{"id":10472,"date":"2026-10-17T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-17T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/?p=10472"},"modified":"2026-10-14T16:22:02","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T21:22:02","slug":"texas-builder-warranty-punch-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/texas-builder-warranty-punch-list\/","title":{"rendered":"New Construction Punch List and Builder Warranty Claims in Texas"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"rl-page\">\n<header class=\"rl-hero\">\n<div class=\"rl-eyebrow\">Process \u00b7 Guide<\/div>\n<h1>New Construction Punch List and Builder Warranty Claims in Texas<\/h1>\n<p><a class=\"rl-cta-primary\" href=\"\/lrg-blog\/connect-with-lrg\/?ref=builder-warranty-texas\">Connect with LRG \u2192<\/a><br \/>\n<\/header>\n<p>A new Texas home can still have unfinished work, damaged finishes, drainage problems, or hidden construction defects. Before closing, use a buyer walkthrough and independent inspection to identify problems, record each one on a written punch list, and confirm how the builder will address them. After move-in, follow the actual written warranty deadlines, document every new issue, and distinguish ordinary warranty tickets from the formal notice required before a construction defect lawsuit.<\/p>\n<div class=\"rl-quick-grid\">\n<article class=\"rl-quick-card\">\n<h3>Before You File a Warranty Claim<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-fact-id=\"trec-new-home-contract\">TREC Form 23-20 or 24-20 is the promulgated new-home contract for license holders in Texas, though builders may lawfully use their own attorney-prepared contracts, and your warranty coverage starts with the terms written into that agreement.<\/li>\n<li data-fact-id=\"rcla-not-wear-tear\">The RCLA excludes normal wear, tear, or deterioration from builder liability, so your claim must involve an actual construction defect.<\/li>\n<li data-fact-id=\"rcla-60-day-notice\">Texas law requires 60 days of written notice to the builder before you can file suit, and failure to comply leads to abatement of the lawsuit, not dismissal, with statutory exceptions for limitations emergencies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"rl-quick-card\">\n<h3>What Your Warranty Should Cover<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-fact-id=\"warranty-1-2-10-contract\">The common 1-2-10 structure is a contractual term, not a state mandate. Coverage, components, and start dates vary by builder. Texas HB 2024, effective 2023, shortened certain lawsuit repose deadlines where the builder provides a qualifying written 1-year workmanship, 2-year systems, 6-year structural warranty, but it did not create or mandate any universal warranty period.<\/li>\n<li data-fact-id=\"trec-new-home-contract\">If the contract uses TREC Form 23-20 or 24-20, review it before closing to confirm your builder&#8217;s warranty obligations. Builders may lawfully use their own attorney-prepared contracts with different terms.<\/li>\n<li data-fact-id=\"rcla-not-wear-tear\">Normal wear, tear, and deterioration are excluded from coverage, so photograph every room and system at your final walkthrough.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"rl-quick-card\">\n<h3>Warranty Claim Timeline<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-fact-id=\"rcla-35-day-inspection\">After you send written notice of a defect, the contractor gets a reasonable inspection opportunity during the 35 days after notice if the contractor makes a written request.<\/li>\n<li data-fact-id=\"rcla-repair-deadline\">If you accept the builder&#8217;s settlement offer, all agreed repairs must be finished within 60 days after acceptance of that offer.<\/li>\n<li data-fact-id=\"warranty-1-2-10-contract\">Most Texas builder contracts use a 1-2-10 tiered warranty covering workmanship for one year, systems for two, and structural components for ten.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"rl-quick-card\">\n<h3>What a Warranty Claim Costs<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-fact-id=\"rcla-damages\">Damages under the RCLA may include reasonable repair costs, and the court may award attorney fees and temporary housing expenses depending on the circumstances. These are not automatically recoverable in every case.<\/li>\n<li data-fact-id=\"rcla-35-day-inspection\">If the contractor requests it, they get a reasonable inspection opportunity during the 35 days after notice, adding weeks to your out-of-pocket timeline for temporary fixes.<\/li>\n<li data-fact-id=\"trec-new-home-contract\">Review the purchase contract before closing to verify which components the builder covers, because warranty exclusions drive most unexpected repair bills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"rl-atf-faqhead\"><span class=\"rl-kicker\">Asked First<\/span>Top questions before you dig in<\/div>\n<details>\n<summary>How long does a builder warranty last in Texas?<\/summary>\n<p>Builder warranty length depends on the contract. The common 1-2-10 structure covers workmanship for one year, mechanical systems for two, and structural components for ten, but these are contractual terms that vary by builder. Check your written warranty for the actual coverage periods and start dates.