Warranty Request: Liberty Homes Utah

Caulking:

All new homes go through a period of settlement, so your home may experience some minor material shrinkage, cracking, and other events which are normal and customary. During the orientation, we confirm that appropriate areas are adequately caulked. Maintenance of caulked areas is your responsibility.

Concrete:

• Cracking: If there is one fact that homeowners need to know about concrete, it is that concrete cracks. The concrete at your home was poured using control joints. These are grooves in large slabs of concrete that help the concrete crack along predetermined, appropriate spaces. Cracks in these control joints are expected and acceptable. There is no guarantee that the concrete will not crack beyond or outside of the control joint though. Concrete cracking will NOT be covered under warranty.
   
• Color: Concrete slabs vary in color. Liberty Homes provides no correction for this condition.
   
• Edge Chipping: Edge chipping due to expansion and contraction of concrete flat work or the supporting soils is not covered under this warranty.
   
• Porch Caps: Water leakage into porch storage rooms from porch caps is not unusual and is not covered by warranty.
   
• Sealing: To help prolong the life of your concrete, applying a sealant is recommended. Liberty Homes seals your concrete during the building process. This sealer lasts for about 5 years, so you will need to reapply a sealer after that and continue to reapply based on your product choice's recommendation.
   
• Spalling (Surface Chips): Causes of spalling include repeated hosing of concrete for cleaning, animal urine, radiator overflow, fertilizer, uncleared snow and ice, ice-melting agents, and road salts from vehicles. Repair of spalling is a home maintenance task and not covered under this warranty.

Decks:

• Composite Decking Materials (deck and skirt): Covered by manufacturer's warranties. For warranty questions, contact the manufacturer directly.
   
• Wood Posts: Exposed wood posts are constructed to meet structural and functional design. During the orientation, we will confirm that the wood posts are in satisfactory condition. Sealing wood is your responsibility. Shrinkage, cracking, splitting, cupping, and twisting are natural occurrences in wood products and are excluded from limited warranty coverage. Liberty Homes does not provide corrections when problems occur due to lack of normal homeowner maintenance, including but not limited to failing to seal wood.
  

Doors/Hardware:

Knowing what sort of doors your home has will help you know how to maintain them. Steel and fiberglass doors are very resistant to fading and warping.

• Cosmetic Damage: During the orientation, Liberty Homes confirmed all doors, thresholds, and hardware are in acceptable conditions and correctly adjusted. Liberty Homes will repair damage to doors or hardware noted on teh Home Owner Orientation Inspection form, and those will be signed off as completed on the form. There is no warranty for cosmetic damage after closing -- you are responsible for such repairs.
   
• Failure to Latch: If a door will not latch because of minor settling, you can correct this by raising or lowering the strike plate. Liberty Homes will adjust this one time during the warranty period.
   
• Sticking: The most common cause of a sticking door is the natural expansion of lumber caused by changes in humidity. If your door sticks when it is damp, wait until the weather changes. If that fixes the problem, do nothing. If the door continues to stick, verify the strike plate is correctly positioned and not interfering with door operation. You can also try tightening hinges. If none of these fix the problem, you may need to sand (plane) the door, but you should talk to a qualified professional before doing so.
   
• Threshold/Weather Stripping: Weather stripping and exterior door thresholds occasionally require adjustment or replacement. This is a homeowner maintenance item. To adjust, remove the cap plugs on top of the cap, adjust the screws to the desired cap height, then replace the cap plugs.

Electrical:

No Electrical Service Anywhere in the Home
Before calling for service or submitting a warranty request, check to confirm the following:

• Service is not out in the entire area. If it is, contact the utility company. 
• Main breaker and individual breakers are all in the on position.

No Electrical Service to One or More Outlets
Before calling for service or submitting a warranty request, check to confirm the following:

• Main breaker and individual breakers are all in the on position. 
• Applicable wall switch is on. 
• The GFCI is set. Reset any tripped GFCI’s and try the outlet/switch again. If a GFCI trips, it may cause other outlets on the same electrical line to no longer have power as well. If you lose power on a non-GFCI outlet in the same room as a GFCI outlet, check to see if the GFCI has tripped, reset it if needed, then check the other outlet for power. Outdoor outlets are typically on the same electrical line as GFCI's in the basement or garage, so check those if you do not have power to an outdoor outlet. 
• Item you want to use is plugged in. 
• Item you want to use works in other outlets. 
• Light bulb in the lamp is good.

