Choice Home Warranty’s Fifth Consecutive Year on the Inc. 5000

Edison, NJ — Choice Home Warranty is once again honored to be a part of the Inc. 5000. For five consecutive years, Choice Home Warranty has been among Inc.’s list of the 5,000 fastest growing private companies in America.

Choice Home Warranty is ranked #922, breaking the top 1,000 for 2016. Inc. ranked Choice Home Warranty based on the company’s 433 percent three year growth.

In its fifth year on the Inc. 5000 list, Choice Home Warranty is now on the Inc. 5000 Honor Roll. Ranked #12 for insurance companies, Choice is joined by leaders including Chelsea Financial Group, E-Telequote Insurance, Honor Capital, and Connect Assistance. Choice is also #22 for top New Jersey companies, again among Chelsea Financial Group as well as MP Consulting Services, Eduficcient, and Capital Advance Solutions.

The Inc. 5000 is a ranking of America’s fastest growing private companies. Choice Home Warranty is proud to once again be a leader among America’s most inspiring small businesses and entrepreneurs enjoying significant growth and success.

“Choice Home Warranty takes pride in joining the Inc. 5000 for a fifth year,” said Choice Home Warranty President Victor Mandalawi. “We continue to grow and innovate in home warranty service. Our ongoing success is a testament to our valued customers who support us year after year. Choice Home Warranty is proud to serve home owners every day and be a leader in home warranty services.”

Choice Home Warranty is a home warranty company founded in 2008 and based in Edison, NJ. Learn more about Choice Home Warranty on the CHW Inc. 5000 profile.

Please contact kelley@choicehomewarranty.com for more information about Choice Home Warranty’s inclusion on the 2016 Inc. 5000.

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Roof damage can happen at any time — but there’s never a convenient time to get a roof leak. Whether it’s hail, heavy rains, trees, or simply aging shingles, roof leaks can allow damaging moisture into your home. With home warranty roof leak coverage, you can take care of roof leaks quickly before they become a larger problem.

Roof leak coverage is not standard on all home warranties. It is most often offered as an add on option for standard or premium coverage. But even though this coverage is not always included, it’s a good idea to add it, as it can save you hundreds, potentially thousands in roof repairs and damage to your home.

Are Roofs Covered Under Home Warranty?

Quickly identifying and repairing roof leaks is important to protecting your home from moisture and damage. That’s why Choice Home Warranty offers roof leak coverage as an add on to any home warranty service contract. With Choice Home Warranty’s optional coverage, home owners will be covered for repair of roof leaks regardless of the actual cost of repair. This is exceptionally helpful coverage, as it is essential to take care of roof leaks as soon as they are discovered in order to avoid damage to your home.

Roof leak repair coverage is especially helpful, as it makes it easy to quickly take care of the problem. Without home warranty roof leak coverage, home owners might drag their feet calling a roofer to take care of one small leak, letting it grow into a more serious problem. But with home warranty coverage, all it takes is one call and a low service call fee to get roof leaks taken care of before they grow into a larger problem.

Why Roof Leaks are Bad News for Your Home — and Must Be Addressed Immediately

Even a minor roof leak can cause major damage. Roof leaks should be fixed immediately even if there doesn’t seem to be a big problem. Any roof leak can cause a big problem, leading to water in your home, damaged ceilings, damaged insulation, rotted framing and sheathing, even mold growth in your home.

If you have a roof leak, don’t wait until a major storm reminds you that you have a big problem. Roof leaks don’t go away. In fact, they often get worse over time. It’s best to take proactive action and get roof leaks repaired as soon as they are discovered.

Roof leaks can be caused by any number of problems. These include blown off or missing shingles, bad or leaking pipe flashing, problems with step flashing or valleys, ice dams, and more. That’s why it’s important to work with a professional roofing specialist such as Choice Home Warranty’s so that your roof leak and subsequent repair can be professionally diagnosed and treated.

Roof Leak Repair with Choice Home Warranty

With roof leak coverage from Choice Home Warranty, home owners can be assured that roof leaks will be quickly dealt with. Choice Home Warranty’s network of professional technicians will work to repair roof leaks before they can cause serious damage to your home.