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>What should a buyer check before the blue tape walkthrough?<\/summary>\n<p>Request the complete warranty packet and claims procedures from the builder before the walkthrough. Bring a written checklist organized by trade, a phone for timestamped photos, and a notepad for the numbered punch list. Test every switch, outlet, faucet, door, and appliance during the walk. Get the builder representative&#8217;s written acknowledgment of each item on the list before closing.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>What is the RCLA 60-day notice requirement?<\/summary>\n<p>Under Property Code Chapter 27, a homeowner must send written notice by certified mail at least 60 days before filing a construction defect lawsuit. The contractor may request an inspection opportunity during the 35 days after notice and may make a written settlement offer within 60 days. Failure to comply leads to abatement, not dismissal.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<section class=\"rl-bluf\">\n<h2 id=\"the-bottom-line-up-front\">The Bottom Line Up Front<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Texas does not require builders to provide a new-home warranty by state law. Builder warranties are contract terms in your purchase agreement, and coverage depends on what your builder puts in writing. The standard 1-2-10 structure covers workmanship for 1 year, mechanical systems for 2, and structural components for 10. When your builder refuses to fix a defect, Property Code Chapter 27 sets the rules for what happens next.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Your warranty document spells out what qualifies as a defect and what falls under normal wear and tear, which builders are not liable for under the RCLA. Before filing suit over an unresolved defect, you must send written notice by certified mail at least 60 days in advance under Property Code Chapter 27. The contractor may request an inspection opportunity during the 35 days and may make a written settlement offer within 60 days. The blue tape walkthrough before closing and an 11-month inspection before your first year expires are your key documentation windows.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Builder warranties in Texas are contract provisions, not state-mandated guarantees, so read every clause before signing.<\/li>\n<li>The 1-2-10 structure covers workmanship for 1 year, systems for 2, and structural defects for 10.<\/li>\n<li>RCLA requires 60 days written notice by certified mail before filing any construction defect lawsuit.<\/li>\n<li>Schedule your 11-month warranty inspection before the first-year workmanship coverage window closes.<\/li>\n<li>Document every defect with photos, dates, and written descriptions to protect your warranty claim.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"what-texas-builder-warranties-actually-cover\">What Texas Builder Warranties Actually Cover<\/h2>\n<p>Texas builder warranties are contract provisions, not state-mandated protections. Texas has no statute mandating a specific warranty period for <a href=\"\/lrg-blog\/new-construction-homes-san-antonio-2026-buyers-guide\/\">new construction<\/a>. However, Texas Supreme Court decisions recognize implied warranties of good workmanship and habitability for new homes under Humber v. Morton, 1968, and Evans v. J. Stiles, Inc., 1985, with scope depending on the facts and permissible disclaimers. Most builders structure coverage on a 1-2-10 timeline: 1 year for workmanship and materials, 2 years for mechanical and distribution systems, and 10 years for structural components. The specific defects covered depend on the language in your builder&#8217;s written warranty document.<\/p>\n<p>The 1-year workmanship tier addresses surface-level issues: paint flaws, drywall cracks from normal settling, cabinet hardware failures, and trim separation. The 2-year tier covers plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other distribution systems that stop functioning under normal residential use. Structural coverage, the longest tier, applies to load-bearing walls, the foundation, roof framing, and components that affect the home&#8217;s physical integrity. When each tier starts depends on the written warranty: closing, substantial completion, or another date the contract defines. Confirm the trigger date in your warranty documents. Buyers pay no separate premium for standard warranty coverage on new Texas construction because the warranty is included in the purchase price.<\/p>\n<p>Request the complete warranty packet during the contract phase, well before the final walkthrough. Builders hand over warranty documents on closing day, which leaves no time to review what qualifies as a covered defect versus what the warranty excludes. Normal wear, tear, and deterioration fall outside coverage under standard warranty language and under the Residential Construction Liability Act in Property Code Chapter 27. Get the warranty booklet, claim submission forms, and the warranty administrator&#8217;s contact details weeks before closing so you can compare stated coverage against your purchase agreement and flag gaps before you commit.