1 year — workmanship warranty: covers defects in materials and labor that are the builder's responsibility. What this includes:
• Drywall nail pops, settlement cracks, paint defects
• Trim gaps and separation
• Caulking failures at tub/shower surrounds, windows, doors
• Grout cracking in tile work
• Door and window operation and weather sealing
• Fixture function and finish defects

What is NOT covered: cosmetic wear from use, owner modifications, improper cleaning damage, and "normal" settling as defined by the builder.

2 years — mechanical systems: covers defects in the delivery systems for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.
• HVAC: defects in the ductwork, refrigerant lines, air handler, and condenser unit (NOT the same as the appliance warranty on the unit itself, which is manufacturer)
• Plumbing: pipe defects, joint failures, valve malfunctions (NOT fixture replacements)
• Electrical: wiring defects, panel and circuit breaker defects (NOT outlet cover plates or light bulbs)

10 years — structural defects: covers defects in the load-bearing components of the home.
• Foundation (slab, footings, piers)
• Load-bearing walls and beams
• Roof framing and trusses
• Floor and ceiling systems

The structural warranty has the highest threshold: most definitions require "actual physical damage" to the structural component, not mere improper installation or code violations. Proving a structural defect to a builder's standard of evidence is more involved than the workmanship tier.

The exclusions are as important as the coverage:

• Appliances: refrigerator, dishwasher, washer/dryer, microwave — all covered by manufacturer warranty, not builder. Register every appliance immediately at closing.
• Cosmetic wear: the 1-year workmanship warranty covers defects, not wear. A paint scuff from furniture is not a warranty item. The line between defect and wear is a common dispute.
• Owner modifications: any modification you make that affects a covered system voids the warranty for that system.
• Normal settlement: builders define "normal" settling cracks and movement as excluded. The dispute is when settlement becomes structural — the 10-year warranty covers that, but the threshold is high.
• Secondary damage: many builder warranties do not cover damage caused by a covered defect. If a plumbing defect causes water damage to flooring, the warranty may cover the pipe repair but not the flooring replacement.
• Third-party warranties: if the builder uses a third-party warranty provider (2-10 HBW, Bonded Builders), the coverage, claims process, and dispute resolution are under the third-party's terms, not the builder's — read the actual third-party document.

Document everything: all warranty claims must be submitted in writing (letter or email to the warranty department, with photos). Verbal complaints don't preserve your rights or timestamps.

The claims process: most builders require: (1) written notice to the warranty department; (2) builder inspection and written response; (3) if disputed, a builder-designated arbitration process. Many builder warranties require you to use the builder's dispute process before pursuing legal remedies.

Timing your claims:
• 1-year workmanship: document all punch-list items at the final walkthrough and resubmit anything not completed. At 11 months, hire an independent inspector and submit all findings before the warranty year expires.
• 2-year mechanical: note HVAC performance issues in summers and winters of years 1-2; submit documented HVAC performance deficiencies before month 24.
• 10-year structural: structural defects may take years to manifest; document any evidence of foundation movement, wall cracking, or floor system deflection with dates and photos as it appears.

The statute of limitations question: some states have separate statutes for construction defect claims that extend beyond the warranty period. Know your state's limitation and whether the warranty's dispute process tolls the statute.