What a warranty must actually say
“We stand behind our work” is a sentence, not a warranty. A real warranty lives in the contract and states three things: how long, what’s covered, and what voids it.
Almost every contractor will tell you they guarantee their work. The question is what happens eighteen months later when a seam opens or a floor squeaks — and the answer depends entirely on what was written down.
The three things it must state
Length: one year on workmanship is the common floor; structural elements often carry longer terms. Scope: workmanship and installation are the contractor’s to warrant — materials are usually covered separately by the manufacturer, and the contract should say who handles those claims. Process: who you contact, how fast they respond, and what voids coverage.
Disclaimers to watch for
Some contracts quietly disclaim everything with “as-is” language, or void the warranty if you supply any of your own materials. Conditioning the warranty on final payment being made is common and fair. Conditioning it on you never posting a negative review — a non-disparagement clause — is not.
Before you sign
- Insist on a stated warranty length in writing — one year minimum.
- Ask exactly how a warranty claim gets filed, and who answers it.
- Watch for “as-is” language and non-disparagement strings.