There are many steps that you need to take when you buy a home, and the good news is that you’re almost done with the journey since you’re now thinking about a home warranty. It has been a challenging, yet extremely rewarding experience, and you’re almost at the point where you get to enjoy your new home.
What seems to be the perfect warranty for one person may not be the right fit for someone else, which is one of the trickiest parts about finding the right warranty. This easy guide is going to help make this process easier and more organized for you, so read on and learn more about how to find the right home warranty that fits your needs.
What a Home Warranty Is
Before we start getting into the steps of how to find the best warranty, you need to understand what this warranty is and why you need one. It’s a contract that you sign to ensure that any malfunction in your home systems and appliances is going to be taken care of. You may confuse a home warranty with home insurance, but they’re two different contracts.
The difference between a house warranty and house insurance is that the latter guarantees that you don’t need to worry about repairs or any expenses that result from any natural disaster like a storm, a flood, a fire, or anything of that sort. The former, on the other hand, is related to how you use your house systems and appliances, and how you can ensure that they will be fixed even if they’ve become worn out.
Things You Need to Look For
As previously mentioned, a warranty that works for your sibling, for example, may not fit your needs. So the first thing you need to know before looking for the right one is what you need to be covered in the contract. This depends on the appliances and home systems you have, and which of them you want to include.
Understanding which parts of your home appliances and systems you need a warranty for will help you get an estimate on how much you will pay. Many house owners recommend that you do thorough research on companies and their pricing. On the AHS pricing page, you can have a glimpse at the expected costs for getting a home warranty according to your needs, offering the most suitable prices. This is why you need to be aware of how your house works and which appliance systems you don’t need to include in the warranty.
How You Determine What You Need a Warranty For
There are some factors that help you decide which appliances or systems you need a warranty for and which ones you don’t. The first and most obvious factor is how old they are. Recent home systems and electronic gadgets that already have a warranty definitely do not need to be included. If their warranty has expired, but you feel that they’re in excellent condition, it’s for you to decide whether you need them included or not.
Another factor is the cost of repairing or replacing certain parts. If the repair price is affordable, you may need to do the math and find out which will cost you more: paying for the repairs or including them in the home warranty plan. Another important thing to consider is how vulnerable the parts are. Appliances that are more likely to require repairs are your priorities.
Make a Budget
Another critical factor that can help you come to a decision easily is how much you can afford to spend on this contract. The budget you set will help you determine what you may need to exclude from your plan and what you definitely need to be included. It will also help you make a list of the providers you can afford and skip the ones that cost more than what you planned to pay.
To be able to make that list, check with different providers if they offer free quotes or estimates so you can understand their price range. Some companies give clear quotes, others may give you an average price for their packages and services.
Check for Pre Existing Damage
Before you choose a warranty, check if the appliances have damages already, and also check the policies companies have on pre-existing damages. Some companies do not issue contracts if the system already has damages and needs repairs. Check also how much it’ll cost to repair or replace them and weigh your options wisely.
Who Provides Better Options
If you decide to update any of your appliances or home systems, the manufacturer or sales company will offer you a warranty. We previously mentioned that in this case, you don’t need these parts included. In some cases though, a home warranty may offer better features and options than those being offered by the manufacturing company, so check which one works better for you.
How Much You Trust the Company
Now that you know what you need covered and narrowed down your search to a small list of companies, you need to know which ones are most trustworthy. The first thing to look for is whether the company has a license or any accreditations that guarantee excellent, quality service. You may also ask friends and family to recommend companies they have experience working with.
One more thing you need to be sure of is that the company you choose offers coverage in the area where you live. Some providers only cover limited areas, so make sure to list companies that are either close by or that cover your location.
Every important step in your life takes work, determination, and planning, and a home warranty is one of those critical steps. The trick is to get your plans set up, make a list of priorities, and plan how much you can afford to spend. Once you have everything figured out, you can start enjoying a comfortable life without worrying about what to do if anything in your home needs to be repaired or replaced.
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