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"the-blue-tape-walkthrough\">The Blue Tape Walkthrough<\/h2>\n<p>The blue tape walkthrough is your final quality check before closing on new construction, and it sets the baseline for your first year of warranty coverage. Buyers walk the completed home with the builder&#8217;s representative, marking cosmetic and functional defects with blue painter&#8217;s tape. Each tagged item goes onto a written punch list that the builder agrees to address before closing or within the timeframe stated in the purchase agreement.<\/p>\n<p>Start at the exterior. Check drainage around the foundation, garage door operation, exterior trim paint, and caulking at every window and door frame. Move inside room by room, testing every switch, outlet, faucet, and appliance. Open and close all doors and windows to check for sticking or misalignment. Run the HVAC on both heating and cooling. Examine drywall seams under raking light, cabinet alignment, countertop edges, and flooring transitions at thresholds. Photograph each defect with a timestamp before applying the tape so you have a dated visual record that matches the written list.<\/p>\n<p>Request the builder&#8217;s representative to sign the completed punch list on site, with both parties keeping a copy. A superintendent signature does not automatically convert each item into an enforceable warranty obligation; rights follow the contract and any written repair agreement. If the builder will not sign, email the numbered list immediately and preserve delivery records. Written documentation from the walkthrough carries far more weight in warranty claims and potential RCLA disputes than verbal agreements made after move-in.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"building-your-punch-list\">Building Your Punch List<\/h2>\n<p>Your punch list is the written record of every defect, unfinished item, and cosmetic flaw identified during the blue tape walkthrough. This document establishes your warranty baseline. Anything not documented before closing becomes harder to enforce under the builder&#8217;s workmanship coverage, and builders have little incentive to fix problems that never made the record. Build the list room by room with timestamped photos and get builder sign-off before closing.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bullet-section-gray\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Categorize by trade:<\/strong> Group every item under a specific trade heading: plumbing, electrical, HVAC, drywall, paint, flooring, cabinetry, and exterior finishes. Sorting by trade lets the builder route each repair to the correct subcontractor directly and prevents items from getting lost or deprioritized between crews during the correction period.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Document with timestamped photos:<\/strong> Photograph each defect with a wide shot showing the room location and a close-up showing the specific damage or incomplete work. Label every image with its corresponding punch list item number so you have a dated visual record that supports your position if the builder later disputes the condition at closing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Get the builder&#8217;s signature:<\/strong> Have the superintendent or project manager sign the final punch list before your closing date. That signed document serves as the builder&#8217;s acknowledgment of receipt. Document agreed repairs, deadlines, and the responsible party separately in writing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Map items to warranty tiers:<\/strong> Note which coverage period applies to each defect category. Workmanship items like paint, caulking, and trim alignment carry the shortest coverage window at 1 year under most contracts, so flag those for first-priority resolution before your annual warranty review.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"rl-cta-mid\"><a class=\"rl-cta-pill\" href=\"\/lrg-blog\/connect-with-lrg\/?ref=builder-warranty-texas\">Connect with LRG \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"filing-a-warranty-claim\">Filing a Warranty Claim<\/h2>\n<p>Send every warranty claim in writing. Your notice to the builder must identify the defect, its exact location in the home, and the date you discovered it. Verbal complaints carry no weight. The claim must reach the builder before the applicable coverage tier expires, whether that is the 1-year workmanship window, the 2-year mechanical systems window, or the structural coverage period.<\/p>\n<p>Document each defect the day you notice it. Photograph every issue with a timestamp, note which warranty tier it falls under, and submit your claim via certified mail or the builder&#8217;s designated warranty portal. Follow the notice recipients, method, and deadlines in the actual warranty documents. If the builder has a third-party warranty provider, check both the builder&#8217;s contract and the provider&#8217;s agreement for separate notice requirements, because each program may run its own claim process.