Home/Warranty

We Stand Behind What We Build

Every ADU we deliver comes with a 10-year structural warranty and a 1-year finish warranty. This page explains exactly what is covered, what is not, and how to reach us if something needs attention.

10 Years Structural Warranty
1 Year Finish Warranty
1–10 Years Manufacturer Warranties
5 Days Claim Response Time

What Is Covered and What Is Not

Plain-language summary. Complete terms are delivered in writing at project handover and are part of your construction contract.

Covered by Our Warranty

  • Structural framing, foundation, and load-bearing assemblies — for 10 years from final inspection sign-off.
  • Roofing and weatherproofing systems we installed — for 10 years against defects in materials and workmanship.
  • Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-in and finish work — for 1 year from handover.
  • Drywall, paint, tile, cabinetry, and finish carpentry — for 1 year from handover.
  • Windows, doors, and exterior glazing we supplied and installed — for 1 year on installation, plus manufacturer warranty on the units themselves.
  • Appliances and mechanical equipment — manufacturer warranty passes through to you, typically 1 to 10 years depending on the product.

Not Covered

  • Damage from earthquakes, floods, fires, or other natural events — these are covered by your homeowner's insurance, not our warranty.
  • Damage caused by neglect, misuse, or failure to maintain — for example, unrepaired roof leaks or clogged drainage that goes unattended.
  • Modifications made by others after handover — if another contractor alters or adds to our work, the warranty on that portion is void.
  • Normal wear and tear — paint fading, caulk deterioration, and similar cosmetic aging is expected and not a defect.
  • Damage from extreme weather beyond code design limits — including wind events, hail, or flooding that exceeds California building code assumptions.
  • Cosmetic issues on third-party products — scratches, discoloration, or minor defects on items you supplied yourself.

The Fine Print, Explained Clearly

Five key terms in our warranty that you should understand before you sign the construction contract.

Term 01

Warranty Begins at Final Inspection

Coverage starts on the date the jurisdiction signs off on the final inspection of your ADU — not on the date you first occupied the unit or the date of the certificate of occupancy.

Term 02

Warranty Transfers With the Property

If you sell your home within the warranty period, the remaining warranty transfers to the new owner. The buyer inherits the same coverage you had, with the same remaining term.

Term 03

We Choose the Repair Method

For valid warranty claims, we determine whether a repair or replacement is the appropriate remedy, and we choose the method and materials. Our goal is always a permanent fix, not a cosmetic patch.

Term 04

Documentation Required

To submit a claim, we need: the address, the completion date, a description of the issue, and photos if possible. We may also schedule an on-site inspection at no charge to assess the issue.

Term 05

Warranty Is Not Insurance

Our warranty is a workmanship and materials guarantee. It is not a replacement for homeowner's insurance, and it does not cover losses that a standard homeowner policy would cover.

Term 06

Non-Transferable to Contractors

The warranty is issued to you (and any subsequent owner of the property). It is not transferable to a general contractor, property manager, or tenant. If you sell, only the new owner inherits the warranty.

How to Reach Us If Something Needs Attention

We take warranty claims seriously. For valid claims, we schedule an inspection within 5 business days and complete any required repair work at no cost to you.

1
Submit the Claim Use the form below or email [email protected]
2
We Respond Within 1 business day, with clarifying questions
3
On-Site Inspection Scheduled within 5 business days of the report
4
Written Assessment We confirm covered, not covered, or borderline
5
Repair Completed Scheduled with your availability in mind

Simple Maintenance That Keeps the Warranty Valid

Most warranty claims we see would have been prevented by routine maintenance. These are the seasonal checks we recommend for every ADU we build.

Spring

Water & Drainage

  • Inspect gutters and downspouts for blockage
  • Check grading around the foundation
  • Test exterior hose bibs and shut-off valves
  • Confirm sump pump operation if installed
Summer

Cooling & Exterior

  • Replace HVAC filters every 60–90 days
  • Inspect caulking around windows and doors
  • Check exterior paint for early cracking
  • Clean mini-split condenser coils
Fall

Weatherizing

  • Clear roof and gutters before first rains
  • Seal any exterior gaps or penetrations
  • Test smoke and CO detectors
  • Inspect attic and crawl space insulation
Winter

Interior & Systems

  • Check for signs of water intrusion after storms
  • Run all faucets to confirm no frozen lines
  • Inspect for condensation on interior windows
  • Confirm heating system operation

Common Warranty Questions

Does the warranty transfer to a new owner if I sell my home?

Yes. If you sell your home during the warranty period, the remaining warranty coverage automatically transfers to the new owner. They inherit the same coverage with the same remaining term. We do not require a fee or application for the transfer — we simply need the new owner's contact information on file in case a claim needs to be made.

What is not covered under the 10-year structural warranty?

The 10-year structural warranty covers defects in structural framing, foundation, and load-bearing assemblies that result from our workmanship or the materials we installed. It does not cover damage from earthquakes, floods, fires, or other natural events; damage caused by neglect, misuse, or failure to maintain; modifications made by other contractors after handover; normal wear and tear; or damage from events that exceed California building code design limits.

How do I know if an issue is a warranty claim or routine maintenance?

As a general rule: if the issue results from a defect in our workmanship or materials, it is a warranty claim. If it results from normal aging, weather, or lack of routine maintenance, it is not. Examples of warranty claims: a leaking roof that we installed and that has not been modified. Examples of routine maintenance: caulk that has dried and separated after 3–4 years, or a filter that needs replacing. If you are unsure, submit the claim — we will tell you honestly which category it falls into.

How long does it take to get a warranty repair completed?

We respond to every warranty claim within 1 business day. On-site inspections are scheduled within 5 business days of the claim being reported. Repairs are scheduled based on the nature of the issue — urgent issues (active water intrusion, electrical faults) are addressed same-week. Non-urgent issues are scheduled within 2–4 weeks depending on material lead times and crew availability.

What if the issue is covered by my homeowner's insurance instead?

Some issues — storm damage, fire, flood, theft of materials — are covered by homeowner's insurance rather than our warranty. If we inspect an issue and determine it is an insurance matter, we will tell you that clearly and provide documentation you can submit to your insurer. We do not try to classify insurable damage as a warranty claim, or vice versa, to shift cost between parties.

Does the warranty cover appliances?

Appliances and mechanical equipment we install are covered by the manufacturer's warranty, which passes through to you at handover. The manufacturer warranties typically range from 1 year (refrigerators, microwaves) to 10 years (compressor components of HVAC systems). We provide all warranty documentation and appliance manuals at handover, and we can help you submit a manufacturer claim if needed.

Can I use my own contractor for a warranty repair and get reimbursed?

No. Our warranty is a repair warranty, not a reimbursement warranty. For valid claims, we perform the corrective work ourselves with our own licensed crews. This allows us to control the quality of the repair and to confirm the issue is genuinely covered. In the rare case where we cannot perform the repair for logistical reasons, we will discuss alternatives with you directly.

Submit a Warranty Claim

If you are an existing client and something needs attention on your ADU, use the form below. Include the property address and a short description of the issue. We respond within 1 business day.

(415) 867-5309
450 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM PT

By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy. We respond within 1 business day.