"THE MASTER
BUILDER"
10 YEAR
LIMITED
WARRANTY
Careful
supervision
Of every
detail.
That’s what
makes
Us the best
Homebuilder
in
Lake Havasu.
Ask anyone…
AN ARIZONA
FAVORITE
DBU
Homes
COPYRIGHT
1996
THE
DBU LIMITED
WARRANTY PLAN
‘THE
MASTER BUILDER’
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
Overview
The Spirit of the Warranty
The Rights of Your Home
YOUR RIGHTS & THE RIGHTS OF YOUR HOME...........................................1
1. Soil drainage
2. Concrete Surfaces
3. Structural Integrity
4. Intrusion of the Elements
5. Mechanical System
6. Finished Surfaces
7. Care & Maintenance
8. Plugged or Slow Drains
THE LIMITED WARRANTY..........................................................................................................5
A. The Limited Warranty
B. Exclusions
C. Limitation of Liability
D. Dispute Settlement
E. Requesting Warranty Service
III. DBU
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
BASEMENT............................................................................................................10
Expansion Joints
Floor
Foundation Walls
Sump Pump
Waterproofing
CABINETS...............................................................................................................10
Kitchen/Bath
CHIMNEY AND FIREPLACE.............................................................................................................10
Brick
Chimney & Fireplace
Masonry
CONCRETE..............................................................................................................11
Driveways
Flatwork
Garage Floor
Stoops
COUNTER TOPS..........................................................................................................................11
Kitchen/Baths
DOORS...................................................................................................................12
Exterior
Garage
DRYWALL (SHEETROCK).......................................................................................................12
Interior Finish
EXTERIOR............................................................................................................12
Trim
Flashing
Shingles
Walls
FLOORING.............................................................................................................13
Carpet
Hardwood
Resilient
FOUNDATION........................................................................................................14
Floor Slab
Footings & Walls
FRAMING...............................................................................................................14
Floor & Roof Sheathing
Structural Fasteners
Trusses and/or Joists
Vents
Walls/Floors
Windows
INSULATION........................................................................................................15
Infiltration
INTERIOR..............................................................................................................15
Ceramic Tile
Doors
Wall Covering (DBU Installed)
MASONRY (BRICK).................................................................................................................16
Exterior Finish
MECHANICAL.....................................................................................................16
Electrical
Heating and Cooling
Plumbing
PAINTING AND CAULKING............................................................................................................17
Exterior
Interior
ROOFING..............................................................................................................17
Exterior
Surface
SHEET METAL.....................................................................................................................18
Gutters
Metal Awnings
SITE WORK.......................................................................................................................18
Asphalt Driveways
Drainage
Grading
Landscaping
APPENDICES...........................................................................................................................18
HUD Addendum
HOME CARE GUIDE.....
See our company's publication, printed separately.
THE DBU WARRANTY
PLAN
I.
INTRODUCTION
This
introduction provides a general overview of the coverages in the DBU
Protection Plan that consists of the Limited Warranty, the Performance
Standards and your Home Care Guide publication separately.
The specific details, limitations and conditions of the DBU
Protection Plan are described in the Limited Warranty that is provided
to you in this book. In
general, the DBU Protection Plan is a commitment on quality materials
and workmanship.
Some
appliances, equipment and other components included in the home are not
warranted by DBU but are covered by separate warranties provided by the
manufacturer or supplier. In
the event that a claim is made under one of these warranties without
response, DBU will assist the homebuyer in attempting to resolve the
problem with the manufacturer or supplier.
THE SPIRIT OF
THE WARRANTY -
our warranty
commitment is easy to understand and based upon COMMON SENSE.
We believe you have a right to expect a clean home that is
complete and free of defects (per Registrar of Contractors Minimum
Standards)
http://www.azroc.gov/downloads/contractor.html#rules
at the time of closing.
Things should work.
If there are problems because of defects in materials and workmanship,
as outlined above and described in more detail later, DBU will arrange
for their repair or replacement.
If some problems result from actions by occupants of the home or
others or from ordinary wear and tear, DBU is not responsible for the
resulting repair or replacement.
THE RIGHTS OF
YOUR HOME -
We view your
warranty in terms of what you, the buyer, have a right to expect.
We view the issue of preventive maintenance in terms of what your
home has a right to expect from you.
No materials used in the construction of your home will last
forever. Most will last for
a long time, if properly maintained.
It is our desire to help you understand how to prolong the life
of your home through regular maintenance that is appropriate for the
types of materials used in your home.
The following
page describes in general terms, WHAT YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO EXPECT FROM
DBU and WHAT YOUR HOME HAS A RIGHT TO EXPECT FROM YOU.
Following that is the LIMITED WARRANTY, WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS,
LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY, DISPUTE SETTLEMENT, REQUESTING WARRANTY
SERVICE, DETAILED WARRANTY INFORMATION and helpful information on ways
to keep your home in good condition.
YOUR RIGHTS AND
THE RIGHTS OF YOUR HOME
This
section covers in general layman's terms what you can expect from DBU in
the construction of your home and what your home should get from you in
ongoing maintenance and care.
The DBU "Home Care Guide" (printed separately) will provide you
with most of the information you need to provide your home with the
appropriate level of preventive maintenance.
