As you move into your newly built home, it’s natural to think it is free of issues you may encounter when purchasing a pre-owned property, such as old appliances. While it’s true that your appliances will be new, that doesn’t mean they don’t have hidden problems that can lead to expensive repairs or even replacements during your first year of living in your new abode. While this is incredibly frustrating, it’s better to find a plan now so you’re not left dealing with the financial aftermath after your new HVAC system suddenly fails and needs a $10,000 replacement. Consider the builders’ warranty and the terms of this agreement. Failures like these may fall on the builder, but that doesn’t always mean the builder will take responsibility and pay for a new appliance. This is where extra coverage, like a home warranty, can mean the difference between hundreds or even thousands of dollars out of your pocket or the warranty companies.
Most home warranties cover home systems, like electrical or plumbing, and appliances, like your dishwasher or fridge, so that sudden repairs or necessary replacements aren’t a financial burden for you. In exchange, you pay a much smaller monthly premium and a service fee for each visit. But, are these policies reallly worth it for new homes? They can be, especially if you don’t have robust manufacturer’s warranties in addition to the builders’ warranty. Plus, home warranties offer many unique benefits, including pest control, HVAC maintenance, or carpet cleaning, which can help you save on home maintenance costs and replacements down the line.
I’ve evaluated dozens of home warranty companies to compile this list of the best home warranty companies for new construction so you can weigh your best options. This guide will help you save time reading through long contracts, calling multiple customer service representatives, and sum up both the highlights and criticisms I have of each company — don’t worry, I won’t hold back on criticism. First and foremost, I’m here to help you. Keep reading for my home warranty guide that ranks companies based on plans and coverage, affordability, customer experience, claims process, company reputation, and availability.
Here’s how we ranked and reviewed the nation’s top home warranty companies to bring you the most accurate information.
Our team of experts reviewed over 70 home warranty providers to compare plan options, coverage limits, prices, and customer feedback.
We collected over 100 sample quotes from dozens of home warranty companies to give you an accurate look at industry pricing.
Our rating system scores providers based on 6 key factors: coverage options, affordability, customer experience, reputation, claims processes, and availability.
Read our full Home Warranty Review Methodology for more details.
Top 5 Home Warranty Companies for New Construction
- Unfortunately, builders often cut corners during construction with improper installations or sloppy work. These issues can lead to expensive repairs down the line, especially if they’re not dealt with quickly. While your builder’s warranty may cover structural or material defects, many of them won’t cover major home systems and appliances, which is why a home warranty is still helpful for new homes.
- Look for policies with coverage for correcting building codes, permits, and modifications. Depending on how your builders went about building your home, this can make a huge difference in whether or not your home warranty provider denies claims because they could claim that a home system isn’t covered if the builders made any modifications.
- Home warranty coverage for a new home isn’t different than a home warranty policy for a pre-owned home. It’s all about reading the policy closely before enrolling to ensure the exclusions and coverage caps (the maximum a provider will pay out) are all things you can live with when the time comes to file a claim on your broken-down dishwasher.
My Expert Recommendation
Hands down, my top recommendation is American Home Shield, which has specific benefits and coverage that are perfect for newly constructed homes. AHS covers unknown preexisting conditions that your brand-new appliances and home systems could have. These are almost always excluded from other providers’ policy coverage, making this a huge benefit. Plus, they cover improper installations and modifications and appliances or systems damaged by corrosion or rust, which can significantly impact new homebuyers who weren’t aware that their builders incorrectly installed or modified an appliance.
Home Warranty Companies for New Construction I Didn’t Include
I don’t recommend US Home Guard. This provider has an F rating with the Better Business Bureau, which advises homeowners to be wary of using their services. They have a history of sending out fraudulent mailers, poor customer service, and not canceling home warranty policies when asked — all things that make me far too uncomfortable to recommend this company to anyone.
