New Home Warranty in Oregon
What does your new home warranty actually cover? How long does it last? And what happens if your builder refuses to make repairs? Here's what Oregon homeowners and new buyers need to know.
Before buying or closing — verify your builder holds an active CCB license.
What is a new home warranty?
A new home warranty (also called a new construction home warranty or new home builder warranty) is a promise from the builder that defects discovered after closing will be repaired at no cost to the buyer. These warranties are separate from homeowner's insurance, which covers damage from events like fire or storms — builder warranties cover defects in how the home was designed and built.
In Oregon, all residential builders must hold a valid CCB license. Hiring a licensed builder is the foundational protection — it gives you access to the CCB's complaint and mediation process if something goes wrong. Verify any builder's license before signing a purchase agreement.
What is the typical warranty on a new house?
New home warranties are typically structured in three coverage tiers. While Oregon does not mandate specific durations through a single new home warranty statute, these are the standards most Oregon builders follow — and what buyers should expect:
| Coverage tier | What it covers | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Workmanship | Materials and installation quality — paint, trim, drywall, flooring, fixtures | 1 year |
| Mechanical systems | Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, water heater | 2 years |
| Structural | Foundation, load-bearing walls, roof framing, structural integrity | 10 years |
Some builders use third-party new home warranty insurance companies (such as 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty or similar providers) to back their structural warranty. This is typically a positive sign — it means a financially stable third party is responsible for structural defect claims even if the builder goes out of business.
What the 10-year structural warranty covers
The 10-year structural warranty is the most valuable tier of new construction coverage. Structural defect repairs are extremely expensive — foundation failures, roof structure failures, and load-bearing wall problems can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more.
Structural defects covered typically include:
- Foundation settling, cracking, or heaving beyond normal tolerances
- Roof framing failures (not the roofing material itself, which is a workmanship item)
- Load-bearing wall failures
- Floor system failures (not surface flooring)
What structural warranties typically do not cover:
- Normal settling and shrinkage
- Owner modifications or additions
- Damage from events covered by homeowner's insurance (storms, floods, fire)
- Lack of maintenance by the owner
New home warranty inspection
One of the most effective ways to maximize your warranty coverage is to schedule a new home warranty inspection — also called a builder's warranty inspection — before the 1-year workmanship warranty expires. A licensed home inspector will systematically review the entire home and document any defects that may qualify for warranty repair.
Oregon has a separate Oregon Certified Home Inspector (OCHI) license category. When hiring an inspector for a warranty review, verify they hold an active OCHI license. Schedule the inspection at 10-11 months after closing — giving you time to submit warranty claims before the 12-month deadline.
What to do if your builder won't honor the warranty
Document the defect thoroughly
Photograph and video the defect from multiple angles. Note when you first observed it and whether it has worsened. Keep all written communications with your builder about the issue.
Submit a written warranty claim
Make your warranty claim in writing — email or certified mail — and specify a reasonable repair timeline. Keep copies of everything. A proper written record is essential if you need to escalate the dispute.
File a CCB complaint
If the builder refuses to respond or make repairs, file a complaint with the Oregon CCB. The CCB can mediate construction defect disputes with licensed builders. Filing deadlines apply — do not delay. The Pre-Complaint Notice must be sent via certified mail 30 days before filing the formal complaint.
Consider a construction defect attorney
For significant structural defects, an Oregon construction defect attorney can advise on claims under Oregon's construction defect statute (ORS 701.560), warranty rights, and potential litigation. Oregon requires a pre-litigation notice and opportunity to repair process before a homeowner can sue for construction defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: February 2026. Information sourced from the Oregon CCB Consumer Tools page. Not legal advice.
Verify Your Builder
All Oregon residential builders must hold a valid CCB license. Verify before you sign a purchase agreement.
Search CCB LicensesWarranty Coverage Summary
- 1 yr Workmanship: paint, trim, flooring, fixtures
- 2 yr Mechanical: plumbing, electrical, HVAC
- 10 yr Structural: foundation, framing, load-bearing walls
Related Guides
Find Home Inspectors
Schedule your 11-month warranty inspection with an Oregon certified home inspector.
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