<\/p>\n<p>Create a single warranty file on closing day with three sections: builder coverage documents, manufacturer warranty registrations for every appliance, and a claim log tracking the date reported, issue description, builder response, and resolution status. If the builder does not resolve a reported defect and you need to pursue formal remedies under Property Code Chapter 27, this organized file becomes your primary evidence that the issue was raised within the warranty period. The outcome of a warranty dispute depends less on the severity of the defect and more on whether you reported it in writing within the coverage window.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"the-rcla-required-notice-before-you-can-sue\">The RCLA: Required Notice Before You Can Sue<\/h2>\n<p>When a builder refuses to fix a defect, you cannot go straight to court in Texas. Property Code Chapter 27 requires it. The Residential Construction Liability Act mandates formal written notice by certified mail at least 60 days before filing any lawsuit over a construction defect. If the contractor makes a written request, they get a reasonable opportunity to inspect the property during the 35 days after notice. The contractor may make a written settlement offer within 60 days.<\/p>\n<table>\n<caption>The RCLA: Required Notice Before You Can Sue<\/caption>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>RCLA Step<\/th>\n<th>What Happens<\/th>\n<th>Deadline<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Written notice<\/td>\n<td>Homeowner sends certified mail identifying the construction defect and the repair requested<\/td>\n<td>At least 60 days before filing suit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Builder inspection<\/td>\n<td>Contractor may request a reasonable inspection opportunity<\/td>\n<td>During 35 days after notice, if contractor makes written request<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Settlement offer<\/td>\n<td>Contractor may make a written settlement offer<\/td>\n<td>Within 60 days of receiving notice<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Repair completion<\/td>\n<td>Builder finishes all accepted repairs<\/td>\n<td>Within 60 days after homeowner accepts the offer<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Court filing<\/td>\n<td>Homeowner may file suit if the builder fails to respond or does not complete repairs<\/td>\n<td>After the 60-day notice period expires<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The RCLA notice is a separate legal step from a standard warranty claim. Prior complaints do not count. Even if you already notified the builder during the warranty period, this 60-day notice must go out by certified mail before you file suit, because Texas law treats the notice-and-cure sequence as mandatory regardless of whether the warranty has expired. The statute excludes normal wear, tear, or deterioration. Damages may include reasonable repair costs, and a court may award attorney fees and temporary housing expenses depending on the circumstances. A modification or unlicensed repair does not automatically void the entire warranty.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"the-11-month-warranty-inspection\">The 11-Month Warranty Inspection<\/h2>\n<p>The 11-month warranty inspection is your last opportunity to document workmanship defects before the first-year coverage window closes. Schedule a qualified inspector to walk the entire home around month 10 or 11 after closing, which gives the builder enough lead time to receive written claims, schedule repairs, and finish the work before the 1-year workmanship deadline expires. Missing this window weakens your position, though it does not erase all remedies.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bullet-section-blue\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>What the inspector checks:<\/strong> Foundation settlement cracks, roof flashing separation, HVAC performance under load, plumbing pressure drops, and failing grout or caulking are defects that develop during the first year of occupancy. The original blue tape walkthrough could not have caught them because they had not yet appeared.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Written submission:<\/strong> Send every defect from the inspection report to the builder in writing before the 1-year mark. Reference your warranty terms, include dated photos of each issue, and note the specific warranty provision that covers the defect. A documented, timestamped claim puts the repair on record if the builder delays, disputes responsibility, or lets the deadline pass without action.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hire independently:<\/strong> Use an inspector you choose, not one the builder recommends. A builder-referred inspector has a business relationship that creates a conflict of interest. An independent inspector reports every defect at face value, with no incentive to minimize findings or soften the report before you submit it as a warranty claim.