1. SOIL
DRAINAGE
Your home (if
the lot was graded by DBU) has been placed on good bearing soil.
It was engineered to withstand the settlement that will occur.
It should not settle in such a way as to create structural
problems during the warranty period.
We make no warrantees or representation on lots not graded by
DBU.
If
you purchased a DBU home for construction, on a lot not graded by DBU,
you have the responsibility for providing DBU with a buildable lot.
A buildable lot means properly graded, engineered, and inspected
to local and national code standards.
DBU will perform a final grade to code standards.
Your
home and lot were designed with a particular drainage pattern that
should carry rainwater away from the foundation.
You should not direct water to the edge of the foundation, either
in the form of lot drainage or the watering of flowers.
On hillside lots, as a part of landscaping (not provided by DBU),
you are responsible for installing drainage to protect the seal and
foundation of your house.
2.
CONCRETE SURFACES
The concrete
surfaces in your home will fulfill the functions for which they were
intended without excessive settlement, cracking or secondary damage,
such as leaking. Since
concrete is likely to crack, standards are defined in a later section.
You
should keep concrete surfaces free of salts and excessive weight such as
a moving van. Yard drainage
should be maintained to divert water away from concrete surfaces; if
possible, to eliminate the chance it will undermine the surface and
erode the bearing soil.
In
Lake Havasu, we can safely
guarantee that concrete will crack.
This is due to minerals and other impurities in the water, sand
and gravel as well as clay in the sub-soil.
Wire mesh and/or fiberglass fibers (added at the mixing plant)
will help control such cracking.
However, the concrete sub-contractors will not guarantee crack
free concrete. We will be
glad to quote prices on wire mesh and fiberglass additives.
The
following pages include standards on cracks.
Approved materials used to repair cracks never completely match
the color and texture of the original concrete.
House
slabs have one or more expansion joints with rounded openings as large
as 1” to 2” at the surface with a crack of up to 3/8”.
The objective is to relieve stress and to help control meandering
hairline cracks.
Vinyl or
resilient type floor coverings are affected by concrete and cracks.
Prior to installation of carpet, vinyl and ceramic tile, such
cracks including the hairline cracks, are filled with a special material
and troweled. They are
sometimes sanded lightly.
However, almost always, the hairline crack will continue up through the
filler. Such small
imperfections are due to the expansion of concrete and are impossible to
control.
With lower or
middle priced vinyl, hairline cracks will nearly always be “telegraphed”
or “shadowed” up and through the vinyl.
Nearly always, if you look at those areas at the right angle,
with certain light reflections you will detect such fine cracks in
concrete and in the mastic crack filler/sealer.
Moreover,
if you look closely, you will see telegraphed through the vinyl, fine
trowel marks in the concrete, in the mastic crack filler/sealer and even
in the glue/mastic used to adhere the vinyl to the concrete.
With
certainty, we can guarantee that you will be able to see most of these
marks and other concrete imperfections if you look carefully.
Carpet/vinyl
stores will quote prices on better quality materials and installation
alternatives.
Concrete
slab moisture also causes problems of discoloration of vinyl.
DBU is one of the few contractors in Lake Havasu to use pea
gravel directly next to the slab as an approved vapor/moisture barrier.
3.
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
Your home was
constructed plumb, level and square.
Since homes are constructed by human beings, using a variety of
materials, small tolerances are normal.
What we consider unacceptable tolerances are defined in the
detailed warranty section that follows.
Structural
alterations by you to the home must be performed by professionals who
understand the load-bearing requirements of the change.
The reason that local municipalities require permits for building
alterations is to make sure that the structural integrity of the home is
maintained.
4. INTRUSION OF
THE ELEMENTS
Your home
should not leak. Exceptions
might occur such as when some driving rain forces water into vents,
windows or under doors.
Under normal circumstances, your home should protect you from the
intrusion of the elements.
5. MECHANICAL
SYSTEMS
Those systems
installed in your home to provide power, water, treated air, ventilation
and waste disposal will work.
Since the mechanical systems of your home were designed for
normal usage, placing unreasonable demands upon them will present
problems. Plugging several
electrical devices into one circuit may cause it to overload.
Loading materials into a drain may cause it to clog.
Undue weight should not be placed upon pipes or showerheads
because they can break. Some
devices must be cleaned periodically (e.g., furnace filters) so that
they can do what they were designed to do.
6.
FINISHED SURFACES
Finished
surfaces will maintain uniform or characteristic appearance for a
reasonable period of time.
Cracks or surface deterioration will be repaired as provided in the
Limited Warranty.
Lake
Havasu City has a very harsh hot summer environment.
The sun is intense.
As a homeowner, you need to take extra care in the protection of your
home. In many cases, the
seal around doors and windows is caulk.
This material will require annual inspection and any necessary
replacement as needed. Water
from yard and lawn watering devices should not come in contact with the
structure. If you leave the
home for more than a day or two, you must maintain proper temperature
and humidity. Otherwise,
small cracks and splits will open in many surfaces.
Such damage is not covered by any warranty.
7.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
Although things
wear out, components in your home should last a reasonable length of
time (assuming you give them appropriate care and maintenance).
This time will vary with geographical regions, with the types of
materials involved and usage.
As time goes on, adjustments will be required.