Don’t wait to call Choice Home Warranty for help with your roof leak. As soon as you notice a problem, contact the claims department at 1-888-531-5403 or submit a claim online. Service is available 24/7/365. Choice Home Warranty will dispatch a service technician to your home right away to assess and repair the problem with your roof. Regardless of how much the roof repair actually costs, you’ll pay a low $60 service call fee to the technician.

Roof Leak Repair Emergencies

Roof leaks rarely make themselves known on beautiful sunny days. Rather, they pop up during heavy rainstorms or when your roof is covered in melting snow. But given the risk of damage to your roof and home if you ignore even the smallest roof leak, it’s important that you call a technician for help right away. That’s why Choice Home Warranty’s professional roof repair technicians are always available to help with roof leaks.

When home owners submit a claim, Choice Home Warranty immediately dispatches trusted local professional technicians to assess and repair roof leaks. Work orders are approved within minutes so that technicians can get your roof leak repaired as quickly as possible, saving you time and potential damage.

The Cost of Roof Repair

Roof repair costs can be significant without the help of home warranty coverage. Typically, home owners spend between $316 to $1,046 to repair a roof. The average cost to repair a roof is $671, though some home owners pay as much as $2,000. This can be a significant expense for home owners, especially because this is a repair that can’t wait.

With Choice Home Warranty, home owners will simply pay for a home warranty service contract with optional roof leak coverage as well as a low $60 service call fee. This is significantly lower than the average cost of a roof repair, so home owners with Choice Home Warranty roof leak coverage will typically save significantly on roof repairs compared to those without coverage.

Maintaining a Healthy Roof

Your roof is the first line of defense for your home. It protects your home against storms, keeping you dry and warm. But even as your roof protects you and your home, your roof needs protection, too. It’s up to home owners to practice preventive maintenance in order to take care of roofs and identify small leaks before they become big problems. Keep your roof in tip top shape by following these roof maintenance tips:

• Keep it clean: Debris can lead to rot and damage. Be sure to keep gutters, downspouts, and skylights clean and free of debris. Remove algae, mildew, and moss from your roof, as they can lead to shingle damage.
• Inspect the exterior of your roof: In the late fall and early spring, inspect your rooftop for signs of damage. You should look for loose shingles and missing or cracked tiles as well as loose flashings and cracked or worn rubber boots around vent pipes. Consider hiring a professional, as they may be able to identify problems the average home owner might not notice.
• Trim branches: If you have trees close to your home, trim branches that hang down over the roof to avoid damage. This will also discourage pests like squirrels and raccoons.
• Check for stains in your attic: After heavy storms, check your attic for water stains.
• Carefully remove snow: Snow accumulation can lead to a roof collapse. Use a snow rake to carefully pull snow off of your roof and avoid damage.
• Look for fungus and algae: If your roof is growing fungus, moss, or algae, install zinc or lead control strips to discourage growth.
• Inspect metal areas for rust: Left to grow, rust can become a problem for your roof. Take a look at metal areas, identifying any rust growth. If you find rust, wire brush it off, then prime and paint the metal.
• Seal chimneys and joints: Look for cracked mortar around joints and chimneys. If it’s not in good shape, reseal the mortar or caulking.

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As the temperature rises in the spring and summer, many air conditioning units fail, requiring repair or replacement. Without home warranty coverage, this can be a devastating home emergency, requiring immediate repairs that cost hundreds, or a replacement that can cost several thousand dollars.

With a home warranty service contract that includes your HVAC system, home owners enjoy covered repair or replacement of air conditioning and heating system units and parts. That means even if your air conditioner goes out when you’ve reached triple digit temperatures outside, you’ll be taken care of.

HVAC systems are typically covered under home warranties. They may be included in a basic or upgraded plan or require an add on to your contract. However, it’s clear that getting HVAC home warranty coverage can be very valuable, especially if your HVAC system fails when you need it the most.

Is HVAC Covered by Home Warranty?

