In new construction, when does the homeowner's warranty start?

The homeowner's warranty in new construction typically starts after the building official issues the Certificate of Occupancy and the homeowner takes possession of the property. This is because the Certificate of Occupancy signifies that the construction has been completed to meet applicable codes and standards, making the property fit for occupancy. When the owner takes possession, it marks the point at which the homeowner begins to utilize the building as intended, thus initiating the warranty period during which the builder is responsible for addressing any defects or issues that may arise related to the workmanship or materials used.

The other scenarios listed do not establish the same clear point where liability and coverage begin under the warranty. For example, occupancy alone without the Certificate of Occupancy may not guarantee that all safety and building code requirements have been met, which is why the warranty does not begin until the official approval has been granted. Similarly, listing the property for sale or receiving a Work Completed Certificate does not indicate that the homeowner is occupying the property or that a completed construction project is fully compliant, further validating the significance of the Certificate of Occupancy as the starting point for the homeowner's warranty.