It’s common to wonder if a home plan covers cracks, wall movement, or settling. The answer depends on your coverage type and the cause of the damage. This guide explains how a foundation repair warranty works, what to review in your policy, and how to avoid gaps in protection. You’ll also see when a claim applies and when you’ll need a contractor’s warranty instead.
Home Warranty vs Insurance vs Contractor Warranty
A home warranty is a service plan for appliances and systems. Think HVAC, water heater, or refrigerator. It covers wear and tear on listed items.
Homeowners insurance covers sudden perils. Think fire, wind, or a burst pipe. It does not cover normal settling or long-term soil movement.
A contractor’s warranty comes from the company that repairs your foundation. It covers the repair work itself. It focuses on materials and workmanship.
Does a Home Warranty Cover Foundation Repair?
In most plans, no. Home warranties list covered items by name. The foundation is rarely on that list. Some add-ons exist, but limits and exclusions apply. Always read the plan before you assume coverage.
Key Takeaway: Most home warranties cover appliances and systems. Structural work sits outside those plans.
Foundation Repair Warranty: What to Look For
Here is what a strong contractor-backed foundation repair warranty should include:
- Clear scope of coverage for the repair method installed
- Materials and workmanship are spelled out
- Transfer terms if you sell the home
- Steps to file a claim and response times
Common exclusions:
- Damage from floods, earthquakes, or major storms
- New additions that change loads without notice
- Poor drainage, tree roots, or grading changes after the repair
Pro Tip: Ask if the warranty follows the pier or wall repair, not the homeowner. A transferable, written warranty adds resale value.
Need expert help with foundation concerns? Contact Windler Foundation Repair for a free consultation.
When Coverage Might Apply and When it Will Not
Builder warranties can help in newer homes. Many offer one year on workmanship and up to ten years on major structural defects. You must show the issue is a defect, not normal settling.
Insurance may help if a covered peril caused the problem. A burst pipe that washes out soil might trigger help for the plumbing, but the foundation work may still be excluded. Ask your carrier what proof they need.
Fast Check: Read Your Policy in Five Steps
- Find the coverage list and exclusions page.
- Search for “foundation,” “structural,” and “settling.”
- Note deadlines for filing and any inspection rules.
- Check transfer rules if you bought the home recently.
- Save photos and notes of changes in cracks or floors.
Key Takeaway: If the cause is long-term soil movement, most plans exclude it. A contractor foundation repair warranty is the path to real protection.
Costs, Timelines, and What to Expect
If your plan denies coverage, the next step is to have a foundation specialist inspect your home. We check the walls, floors, doors, and grading around your house to find what’s causing the movement. Then we explain your options and share a repair plan that fits your situation.
Small jobs usually take a few days. Bigger repairs can take longer, especially if we need to reach interior walls or floors. We work neatly, protect your space, and clean up before we leave each day. Once the work is done, we walk you through maintenance tips, drainage checks, and landscaping steps that help keep your foundation stable.
Pro Tip: Keep your gutters clear and soil sloped away from your home. Good drainage is one of the best ways to prevent future foundation problems.
Questions to Ask Any Contractor
- Is the foundation repair warranty transferable, and how.
- What voids the warranty.
- How fast do you respond to warranty calls.
- Do you include a final inspection report.
- What upkeep is required to keep the warranty valid.
Ready for a Clear Plan
You deserve straight answers and a warranty you can trust. Our team explains the repair, sets expectations, and backs the work in writing. We want you to feel confident from the first visit through the final walk-through.
Schedule your free inspection with Windler Foundation Repair today. Get a clear scope, a fair price, and a written foundation repair warranty that protects your home and your peace of mind.
