How Woodside Homes Uses This Clause
Woodside Homes provides a limited warranty program with coverage periods and exclusions that vary by component category. The warranty typically covers workmanship items for one year, major systems for two years, and structural components for up to ten years, with numerous exclusions and limitations. In arid western climates, common exclusions related to soil settlement, stucco cracking, and landscaping may be particularly relevant. (Source: common production builder warranty structure; Nevada construction defect litigation patterns)
Warranty exclusions typically appear in a separate warranty document referenced by the purchase agreement. The purchase agreement may incorporate the warranty by reference without including its full text.
Woodside Homes's scale means warranty terms are largely standardized across its operations, though state-specific addenda may modify coverage.
Builder-Specific Details
Tiered Warranty Structure
The warranty uses a tiered structure with different coverage periods for different categories of components. After the first year, many common items including cosmetic defects and minor workmanship issues are no longer covered.
Climate-Specific Exclusions
In the western U.S., warranty exclusions related to soil movement, stucco cracking, and landscaping in arid conditions are particularly significant. These common issues may not be covered under the builder's limited warranty.
State-by-State Enforceability
Enforceability of this clause varies by state. The following reflects Woodside Homes's operating states.
| State | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | Uncertain | Utah's statutory implied warranty under Utah Code Ann. § 78B-4-513 may override certain warranty exclusions for habitability-related defects. Express warranty limitations on non-habitability items are generally enforceable. |
| Nevada | Uncertain | Nevada's implied warranty protections and NRS Chapter 40 framework may override certain warranty exclusions. Express warranty limitations are generally enforceable for non-habitability items. |
| Arizona | Uncertain | Arizona's implied warranty protections may override certain warranty exclusions for habitability-related defects. The Purchaser Dwelling Act provides an additional framework for defect claims. |
| Idaho | Uncertain | Idaho's implied warranty of habitability under Tusch Enterprises v. Coffin may supplement the builder's express warranty. Exclusions that conflict with implied warranty protections may be limited. |
Related Clauses in Woodside Homes Contracts
This clause often works in combination with other provisions in Woodside Homes's purchase agreements.
The habitability waiver attempts to replace implied warranty protections with the builder's limited express warranty, making warranty exclusions more significant.
Inspection restrictions may prevent buyers from identifying defects before closing, leaving them reliant on the warranty for post-closing remedies.
Warranty disputes must be resolved through arbitration rather than court proceedings.
What Buyers Can Do
- Read the full warranty document before signing the purchase agreement. The warranty is often a separate document referenced by the purchase agreement. Request and review the complete warranty, including all exclusions, before signing. Do not rely on verbal summaries.
- Document all defects within the first year. The broadest coverage applies during the first year. Conduct a thorough inspection before the one-year warranty expires and submit all claims in writing with photographs.
- Understand climate-related exclusions. In the western U.S., common exclusions include soil settlement, stucco hairline cracking, landscaping in arid conditions, and expansion joint movement. Know what is excluded so you can budget for those items.
- Have the full contract scanned before signing. Warranty exclusions interact with habitability waivers, arbitration clauses, and inspection restrictions. A contract scan can identify all related provisions.