Compare The Highest Rated Home Warranties for New Construction
| Company | Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Response Time | BBB Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
$50-$60 |
$75 |
12-48 hrs. |
NR |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$35–$75 |
$100–$125 |
24-72 hrs |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$44.99-$58.99 |
$70 |
48 hours |
A+ |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$46–$55 |
$85 |
24-48 hrs. |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$52–$58 |
$75-$85 |
24-48 hrs. |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$38–$62 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$38–$48 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$17–$60+ |
$65–$100 |
2–24 hrs |
A- |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$28–$68 |
$100–$150 |
2–24 hrs |
B |
VISIT SITE |
Quote and cost data gathered January 2024. Cost data are updated and monitored continuously.
Our Reviews of the Best Home Warranties for New Construction
Liberty Home Guard
4.6
Our Rating
Liberty Home Guard offers some of the most unique add-ons and comprehensive plans on the market. I especially recommend their Total Home Guard plan to new-construction homeowners because it covers many items, including built-in microwave ovens, a refrigerator with ice maker and display, and ductwork. Many of these items are covered by other companies but not included in a standard plan, so you’d have to pay extra for the add-on. Plus, Liberty has over 40 add-on options, which allow you to tailor your plan to meet your needs. Whether your new home has a reverse osmosis water filter, a second fridge, or a casita guest unit, Liberty can cover you, so your investment in your new home is protected.
Liberty Home Guard has lower coverage caps of up to $2,000, which is low to average as most companies offer $2,000 to $3,000. Some items receive as little as $500, which may be enough for some repairs, but it’s not enough for most appliance or home system repairs. For example, electrical and plumbing systems only receive $500, which is insufficient for extensive repairs or total replacements, so you’d be left paying for some or even most of the cost out-of-pocket.
Another considerable letdown is that Liberty doesn’t cover preexisting conditions. You may not think this applies to you if you have a newly constructed home, but your appliances may still have preexisting conditions if they were improperly installed or modified by your builders. In this case, you’d be out of luck with your builder’s warranty (which typically only covers structures) and Liberty’s policies because they don’t cover improperly installed items.
Liberty Home Guard offers some of the most extensive and competitive coverage options, especially with their unique add-ons and maintenance add-ons, like pest control, carpet cleaning, window washing, and power washing — all of which can help you keep up with your new home and prevent expensive repairs and replacements down the line. I love that Liberty has such customizable plans because they allow you to choose what kinds of coverage you want and avoid overpaying for items you don’t need coverage on. For example, if you have a newly constructed condo, the Appliance Guard plan is probably your best bet because your HOA covers the most significant systems. However, other new construction homeowners may benefit from the Total Home Guard most because it covers many appliances and home systems. I also love Liberty’s fast claim turnaround time of around 12 hours (which is way faster than most providers who take 24 to 48 hours), as this means you won’t be left waiting around when your garage door opener fails and you can’t access your garage from the outside.
On the other hand, Liberty has lower coverage caps than I’d like to see, although they’ll be sufficient for most repairs, especially if you don’t have premium appliances. If you have premium appliances or want coverage for total replacements, look into Elite Home Warranty or American Home Shield, which offer much higher coverage caps. You’ll also want to read your sample policy closely because Liberty doesn’t cover preexisting conditions, particularly ones due to improper installation or modification, which may impact you since all your home appliances and systems have been recently installed.
Liberty’s Total Home Guard is an excellent “catch-all” plan that covers appliances and systems for only $10 to $15 more than their individual appliance-only or systems-only plan. It is my top recommendation for new construction, as you don’t know what or when something will fail. This comprehensive coverage is so important because you don’t want to be caught off guard when your HVAC system fails during a freezing winter or sweltering summer. If you bought a newly constructed condo, save money and opt for the Appliance Guard or appliance-only home warranty plan because your HOA likely covers most major systems.
The following monthly costs don’t include available discounts.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Appliance Guard | $49.99 | $125 | Two months free, free limited roof leak protection, $200 off coupon (website or phone) |
| Systems Guard | $54.99 | $125 | Two months free, free limited roof leak protection, $200 off coupon (website or phone) |
| Total Home Guard | $59.99 | $125 | Two months free, free limited roof leak protection, $200 off coupon (website or phone) |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Santa Fe, NM. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
If your brand-new home has unique features like a sump pump, reverse osmosis water filter, or saltwater pool, Liberty is one of the only providers offering coverage for them. Plus, you can get a head start on home maintenance by choosing Liberty’s carpet cleaning, pest control, or power washing add-ons, which I’ve never seen another provider offer.
