Renovating your home can be an exciting project, but it’s also a huge investment—both in time and money. As you plan your upgrades, you might be wondering how your home warranty fits into the equation. Will it cover repairs or replacements if something goes wrong during your renovation? Or could the changes void your warranty entirely?
Many homeowners are unaware of the nuances of their home warranty coverage when it comes to renovations. While a home warranty can be a valuable resource for handling breakdowns in major systems and appliances, there are specific limitations that may affect your renovation plans. Certain modifications could fall outside the scope of your warranty, leaving you stuck with unexpected costs.
In this blog, we’ll break down what your home warranty covers during renovations, what it doesn’t, and the steps you can take to ensure you’re fully protected throughout your project. Whether you’re updating your kitchen, finishing your basement, or overhauling your plumbing, understanding your home warranty’s limits and benefits is crucial before you start.

What a Home Warranty Typically Covers

A home warranty is designed to provide financial protection for homeowners by covering the cost of repairs and replacements for essential home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. While home warranties vary by provider and plan, most cover a broad range of systems and appliances—offering peace of mind when things go wrong.
Here’s a look at the typical home warranty coverage:

1. Major Home Systems
   A comprehensive home warranty typically covers essential home systems that are integral to your home’s functionality. These systems are often the most expensive to repair or replace, making them vital components of a warranty plan. Commonly covered systems include:
   • HVAC Systems (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): This includes your heating and air conditioning units. If your system breaks down due to age or normal wear, the warranty will cover repairs or a replacement unit, minus the service fee.
   • Plumbing: Your plumbing system, including pipes, drains, faucets, and water heaters, is another critical component that’s usually covered. From leaky faucets to busted pipes, a warranty can help alleviate the repair costs.
   • Electrical Systems: This typically covers electrical wiring, circuit breakers, outlets, and switches. Electrical issues can be tricky and costly, but a warranty can handle the repairs.
   • Water Heaters: A common system that tends to fail as it ages. If your water heater breaks down, your warranty can cover the repair or replacement costs.
2. Major Appliances
   A standard home warranty also provides coverage for essential household appliances—the ones you use every day. Some of the most commonly covered appliances include:
   • Refrigerators: These appliances are essential for daily life and can be expensive to repair or replace. Your home warranty can cover the cost of a malfunctioning fridge.
   • Dishwashers: Common problems like malfunctioning pumps or motor failure can be fixed under a home warranty.
   • Ovens, Stoves, and Ranges: Whether you have an electric stove, a gas oven, or a combination unit, these essential kitchen appliances are often covered under most plans.
   • Washing Machines and Dryers: Washer and dryer repairs can be costly, but most home warranties will cover them if they break down due to normal use.
3. Additional Coverage Options
   In addition to standard coverage, many home warranty providers allow you to add coverage for other items not typically included in basic plans. These optional add-ons may include:
   • Swimming Pools/Spas: Some plans offer coverage for the maintenance and repair of pool or spa equipment.
   • Well Pumps or Septic Systems: If your home relies on well water or a septic system, this can be added to the plan for an additional fee.
   • Garage Door Openers: If your garage door opener breaks down, coverage may be available.

Home warranties can be incredibly useful during renovations, particularly when existing systems or appliances break down unexpectedly. For example, if your water heater or refrigerator stops working mid-renovation, your warranty can step in to handle the costs, allowing you to focus on the remodel itself rather than emergency repairs.
In the next section, we’ll explore what home warranties don’t cover when it comes to renovations—so you can better understand the limitations of your plan.