Wood
requires cleaning and sealing to prevent problems of water penetration
and continual exposure to the elements, particularly with Lake Havasu's
intense sun. Painted or
sealed surfaces must be cleaned and refinished according to the
requirements of your geographic area.
If this is not done, the surface will deteriorate.
Please
read the instructions for care and maintenance of your home, including
finished flooring, appliances and air handling equipment.
Following such instructions will extend the life of these
components.
8.
PLUGGED OR SLOW DRAINS
At the time of
the final code inspection of your home, your plumbing, electrical and
mechanical systems were tested and certified as properly installed and
working. The sink drains and
toilets worked properly, repeatedly, at installation, at inspection,
during the final cleaning phase and during your closing walk-through
inspection.
If
a drain becomes plugged after the initial week of occupancy, it is your
responsibility. However, if
a defect in material or workmanship can be verified, it is warranty
obligation of the plumbing subcontractor, at no cost to you.
If you call DBU or the plumbing subcontractor for a service call
on a plugged drain, you will be properly and appropriately billed.
The exception will be evidence of a warranty problem in which
case the plumbing subcontractor is responsible.
A plugged drain, as such, is not evidence of a warranty problem.
The same principals apply to electrical and mechanical systems,
appliances, flooring, finished surfaces, etc.
II. THE LIMITED
WARRANTY
THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY INCLUDES PROCEDURES FOR FORMAL SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES,
SUCH AS ARBITRATION, WHICH WILL BE BINDING ON YOU AND DBU:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE RECEIVED BY CALLING DBU AT (928)
453-2414 OR THE REGISTRAR OF CONTRACTORS.
YOU SHOULD READ THIS WARRANTY IN ITS ENTIRETY, INCLUDING THE
ADDENDA AT THE END OF THIS WARRANTY BOOKLET, IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND THE
PROTECTION IT PROVIDES, EXCLUSIONS THAT APPLY, AND THE PERFORMANCE
STANDARDS THAT DETERMINE COVERAGE IN EACH CASE.
A.
THE LIMITED WARRANTY
DBU's
Limited Warranty Commitment relates only to Covered Defects that are
defined as defects in material and workmanship that are either part of
the structure or elements of the home as supplied by DBU at the date of
closing. This is not an
insurance policy nor a maintenance agreement, but a definition of what
the owners have a right to expect in terms of warranties.
It is not in conflict with the Registrar of Contractors
publication, "Minimum Standards" on workmanship and materials.
DBU does carry liability insurance and is fully bonded.
This
Limited Warranty is provided to the original purchaser of the home and
to all subsequent owners who take title within the warranty periods
identified below and use the home for their residence only.
SUBCONTRACTORS
All work on
your home was performed by licensed subcontractor, consistent with the
requirements of the Registrar of Contractors.
Your contract with DBU requires you to cooperate with DBU, should
it be necessary to file a complaint with The Registrar of Contractors
against a subcontractor on a warranty issue.
Such action is seldom necessary. However, the threat of the
potential loss of one's license is important in maintaining discipline
within the construction profession.
Thus, within the section on warranty and the section on
performance standards, reference to DBU includes the pertinent
subcontractor. For example, DBU does not do plumbing
work. A licensed
subcontractor in the specific trade performs that work and must
be accountable under state law.
DBU guarantees you that DBU will hold that subcontractor
accountable, and if you are not satisfied, DBU will assist you with
minimal effort on your part, in securing relief through The Registrar of
Contractors. If the firm is
no longer in business, DBU, as the prime contractor is obligated to
retain an appropriately licensed subcontractor in that specific trade
and perform the necessary warranty work.
One
Year Coverage -
DBU warrants
the home and all elements not otherwise expressly limited in this
warranty to be free of defects in materials and workmanship of the
original construction, as defined in the Registrar's Performance
Standards,
http://www.azroc.gov/downloads/contractor.html#rules
for a period of one year after the closing date.
An example within the Registrar's Standards is the repair of
ceramic tile grout cracks. The extreme variations of heat and humidity
in Lake Havasu City will cause hairline cracks and splits in most
surfaces and finishes. Some
defects must be identified on the final walk through and are not
warranted beyond that inspection.
These are noted in pages 9 through 16.
Two
Year Coverage -
DBU warrants
workmanship, as defined in the Registrar's Performance Standards, of the
plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilating, air conditioning and other
mechanical systems for a period of two years after the closing date.
See,
http://www.azroc.gov/downloads/contractor.html#rules
Ten
Year Coverage -
DBU warrants
the Structural Elements of the home for a period of ten years after the
original closing date to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship if the defects diminish the ability of those Structural
Elements to perform their load-bearing functions as defined in the
Performance Standards, rendering the home unsafe or uninhabitable.
Structural Elements are defined as footings, bearing walls, beams,
girders, trusses, rafters, bearing columns, lintels, posts, structural
fasteners, sub-floors and roof sheathing.
If
a defect occurs in an item covered by this Limited Warranty, DBU will
repair or replace it to meet or exceed the Performance Standards.
In the case of defects in Structural Elements, DBU will repair or
replace such Structural Elements to restore their load-bearing
functions, as designed, and make such other repairs as are necessary to
return the home to safe living conditions and habitability. In such an
event, there is a significant likelihood of action through the Registrar
and civil court litigation against the responsible subcontractor.
