Foundation issues make a lot of homeowners uneasy. It’s natural to worry when cracks appear or doors stop closing right. A big question we hear is: does a home warranty cover foundation repair?
Lots of homeowners are surprised to learn what home warranties actually do (and don’t) cover. Let’s walk through it together so you know what to expect.
What is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty is different from homeowners insurance. It’s a service contract that covers repairs or replacements for systems and appliances in your home. Think HVAC, plumbing, or kitchen appliances.
It’s not meant to cover structural damage. But in some cases, parts of the foundation repair process might qualify.
So… Does a Home Warranty Cover Foundation Repair?
Home warranties don’t usually cover foundation repairs directly. However, they may cover damage caused by a covered system that led to a foundation issue. For example, if a plumbing leak (which is covered) causes slab movement, you might get some help.
It all depends on the cause and your specific plan.
What to Look for in Your Warranty Plan
Of course, not all plans are the same. Check:
- Exclusions section: Look for foundation or structural clauses
- Plumbing or drainage coverage: These can relate to foundation problems
- Limits and caps: See how much they’re willing to pay
Ask your provider to explain what’s included if damage spreads to other areas.
Expert Tip: When reviewing a home warranty plan, focus on the systems listed in the coverage section. If the plan doesn’t mention plumbing, chances are it won’t help with anything related to leaks or slab damage.
Types of Foundation Issues That Might Be Covered
Home warranties might help with:
- Plumbing-related leaks that lead to slab damage
- Foundation shifts caused by covered system failures
But they typically won’t help with:
- Natural house settling or soil movement
- Structural cracks not tied to a covered item
Example of What Coverage Might Look Like
Say a pipe bursts under your slab and causes cracking. If your warranty covers plumbing repair, they might approve the pipe repair. But you’d likely still need to pay for lifting or leveling the foundation itself.
So, partial coverage is possible. Full coverage is rare.
What If Your Warranty Doesn’t Cover It?
What about homeowners insurance? In many cases, it won’t cover foundation repair either, unless the damage was caused by a covered event like a sudden plumbing leak, flood, or natural disaster. Gradual settling, foundation movement, or wear and tear are rarely covered.
You still have options:
- Check homeowners insurance if the damage is from a sudden event
- Get a professional foundation inspection to find the real cause
- Reach out to a foundation repair expert for honest answers
Expert Tip: If your plan is through a resale home purchase, ask for a copy of the full policy, not just the summary. Important details are often buried in the fine print.
At Leveled Concrete, we can evaluate the situation and give you a plan that fits your home and your budget.
Get Expert Help Today from Leveled Concrete
Long story short, some warranties don’t always cover foundation repair. But they might cover related damage. The best thing you can do is read your plan, ask questions, and take action early. If something feels off under your home, get it checked. It’s better to catch it now than deal with a bigger problem later.
Not sure if your foundation issue is covered? Let’s take a look together. Our team at Leveled Concrete offers honest inspections and clear guidance. A concrete leveling specialist will help you understand what’s happening under your home and what steps make the most sense.
We offer many foundation repair services near you, including:
- Slab Foundation Repair
- Pier & Beam Foundation Repair
- Polyurethane Foam Jacking
- Interior Concrete Leveling
- Pool Foundation Repair