What Home Warranties Don’t Cover in Renovations

While home warranties offer great protection for systems and appliances in your home, they do not cover everything, especially when it comes to renovations. Understanding what is not covered by your warranty can help you avoid surprises and set realistic expectations before you begin any remodeling or construction projects.
Here are the key exclusions and limitations of most home warranty plans:

1. Structural Changes (Walls, Framing, etc.)
   Home warranties typically do not cover any structural changes to your home, such as the removal or addition of walls, framing, or foundation work.
   Example: If you’re knocking down walls to create an open-concept living area, the work and the associated costs are entirely your responsibility.
   While a warranty covers the systems inside the walls (like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC), modifications to the structure itself will need to be covered by a separate contract, such as contractor liability insurance.
2. Damage Caused by Improper Renovation or DIY Work
   If damage occurs as a result of poor workmanship, DIY projects, or renovation-related errors, your home warranty is unlikely to cover it.
   Example: If you attempt to fix your plumbing during a remodel and accidentally cause further damage, the warranty will likely not cover the repairs. This is because the warranty only covers failures due to normal wear and tear, not damage caused by negligence or improper installation.
3. Cosmetic Repairs (Paint, Tiles, Wallpaper, etc.)
   Home warranties cover functional systems and appliances, but they don’t extend to cosmetic fixes such as painting, wallpapering, flooring, or tiling.
   Example: If you replace a kitchen backsplash or paint your living room, these activities are considered cosmetic and are outside the scope of a home warranty’s coverage.
   Cosmetic damage that doesn’t impact the functionality of the system or appliance also falls outside the warranty. This includes scratches, dents, and minor aesthetic issues.
4. Systems or Appliances Added During the Renovation
   Many home warranties will only cover systems or appliances that were part of the original home setup or that were pre-existing when the warranty was purchased. If you add new systems during a renovation, such as a newly installed dishwasher, built-in refrigerator, or a second HVAC unit, these may not be covered unless specifically noted in your warranty.
   Example: If you install a new wine cooler during your kitchen renovation, and the appliance breaks down, your warranty may not cover it unless you add a rider for specialized coverage.
   Always check if add-ons are available to extend coverage to newly installed systems or appliances during renovations.
5. Pre-Existing Conditions
   If a system or appliance was already malfunctioning or deteriorating before your home warranty was purchased or before your renovation began, it will not be covered by the warranty.
   Example: If your water heater is already leaking before your renovation starts, the warranty won’t cover repairs or replacements because pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage.
6. Natural Disasters or External Damage
   Home warranties do not cover damage caused by natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, tornadoes) or accidents (fire, theft, etc.). These types of damages are typically covered under homeowners insurance, not a warranty.
   Example: If your home sustains roof damage during a severe storm, the repair would need to be covered under your homeowners insurance—not your home warranty.
7. System Upgrades or Custom Installations
   If you’re upgrading a system or installing custom equipment (e.g., adding an energy-efficient HVAC system or upgrading to a smart home system), your home warranty is unlikely to cover the new or modified system unless it’s specifically included in the plan.
   Example: Adding a high-efficiency water heater during your renovation might not be covered unless the warranty covers the type of system you’ve installed.

In summary, while a home warranty can be incredibly helpful when something breaks down unexpectedly, it doesn’t cover everything—especially when it comes to structural work, cosmetic upgrades, or DIY errors. Before starting any renovation, check with your warranty provider to ensure that any work you plan will not affect your coverage, and if necessary, update your warranty to include coverage for newly added appliances or systems.
In the next section, we’ll look at how renovations can affect your home warranty and how to navigate the potential risks to your coverage.

How Renovations Can Affect Your Home Warranty Coverage

Renovating your home can improve its functionality and aesthetic appeal, but it also comes with the potential to impact your home warranty coverage. Certain changes or upgrades you make during a renovation may inadvertently affect the warranty’s validity or even void the coverage for specific systems or appliances.
Understanding how renovations can affect your warranty is crucial to ensuring you don’t lose valuable protection when things go wrong. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind when it comes to renovations and home warranty coverage:

