes is the cost of repairing fixtures outside the house. Examples are pools, spas, and septic systems. The contract may also leave out outdoor plumbing systems and their parts, like sprinklers, faucets, and valves. While most home warranty companies do not cover these things in their standard package, some offer add-ons that include outdoor elements. For instance, with some providers, one can cover their outdoor kitchen and pool by paying an extra fee. One must read the terms and conditions carefully when signing up for such add-ons and choose the right ones.

Windows and doors
Home warranties primarily cover systems and appliances requiring complex repair work, such as refrigerators and HVACs. But they leave out structural components of the house, such as windows and doors. This exclusion applies regardless of whether the windows and doors have suffered damage due to natural wear and tear or another reason. Those who want coverage for structural components can buy homeowner’s insurance.

Smart home systems
Smart home systems have become popular because they increase convenience. These devices integrate all the major electrical appliances of a house and allow one to control them from anywhere with voice commands or smartphone apps. A few common examples of smart home systems include thermostats, smart lighting systems, and doorbell cameras. Homeowners need to remember that a home warranty does not cover the repairs of these systems. A notable reason is that repairing smart home systems is too expensive. The price can easily exceed the annual premium amount of a home warranty contract.

Damage caused by pests
Pests like termites, rats, and rodents can destroy electrical systems and appliances in a house. Unfortunately, home warranty contracts do not cover problems caused by pests. While some policies offer coverage for removing pests, they do not pay for the damages they cause. For instance, if homeowners find mice living in their electrical equipment or control boards, the contract will pay to clear the equipment of the mice but not to repair it.

Acts of nature
Acts of nature, such as floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes, pose severe threats to a house and its appliances. But sadly, again, home warranties do not cover damages due to these factors. A home warranty’s main focus is to pay for repairing appliances and systems when they break down due to natural wear and tear, not natural disasters. In such situations, one may have to bear the expenses themselves.

Appliances covered by manufacturer’s warranty
If one purchases a new appliance for their house, it will be under the manufacturer’s warranty for a certain period. Homeowners must note that until the appliance is covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, their home warranty contract will not cover its repairs. That’s why one should check the manufacturer’s warranty before buying a plan.

Pre-existing conditions
It is crucial to note that if an appliance or a system gets damaged due to a pre-existing condition, the home warranty will not cover its repairs. A pre-existing condition refers to any fault the system or appliance had before the homeowner signed the warranty contract. When signing the contract, the home warranty company inspects all the systems and appliances to spot any pre-existing conditions. That’s why it is necessary to get prior damages or malfunctions repaired before the inspection or before the warranty coverage begins.

Improper installations
When one purchases new appliances or gets a new system installed, they must follow certain guidelines. For example, when fixing a new HVAC system, individuals need to follow building codes to ensure the safety of everyone living in the building. Likewise, all appliances and systems come with instructions from the manufacturer. If any system or appliance breaks down and has not been installed as per the guidelines, the home warranty company will not cover its costs. To avoid this issue, homeowners should install their new systems and appliances with the help of professionals who ensure all installation guidelines are followed.

Since a home warranty has many terms and conditions, one must read the contract carefully before signing on the dotted line. Overlooking the exclusions can cause one to pay for repairs out of their own pocket, leading to disappointment.

Latest Articles

5 smart ways of using tablet computers
Tablets

5 smart ways of using tablet computers

You see tablet computers everywhere. More and more people are now moving toward tablets in offices, coffee shops, homes, and even schools. This is because they offer more power and uses than a smartphone and better portability than a desktop or even a laptop. Tablets have many more uses than simply checking your emails or browsing social media. Here are some interesting ways to find more uses for your tablet computer: Second screen Some people like to work on two screens at a time due to the demand of their work. This also enhances productivity and cuts down on time. It is easy to mirror your Android to another Android or even a computer. To use your tablet as an extended display, you need to install an application on your computer and connect the tablet to it using a USB cable or Wi-Fi. Some of the best app options to do this include Spacedesk, Google Remote Desktop, iDisplay, Duet Display, etc. As a remote to control electronics Tablet computers can be easily used to control your electronics. A tablet is larger than a remote and much easier to find and operate with better features. You can control your PC and television with it. It can also dim your home lights, open your garage door, and operate your smart fridge and washing machine. For instance, if you have a Sony Smart TV, you can use the TV Sideview application for your Apple and Android systems. E-Reader If you are an avid reader and have an old tablet, you don’t need to purchase a new e-reader. Your tablet can easily be used as an e-reader to browse your favorite books, magazines, comic strips, and even news applications. Since tablet screens have more glare, we suggest getting an anti-glare film on the screen.
Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia
health

Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia

Potassium is an essential nutrient that allows your body to function optimally. A meal plan rich in potassium allows proper nerve function and regulates your heartbeat. However, certain conditions such as kidney diseases and consuming food rich in potassium excessively may increase its levels in your bloodstream leading to a condition known as hyperkalemia . Let’s look at foods you should limit to keep your potassium within normal levels. Bananas The first food that comes to mind when people think of potassium sources is bananas. One medium-sized banana contains almost 422 mg of potassium. Though it would take a lot of bananas to cause an overdose of potassium, if you are also eating other foods rich in potassium, it will lead to excessive potassium levels in your blood, which in turn, will trigger hyperkalemia . Tomato Sauce and Paste Raw tomatoes contain a decent amount of potassium. One medium tomato has about 292 mg of potassium. Concentrated forms of tomatoes, such as sauces, salsa, paste, puree, etc., contain even higher amounts of potassium. For instance, a small cup of tomato sauce contains almost 728 mg potassium. So, it is advised to skip tomato sauce and opt for alternatives such as basil or roasted red peppers. Milk If you have been advised a low potassium meal plan, you must avoid milk or at least its consumption needs to be reduced. A cup of whole milk contains around 350 mg of potassium. The lower the amount of fat in milk, the higher the potassium content. While you may have a small serving of milk daily, it should not exceed 300 ml. It means avoiding milk and dairy products such as buttermilk, yogurt, milk-based sweets, ice creams, and other desserts. Oranges and Orange Juice Oranges have a very high potassium content and are best avoided if diagnosed with hyperkalemia .
7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer
Tech

7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer

With all the options of computer brands available in the market today, you might think it is effortless to pick up one. However, with so many choices, it can get tricky as buying a computer is a hefty, long-term investment. That’s why you should be aware of some common buying mistakes people would make while purchasing this device. And so, here are a few things to avoid before you invest in a computer : Buying without knowing your needs Never buy a computer just because everyone is buying it or there’s a lot of hype around it. While you may want to prioritize aesthetics and popularity, you need to identify your need for a computer and its software . Make a list of all the features that you would need and get the computer configured accordingly. Unfamiliar with different software programs Not knowing the right software may cost you heavily. Purchasing expensive software with a long list of features may not be the best thing to do if half of these features don’t even apply to your work. Next, know how to install and use the software. You also need to know if the software is protected against bugs with an antivirus program and consider the after-sale service of the software. Not considering different operating systems There are four primary operating systems you should know – Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Linux. While technology has made it easier to switch between these operating systems, you may often find one or more applications not working on alternative systems. So, if you have an expensive software installed, check with your developer if it will be compatible with the OS you plan to get. Not accounting for other computer costs A common mistake made by many while purchasing a computer is not accounting for other costs that are part of the bundle.