Again, your contract with DBU requires your cooperation with DBU
in securing the proper response of DBU subcontractors in correcting the
problem to your satisfaction.
DBU assigns to
the homeowners, warranties for particular appliances and equipment
selected by the buyer from local vendors (usually selected by the
homebuyer). DBU provides no
warranty on those items. If
it is necessary to request warranty service in such a case, the
homeowner must make a request directly to their vendor.
In the unlikely event that the vendor is not responsive to the
request, DBU will assist the homeowner in attempting to obtain the
necessary repairs or replacements.
In some instances, the Registrar's standards will apply.
The benefits
included in this Limited Warranty are only available when service is
requested according to the procedures established by DBU and included in
your warranty materials. In
addition, your failure to reasonably provide access to the home during
normal working hours for making repairs will relieve DBU from its
obligations under this warranty.
DBU's aggregate total liability will not exceed the original
contract price of the home.
DBU
reserves the right to use its judgment in determining the most
appropriate method of repairing warranty defects.
DBU's offer to resolve an issue for which it bears no
responsibility under this Limited Warranty does not create the
responsibility to provide the resolution in another situation for which
it bears no responsibility.
Actions taken to cure defects will not extend the periods of coverage
specified in this Limited Warranty.
DBU
can neither guarantee, nor does it warrant, exact color matches in
situations where materials are replaced or areas are repainted or
original materials are discontinued.
For example, while paint can be computer matched to a reasonably
close (but never perfect) color, such precision is NOT possible with
ceramic tile, concrete, stucco, grout, cabinets and most manufactured or
finished surfaces.
B. EXCLUSIONS
This
Limited Warranty excludes any loss or damage that is not a Covered
Defect, including:
1.
Loss
of or damage to any Real Property which is not part of the home covered
by this Limited Warranty and which is not included in the original
purchase price of the home as stated in the closing documents.
2.
Any
damage, to the extent it is made worse by:
a. Negligence,
improper maintenance, or intentional or improper operation by anyone
other than DBU, its agents, or subcontractors.
b.
Failure by you or anyone other than DBU, its agents or subcontractors to
comply with the warranty requirements of manufacturers of appliances,
fixtures and equipment.
c.
Failure by you to give timely notice to DBU of any defects.
d.
Changes in the grading of the ground by anyone other than DBU
subcontractors working for DBU.
e.
Changes, alterations or additions made to the home by anyone other than
DBU, after the Limited Warranty commencement date.
f.
Dampness or condensation due to your failure to maintain adequate
ventilation.
3.
Loss or damage that the homeowner has not taken timely action to
minimize or mitigate.
4.
Any defect caused by, or resulting from materials or work
supplied by someone other than DBU, its agents or subcontractors.
5.
Normal wear and tear or normal deterioration.
6.
Loss or damage, not otherwise excluded under this Limited
Warranty, which does not constitute a defect in the construction of the
home by DBU, its agents or subcontractors.
7.
Loss or damage caused by or resulting from accidents, riots and
civil commotion, theft, vandalism, fire, explosion, power surges or
failures, smoke, water escape, falling objects, aircraft, vehicles, acts
of God, lightning, windstorm, hail, mud slide, earthquake and volcanic
eruption.
8.
Loss or damages caused directly or indirectly by flood, wind
driven water surface water, waves, tidal waves, overflow of a body of
water, or spray from any of these (whether or not driven by wind), water
which backs up from sewers or drains, changes in the water table which
were not reasonably foreseeable at the time of construction, or water
below the surface of the ground (including water which exerts pressure
on or seeps or leaks through a building, sidewalk, driveway, foundation,
swimming pool or other structure), wetlands, springs or aquifers.
In Lake Havasu City, DBU does not perform test borings for
sub-surface water. This cost
and responsibility must be that of the homebuyer prior to the
construction of the home.
Hillside lots at the time of landscaping must be properly prepared for
drainage.
9.
Loss or damage caused by soil movement, including subsidence,
expansion or lateral movement of the soil (excluding flood and
earthquake) which is covered by any other insurance or for which
compensation is granted by state legislation.
10.
Loss or damage to the home, persons or property directly or
indirectly caused by insects, birds, vermin, rodents or other wild or
domestic animals.
11.
Loss or damage resulting from use of the home for nonresidential
purposes.
12.
Any condition which does not result in actual physical damage to
the home, including but not limited to, uninhabitability or health risk
due to the presence or consequence of unacceptable levels of radon gas,
formaldehyde or other pollutants and contaminants or the presence of
hazardous or toxic on-site materials.
13.
Bodily injuries or damage to personal property.
14.
Loss or damage caused by or resulting from abnormal loading of
structural elements by you that exceeds design loads as mandated by
codes.
15.
Consequential damages.
C.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
IT
IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED THAT DBU's LIABILITIES UNDER THIS WARRANTY
WHETHER IN CONTRACT, IN TORT, IN NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE, IS LIMITED TO
THE REMEDY PROVIDED IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.
DBU's OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY AND UNDER THE
PURCHASE AGREEMENT ARE LIMITED TO REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS DBU LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY DAMAGES BASED ON
A CLAIMED DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF THE HOME, EVEN IF DBU HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY WARRANTY APPLICABLE TO THIS PURCHASE.