Air conditioning and heating is an important system for your home. That’s why Choice Home Warranty offers both air conditioning and heating coverage under the Total Plan home warranty program. With the Total Plan from Choice Home Warranty, home owners will be covered for repair or replacement of the HVAC system for just the cost of a service call fee regardless of the actual cost of repair or replacement. This is especially reassuring during the summer and winter months when your home can reach extremely hot or cold temperatures without a working HVAC system.

HVAC Repair or Replacement with Home Warranty

With HVAC coverage on your home warranty contract, you can rest assured that if there’s a problem with your air conditioner or heater, Choice Home Warranty’s dedicated professional technicians will make it right. That means whether your air conditioner requires repair or replacement, you’ll be covered. Choice Home Warranty technicians will work to repair your HVAC system if possible. If a repair is not possible, your HVAC system will be replaced for the same low service call fee.

To get HVAC repair or replacement service from Choice Home Warranty, all you have to is contact the claims department at 1-888-531-5403 or submit a claim online. Service is available 24/7/365. A technician will be dispatched to your home immediately to assess your problem and determine what needs to be done to repair or replace your HVAC system. You’ll pay a $60 service call fee regardless of the actual cost of repair or replacement.

HVAC Repair Emergencies

When it’s extremely hot or cold outside, having a working HVAC system is essential. Without it, you may be stuck in an uncomfortable, even dangerous, home. Choice Home Warranty recognizes how important it is to get HVAC repairs completed quickly and effectively, especially during summer and winter months when home owners are most vulnerable to extreme temperatures without a working HVAC system.

Choice Home Warranty immediately dispatches trusted professional technicians to assess and repair HVAC problems and approves online work orders within minutes so that your home’s HVAC system can quickly get back on track and you can feel comfortable again.

The Cost of HVAC Repair and Replacement

Without home warranty coverage, the cost of repairing or replacing your HVAC system can be astronomical. Most home owners will spend between $165 and $494 to repair an air conditioning unit, though some may pay $900 or more. Replacement is far more expensive with most home owners paying between $3,699 and $7,152 to install a new air conditioning unit. This means home owners without a home warranty will be faced with hundreds or even thousands of dollars in HVAC repair or replacement bills for a problem that just can’t wait.

When compared to the cost of a Choice Home Warranty service contract and service call fee, most home owners will save hundreds, if not thousands, on the cost of HVAC repair or replacement by using a home warranty. You’re likely to save whether you have to repair or replace your HVAC unit.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Requirements

There’s more good news for home owners with HVAC home warranty coverage. Homes with older air conditioning units may no longer meet Department of Energy requirements and will be upgraded to more efficient units if they must be replaced. If your HVAC unit is below the minimum efficiency standard of 13 SEER, all equipment will be upgraded to the 13 SEER standard. Switching from the typical 10 SEER to 13 SEER system can result in as much as a 30% increase in efficiency. That means a more comfortable home and more affordable energy bills, all for the same low cost of a Choice Home Warranty service contract and service call fee.

Essential HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC system works hard every day to keep your home comfortable, but it needs help. Performing regular maintenance on your HVAC system will extend the life of your equipment, allowing you to enjoy efficient air conditioning and heating for years. Following proper maintenance will also cut down on necessary repairs, helping you avoid surprise problems with your HVAC system at an inconvenient time. Maintenance is also essential for your home warranty, as Choice Home Warranty requires that home owners properly maintain HVAC equipment for coverage of the system under warranty contract.

Protect your HVAC system and keep your air conditioner and heater covered under your home warranty contract by following these HVAC maintenance guidelines:

