When you buy a home in Southern California, it usually comes with a home warranty policy that covers most working parts of the home.
This usually includes things like your hot water heater, toilet, oven, heating and air conditioning. Most companies that issue these types of policies also give you the option of adding roof, washer and dryer, refrigerator, pool and spa coverage.
Now understand, these items are covered up to a certain monetary limit, up to a certain functionality limit and come with a service charge every time they are dispatched to a technician.
All this will be mentioned in your policy. Which, of course, you’ll read as soon as your escrow closes, just like you did with your purchase agreement and all of your disclosures.
What you want to note is that this policy covers the home for one year from the date of issue, which usually coincides with the closing of the escrow. So here are some tips to make the most of your coverage.
1. Use everything in your home. Perhaps your new abode is a three bedroom two bath space and it’s just the two of you in the primary bedroom. Even if you don’t need to use the hall bath, you should still do so. Use toilets, sink faucets (hot and cold for all taps), tub and shower, fans, every electrical outlet and all lights.
Do this regularly. That way you’re not caught off guard when the kids come over to stay, and they find out the shower diverter doesn’t work and they keep taking the shower until the home warranty company can send a service technician .
2. Run your heater and your air conditioner. All of your air conditioners, if your McMansion has more than one or separate rooms in your small home. Even if the weather doesn’t guarantee it during the first year, do it either way. If that doesn’t work, your home warranty won’t cover all repairs under the cost of a service fee.
3. Run pool and spa heaters, pool lights and all spa jets. Do this at least several times during your one year warranty period. You know why.
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If stains or drippings show up inside or in the garage, you know what to do. If you’re really smart, you’ll go up into the attic with a flashlight and check to see if there are any drips or new stains.
If you need to use your home warranty, don’t call your go-to plumber, electrician or appliance repair service. Those with home warranties will not reimburse you for their bills. It doesn’t work that way. Call the home warranty folks and they’ll send one of theirs.
Just do it within the first year.
Leslie Sargent Eskildson is an agent with RealtyOne Group West and a member of the Board of Directors of the California Association of Realtors. He can be contacted at 949-678-3373 or [email protected]