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS, MERCHANTABILITY OR
HABITABILITY, ARE DISCLAIMED AND EXCLUDED.
D.
DISPUTE SETTLEMENT
This
Dispute Settlement provision sets forth the exclusive remedy of all
disputes, claims or controversies.
All
disputes, claims or controversies concerning your home that cannot be
resolved between DBU and you will be settled by arbitration, in
accordance with paragraph #16 of the construction contract.
The notice to DBU must include your name, address, phone number
(both home and work) and a specific description of the defect.
Certified notice must be received no later than ten days after
the applicable warranty period expires.
E. REQUESTING
WARRANTY SERVICE
The procedure
varies for requesting warranty service under this Limited Warranty
depending on where you purchase your home.
As part of this warranty package, your DBU team will provide you
with the proper procedure in your area.
III.
DBU PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
This
section establishes the standards by which it will be determined whether
the concern you have with some element of your home is covered by this
Limited Warranty and is the obligation of DBU to correct.
Where specific standards and actions are not shown, the standard
will be the accepted industry practice for workmanship and materials.
The "Standard of Workmanship and Materials" of the Registrar of
Contractors applies, under "Action Required."
With few exceptions, the term DBU
refers to the subcontractor who
performed the work for DBU and the homebuyer.
In
each of the following paragraphs, we will list a category, list an item,
make an observation, list action required, and note the DBU coverage.
BASEMENT:
EXPANSION
JOINTS; Cracks appear in the
expansion joints in basements or on concrete foundation surfaces.
Such action up to 3/8" was the intent of the engineered joint.
No action is required.
N/A
FLOOR;
Depression in floor exceeding
1/4" in 10' length.
DBU will fill area to tolerance.
2 years
Uneven
floor area where crown exceeds 1/4" in 32" length.
DBU will level area to tolerance.
2 years
FOUNDATION
WALLS; Cracks in the
foundation walls that exceed 1/8" in width of vertical displacement.
DBU will patch the voids in the wall.
2 years
WATERPROOFING;
Leaks in basement or crawlspace.
DBU will eliminate the cause of leaks.
(Humidity and condensation issues are not warranted.)
2 years
CABINETS:
KITCHEN/BATH;
Cabinets separate from wall or ceiling 1/8" measured diagonally.
DBU will repair. 2
years
Cracks
in door panels. DBU will
repair. 1 year
Door
warpage exceeding 1/8" in height and width.
DBU will replace IF proper temperature and humidity were
maintained inside.
Misalignment
of doors. DBU will adjust.
1 year
Color.
It is not unusual for cabinet color to be different from store
samples.
Variation
in stain color. Due to
normal grain variations, DBU cannot guarantee stain color. N/A
CHIMNEY
& FIREPLACE:
BRICK;
Exterior and interior brick veneer cracking in excess of 1/8".
DBU will repair joints or brick.
2 years
Firebox
color is changed from fire and forms residue.
Intense heat will alter color.
DBU has no responsibility.
N/A
CHIMNEY;
Chimney separation exceeding 1/4" from attached structure.
DBU will determine cause of separation and correct as necessary.
2 years
FIREPLACE;
Smoke escapes into living area.
DBU will correct if problem is caused by improper installation or
design. NOTE: High winds or
external factors such as trees can cause negative draft situations.
Make sure damper is fully opened.
2 years
Water
infiltration into firebox from the flue.
A certain amount of rainwater can be expected under certain
conditions. No action is
required. N/A
MASONRY;
Cracking of firebrick and mortar joints.
Intense heat may cause cracking.
No action is required.
N/A
CONCRETE
DRIVEWAYS:
Depressions
that retain water in excess of 3/32" deep.
DBU will repair. 2
years
FLATWORK;
Concrete surfaces settle or heave in excess of 1/4" where it
abuts another concrete surface.
DBU will repair. 2
years
Cracks
exceeding 3/32" in width or vertical displacement.
DBU will repair by patching.
2 years
GARAGE FLOOR;
Disintegrations of the concrete surface resulting in the
appearance of course aggregate below the surface.
DBU will repair concrete surfaces unless caused by salt, chemical
damage, or use. 2 years
STOOPS;
Stoop settles, heaves or separates in excess of 1/4" from home.
DBU will repair. 2
years
COUNTER TOPS:
KITCHEN/BATHS;
Delaminating of counter top material.
DBU will repair.
Open
seams in counter tops. DBU
will repair. 1 year
Cracks
in marble surfaces. Cracks
and scratches must be reported on final walk-through.
DBU will repair. 1
year
Gaps
between counter top and wall in excess of 3/16".
DBU will repair. 1
year
DOORS:
EXTERIOR;
Failure to operate properly by binding, sticking, not latching or
sealing. DBU will make
necessary corrections. 1
year
Shrinkage
of wood door panels. Panels
will shrink and expand and may expose unpainted or unstained surfaces.
No action is required.
N/A
Spilt in door
panel. Unless splits or
cracks present problems of continual deterioration or leaking, DBU will
take no action. Otherwise,
DBU will correct. 1 year
Warping in
excess of 1/4" measured diagonally from corner to corner or to the
extent they become inoperable or cease to be weather resistant.
DBU will correct or replace and refinish door.
1 year
GARAGE
DOOR; Fail to operate
properly. DBU will correct
or adjust door as required.