• Inspect and service your HVAC system: Each spring and fall, have a professional inspect and service your HVAC system. This is important not just for maintenance, but for safety, as your system is more likely to fail and cause dangerous problems, even house fires, at the start of the heating or cooling season. Play it safe and ask a pro to take a look at your HVAC twice a year.
• Replace filters regularly: A clean air filter makes your air conditioner more efficient, removing dirt, bacteria, debris, and other particles from your HVAC system for a healthy home. A dirty air filter will slow down the flow of air and put a strain on your HVAC system. This wastes energy and can even wear down parts and lead to serious problems. Most homes need a new air filter every other month, though the frequency for changing your air filter can vary depending on HVAC use, pets, number of occupants, and construction projects. Most homes need a new air filter at least every 90 days.
• Clean your HVAC system: Your evaporator coil and duct work may become dirty over time, making your HVAC system work harder than it needs to. Clean your evaporator coil and condenser coil annually, taking time to straighten coil fins with a fin comb tool. You should also be careful to remove foliage and leaves from your outdoor unit to avoid blockage. Remove blockages including debris and insects from your duct work for a clean, efficient HVAC system.
• Give your HVAC system space: You should clear two feet of space around outdoor air conditioning and heat units. Also remember to keep registers clear, avoiding blockages like furniture or drapes that may cover the registers.

For more information on properly maintaining your HVAC system, refer to your system manufacturer’s maintenance information.

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Here at Choice Home Warranty, we’ve been hearing the question, “Is home warranty worth it?” quite often of late. Perhaps a week doesn’t end without several people inquiring on the same. Factually, this is a very valid question to ask.

This is because many homeowners find it difficult to decide if they should pay for their house repairs and replacements themselves or purchase a home warranty. To begin, as a homeowner, there are three ways you can protect yourself after purchasing a house.

How to Protect Yourself When Buying a House

First, as part of the condition of buying the house, consider employing the services of a professional inspector. The expert will ascertain that the house is perfect for occupation, and of satisfactory standards. If the inspection results are not satisfactory, the deal should be off.

Secondly, new homes are likely to come with a warranty period. Actually, some homes come with up to 10 years of warranty. This provides a complete 10-year coverage of the major structural components of the house, including the electrical, mechanical and workmanship. New components that you install probably have their own warranty.

The third option is getting a home warranty. So what is a home warranty?

Home Warranty – What Is It?

Home warranties are not the same as home insurance policies, as many may perceive. That said, a home warranty is a guarantee, promise, and protection provided by one party, preferably a company, to a homeowner.

Whereas both home insurance and home warranties offer coverage and protection against damages to a home or property, they have some variance. Below are some of the specifics as to where these two differ.

A home insurance policy is a liability coverage that protects the homeowner against losses if the house suffers a calamity such as fire, strong and damaging winds, heavy downpour, lightning or theft, but not floods. With this policy, you will take your payout and hire a contractor to undertake the needed repairs.

On the other hand, a home warranty is simply a service contract that binds the hired company to pay for replacing or repairing specific components in your homes such as a furnace, boiler, swimming pool or your HVAC system.

Your annual service fee paid stands for dispatching the contractor – like electrician or plumber, to your house to perform repairs when the problem arises. Note that warranty doesn’t foot the bill if a fire or a fierce wind blows off half of your house.

The second difference is that homeowners insurance isn’t complementary if you are living in your own house, free from a home loan. However, it is usually necessary if you have an active mortgage. The amount of insurance paid depends on the replacement costs.

Turning to home warranties, this is an optional plan that costs roughly between $350 to $500 annually. The coverage depends on some factors such as where you live, type of warranty chosen and the type of property owned. For instance, prices certainly differ if you live in a single-family house or mega mansion.

What Does A Home Warranty Cover?

The main point of getting a home warranty is to cover home repairs when the time arises. However, not all home warranties cover your household items. For instance, homeowners with old houses will prefer plans that cover more things compared to a new home.

Those living in new houses may need less cover, as their new items are still under manufacturer’s warranty cover. Home warranty contract covers items found in the following four clusters.

1. Plumbing systems – the plan may cover drainages like stoppages, pipe leaks, diverter, whirlpool motor and pump, sump pumps and toilets.
2. Electrical systems – most warranties cover wirings, plugs, circuit breakers, ceiling fans, junction boxes, conduit, central vacuum, switches, and panels.
3. Heating and cooling systems – the warranty may cover primary HVAC systems such as evaporative coils, air handlers, wall air conditioners, ductwork and compressors among others.

