As Discussed at Orientation:
Each homeowner received a Homeowner Warranty Orientation Guide during orientation. This meticulously crafted guide outlines:
- What is covered under warranty
- What is considered urgent
- When to expect your 11-month walkthrough
Reminder: Your builder provides a One Year Service Request option. It is imperative that your service request be submitted through the ABS Warranty portal before your one-year anniversary to ensure it is reviewed and processed.
Reporting Warranty Issues
To ensure your request is handled properly and efficiently, all warranty claims must be submitted through the ABS Warranty portal: www.abswarranty.com
Please note: The builder will not process any claims not submitted through ABS, a third-party administrator providing superior service for mutual benefit to all parties.
- Urgent Requests (e.g., total plumbing drain system stoppage, total electrical failure, total failure of heating and air conditioning systems, a water leak requiring whole-home water shutoff): Submit these as an "Urgent request" in the ABS system. An urgent request is warranted when it's impractical to wait for the One Year Post Occupancy Service due to potential for further damage or occupant discomfort.
- All Other Items Submit prior to your 11-month walkthrough for review.
Examples of Non-Warranty Issues (from the Guide)
As outlined in your Homeowners Warranty Orientation Guide, the following are specifically excluded or considered homeowner responsibilities:
- Damage due to improper maintenance, neglect, or failure to attend to any defective condition expeditiously.
- Any loss or damage to property not covered by this Warranty.
- Damage to any improvement, fixture, or property not constructed, installed, or provided by Fortner Homes.
- Damage caused by unforeseen ground conditions (e.g., buried debris, underground springs).
- Damage from changes in the groundwater table.
- Damage resulting from nonresidential use.
- Damage caused or worsened by mold, mildew, fungus, insects (like termites), radon, or radiation.
- Defects reported after the expiration of the Warranty Term.
- Costs related to relocation (living, moving, storage) while repairs are made.
- Damage to personal property or property not owned by you.
- Bodily injury or medical expenses of any kind.
- Defects known to you prior to the Effective Date.
- Work or materials provided by independently licensed subcontractors (e.g., Plumbers, Electricians, HVAC contractors) who provide their own independent warranties directly to you.
- Damage to ceramic tile flooring or floating floors (like LVP) not related to defective installation workmanship.
- Appliances, bathtubs, and equipment covered by a manufacturer's warranty.
- Any damage or issue with asphalt driveways.
- Minor material shrinkage, cracking, and other events to be expected during the settlement period of a new home.
- Condensation on basement walls.
- White powdery substance (efflorescence) on the surface of interior concrete.
- Minor cracks in concrete basement floors or garage slabs.
- Minor spalling, scaling, and pitting from pop-outs on interior or exterior concrete surfaces.
- Stains on exterior concrete.
- Cosmetic finishing imperfections that can be readily observed by visual inspection from a distance of 6 feet under normal lighting conditions, where normal repainting will cover the blemish (e.g., hairline cracks), or blemishes covered by wallpaper.
- Cracks where interior walls meet insulated ceilings due to truss uplift.
- Texture and color variations in repaired textured ceilings or walls.
- Deterioration of varnished or stained exterior millwork due to weather conditions and sunlight.
- "Ticking" or "crackling" sounds from ductwork due to metal expansion and contraction from heating and cooling.
- Momentary dimming or flickering lights when heavy electrical equipment or motor-driven appliances are started.
Homeowner Maintenance Responsibilities
Every homeowner is entrusted with the vital responsibility of caring for and maintaining their home. Proper maintenance is critical to preserving your home’s condition and ensuring its lasting beauty and functionality. As stated in your guide, "Your obligation is to care for your Home in such a way as to prevent or minimize damage. Minor material shrinkage, cracking, and other events are to be expected".
Routine care and maintenance responsibilities include:
- Maintaining proper drainage away from the foundation.
- Keeping gutters and downspouts clear to prevent overflowing.
- Not altering or damaging drainage lines.
- Preventing sprinklers and irrigation systems from directing water onto the house or forming puddles near the foundation.
- Ensuring the power supply to your sump pump is maintained if installed.
- Closing basement windows during damp, humid weather and opening them during clear, dry weather to reduce moisture and maintain consistent temperature.
- Limiting exposure of concrete to chemicals, deicers, and salt.
- Taking precautions to prevent petroleum-based products, solvents, and paint from contacting exterior concrete surfaces.
- Cleaning and maintaining bifold doors to preserve proper operation.
- Keeping roof drains, gutters, and downspouts free of debris.
- Preventing ice build-up on the roof.
- Ensuring deck railings are used as a means of fall prevention and not to support weight by sitting or leaning on them.
- Promptly filling in ground depressions around the foundation to avoid future problems.
ABS Warranty - Your Partner in Home Protection
ABS Warranty believes warranty attention is essential. As a third-party warranty administrative service for builders, they are able to provide this effective attention through automation. They serve as the homeowner's direct point of contact for all warranty issues, making the warranty process more convenient and effective.
As the liaison between Fortner Homes and you, the homeowner, they will efficiently set up your service call appointments and follow up with subsequent service repair notices. By automating this process using the Internet, we eliminate missed phone calls and significantly reduce communication problems. Everything is documented in writing, and all involved parties are promptly notified, ensuring the most expedient resolution to your warranty needs.