Breaker Frequently Trips
If you experience a breaker tripping frequently, unplug all items connected to it. If it trips when nothing is connected to it, you need service. If the circuit remains on, you have either overloaded the circuit and need to plug in fewer devices or one of the items you unplugged is defective and will require repair or replacement. You can plug items in one at a time to see if any trip the breaker. If an item trips the breaker on its own, that item likely is defective.
 

Fixture Locations
We install light fixtures in the locations indicated on the plans, and locations are confirmed at your 4-way walk. After the 4-way walk, fixture locations are considered final by Liberty Homes, and fixtures will be installed at those locations only. Moving fixtures to accommodate specific furniture arrantements or room use is your responsibility.
 

GFCI Outlets
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are used in areas near water or where individuals can come in contact with water because they will automatically cut the power to that location if it senses fluctuations in power caused by various effects, including if an electrical appliance plugged into it is dropped into water. You can tell which ones are GFCI because they will have a test and reset button in the middle. Heavy appliances such as freezers or power tools can trip the GFCI breaker. Never plug refrigerators and freezers into a GFCI-controlled outlet. This includes the outlets in your garage. Liberty Homes is not responsible for food spoilage from plugging refrigerators or freezers into a GFCI outlet.
 

Modifications
Any warranty otherwise provided for electrical is voided upon person(s) changing, modifying, adding to, or tampering with the house electrical system in any way. For example, basement additions which "tie-in" to existing house wiring void the electrical portion of this warranty. The warranty also does not cover any fixture that has been modified or was not installed by Liberty Homes and in the home when it closed.

Flooring:

• Carpet tack strips: Carpet is installed using a tack strip along the perimeter. This is the industry standard and is necessary to keep the carpet in place. If you would like to bend these edges down for children or pets in traffic areas, you may lightly tap them down. Keep in mind, this may void your warranty if it needs to be pulled up to restretch, etc. as it may cause the carpet to tear in those areas.
   
• Cosmetic Defects: During the orientation Liberty Homes will confirm that all flooring materials are in acceptable condition. We will correct any readily noticeable cosmetic defects listed on the Home Owner Orientation Inspection form. Any subsequent defects, including but not limited to stains, tears, and scratches, are your responsibility.
   
• Color Matching: If a flooring repair is necessary, exact color match may not be available. Liberty Homes will make every effort to match product, but due to dye lot differences, a perfect match will not be guaranteed.
   
• Exposure to Light and Heat: Heat and light can affect all types of flooring in a home, including fading, discoloring, swelling, warping, delaminating, separating, and causing peaking at edges. Damage caused by heat and sunlight is not covered by warranty. To prevent such damage, install curtains or blinds on windows and keep them closed during times when extreme sunlight hits the floor. Never put anything extremely hot or capable of becoming extremely hot on your flooring.
   
• Modifications and Wear and Tear: Any modification made to flooring (including, but not limited to, carpet being pulled up by someone other than the original installers to install wires, stretch it, or fix a floro squeak) will void your warranty. Wear and tear, incluing dragging heavy objects over flooring or uisng roller chairs or furniture directly on flooring, may void warranty.
   
• Movement: EVP/LVP floors may be installed using a "floating" installation method and not glued directly to the subfloor. Because they are not tacked down, the floor may flex/move a little and may have a slightly amplified sound from foot traffic. This is normal and not covered by warranty. If you are unsure if the movement and sound is normal, submit a warranty request for review.
   
• Squeaks: As your home goes through the settling and drying out process, floor squeaks may become noticeable. A totally squeak-proof floor cannot be guaranteed and Liberty Homes does not warrant against floor squeaks, but Liberty Homes will attempt to reduce squeaking within reasonable repair capability without removing floor or ceiling finishes. If previously unfinished areas, such as basement below flooring, have been finished, repairs may no longer be possible due to access being restricted by drywall and other finishes.
   