1. Modifications to Core Systems (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC)
   Alterations to core systems during renovations can impact your home warranty’s coverage. If you make significant changes to plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems, it can void or limit coverage for those areas.
   Example: If you replace or reroute plumbing during a bathroom renovation, the warranty might not cover future issues with the plumbing if they arise from the modification you made.
   It’s critical to notify your home warranty provider about any changes to these systems. In some cases, you might be able to get additional coverage or an adjusted plan that accommodates the new setup.
2. Potential Risks of Self-Installation
   If you decide to install or upgrade systems and appliances yourself (or use an unlicensed contractor), your home warranty may not cover repairs related to those installations.
   Example: Installing a new dishwasher or refrigerator during a kitchen remodel can be risky if not done according to code. Improper installation might lead to leaks, electrical problems, or even damage to the appliance, and your warranty provider may deny the claim due to improper installation.
   To avoid this, always hire licensed professionals for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC installations or modifications, and keep detailed records of all work done.
3. Structural Changes and Home Systems
   Structural modifications, such as removing walls or adding rooms, may affect the existing home systems. For instance, if you add an extension to your home, the existing HVAC system may not be sufficient to heat or cool the extra space. If this is the case, your home warranty may not cover any modifications or repairs to the HVAC system needed to accommodate the new space.
   Example: Expanding the plumbing to supply additional bathrooms may affect your warranty coverage, particularly if the work was not pre-approved by your warranty provider.
   Tip: Always consult with your warranty provider before making structural changes, and seek approval for any major system modifications.
4. The Importance of Notifying Your Warranty Provider
   A common mistake is failing to inform your home warranty provider about your renovation plans. If your warranty provider is unaware of any system modifications, you risk losing coverage for that system or appliance in the event of a failure.
   Example: If you replace your old water heater with a new high-efficiency model during a renovation, your warranty provider may refuse to cover future issues with the system if they weren’t notified beforehand.
   To protect your warranty, always notify the provider in advance of any major changes. This includes installing new systems, upgrading appliances, or making structural alterations.
5. What You Can Do to Maintain Coverage During a Renovation
   • Get Written Approval: Before making significant changes, ask for written confirmation from your home warranty provider stating that the new work or appliances will still be covered.
   • Use Professional Contractors: Hiring licensed and insured contractors ensures that all work meets local codes, which can help avoid coverage issues. Most warranty providers require work to be done by qualified professionals to maintain coverage.
   • Document Everything: Keep records of all repairs, modifications, and upgrades done during the renovation. This documentation will be essential if there’s ever a claim, especially if issues arise after the renovation.
   • Check for Add-Ons: Some home warranty providers allow you to add coverage for specific systems or appliances added during renovations, such as new plumbing, HVAC, or upgraded appliances. Ask about these options to ensure your new systems are covered.

Renovations can greatly improve the comfort and value of your home, but failure to understand how these changes affect your home warranty coverage can lead to costly mistakes. Always communicate with your home warranty provider before making major changes, and be sure to follow their guidelines to protect your coverage.
In the next section, we’ll look at how to ensure your renovation doesn’t void your warranty and provide practical steps for keeping your coverage intact throughout the renovation process.

4. How to Ensure Your Renovation Doesn’t Void Your Home Warranty

Renovations can add significant value and comfort to your home, but if you’re not careful, they could also jeopardize your home warranty coverage. Whether it’s a small kitchen update or a full-scale remodel, understanding how to preserve your warranty during renovations is crucial to protecting your home’s systems and appliances. Here are several steps you can take to ensure your warranty remains intact:

? 1. Communicate with Your Home Warranty Provider Before You Begin
Before starting any renovation, contact your home warranty provider to discuss the changes you’re planning. This ensures you’re fully aware of the potential impact on your coverage.

• Ask about exclusions: Some warranty plans may have specific exclusions when it comes to renovations, particularly when modifying essential systems like plumbing, electrical, or HVAC.
• Request written approval for major changes, especially if you’re upgrading systems or installing new appliances.
• Document your conversation: Keep a record of any discussions with your warranty provider, including approvals and instructions, to protect yourself in case of future claims.

