Repair costs for systems and appliances for your condo or townhome can put a dent in your budget, especially if an item has to be replaced.
But here's the thing:
For a small monthly fee, you can have a home warranty policy that protects your most substantial investment ā your home.
In this post we will evaluate the best home warranty companies for a condo.
Liberty Home Guard | Best Home Warranty Company
Liberty Home Guard has the most extensive list of add-ons in the market. This includes rarely covered items such as gutter cleaning. This fact alone makes them Our #1 Pick.
We will also cover how a warranty would work for your townhouse, how much a condo home warranty costs and discuss who actually needs a home warranty.
More Of The Best Home Warranty Companies For A Condo Below...
American Home Shield (AHS)
Best For HVAC
American Home Shield is the pioneer of this industry and has some of the best HVAC coverage making them our #2 pick.
Select Home Warranty
Best For Roof Coverage
Select Home Warranty has some of the best roof coverage is our #3 pick when it comes to home warranty plans.
First American Home Warranty
Best For Appliance Only Coverage
First American Home Warranty saves its customers an average of $180 million per year, and is our #2 Pick for best home warranty.
America's First Choice Home Club
Best For Using Any Contractor
Americaās First Choice Home Club is our #4 pick because they allow you to choose your own contractor, and, the repairs are guaranteed.
What Is A Home Warranty?
A home warranty is a contract that covers the repair or replacement cost of any malfunctioning system or appliance that youāve purchased coverage for.
Home warranties are distinct from homeownerās insurance because insurance protects your investment from damages due to fires, floods, wind, and other disasters.
A warranty, on the other hand, repairs items that break or malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
Who Needs A Home Warranty?
Any homeowner can benefit from a home warranty policy. It protects you from unexpected and costly repairs in your home.
For example, if your air conditioner or water heater malfunctions, it can cost hundreds of dollars (or thousands) to repair or replace it.
If you have a home warranty, then your only expense is the service fee for the technician to come to your home.
According to Darren Robertson from Northern Virginia Home Pro, condos or homes that come with warranties usually sell quicker and for more than those without, too.
This service fee is pre-negotiated in your contract and ranges from about $75 to $120. Think of it like an insurance deductible.
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How Does A Home Warranty Work For A Condo?
Home warranties for condos work similarly to warranties for detached houses, but there is a notable exception.
Even the best home warranty for a condo is going to exclude coverage on any shared systems. For example, depending on the community, common systems can include:
Is There Anything A Home Warranty Won't Cover For My Condo?
If any appliance or system is shared between you and another homeowner, then, unfortunately, it canāt be covered with a home warranty policy. The good news is that the condoās Homeowners Association is typically responsible for the repair or replacement of common elements.
If one of your covered appliances or systems breaks, then you would submit a claim to your warranty company. The company would then reach out to a contractor in its network to schedule an appointment with you to evaluate the situation.
Based on the technicianās assessment, your appliance or system could be repaired or replaced. Your only financial obligation is the cost of the visit from the technician, which is predetermined by your home warranty policy.
HOME WARRANTIES WHERE YOU LIVE
Home warranties by state.
Keep your house ā and everything in it protected.
Home warranties protect your home and appliances while safeguarding your budget against unexpected expenses. Click on your state today to find out more.
How Much Is A Home Warranty For A Condo?
The cost of a home warranty for a condo varies depending on your geographic location and what you need coverage for. Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $600 or more annually.
How Does A Home Warranty Work For A Townhome?
Townhomes are very similar to condos, and the terms are often used interchangeably.
The key difference is that townhomes are usually two levels (while a condo can be one or two levels), and one or two walls can be connected to your neighbors.
Townhomes are typically rented, and in that case, the renter would not purchase a home warranty policy.
Instead, the owner or property manager would be responsible for the repairs.
If you do own a townhome, then the home warranty coverage would work the same way as it does for condos.
How Much Is A Home Warranty For A Townhome?
The price for a policy will vary, though it can be cheaper than a standalone, detached home since it doesnāt cover repairs for appliances and systems that are shared with another townhome. Just like a condo, expect to find policies ranging from $300 to $600 or more annually.
Taking Action
If you need a home warranty for your condo or town home it's time to take action. We have done the research and laid out the best companies available in the market. Home warranties are an essential part of buying a home.
Even financial experts recommend setting aside 1% of the value of your home for repairs and replacements of systems and appliances.
If you are a new homeowner, you might not have this cash set aside. Given that home warranties start at under $1 a day, having a policy is a smart decision.