How Stanley Martin Uses This Clause
Stanley Martin purchase agreements have been documented to include restrictive limited warranty exclusions provisions. Stanley Martin provides warranty coverage through the 2-10 HBW program with a tiered structure: one year for workmanship and materials, two years for distribution systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), and ten years for defined structural defects. Extensive exclusion lists may carve out common categories. Buyers should review the specific 2-10 HBW warranty booklet for their home to understand coverage limitations. Source: Stanley Martin warranty page; 2-10 HBW published coverage terms. This clause has been the subject of litigation, including Hansen v. Stanley Martin Companies, Inc..
This provision typically appears within the purchase agreement alongside other terms that may limit buyer remedies.
Stanley Martin's scale means contract templates are largely standardized across its operations. A clause identified in one market's contract is likely present in other markets' contracts, though local addenda may modify the terms.
Builder-Specific Details
Combined with Habitability Waiver
If the habitability waiver holds, the limited warranty becomes the sole protection, and exclusions further narrow it.
Standard Form Contract
This clause appears in Stanley Martin's standard purchase agreement, which is generally presented on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. Buyers typically have limited ability to negotiate individual terms, though making the request in writing is still advisable.
Legal History
The following cases involve Stanley Martin's use of this clause type.
Hansen v. Stanley Martin Companies, Inc.
Homebuyers Michael Hansen and Nancy Randa appealed a Fairfax County Circuit Court judgment granting summary judgment to Stanley Martin. The case involved claims for breach of contract, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and other causes of action related to the construction of a new home. The Virginia Supreme Court addressed the scope of the builder's contractual obligations and warranty disclosures in new-construction purchase agreements. Source: Hansen v. Stanley Martin Companies, Inc., 265 Va. 345 (2003); FindLaw.
Grubbs v. Stanley Martin Homes, LLC (Greenbriar Meadows Defects)
A class action filed on behalf of homeowners in the Greenbriar Meadows subdivision in Greenville, South Carolina, alleging widespread construction defects including water intrusion, improper concrete work, and faulty mechanical and electrical systems. The case was filed in October 2025 and has federal court proceedings (Case No. 6:2025cv13855). Source: Justia federal docket; Law.com Radar; Live5 News investigative report.
State-by-State Enforceability
Enforceability of this clause varies by state. The following reflects Stanley Martin's operating states.
| State | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | Likely Enforceable | Express warranty exclusion clauses in Virginia new construction contracts are generally enforceable.... |
| Maryland | Uncertain | Warranty exclusion clauses in Maryland new construction contracts face notable constraints. The... |
| Georgia | Likely Enforceable | Express warranty exclusion clauses in Georgia new construction contracts are generally enforceable.... |
Related Clauses in Stanley Martin Contracts
This clause often works in combination with other provisions in Stanley Martin's purchase agreements.
If the habitability waiver holds, the limited warranty becomes the sole protection, and exclusions further narrow it.
Even warranty-covered items may be subject to the overall damage limitation.
Without independent inspection, defects may go undiscovered until after warranty exclusion periods expire.
Substituted materials may not be covered under the same warranty terms as originally specified materials.
What Buyers Can Do
- Read the warranty exclusion list carefully. The exclusions may cover common issues like cosmetic defects, drainage problems, HVAC performance, and landscaping. Know what is not covered before you close.
- Understand warranty durations by category. Structural warranties may last 10 years, systems warranties 2 years, and cosmetic warranties just 1 year. Each category has different coverage and exclusions.
- Review the Hansen case. The Hansen v. Stanley Martin Companies, Inc. ruling may be relevant to your situation. If you are buying a Stanley Martin home in a state with similar legal protections, this precedent could affect the enforceability of this clause.
- Have the full contract scanned before signing. This clause is often one of several interconnected provisions in Stanley Martin contracts that collectively limit buyer remedies. A contract scan can identify all of them.