1 year
Leak (through)
or under door. DBU will make
needed adjustments if necessary. Some
entrance of the elements can be expected under high conditions.
1 year
DRYWALL
(SHEETROCK):
INTERIOR
FINISH; Cracks in drywall,
nail pops. Hairline cracks
are normal. DBU will repair other cracks, nail pops, blisters in tape,
and corner bead pops on a one-time basis during first year.
1 year
Excessive
waviness or seams visible in normal light; DBU will repair cracks 1/8"
or greater or obvious irregularities.
DBU cannot be responsible for color variation.
1 year
EXTERIOR:
TRIM;
Excess warping, cupping, splitting or rotting of wooden members.
DBU will repair or replace as necessary.
1 year
Exterior trim
pulls away from its surface.
DBU will re-nail and seal the material to the surface on which it is
attached. 1 year
Open
joints in exterior trim exceeding 1/4".
DBU will correct the problem, on a one-time basis.
1 year
FLASHING;
Leaks due to improperly installed flashing will be corrected.
2 years
WALLS;
Cracks in stucco walls.
Hairline cracks in masonry are normal.
Those 1/8" or greater will be repaired.
1 year
Siding
materials become loose or detached.
Unless the problem is a result of catastrophic winds.
DBU will correct. 2
years
Siding
materials show signs of deterioration and/or Delaminating.
DBU will hold manufacturer responsible for repairing or replacing
faulty material. 2 years
Staining
from rain. In the desert,
dust build up on roofs and staining from infrequent wind driven rain is
normal. N/A
FLOORING:
CARPET;
Carpet becomes loose at edges.
DBU will repair. 1
year
Carpet
buckles. DBU will re-stretch
carpet on a one-time basis.
1 year
Fading,
staining or discoloration.
Manufacturer's warranty will apply if due to carpet defect.
1 year
Premature
wearing. Manufacturer's
warranty will apply. N/A
Crush.
Some pile crushing on new carpet is common and
usually corrects itself or can be alleviated.
Visible
gaps in seams. DBU will
repair. 1 year
HARDWARE;
Gaps in floors. DBU
will make a one-time repair to gaps in excess of 1/8".
Hardware floors will expand and contract due to humidity and heat
changes within your home.
Loose boards.
DBU will repair. 1
year
RESILIENT;
Becomes loose or bubbles.
DBU will repair. 1
year
Fading or
discolorations.
Manufacturer's warranty will apply.
N/A
Gaps
in seams (sheet goods). DBU
will repair. 1 year
Gaps in seams
exceed 1/8" (resilient block tile).
DBU will repair. 1
year
Indentations
and marks due to normal traffic.
No action required.
N/A
Subfloor
causing depressions or ridges exceeding 1/4" on 12' run.
DBU will repair. 1
year
Fasteners
popping through. DBU will
repair. 1 year
FOUNDATION:
FLOOR SLAB;
Serious cracks and/or deterioration in the foundation floor slabs
that cause the home to be unsafe or uninhabitable.
DBU will repair cracks and repair the finished floor.
10 years
FOOTINGS &
WALLS;
Serious cracks and/or deterioration in the foundation footings or
foundation walls that cause the home to be unsafe or uninhabitable.
DBU will make the necessary repairs and/or replacement to the
structural elements and related damage.
10 years
FRAMING:
BEARING WALLS &
BRACES; Deterioration of the
bearing walls and/or braces that cause the home to be unsafe or
uninhabitable. DBU will make
the necessary repairs and/or replacement to the structural elements and
related damage. 10 years
FLOOR
& ROOF SHEATHING;
Deterioration of floor and/or roof sheathing that caused the home to be
unsafe or uninhabitable. DBU
will make the necessary repairs and/or replacement to the structural
elements and related damage.
10 years
STRUCTURAL
FASTENERS; Failure of
structural fasteners associated with the structural elements of the home
that cause the home to be unsafe or uninhabitable.
DBU will make the necessary repairs and/or replacement to the
structural elements and related damage.
10 years
TRUSSES AND/OR
JOISTS; Deterioration of
floor trusses or joists and/or roof trusses or joists that cause the
home to be unsafe or uninhabitable.
DBU will make the necessary repairs and/or replacement to the
structural elements and related damage.
10 years
VENTS;
Leaking through vents or louvers.
DBU will correct if there are problems with the vents or louvers,
but not if the leak is from wind-driven rain.
2 years
WALLS/FLOORS;
Crowns in walls or floors exceeding 3/8" in 8' length.
DBU will correct the problem.
1 year
Delaminating or
deterioration of sub-flooring.
DBU will repair or replace faulty material.
Depression
in walls or floors exceeding 3/16"' in 3' length and level within 1/2"
in 12' length. DBU will
correct the problem. 1 year
The
floor squeaks. DBU will take
corrective action to eliminate loose flooring and minimize squeaks on a
one-time basis. The absence
of squeaks cannot be guaranteed.
1 year
Wall
is out of plumb over 1/4" in an 8' vertical measurement.
DBU will correct the problem.
1 year
WINDOWS;
Condensation.
Condensation on interior window surfaces is the result of extreme
temperature differences and high levels of humidity inside the home.
No action is required.
N/A
Defects,
including stress, cracks or failed seals in insulated windows.