Tiers of Warranty Coverage

Just like other numerous warranty service providers, there are three main tiers of coverage provided by Choice Home Warranty. They include:

• The basic plan – it covers costs of plumbing systems, dishwashers, exhaust or ceiling fans, oven ranges, garbage disposal, water heaters, built-in microwaves and whirlpool tubs.
• The enhanced or total plan that covers dryers, refrigerators, garage door openers and other specifics. It is relatively costlier compared to the basic plan.
• The optional warranty coverage that includes pools, spas, sump pump, septic system, standalone freezer, well pump and other items.

Home Warranty Cost

The cost is perhaps a big factor when deciding if taking a home warranty is worth. As mentioned before, basic coverage starts from several hundred dollars. Other service providers charge for service calls with their approximated pricings while others provide for unlimited service calls.

Therefore, to determine if taking a home warranty cover is worth it, begin by evaluating how old your properties, home appliances, and home systems are. If they are still new, be certain that manufacturer’s warranty still covers them. You should also evaluate the expected lifespan of the individual items to figure out if the warranty coverage is really essential.

Some companies necessitate that they undertake annual maintenance on the appliances and various covered home systems to keep the warranties valid. Some may inquire on how long you have owned and used them. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t expect the company to pay for the annual maintenance cost of these appliances.

You should read the contract carefully, ascertaining that old systems are covered, and with fair terms.

Should You Buy A Home Warranty?

Having discussed on the cost, you are probably wondering if you should buy a home warranty. Worry not, here is the tip. For a newly constructed home, you probably don’t need a warranty. As mentioned, new items are protected by manufacturers’ warranty. Similarly, all states require that the seller repair the defects in systems, appliances or workmanship before selling the property.

Existing houses may have considerable wear and tear and tend to be equipped with old appliances. In such cases, a home warranty makes lots of sense. However, don’t go for a home warranty if you intend to upgrade your appliances to better models. This is because the policy coverage isn’t within this reach.

Why Home Warranties Work

1. They protect against expensive repairs
   At times, warranties are just necessary for covering overpriced repairs. In such cases, the cost of the home warranty may be far less than what is paid for the repair or replacement of the appliance. A good example being the replacement of a central A/C unit that costs roughly $5,200. This makes the $500 annual payment seem like a bargain.

   Also, if you lie in a house with old appliances on the verge of collapsing or breaking, paying for the warranty is prudent, just in case it breaks. However, a home warranty is not just for recurring costs, especially on old appliances. Homeowners who want to populate their house with pricey and sophisticated equipment may consider having this cover prudent.

2. It saves you time
   If you are a hands-on type of person with no or minimal time to find a repair expert, having a home warranty coverage saves you the hassle of finding the best experts. With a warranty, you simply need to call the providers, and they will take care of the rest. They will send the right person to your home right away.

3. It incentivizes home buyers
   Even if you were to buy a house, one that comes with a basic home warranty would be your priority. Having a warranty may be a source of attraction to prospective homebuyers, especially those on a budget eyeing for a property with uncertain repair or maintenance history.

   Such buyers will take advantage of such a plan, bearing in mind that it is free of charge. Those eyeing old houses will also prefer a warranty as it brings peace of mind to their investment.

Things to Pay Attention to with Home Warranties

1. Additional fees can add up
   Many people don’t know that the annual cost of their home warranty isn’t where the expenses end. With many of our competitors, there are additional deductibles, service and diagnostic fees. This extends the costs beyond client’s initial annual fees. At CHW, you simply pay for your home warranty’s cost and the service call when a technician is dispatched.

   However, with Choice Home Warranty’s Total Plan, you can rest assured you’ll be covered for various different repairs, such as heating systems, AC’s, washers, dryers, your fridge, and many other major appliances.

2. Warranty may not cover everything
   Your home warranty may not cover everything, and this might be the repair you needed the most. Many warranty service providers don’t cover repairs such as leaky windows, roof, chimney problems or basement moisture issues. For instance, if overgrown tree roots have ruined your underground plumbing, a warranty may not fix it.