• Water Damage: Excessive water on EVP/LVP, vinyl, and other such flooring causes swelling, warping, delamination, and joint separation. Never wet-mop, damp-mop, steam-clean, or direct spray moister (i.e. wet spary Swiffer) on EVP/LVP flooring. Remove spills off all flooring promptly and protect flooring for water around pet dishes, dishwashers, and refrigerators.

Foundation:

• Cosmetic imperfections: Slight cosmetic imperfections in foundation walls, such as a visible seam where two pours meet or slight honeycombing (aggregate visible), are possible and require no repair unless they permit water to enter.
   
• Cracking: Shrinkage or backfill cracks are not unusual in foundation walls, especially at the corners of basement windows. Cracks that exceed 1/8 inch in width or permit water to enter will be inspected by Liberty Homes to determine possible causes and if they qualify to be sealed by Liberty Homes.
   
• Dampness: Due to the amount of water in concrete, basements may be damp. Condensation can form on water lines and drip onto the floor and can form on Visqueen plastic if it is used to hold basement insulation onto the walls. This is normal and non-warrantable.
   
• Foundation Plaster: Foundation plastering is a cosmetic application that is subject to weather and irrigation damage and is not covered under this warranty.
   
• Leaks: Liberty Homes will correct conditions that permit water to enter the basement, provided you have complied with the drainage, landscaping, and maintenance guidelines.

Garage Door:

As a homeowner, you should maintain your garage door so that problems will be less likely to arise.

• Oil the moving parts of garage doors every 3 months.
• Make sure the door is in alignment. If out of alignment, tighten the bolts on the wheels that run on the overhead track.
• Keep objects away from the electric safety eye and make sure the electric eye is in alignment.

Appearance: Liberty Homes confirms your garage door is in good condition during your orientation. This includes not only mechanical operation but the appearance, including paint and the exclusion of dents, dings, and other flaws. Liberty Homes will repair any flaws in appearance that are noted on the Home Owner Orientation Inspection form, and such repairs will be signed off on the form. Any subsequent flaws are your responsibility.

Electric Eye: It is your responsibility to keep objects away from the electric safety eye. Adjustments are your responsibility if they are bumped out of alignment.

Sag: The garage door may sag slightly due to its weight and span.

Grading and Drainage:

The final grade around your home has been inspected and approved for proper drainage of your lot by local building officials as well as Liberty Homes. Maintaining the grading of the land around your home is your responsibility and is very important for keeping your house structurally sound. If you alter the drainage pattern after closing or if changes in drainage occur due to lack of maintenance, landscaping installed too close to your home, and/or failure to maintain downspouts and other drain systems properly, all warranty coverage is void. Liberty Homes is not responsible for any damage caused by drainage problems created by modifying the grade, landscaping installed too close to your home, and failure to maintain proper drainage.

• Drainage: The grade should slope away from your house at least 1/4-inch for every foot. This allows water to drain away from your home and prevents water from pooling near your foundation where it can cause damage. Your home already has this grading, but if you choose to re-landscape or hire someone to do so, make sure that the grading does not change. Creating a slope towards your house, a flat slope, or a flat area can redirect rainwater into your foundation. If you modify the grade and have problems with drainage, any damage will not be covered by a warranty.
   
• Erosion: If you leave bare soil without landscaping or ground cover, it erodes and changes the grade. Correcting erosion is your responsibility.
   
• Landscaping/Adding Fences/Other Additions to Your Home: Use care when making changes to landscaping, fencing, or other additions to your home to prevent water problems on your property or adjacent properties. If your modifications cause damage to a neighboring home, you may be responsible for those damages.
   
• Settling: The area we excavated for your home’s foundation was larger than the home to allow space to work. In addition, some trenching is necessary for installation of utility lines. Although we replaced and compacted the soil, following approved construction procedures, it does not return to its original density. Some settling will occur, especially after prolonged or heavy rainfall or melting of large amounts of snow. Settling can continue for several years. Inspect the perimeter of your home regularly for signs of settling and fill settled areas as needed to maintain positive drainage. Maintenance of the grade around your home is your responsibility.

Gutters and Downspouts:

Gutters are very important because they help you control water drainage and move it away from your home. Maintenance of your gutters involves regular cleanings, especially after severe winds. Gutters clogged with leaves and mud can rot and rust.