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cost of skipping:<\/strong> Buyers who miss the 11-month walkthrough give up a key leverage point for getting warranty repairs completed at no charge. Once the workmanship coverage window closes, the builder&#8217;s contractual obligation to address workmanship items diminishes, and out-of-pocket repair bills for deferred defects can add up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"when-to-bring-an-inspector-or-attorney\">When to Bring an Inspector or Attorney<\/h2>\n<p>Not every warranty dispute requires outside help. A cosmetic scratch or a loose cabinet hinge is a punch list item you handle yourself with written documentation. Bring in a licensed inspector when you suspect structural or mechanical defects that are not visible without specialized equipment, and consult a construction defect attorney when the builder refuses to honor a valid written warranty claim.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bullet-section-green\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pre-drywall walkthrough:<\/strong> A licensed inspector examines framing, plumbing rough-ins, electrical wiring, and HVAC ductwork before drywall closes and hides the work permanently. Skipping the pre-drywall inspection or the 11-month walkthrough weakens your position with the builder.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Structural or foundation red flags:<\/strong> Cracks wider than a hairline in foundation walls, doors that will not latch or close evenly, and floors that slope or feel uneven can indicate defects that may be covered under the structural tier, if the written warranty includes one. An inspector&#8217;s documented report provides evidence to support a warranty claim.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Builder ignores or denies your claim:<\/strong> When the builder will not respond to a written warranty claim or rejects a defect that clearly falls within coverage, a construction defect attorney can evaluate your documentation and determine whether the RCLA notice process under Property Code Chapter 27 is the right next step.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Third-party warranty disputes:<\/strong> When your builder and their warranty company point to each other instead of fixing the defect, an attorney can determine which party bears the repair obligation and whether Texas construction defect law applies beyond the warranty&#8217;s written terms. Your legal rights as a homeowner exist independently of what the builder&#8217;s warranty document covers or excludes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"the-bottom-line\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p>Document every defect before closing with timestamped photos and a numbered punch list. Submit warranty issues in writing when discovered and keep a claims log with dates, descriptions, and the builder&#8217;s responses. Check the actual warranty documents rather than assuming a standard 1-2-10 schedule applies, because coverage, components, and start dates vary by builder and by contract.<\/p>\n<p>If the builder refuses to repair a qualifying defect, learn the RCLA notice requirements under Property Code Chapter 27 before taking legal action. The statute requires 60 days of certified mail notice before suit. Failure to comply leads to abatement, not dismissal, but meeting the statutory steps on time strengthens your position. Texas courts also recognize implied warranties for new homes, so a missing or limited written warranty is not the end of the analysis.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"rl-cta-mid\"><a class=\"rl-cta-pill\" href=\"\/lrg-blog\/connect-with-lrg\/?ref=builder-warranty-texas\">Connect with LRG \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"rl-faq\">\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<details>\n<summary>Does Texas law require builders to provide a warranty?<\/summary>\n<p>No. Texas has no state statute mandating that builders provide a new-home warranty. Warranties are contractual agreements negotiated as part of your purchase contract. Most production builders include a tiered warranty voluntarily because buyers expect one and lenders prefer it, but a builder may limit written warranty terms, but implied warranties of good workmanship and habitability may still apply depending on the facts. Your protection comes from the contract language, not from a regulatory mandate. Before signing, compare the warranty terms against a standard 1-2-10 structure and push back on anything that falls short. Implied warranties of good workmanship and habitability may also apply under Texas case law.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>What voids a builder&#8217;s warranty in Texas?<\/summary>\n<p>Unauthorized modifications top the list. If you alter electrical, plumbing, or structural components without the builder&#8217;s written approval, most warranty contracts treat that as a void. Failure to maintain the home also counts. Letting a minor roof leak go unreported for months, skipping HVAC filter changes, or ignoring grading and drainage issues can all give the builder grounds to deny a claim. Normal wear, tear, and deterioration are excluded from liability under Texas Property Code Chapter 27. Read your warranty contract line by line before closing, and document the condition of every system at move-in.