- Pool and spa: $19.99/month
- Additional spa: $9.99/month
- Lawn sprinkler system: $9.99/month
- Saltwater pool: $23.99/month
- Generator: $19.99/month
- Casita guest unit: $35.99/month
- Sump pump: $8.99/month
- Well pump: $12.99/month
- Septic system pumping: $12.99/month
- Ejector pump: $14.99/month
- Grinder pump: $14.99/month
- Limited roof leak: $11.99/month
- Re-key: $9.99/month
- Gutter cleaning: $14.99/month
- Pest control: $14.99/month
- Carpet cleaning: $19.99/month
- Window washing/cleaning: $19.99/month
- Power washing (exterior flooring): $19.99/month
- Central vacuum: $8.99/month
- Stand-alone freezer: $5.99/month
- Water softener: $13.99/month
- Swamp cooler: $14.99/month
- Second refrigerator: $7.99/month
- Trash compactor: $7.49/month
- Ice maker (in-fridge): $3.99/month
- Freestanding ice maker: $14.99/month
- Wine cooler/fridge: $11,99/month
- Water dispenser water line: $4.99/month
- Instant hot water dispenser: $9.99/month
- Reverse osmosis water filter system: $14.99/month
- Lighting fixtures: $7.99/month
- Plumbing fixtures: $7.99/month
- Electronics protection: $19.99/month
- TV mounting (up to 65-inch TVs): $14.99/month
- TV mounting (up to 85-inch TVs): $19.99/month
- Pro-series refrigerator: $14.99/month
- Pro-series stand-alone freezer: $14.99/month
- Pro-series range/oven/cooktop: $12.99/month
- Pro-series dishwasher: $7.99/month
- Pro-series microwave: $4.99/month
- Pro-series washing machine: $4.99/month
- Pro-series clothes dryer: $4.99/month
Exclusions
Unfortunately, Liberty excludes preexisting conditions for new construction home buyers. However, you can assess your appliances and systems with a technician to check for these conditions and see how much this exclusion would impact you.
- Preexisting conditions
- Flues, vents, chimneys, and exhaust lines
- Electronics, computerized, “smart,” or Internet/enabled components and parts
- Filters associated with any covered items
- Remote receiving and transmitting devices
- Radon and other leak detection monitoring systems
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Lighting
- Solar systems and applications
- Cosmetic defects
- Disposal of appliances, systems, or components
- Cranes or other specialty vehicles required to install, remove, or access your appliances or home systems.
- Glass parts
- Noise
- Malfunction due to storms or other acts of God
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
Liberty’s competitive pricing and generous discount options give them a high score for their affordability. However, their add-ons are more expensive than most, with many add-ons costing at least $20 per month, quickly taking an affordable monthly premium of around $50 to $60 up to $70 or $80 per month for just one add-on at $20 per month.
Still, I appreciate that Liberty has multiple discount options, especially the $225 off Liberty advertises on its website. For this deal, take a moment to hover on Liberty’s website, then visit another webpage in another tab in your web browser. Then, revisit the Liberty tab, and you’ll see a discount offer for $225 off pop-up on screen for your first year.
The industry standard for a workmanship guarantee (which protects you, the client, when a repair or replacement is done) is 30 days, meaning you have 30 days to report an issue with a completed repair or replacement. However, Liberty takes this to the next level with its 60-day workmanship guarantee, which is greater than a provider like American Home Shield, which only offers 30 days. This gives you way more time to bring up any issues that arise after using your new kitchen appliance and have them addressed without being charged an additional service fee. Plus, Liberty has a huge network of technicians who must meet rigorous standards to stay “LHG-certified” to work through Liberty. The provider even shares that most of their technicians can address and fix issues on the first visit, meaning you’re not waiting around to have your leaky dishwasher fixed for another couple of days — a major convenience that I appreciate in a provider. However, Liberty doesn’t offer a workmanship guarantee if you choose your own technician outside the “LHG-certified” team, a drawback that costs them some points in this category.