   Similarly, home warranty companies often refuse to fix existing and pre-installed items that have not been properly maintained or improperly installed.

3. Limited access to service providers
   Home warranty companies often dispatch their personnel to handle your repairs. Therefore, you may have to stick with the contractor sent even if you are not happy with their services.

   Whereas it is convenient that you are saved from hunting down the right man for your repair, for instance, a plumber, you will have to deal with the one hired by the company. Luckily for you, Choice Home Warranty only employs in-house technicians who are true professionals.

Other Things You Can Do After Buying a Home Warranty

Home warranties are relatively affordable. It can be a life saver when you really need it. We have found more ways and tips for you to save money when purchasing home warranty.

Consider the following alternatives of saving money for anticipated home repair costs:

• Emphasize your savings – in this case, prioritize your savings as emergency funds. You might consider opening a dedicated and high-interest account for specifically keeping funds for appliance repair and purchase.
• Attention to the fine print – if you intend to buy a house with a warranty, or considering one of your own, read keenly and pay great attention to the fine print. Be keen on what the warranty covers and what is excluded. Check if the contract has some additional hidden charges, deductible fees or other costs. Above all, search the warranty company for reviews and feedbacks from their previous clients. Avoid companies with negative reviews.
• Take advantage of built-in savings – at times, you might need some new set of appliances, but that does not imply that you pay them in full price. Search for discounts, rebates and other offers available. For instance, there could be an outgoing fridge model being sold at an amazingly discounted price.

Final Thoughts

Having a home warranty provides some piece of mind that your home’s important systems are covered. The company will provide priceless support for both repairs and replacements. They cover your systems and appliances from the effects of everyday wear and tear.

From the statements and facts outlined above, you can judge for yourself if having a home warranty is worth the cost. Nonetheless, consider choosing the best company if you decide to go for these services.

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Choice Home Warranty’s Fourth Consecutive Year on the Inc. 5000

Edison, NJ — Choice Home Warranty is proud to announce our fourth consecutive year on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list. Since 2012, Choice Home Warranty has been listed in the Inc. 5000 among the fastest growing private companies in America.

In our fourth year on the Inc. 5000, Choice Home Warranty has grown 408% and added 90 jobs to the Edison, New Jersey area. Much of this growth is thanks to our newly renovated call center, which has allowed us to add more staff to better serve our customers.

The Inc. 5000 is an exclusive ranking of the private companies that are growing fastest in the United States. At Choice Home Warranty, we consider it a great honor to be ranked among the leading entrepreneurs, small businesses, and other private entities that are growing rapidly and continue to add jobs, products, and services to America.

Choice Home Warranty is ranked #1056 of the 5,000 companies on the list. Of special note is our placement among the Top Insurance Companies on the Inc. 5000: this year, Choice Home Warranty is ranked #10 out of the top insurance companies on the list, joining leaders including CTC Transportation Insurance Services, E-Telequote Insurance, insureon, and Patriot National.

“It is an honor and a testament to the quality of our service that Choice Home Warranty is once again a part of the Inc. 5000,” said Choice Home Warranty President Victor Mandalawi. “We are proud to celebrate Choice Home Warranty’s continued growth, expanded call center, new jobs, and success as we protect home owners nationwide.”

Choice Home Warranty is a growing leader in the home warranty service industry. A full profile of Choice Home Warranty’s inclusion in the Inc. 5000 can be viewed on the 2015 list. You can also view the entire Inc. 5000 rankings.

For more information about Choice Home Warranty’s growth and inclusion on the Inc. 5000, please contact kelley@choicehomewarranty.com.

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Choice Home Warranty’s service is all about people, and we simply can’t offer the quality of service that we do without our excellent employees who help our customers every day. We had a big BBQ Employee Appreciation Day to show Choice Home Warranty’s staff how much they’re valued, and it was a great time for all!

We enjoyed delicious BBQ, Rita’s icees, and the big hit: employee raffle giveaways!

We appreciate our employees and hope everyone enjoyed our big celebration!