? 2. Hire Licensed and Insured Contractors
One of the most important things you can do during a renovation is to hire licensed and insured professionals for any work involving plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems.

• Licensed contractors ensure the work meets local building codes, which is often a requirement for warranty coverage.
• If you attempt to do the work yourself or hire unqualified contractors, it could void your warranty if the system fails due to improper installation or work.

Tip: Always verify the contractor’s credentials before hiring and ask them to provide a written estimate and proof of insurance.

? 3. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines and Warranty Terms
When installing new systems or appliances as part of your renovation, ensure that they are installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and your warranty terms.
Example: If you install a new dishwasher, follow the installation guidelines provided by the manufacturer to ensure that it’s covered under your home warranty.

• Many home warranty providers require system updates or new installations to meet specific codes and manufacturer standards to qualify for coverage.
• Keep installation receipts and manuals for new appliances, as these will be required if a future issue arises.

? 4. Get Written Approval for Major System Modifications
If your renovation involves modifying major systems, such as adding new plumbing, rerouting electrical lines, or upgrading your HVAC, it’s important to get written approval from your home warranty provider.
Example: If you’re adding a new bathroom and need to extend plumbing, your warranty provider may require an inspection or approval before coverage extends to the new plumbing system.
This step ensures that the newly modified systems remain covered under the warranty, and it helps avoid complications down the line if issues arise with those systems.

? 5. Maintain Proper Maintenance Records
Keep detailed records of all maintenance and upgrades done during your renovation. This includes:

• Service records for plumbing, HVAC, or electrical work.
• Documentation of appliance installations and repairs.
• Copies of any warranties on newly installed appliances or systems.
• Maintenance logs showing that you’ve kept up with routine services, as some home warranties require evidence of proper care and maintenance to avoid denial of claims.

? 6. Consider Adding Coverage for New Systems or Appliances
If you’re adding new systems or appliances that are not covered under your existing warranty, inquire about adding additional coverage for those items.
Some home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for appliances or systems that weren’t included in the initial contract, such as newly installed air conditioning units, water heaters, or custom systems.
Example: If you install a new high-efficiency furnace, ensure that it is added to your warranty coverage.

? 7. Be Aware of Renovation Timelines and Service Delays
Renovations often involve delays or extended timelines for permits and inspections. If a major system or appliance breaks down during this time, it’s crucial to know whether your warranty will still cover repairs or replacements.
Check if your warranty provider has any time-sensitive clauses or requirements related to the renovation timeline. Some policies might have exclusions if the system is under renovation for an extended period.

? 8. Keep Everything Documented and Invoices Ready
For all your renovation work, keep thorough documentation including:

• Invoices from contractors
• Before-and-after photos of the areas affected by the renovation
• Emails and written approvals from your warranty provider
• Receipts for new appliances or equipment installed

Having this documentation can be a lifesaver if a claim arises after the renovation, and it will ensure that your warranty provider can quickly verify that the work was done correctly.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your home warranty coverage remains intact during your renovation, and you’ll be better prepared to handle any future breakdowns or system failures. Taking the time to communicate with your warranty provider, hire qualified professionals, and follow guidelines will help protect your home—and your wallet—during the renovation process.
In the next section, we’ll explore how to maximize your home warranty coverage during renovations, helping you save even more while ensuring your systems and appliances are covered.

The Bottom Line: A Little Planning Can Save You a Lot of Trouble

Renovating your home is a thrilling process that can enhance both its function and value, but it’s important to understand the impact those changes can have on your home warranty coverage. While a home warranty can save you from expensive repairs for major systems and appliances, renovations can introduce complications
Remember, a little preparation and attention to detail during your renovation can prevent future headaches and keep your home systems and appliances covered long after the work is complete. With the right approach, your home warranty can provide peace of mind as you transform your living space into something better, while minimizing the risk of unexpected costs.