Learn more about what a home warranty company does in Liberty’s video:
With six years of industry experience and a plethora of top-notch customer reviews, Liberty Home Guard stands out in the industry for their strong company reputation. They’ve established themselves as experts in the home warranty industry with a 4.7-star rating from Trustpilot and a 4.5-star rating from the Better Business Bureau. These are outstanding ratings that I’ve only seen Elite Home Warranty rival. Other providers like American Home Shield average about two stars on Trustpilot, making Liberty stand out in this area. Positive reviews share that Liberty sends professional, competent technicians, has friendly, knowledgeable customer service agents, and has very fast claim turnaround times, contributing to their overall happiness with the provider. In contrast, negative reviews discuss issues with extra service fee charges, low coverage limits, and exclusions, which I don’t want to see, but the reviews were overwhelmingly positive.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | NR*/4.5 | 2,496 |
| Trustpilot | 4.7 | 3,085 |
| Yelp | 1.3 | 64 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
*Note (as of 4/29/24): Recently, the Better Business Bureau shifted LHG’s A+ rating to “NR” (Not Rated). We reached out to a representative from LHG for comment, and they shared this statement: “Despite the BBB’s alert, our customer satisfaction levels remain by far the highest relative to our scale. Last month, we had the lowest percentage of customer cancellation requests in our entire history. On the BBB’s own platform, Liberty Home Guard has achieved a star rating of 4.5 out of 5 from nearly 2,500 reviews. For added context, the approximately 480 resolved complaints on Liberty Home Guard’s BBB profile equate to an extremely low fraction of a percentage relative to the size and scale of our total customer base. As we navigate this situation, which we believe will be resolved in time, we want to assure you that we remain committed to our customers and their satisfaction; they are the key stakeholders we orient all our efforts around.”
Liberty Home Guard has one of the best claims processes in the industry due to their fast turnaround time and flexible claims system. For starters, you can submit a claim over the phone, via an online portal, or through their handy mobile app, which I haven’t seen other providers offer. The mobile app has a range of functions, including submitting claims and checking on claims’ status. On top of this, Liberty has an exceptional 12-hour average response time after they’ve received a claim. This response time is way faster than any provider I’ve seen on the market, with the industry average usually falling between 24 and 48 hours. The faster the claim turnaround time, the better because nobody wants to hang around at home with a broken AC unit on a sweltering day.
Liberty Home Guard covers homes in all 50 states, giving it above-average coverage and a perfect score in this category for its widespread, sustainable business model.
American Home Shield
4.3
Our Rating
American Home Shield is a top-notch choice if you’re buying a newly constructed home. They require no maintenance records and don’t exclude appliances or home systems that are improperly installed or modified, have normal wear and tear, or have unknown preexisting conditions. While you may not be worried about your brand-new appliances having preexisting issues, you don’t know if a builder correctly installed it or if something went wrong with manufacturing, which is why this is such a big deal for homeowners.
Another huge benefit is American Home Shield’s exceptional coverage limits of up to $4,000 on appliances and up to $5,000 on home systems like your HVAC. Unlike providers like Liberty Home Guard, who max out on $2,000 and have coverage as little as $500 on some systems, you can rest easier with AHS, knowing that their limits are high enough for most repairs and replacements in total. If you have premium appliances in your new home, this is especially important because premium appliances cost more to repair and replace.
American Home Shield is more expensive than most of its competitors. The average monthly warranty cost nationwide is $50, or around $64 per month for new construction. The quotes I received from AHS for a two-bedroom single-family home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, started at $59.99 and were as high as $139.99, significantly higher than the average home warranty cost of $50 nationwide.
The other downside is AHS’s poor company reputation. While the company is BBB-accredited, they have lower customer review ratings from websites like Yelp or Trustpilot, indicating some issues with customer service behind the scenes.