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>What is the difference between a builder warranty and a home warranty policy?<\/summary>\n<p>A builder warranty is a contractual obligation from the company that constructed your home, covering specific defects in workmanship, mechanical systems, and structural components on a tiered schedule. A home warranty policy is a separate service contract you purchase from a third-party company to cover appliance and system breakdowns after the builder warranty expires. Builder warranties address construction defects. Home warranty policies address normal mechanical failure of covered items like water heaters, HVAC units, and kitchen appliances. The two serve different purposes, and having one does not replace the other. Buyers in new construction should understand both before the builder warranty clock starts running.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>What should you check during an 11-month warranty inspection?<\/summary>\n<p>Schedule a professional inspection before your one-year workmanship warranty expires. The inspector should evaluate foundation movement, door and window alignment, drywall cracking patterns, grout separation, plumbing leaks under sinks and behind walls, HVAC performance, and exterior drainage grading. Document every finding with photos and submit the full list to the builder in writing before the warranty deadline. Builders are more responsive to organized, documented punch lists than scattered verbal complaints. This inspection is your last opportunity to get workmanship defects addressed at no cost under the first-year warranty tier. Do not wait until month twelve.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>How do you file a warranty claim against a Texas builder?<\/summary>\n<p>Start by documenting the defect with dated photos, written descriptions, and any communication with the builder&#8217;s warranty department. Submit your claim in writing, not just by phone, and keep a copy with a timestamp. Your warranty contract should specify a claims procedure and a response window. If the builder ignores or denies the claim without cause, the RCLA requires 60 days&#8217; written notice before you can file suit, which triggers a 35-day builder inspection window. Filing written claims from day one builds the paper trail you need if the dispute moves beyond the warranty process.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>What is the RCLA and how does it apply to warranty disputes?<\/summary>\n<p>The Residential Construction Liability Act requires Texas homeowners to give their builder 60 days&#8217; written notice before filing a lawsuit over a construction defect. If the contractor makes a written request, they get a reasonable inspection opportunity during the 35 days after notice and may make a written settlement offer within 60 days, creating a structured process to resolve warranty disputes before litigation.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Do third-party warranty companies add protection beyond the builder&#8217;s warranty?<\/summary>\n<p>Third-party warranty providers like RWC and Quality Builders Warranty act as intermediaries between you and the builder. They administer claims, set coverage standards, and provide a dispute resolution process if the builder resists a repair. The added layer can help if the builder goes out of business or refuses to honor the warranty terms. However, third-party plans also introduce their own exclusions, deductibles, and claims procedures that may not match what the builder promised verbally. Read the third-party warranty document independently from the builder&#8217;s marketing materials. The coverage that matters is what the written contract states, not what the sales representative described during your model home tour.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<footer class=\"rl-resources\">\n<h2 id=\"how-we-researched-this-article\">How We Researched This Article<\/h2>\n<p>Facts in this article were checked against these primary sources:<\/p>\n<div class=\"bullet-section-gray\">\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tcss.legis.texas.gov\/Docs\/PR\/htm\/PR.27.htm\">Texas Legislature, Property Code Ch. 27<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trec.texas.gov\/forms\">Trec.texas.gov, Forms<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/guides.sll.texas.gov\/real-estate\">Guides.sll.texas.gov, Real Estate<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Texas builders offer warranty coverage as contract terms, and the RCLA requires a 60-day written notice before you can sue over defects.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10480,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10472","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-buying"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Builder Warranty Claims in Texas | LRG<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Texas builders offer warranty coverage as contract terms, and the RCLA requires a 60-day written notice before you can sue over defects. 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