Is mold covered by the home builder?
Short answer. Sometimes, but often only indirectly. A builder's warranty usually covers construction defects for a set period, so a leaking roof or bad flashing on a new house may be the builder's to fix, but many builder warranties exclude or limit mold itself. Your homeowners insurance usually excludes faulty workmanship but may cover sudden water damage, so a new-home leak can involve both.
How new home warranties are usually structured
Many new homes come with a written warranty, often from a third-party warranty company, with tiers like these:
- About one year for workmanship and materials, which is when most roof and flashing defects are covered
- About two years for systems such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC
- Up to ten years for major structural defects
Read yours. Mold is frequently excluded or capped, and many warranties require written notice within a short time of discovering a problem.
New-home roof leaks that cause mold
- Missing kickout flashing where a roof meets a wall
- Step flashing that was skipped or lapped wrong
- Pipe boots and vents that were not sealed
- Bath fans vented into the attic instead of outside
Steps to take
- Stop the water and photograph everything, including the attic.
- Notify the builder in writing, citing the warranty, and keep a copy.
- Get an independent roof inspection describing the defect.
- Report sudden water damage to your homeowners insurer as well; the insurer may cover resulting damage and pursue the builder.
Georgia note
Georgia has a right to repair law for construction defects that generally requires written notice to the contractor and a chance to respond before a lawsuit. Talk with an attorney before deadlines pass.
Related: interior water damage coverage and wear and tear and defect exclusions.