American Home Shield is my top recommendation for new construction homeowners because they don’t require a home inspection to purchase a policy, and they cover damage due to improper installations and preexisting conditions — which providers like Liberty Home Guard can’t boast. These features are essential for new construction. While your appliances and systems are new, you may not know if a builder improperly installed or modified an appliance or system, which can lead to claim denial with some providers but not AHS. You also receive up to $4,000 in appliance coverage and up to $5,000 in home systems coverage, double the industry average and ample coverage for most full replacements around the home.
However, this greater coverage comes at a higher cost as American Home Shield’s monthly prices start at $59.99, which is more expensive than some provider’s most comprehensive plans. They also have lower customer review scores of around two stars from third-party websites like Trustpilot, much lower than I’d like to see from a home warranty provider. Still, they are BBB-accredited, which restores my faith in the company since the BBB thoroughly vets and reviews customer reviews and complaints, which websites like Trustpilot or Yelp don’t do to the same extent.
Whether your new home has premium appliances or you’re worried about improper installations leading to claim denial down the line, American Home Shield has the answer with their higher-than-average coverage cap and coverage for improper installation. You receive up to $50,000 total limit per agreement term, a free annual HVAC tune-up, and a complimentary $1,000 roof leak repair coverage when you sign up for their comprehensive ShieldPlatinum plan. The ShieldPlatinum Plan is my preferred plan from this provider due to these perks and how the maintenance can help you keep your new HVAC running smoother and longer. Plus, you receive unlimited AC refrigerant and special partner discounts for home services and essentials. You also don’t need to worry about your garage door opener, which is completely covered and includes all the electrically operated parts and components, the extension, and the torsion springs. This relieves my worries about being locked out of my new home’s garage if the garage door opener suddenly breaks down!
During my secret shopping, I didn’t include available discounts in the following monthly quotes.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| ShieldSilver | $59.99 – 89.99 | $100 – $125 | Same-day discount of $125 off first year (website) |
| ShieldGold | $79.99 – 109.99 | $100 – $125 | Same-day discount of $125 off first year (website) |
| ShieldPlatinum | $109.99 – 139.99 | $100 – $125 | Same-day discount of $125 off first year(website) |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Santa Fe, NM. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
If you’re worried that your home’s builders may have taken shortcuts with the roof, consider American Home Shield’s excellent roof leak repair coverage, which gives you up to $1,000 in coverage (twice what many providers like Choice Home Warranty offer). Roof and water damage are expensive, so AHS’ competitively priced $ 10-a-month roof leak repair is a stellar deal if you don’t have it free with their ShieldPlatinum plan.
- Roof leak repair: $10/month
- Electronics protection plan: $14/month
- Pool & built-in-spa equipment: $18/month
- Guest unit: $15.99/month
- Septic pump: $5/month
- Well pump: $8/month
Exclusions
American Home Shield has no exclusions outside the norm:
- Construction or carpentry costs
- Restoration of walls
- Flues, chimneys, venting, and exhaust lines
- Repairs or replacements due to cosmetic defects
- Repairs due to mold
- Natural disasters
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
American Home Shield is less affordable than any other provider on this list. While their website claims they offer plans starting as little as $1 per day, most quotes I’ve received are well over $50 per month. Still, they offer superior coverage caps for up to $4,000 on appliances or up to $5,000 on home systems. Unlike providers like Select Home Warranty, who only have up to $3,000 in HVAC coverage, you can rest easier with AHS knowing that your expensive, new systems have greater coverage that’ll actually be enough for most repairs.
My recommendation: If AHS’s prices are outside your budget, consider a more affordable provider like Choice Home Warranty, which offers plans ranging from $40 to $55. While their coverage caps aren’t nearly as high, their monthly premiums and service fees are lower. If you’re set on American Home Shield, look into a higher service fee option for your plan to save on your monthly premium, especially since you probably won’t need many service visits right away since your appliances are brand new.
I love American Home Shield’s easy quote process, which generates an instant quote and doesn’t require as much personal information or a phone number. They have a 30-day workmanship guarantee, which is standard in this industry and sufficient for most issues. While it’s not as extensive as Liberty Home Guard, which gives you up to 60 days, I’m glad you have at least a month to test your recently repaired appliance. During my secret shopping, I had positive experiences speaking with customer service agents who were largely knowledgeable and friendly. Still, the number of follow-up calls I received was a bit high.