DBU will replace defective glass.
Manufacturer's warranty will apply.
2 years
Scratches.
Observable at 15' (mirrors at 3') at walk-through.
N/A
Excessive
air infiltration. Some
infiltration around windows is normal especially during height winds.
DBU will take necessary corrective action by adjusting windows or
weather-stripping. 2 years
Fail
to operate properly. DBU
will correct or repair on a one-time basis.
1 year
INSULATION:
INFILTRATION;
Insufficient insulation.
Insulation will be installed in accordance with applicable energy
and building codes. 2 years
INTERIOR:
CERAMIC TILE;
Cracks in grout. DBU
will repair one time. 1 year
Tile
cracks or loosens. DBU will
repair. 1 year
Grout
discoloration and variation are normal.
DOORS;
Door is loose or rattles at latch.
DBU will repair one time.
1 year
Door rubs on
jamb. DBU will repair one
time. 1 year
Split in door
panel DBU will fill split
and finish to match as close as possible.
1 year
Delaminating
of doorframe. Manufacturer's
warranty will apply. N/A
Warping
exceeds 1/4" vertically or horizontally.
DBU will replace one time.
1 year
Door is loose
or rattles at latch. DBU
will repair one time. 1 year
WALL
COVERING; Edges mismatched.
DBU will repair. 1
year
Nails popping
through wall covering. DBU
will repair one time. 1 year
Open
seams. DBU will repair one
time. 1 year
Peeling
of wall covering. DBU will
repair one time. 1 year
MASONRY
(BRICK):
EXTERIOR
FINISH; Cracks 1/8" or greater.
DBU will repair cracks 1/8" or greater by refinishing joints.
2 years
Efflorescence
on masonry walls. DBU will
evaluate. Lake Havasu City
has excessive minerals in the sand, ground and water, which affect the
finish of all concrete surfaces.
1 year
Moisture
entering homes through masonry.
DBU will correct. 2
years
MECHANICAL:
ELECTRICAL;
Circuit breakers trip excessively.
DBU will correct. 2
years
Malfunction of
outlets, switches or fixtures.
DBU will correct. 2
years
HEATING
& COOLING; Condensation
lines clog up. DBU will
correct. 2 years
Ductwork
separates. DBU will correct.
2 years
Leak
in refrigerant lines. DBU
will correct. 2 years
Not
heating (cooling) properly.
DBU will take corrective action, if ASHRAE standards are not met.
2 years
Settling
of exterior HVAC unit. DBU
will correct excessive settling of 2" or more on a one-time basis.
2 years
PLUMBING;
Cracks or chips in plumbing fixtures.
DBU is not responsible unless condition is noted on the final
walk-through. N/A
Defective
plumbing, fixtures, fittings or appliances.
DBU will repair or replace.
2 years
Faulty
water supply system. DBU
will make necessary corrections to improperly installed water supply
systems, but cannot be held responsible for conditions beyond their
control, such as municipal system problems and the minerals in Lake
Havasu City water. 2 years
Freezing
and bursting of plumbing pipes.
DBU will make necessary corrections to assure that interior
plumbing pipes are adequately protected against normal anticipated cold
weather. Homeowner must
protect exterior faucets and lines.
Occasionally, it does freeze in Lake Havasu.
2 years
Leakage from
any piping (not including condensation).
DBU will make necessary repairs in any soil, waste, vent or water
pipe. 2 years
Leaky faucets.
DBU will repair as necessary.
2 years
Noisy water
pipes (e.g., water hammer).
DBU will correct as necessary.
2 years
Septic system
fails to operate properly.
Soil saturation, underground springs, water run-off, excessive use and
increase in the water table are among the causes not covered by this
warranty. DBU will repair or
replace faulty workmanship and materials and conform with the Mohave
County instructions as per design and installation only.
2 years
Stopped-up
sewer, fixtures or drains.
DBU will assume responsibility for clogged sewers, fixtures and drains
only where defective construction or workmanship caused the
problem and can be clearly verified on final walk-through.
2 years
PAINTING
& CAULKING:
EXTERIOR;
Separation or deterioration of caulking.
DBU will repair one time.
1 year
Excessive
fading or uneven fading on a wall surface in Lake Havasu City sun.
DBU will correct, matching colors as closely as reasonable.
1 year
Flaking
or scaling of painted surfaces.
DBU will correct. 2
years
Mildew
appears on painted surfaces.
Fungus must be cleaned when detected by homeowner as a maintenance item.
No action is required.
N/A
INTERIOR;
Excessive or differential fading of painted surfaces.
DBU will repair matching color as closely as reasonable.
1 year
Scaling
or flaking of painted surfaces.
DBU will repair. 2
years
Cracking or
deterioration of caulking.
DBU will repair on a one-time basis.
1 year
ROOFING:
EXTERIOR;
Roof and roof flashing leaks.
DBU will make necessary repairs.
2 years
Shingles
blow off roof. DBU will
reseal or replace unless caused by wind velocities exceeding
manufacturers tolerances. 2
years
Uneven shading
of roof shingles. Shade
variation in shingles is normal.
No action is required.
N/A
SURFACE;
Sun damage. Repair
and resealing of surfaces exposed to Lake Havasu City's intense sun is
the responsibility of homeowner.