• Extensions: Liberty Homes installed downspout extensions on your gutter system to prevent water from pooling at your foundation. Keep these maintained and in place at all times so water drains away from your home quickly. Extensions should discharge outside of rock or bark beds so that water is not dammed behind edging materials that might be used. Where the extension terminates at finished landscape locations, such as in lawn areas, keep the grass trimmed away from the pop-up emitter to allow the unit to drain and function as intended.

HVAC:

Emergency Service: If you have a total loss of heat and the ouside temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or a total loss of air conditioning and the outside temperature exceeds 95 degrees, this qualifes for emergency service. Contact the HVAC company listed in your Homeowner Information and Warranties Handbook/on the sticker under your sink to schedule an emergency appointment. DO NOT call them for non-emergency service -- you must submit that online here. If you call in what is determined to be a non-emergency, you may be charged an emergency service call fee.
 

Troubleshooting Tips: Before submitting a warranty request or calling for service, please check the following. Even if these do not resolve the problem, checking them first can be useful to the service provider and help them resolve your issue quicker.

• Check your thermostat settings:
  Air Conditioning: Is the thermostat set to cool and the temperature is set below the room temperature? Also, if you are using a programmable thermostat, make sure the temperature has not been held at a higher temperature, which will override any programming.
  Heating: Is the thermostat set to heat and the temperature is set above the room temperature? Also, if you are using a programmable thermostat, make sure the temperature has not been held at a higher temperature, which will override any programming.
   
• Check your filter: If the HVAC system is "short cycling" (running for short periods, shutting off briefly, turning back on, running for a short period, shutting off briefly, etc.) or air is blowing in cooling mode but it is not cold, this is usually caused by a dirty filter that needs to be replaced. Check the filter and replace if dirty. We also have a YouTube video (on this page) that easily explains how to do this as well.
   
• Check the blower panel: This panel compresses a button that tells the blower it is safe to operate (similar to a dryer’s door). If the panel is not properly installed and the button is not pushed in, the HVAC unit will not operate.
   
• Check the breakers: If the breaker for the HVAC system has tripped, flip it to the off position, then flip it back on.
   
• Check your HVAC system switches Make sure the switch on the side of the HVAC unit is on. If you are having troubles with air conditioning, also check the 220 switch on the outside wall near the air conditioner.
   
• Check your vents: Make sure the vents in individual rooms are open.
   
• Check air returns: Make sure none are obstructed.
   
• Check for frozen air conditioner: Dirty filters can also cause your air conditioner to freeze up. If this happens, you will need to shut it off and allow the system to thaw out before trying to use it again. (Note: Damage caused to a system that freezes due to dirty air filters is not covered by warranty.)

Landscaping:

• Natural Areas: During construction, we remove construction debris from natural areas. Removing dead wood, tree limbs, fallen trees, rocks, or other natural items is your responsibility. The soil in your area may have stones and rocks. Removing these naturally occurring elements is a homeowner maintenance activity.
   
• Plants, Sod, and Trees: Liberty Homes will confirm the healthy condition of all plant materials during the orientation, as well as the condition of the sprinkler system. Maintaining landscaping is your responsibility. Neglect will void the warranty. Plants, sod, and trees are warranted for 30 days from date of closing or landscape completion, whichever is later.
   
• Watering Systems: Watering systems installed by Liberty Homes are warranted against installation and product defects for one growing season. All adjustments to spray heads after closing are your responsibility.
   
• Weatherization: Remember to weatherize your system each fall before temperatures reach freezing. In addition to winterizing sprinkler systems, don’t forget to disconnect all hoses from faucets before first freeze to prevent broken pipes. Failure to perform this task voids your warranty, and any damage caused by water from broken lines is your responsibility, including damage to neighboring homes and yards.

Plumbing:

Cosmetic Damage: Liberty Homes will correct any fixture damage noted on the Home Owner Orientation Inspection form. Subsequent damage will be your responsibility.

Leaks: Any sort of leak in your plumbing system should be repaired immediately to avoid major damage. If you are within your one-year warranty period, let us know about leaks as soon as possible so they can be repaired. If the leak involves a main line, turn water off at the meter in your home and call the emergency number for the plumber.

