Warranty Terms

Manufacturer's Warranty

Also known as: Product Warranty, Equipment Warranty

Definition

A warranty from the company that made a specific product installed in your home — such as an appliance, HVAC system, water heater, or roofing material. Separate from the builder's warranty.

Detailed Explanation

Individual products in your home come with their own warranties from the companies that manufactured them. These are separate from (and in addition to) the builder's warranty.

Manufacturer's warranties cover defects in the product itself, not installation errors. If your dishwasher breaks due to a manufacturing defect, you contact the manufacturer. If it was installed incorrectly, that is a builder workmanship issue.

It is important to register your products with their manufacturers and keep all warranty documentation. Some manufacturer warranties require registration within a specific time period after purchase or installation.

In Your Contract

Manufacturer warranty documents should be provided at closing, often in a folder with your home's documentation. They are separate from the builder's warranty.

Key Points

  • 1Covers defects in the product, not installation errors.
  • 2Separate from the builder's warranty.
  • 3Register products with manufacturers as required.
  • 4Keep all warranty documents organized in one place.
  • 5Note expiration dates — manufacturer and builder warranties may expire at different times.

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This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state before making legal decisions.