N/A
SHEET
METAL:
GUTTERS;
Gutters do not drain (not normally used in Lake Havasu City).
DBU will assure adequate fall to limit standing water depth to
1/2". Homeowner will be
responsible for keeping gutters clean.
Leaking
gutters. DBU will correct as
necessary. 2 years
Color
fading. None.
This is to be expected with metal awnings.
N/A
SITE
WORK:
ASPHALT
DRIVEWAYS; Indentations or
depressions caused by settlement that retain water in excess of 1/2"
deep. DBU will repair.
1 year
Cracks
1/8" in width. DBU will
repair. 1 year
DRAINAGE;
Improper drainage of the site; standing or ponding water in the
yard beyond a 24-hour period (48 hours on swales).
DBU will re-grade yard or swales in 1st year if proper grades
were not established initially.
Homeowner is responsible for maintaining drainage of lot.
No grading determination can be made during frost conditions.
1 year
GRADING;
Settlement of soil exceeding 6" in depth.
DBU will fill affected areas on a one-time basis, reinstalling
displaced plant material only if originally installed by DBU.
1 year
LANDSCAPING;
Trees, shrubs, and grass die after move-in.
DBU does not assume responsibility for any landscaping.
N/A
APPENDICES
HUD ADDENDUM
(Applicable to FHA/VA Financed Homes Only):
The
following language is added to Section II.A:
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary herein contained, during the first year of
coverage, DBU will correct problems with, or restore the reliable
function of appliances and equipment damaged during installation or
improperly installed by DBU.
In addition, DBU will correct Construction Deficiencies in workmanship
and materials resulting from the failure of the home to comply with
standards of quality as measured by acceptable trade practices.
"Construction Deficiencies" are defects (not of a structural
nature) in the home that are attributable to poor workmanship or to the
use of inferior materials that result in the impaired functioning of the
home or some part thereof.
Defects resulting from abuse by you or someone else or from normal wear
and tear are not considered Construction Deficiencies.
Buyer may ask for a review and resolution of a disputed claim by
HUD prior to engaging in arbitration.
Where
a covered defect is determined to exist and where DBU elects to pay the
reasonable cost of repair or replacement in lieu of making such repair
or replacement, the cash offer must be in writing and you will be given
two (2) weeks to respond.
Cash offers more than $5,000 are subject to an on-site review by a
HUD-approved fee inspector (inspection costs to be paid by DBU, as
appropriate) unless:
(a)
The cash offer is made pursuant to a binding bid by an
independent third party contractor that will accept an award of a
contract from you pursuant to such bid:
(b)
Payment is being made in settlement of legal action; or
(c)
You are represented by legal counsel.
The effective
date will be the date on which closing or settlement occurs in
connection with the initial sale of the home.
In no event will the effective date be later than the date of FHA
endorsement of your mortgage on the home.
The
following sections are amended as indicated and will apply to al new
homes constructed by DBU, for which footer concrete has been placed or
poured after 1990.
Section
II.A
YEAR
ONE COVERAGE:
Commencing on
the effective date of warranty and subject to the terms and conditions
listed herein. DBU warrants
that for a period of one year your home will be free from defects due to
nonconformity with the warranty standards set forth in Section IV of
this warranty. With respect
to fixtures, appliances and items of equipment, the warranty is for one
year; except for those fixtures, appliances and items of equipment
relating to the heating, cooling, electrical or mechanical systems that
will be covered for two (2) years.
YEARS ONE AND
TWO COVERAGES:
Commencing on
the effective date of warranty and subject to the terms and conditions
listed herein, DBU warrants that for a period of two years, your home
will have no major Structural Defects (as defined by Section II of this
warranty) and that the cooling, heating, ventilating, electrical and
plumbing systems will be free from defects due to nonconformity with the
warranty standards et forth in Section IV of this warranty.
Actions
taken to cure defects will not extend the periods of coverage specified
in this warranty provided that DBU does not attempt to conceal or
cosmetically repair the defect in effecting a cure.
When DBU
finishes repairing or replacing a defective item, you must sign and
deliver to DBU a full and unconditional release of all legal obligations
with respect to the defect.
If the subcontractor fulfills such obligations for DBU, you must sign
and deliver to DBU, a full and unconditional release of all legal
obligations of DBU with respect to the defect when the subcontractor
finishes repairing or replacing a defective item or prior to the
subcontractor paying you the reasonable cost of doing so.
This release is binding provided that DBU (or the subcontractor
or its agents) does not attempt to conceal or cosmetically repair the
defect in effecting a cure.
Section
II.B.15
Exclusions
include all consequential damages including but not limited to costs of
transportation, food, moving, storage, or other incidental expenses
related to relocation during repairs.
DBU's responsibility will include actual reasonable shelter
expenses during repairs. In
order for the dispute settler to award shelter expenses, a determination
must be made that the repair activity renders the house unsafe or
uninhabitable during the term of the repair.
Consequential damages to real property because of a defect or
repair of a defect are covered.
Section III.A
If
performance by DBU or any of the respective obligations under this
Agreement is delayed by an event not resulting from their own conduct,
such performance will be excused until the delaying effects of the event
are remedied. Such events
include acts of God or the common enemy, war, riot, civil commotion or
sovereign conduct.
THANK YOU!
Dr. Bill Ullery
DBU Homes
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