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In our call center, we have a humanitarian theme day, such as sweatpants Monday or crazy hat day. There’s a winner for each theme day, and the winner gets to carry around a championship belt. Plus, Choice Home Warranty makes a donation in their name to their favorite charity! We think it’s a great way to have fun and give back at the same time.

This week, our theme was Crazy Hat Day, and our friendly representative Ray won! As the reigning contest champ, he’ll keep the championship belt until there’s a new winner.

Choice Home Warranty has donated $500 in Ray’s name to the Susan G. Komen foundation in honor of his sister Regina, a cancer survivor. We’re excited to give back and support a great cause that’s important to Ray and all of us at Choice Home Warranty.

A big congratulations to Ray! If you catch him on the phone or online, be sure to congratulate him on his win. We can’t wait to see what our Choice Home Warranty staff has prepared for our next theme day!

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Is a Septic System Covered by Home Warranty?

Yes, a lot of the potential problems that could arise in your septic system are covered by Choice Home Warranty. The sewage ejector pump, septic tank and line from the house are just a couple of things that are covered in a basic package. There are a few things that we can’t cover however, so be sure to read the fine print.

Septic System Repair with Home Warranty

When figuring out how much a repair will cost, the first thing to do is call Choice Home Warranty at 1-888-531-5403; they are available 24/7 to help with all of your questions. A $60 trade service fee is required for the technician, who will assess your septic system problems and let you know the necessary steps to repair or replace what is broken, and get everything in good working order so that you may flush the toilet again without worry.

Saving on Septic System Repair with Home Warranty

There is obviously some variance on the price, but repairing your septic tank can cost as much as 800 bucks. It could be considerably more if there is damage to any piping, or if you consider the lawn maintenance that will have to be done should there be leaks. Those costs can add up very fast, but if you spend just a fraction of this on a home warranty, your wallet will thank you in the long run.

Taking Care of Your Septic System

A failing septic system is extremely expensive to repair or replace, so proper maintenance could mean the difference between a mild inconvenience and a migraine in terms of the problems you have to deal with. The Environmental Protection Agency and Houselogic have a few tips in order to ensure a properly functioning septic system:

• Pump your system every three to five years. Sure, this service isn’t exactly free but when you compare the cost of this to all-out replacement, it’s a no-brainer.
• If you live in a house with kids, particularly little ones who may just be learning to use the potty, monitor what goes in your toilet and sink. That chemical drain cleaner is also not as beneficial as you think, as it can severely harm the piping.
• Walk across your drainfield during rain season. If you smell sewage, or notice that grass is growing particularly fast in one area, you may have a clog.

Taking these steps to care for a system so essential to the function of your house will save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Wondering what other important items are covered by a home warranty? Read our water heater, plumbing and air conditioning posts.

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Choice Home Warranty is proud to be recognized as the #1 home warranty company by Top10HomeWarrantyReviews.com. The website offers editor and customer reviews of home warranty companies nationwide, and tracks the popularity of the leading home warranty companies in the United States. Choice Home Warranty is currently ranked #1 as the most popular home warranty company, offering low prices, great reviews, and a history of excellence in customer service and trust.

Choice Home Warranty earned the top ranking on Top10HomeWarrantyReviews.com thanks to our low cost of service and consistently high customer reviews. The company’s customer review rating is a nearly perfect 9.9, largely due to reliability, new customer perks, and ease of use. Customers say Choice Home Warranty offers responsive, courteous service, and they love the peace of mind that the home warranty service offers.

Choice is noted by the editors for our “person to person” direct service that takes customer care to a new level of personal service. The company is also recognized for its excellence in utilizing a network of reliable and pre-screened contractors nationwide.

Choice Home Warranty is excited to continue to offer a high level of personal customer service to our clients. Maintaining great customer relationships is and always has been our top priority, and it’s great to be recognized as a leader in customer service not just by editors, but by our customers. Choice Home Warranty is committed to maintaining a great reputation for superior service, and proud to be recognized as a leader in home warranty service.

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1) What is the Difference Between a Home Warranty and Home Insurance?