Sewer Smell at Laundry Room or Mechanical Room: Floor drains incorporate a P-trap in them to eliminate sewer gases from backing up into your home. The P-trap is designed to use water to block sewer gases, so if the P-trap dries out, this can result in a drain that smells bad. Pour water in the trap every few weeks or when you notice a smell.

Troubleshooting Tips: No Water Anywhere in the Home
Before calling for service, check the following:

• Water service is not shut off in your area.
• Main shut off on the meter inside your home is open.
• Main shut off at the street is open.
• Individual shut-offs for each water-using item is open

Railings:

Regularly check railings for sturdiness and to ensure they are not broken. If your railing is not secured or broken AND you are within your one-year warranty period, contact us for repairs as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the railings and potential injuries to those using it.

During the orientation, Liberty Homes will confirm that all railings are in good condition and repair, stain, or paint any cosmetic deficiencies noted on the Home Owner Orientation Inspection form. Subsequent repairs are your responsibility.

Roof:

• Leaks: If you notice leaking from your roof and are within your one-year warranty period, contact us immediately. Ignoring roof leaks can lead to more extensive and expensive damage to interior ceilings, walls, and framing that may not be covered by warranty. If your roof leaks, Liberty Homes will schedule an inspection to determine possible causes and if leaks fall within the scope of warranty. Roof leaks caused by sever weather, such as heavy winds and hail damage, or some action you have taken, such as walking on the roof, are not covered by warranty.
   
• Shingles: Regularly check your roof for cracked, damaged, or missing shingles and fill out a warranty request if you find any and are within your one-year warranty.

Siding:

Liberty Homes confirms the good condition of the siding during your orientation and repairs any items noted on the Home Owner Orientation form, and those will be signed off as completed on the form. Subsequent damage to the siding will be your responsibility.

• Cracks: If cracks exceed 3/16-inch, Liberty Homes will schedule a site visit to inspect possible causes and determine if cracks qualify for a one-time repair. For cracks Liberty Homes determine warrant repairs, we will caulk and apply touch-up paint to the cracks. Paint or stain touch-up will likely not match due to variations in dye lots and the effects of weather and time on siding. Because this is a one-time repair, Liberty Homes recommends waiting until near the end of the first year to do it.
   
• Drip Edges: There are times when siding boards will not be big enough to cover one area continuously and seams will be present. To protect the home from water getting in that seam and between the siding and home, a drip edge will be installed. This is normal and within industry standards and not warrantable.
   
• Separations: Separations and joints or where siding meets another material if the separation allows water to enter the home or delaminating siding may qualify for warranty repair. In these instances, Liberty Homes will schedule a site visit, but such visit does not guarantee repairs will be done.

Stone:

Exterior walls covered with stone should be regularly checked for problems such as crumbling, missing stones, and mortar that has turned sandy and crumbles. Missing stones and mortar that has deteriorated are best fixed by a professional.

• Cleaning: Do not use high pressure sprayers or acidic cleaning materials, which can damage the stone and/or mortar. Damage caused by cleaning with high pressure sprayers or acidic cleaning materials is not covered by warranty.
   
• Dry Stack Stone: The primary reason stones may fall off a home is due to moisture that infiltrates behind a stone and then freezes. As moisture freezes, it expands, which overpowers the mortar and causes the stone to separate from the home. Though all stones can experience this, it is more common in dry stack styles. Because there is no grout on the outside to hold it in place, dry stack stone is more susceptible to moisture infiltration and the loss of stones due to expansion that occurs when water freezes. Due to the climate variations in Utah, the popping of dry stack stones is a common occurence and does not mean that it was installed improperly. Dry stack stones that fall off during the one-year warranty period will be repaired as outlined below.
   
• Fallen Stones: Liberty Homes will repair stones that have fallen off and mortar deterioration during the one-year warranty period unless it is caused by homeowner's lack of maintenance, negligence, or misuse. The one-year warranty does not include any other damage caused by stones falling off the home. If a stone or stones have fallen off and are still in-tact, please keep them so they may be reattached. If replacement stones are required, Liberty Homes will make every effort to match product but cannot guarantee a perfect match due to uncontrollable factors such as dye lot variations, weathering, and normal wear and tear.
  