This is different from home insurance in that a warranty covers any appliance repairs, as well as plumbing or electrical problems that may occur. Insurance covers the structure of the house, as well as any personal property such as clothes, electronics, or jewelry. It also covers your liability, should someone get hurt on your property. So while you may have been fully aware of the benefits of insurance, the home warranty covers all appliances whether in need of repair or replacement.

2) How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost?

This can vary based on many factors. First of all, it’s important to know that warranty companies are well aware that the longer an appliance is in use, it will break down eventually. So you will likely be offered a steeply discounted rate on a warranty in your first year, and then see the rate increase every year after that. It’s important to know not just what you’re paying this year, but what you will be paying in the years afterwards. A typical plan can run anywhere from $250 to $500, and lasts from 12 months to 10 years, depending upon the company and type of agreement. Not included in the warranty cost, however, is the cost of actually calling upon a service repairman. This charge is normally fixed, and could have a surcharge for emergency visits. These are good follow-up questions to ask regarding the price of a home warranty. Also note that for large appliances, such as a hot-tub or a pool, these are included alongside the basic plan a la carte, and will increase the overall cost.

3) What Specific Items Are Covered?

This can vary from one company to another, so it’s impossible to answer this question for you with 100% accuracy; take notice of specific things that are covered, and any extra price tag they may try to apply to larger items, such as air conditioning or furnace. Typically though, they will always include washer dryer, plumbing, electrical system, and roof leaks.

4) Is Home Inspection Required Before Enrollment?

The short answer is no, however your appliances must be properly installed, maintained, and in good working condition for coverage to be applied. Much like health insurance, pre-existing conditions are not covered.

5) If Something Does Break/Need Repair, How Do I Make a Claim?

The one thing to remember here is to keep a written record of every correspondence with the home warranty company and/or the service vendor to whom they send the work. Make your request in writing, and ask for a return receipt to keep for your records. This service vendor will contact a repairman, who will either fix the item in question or recommend a replacement. There is a service charge for this, however the bill will come from your warranty company, rather than the repairman himself.

6) How Quickly Can Repairs Be Done?

Again, this depends on the company. Some are available 24 hours a day, while others have set times. All provide a time frame for repairs to be done, but there are important follow-up questions to ask here as well. What defines an emergency repair, and how quickly can they usually respond in such a situation? They should be able to provide information about the contractors it uses so that you can have a general idea about how far away help is should an emergency occur.

7) Should I Have a Dispute Regarding a Claim, How Do I Resolve This?

In the event that you happen to disagree with the cost, or any other dispute with the warranty company or the repair service, you can send this in for mediation, which means a neutral third-party will examine your dispute and decide whether you are in the right. If mediation fails, you can submit your claim for arbitration, but not all repairs or replacements may be covered. Disputes such as these are unique to the company, and should be explained to you.

8) What Are My Responsibilities?

A very important thing to note is that some home warranty companies require proof of maintenance before they insure an appliance in your home. Even if they don’t, they can still refuse to insure an item should they deem it as not properly maintained.

9) When Does Coverage Actually Begin?

If you purchase a warranty at the time you are buying a home, coverage begins the day of closing. Otherwise, coverage begins 15 days after receipt of payment.

10) What if I Sell My Home While Still Under Warranty?

Much like early termination or early pay-off of a car loan, it’s good to know the specificities of this situation. Any remaining coverage will transfer to the buyer at no additional cost. You can even renew early to supply additional coverage for the new homeowner. There is a lot of flexibility for you in this regard. Plus, this is a huge selling point (pun intended) when you are putting your house on the market.

Additional Suggestions

Bottom line, always, always read the fine print. Be aware of any extra costs, loopholes, or nuances of your contract so that you can always be prepared for any circumstance, and expect the unexpected. Buying a home can be tricky, but protecting your appliances doesn’t have to be.

Sources:

• //moneysmartlife.com/home-warranty-companies-questions/
• //www.homewarrantyreviews.com/homeowners-warranty/difference-between-home-warranty-and-homeowners-insurance
• //realestate.aol.com/blog/2009/03/19/new-home-warranties-whats-covered-and-how-claims-work/

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