Stucco

• Cleaning: When cleaning stucco, do not scrub too hard and if using a pressure washer make sure the pressure level is low and you are at least 24 inches away from the stucco surface. Using too much pressure while scrubbing or rinsing can cause damage to the stucco, including discoloring it or affecting the integrity of the stucco. Discoloration or damage caused by cleaning is not covered by warranty.
   
• Cracks: Stucco should be checked annually for cracks. Being a concrete product, stucco can be expected to crack. Small cracks are typical and should be repaired immediately to prevent larger cracking. A small crack can usually be repaired with a stucco-specific caulking. Larger ones, however, may require patching which may need to be done by a professional.
  
  If a stucco crack exceeds 1/8 of an inch in width and 24 inches in length, Liberty Homes will schedule a site visit to investigate possible causes and if it qualifies for repair. However, this site visit does NOT guarantee stucco will be repaired. That determination will be made solely by Liberty Homes. Keep in mind that most often a patch stands out more than the crack itself. Colors cannot be matched. Stucco is a brittle cement product that is subject to expansion and contraction.
   
• Sealant: To help prolong the life of your stucco, applying a sealant is recommended. Applying a sealant is not included in our warranty service, but we can connect you with a professional if you are interested in adding a sealant to your stucco.

Water Heaters:

Water Heaters are covered by the manufacturer's warranty, so refer to the manufacturer's manual for information regarding coverage of the water heater.

No Hot Water or Lukewarm Water with Traditional Tank Water Heater:
Before calling for service, check to confirm the following:

• Pilot light is lit. Directions can be found on the tank.
• Temperature setting is not on "vacation" or too low.
• Water supply valve is open.
• Exterior vent for water heater flue is not blocked. During heavy snow, it is not uncommon for snow to build up on the exterior vent, which is there to exhaust gases from the water heater to the outdoors. If the vent is blocked, the water heater will shut off as a safety measure to prevent gasses from building up in your home.

No Hot Water or Lukewarm Water with Tankless Water Heater:
Before calling for service, check to confirm the following:

• Temperature setting is not on "vacation" or too low. If you have previously changed the temperature setting and there is a power outage, the water heater will automatically readjust back to the 120-degree factory preset, and you will need to adjust it back to your preferences.
• Water supply valve is open.
• Exterior vent for water heater flue is not blocked. During heavy snow, it is not uncommon for snow to build up on the exterior vent, which is there to exhaust gases from the water heater to the outdoors. If the vent is blocked, the water heater will shut off as a safety measure to prevent gasses from building up in your home.

Window Wells:

• Bulges: Bulges in window wells can happen during the construction process, caused by compacting soil. Window wells are inspected to ensure they are in acceptable condition and within industry standards. Liberty Homes’ limited warranty does not cover window well replacement or repair on wells that have passed inspection. In the extremely rare instance a window well does not pass inspection and cannot be repaired or replaced prior to closing, that will be noted on the Home Owner Orientation form, and only items noted on the form will be repaired or replaced. All other window well repairs are homeowner responsibility.
   
• Covers: Liberty Homes only installs window well covers if required by code. If covers are installed, Liberty Homes confirms they are in good condition during your orientation. Liberty Homes will repair any damage noted on the Home Owner orientation form only. Any subsequent repairs are homeowner responsibility. If you wish to add covers to window wells not required to have one by code, that is your responsibility.
   
• Fill Material: Liberty Homes fills window wells with materials according to code, and it is inspected to ensure compliance. Materials may vary slightly due to availability, including from window well to window well on the same home. Liberty Homes’ limited warranty does not include changing or replacing material.
   
• Ladders: The number of egress ladders and the location(s) are determined by code and are inspected for compliance. Due to this, Liberty Homes cannot and will not move or remove ladders, and you should not move or remove them either. If you wish to have a ladder in a window well where Liberty Homes did not install one, you can add a ladder. Adding ladders is homeowner responsibility.

Other:

Before submitting your request, please review the Homeowner Information and Warranties Handbook (linked on the top right of this page) for warranty and homeowner maintenance information.