American Home Shield has an impressive 53 years of experience in the industry, plus a BBB accreditation, which most home warranty providers can’t boast. However, their third-party review scores are much lower than I’d like to see, with averages around two stars on Trustpilot. This shakes my confidence in their service, but the BBB accreditation is a significant accomplishment that other providers can’t usually match. Regarding positive reviews, customers note that they loved AHS’ high coverage levels, which were enough to make extensive repairs and replacements and save their wallets from substantial repair bills. Negative reviews criticized AHS for insufficient technicians in their area, leading to slow claim resolution, contract cancellations, and customer service issues.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B/2.11 | 11,119 |
| Trustpilot | 2.1 | 5,290 |
| Yelp | 1.1 | 1,282 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
American Home Shield has excellent 24/7/365 availability and an efficient claims process that you can initiate over the online portal or the phone. However, their claim processing time is a bit slower. On average, it takes them up to 48 hours to respond to a claim — way longer than I’d personally like to wait around for when my dishwasher is leaking everywhere and dirty dishes are piling up.
American Home Shield is available in 48 states, so all homeowners except those in California or Hawaii can benefit from this provider’s coverage. With over two million members and counting, they’ve demonstrated a sustainable business model and continue to do so as they’ve paid out over four billion dollars in home warranty claims in the last seven years. They also have a massive network of over 17,000 contractors for maintenance and replacement, demonstrating their commitment to fast availability for repair appointments.
Choice Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
Choice Home Warranty offers affordable pricing, a high claim acceptance rate, and a phenomenal workmanship guarantee. A workmanship guarantee protects you after a repair or replacement is complete and gives you time to request the technician come back to address any issues that crop up within a certain time frame after the repair is completed. Most providers, like American Home Shield, only give you a 30-day workmanship guarantee. But Choice gives you 90 days for part-related malfunctions and 60 days for labor issues — triple to double the industry standard, providing me with lots of peace of mind.
Choice Home Warranty doesn’t offer the most comprehensive coverage, with lower coverage caps than I’d like to see personally, particularly if your new home has lux appliances. For example, the average cost to repair a well pump is $750 or around $1,600 for a complete replacement, but Choice only pays up to $500, and this includes access and diagnosis, which are pretty standard labor costs. If this were your situation, you’d end up paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars out of your own pocket to replace the well pump, even if Choice approves your claim.
Another con is that Choice is engaged in a pending lawsuit with the Arizona Attorney General regarding consumer fraud. Nothing is resolved as of yet, but the allegations against them aren’t promising.
A high claim acceptance rate is critical for ongoing satisfaction with a home warranty provider. After all, if your provider doesn’t approve your claims, there isn’t much point in having a home warranty policy. Choice Home Warranty has a notably high claim acceptance rate, with customers frequently praising them for this in their reviews — something I definitely want to see in a home warranty company. In addition, their largely affordable rates, add-ons, and more extensive workmanship guarantee of 90 days for parts and 60 days for labor are longer than most providers offer, giving me further peace of mind.
However, Choice Home Warranty has lower coverage caps than I’d like to see. For example, you only receive up to $500 in coverage for stand-alone ice makers, roof leaks, septic systems, and well pumps. $500 is not enough to cover most of the more significant repairs or replacements, which is a problem for new homes with premium appliances that cost more to repair or replace. If you’re concerned about paying out of pocket for repairs or replacements, look into American Home Shield or Elite Home Warranty, as they have much greater coverage caps. Regardless, Choice is excellent if you seek a budget-friendly provider with an efficient, above-and-beyond claims process.
Choice Home Warranty only offers two plan options. I recommend skipping their Basic Plan as it doesn’t cover common appliances like refrigerators, AC units, and clothes washers and dryers. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be left without a running AC unit on a hot day mid-summer, so this isn’t enough coverage for me. However, I recommend their Total Plan, which covers all of these items and other major home systems and appliances, plus your exhaust fans, plumbing stoppages, garbage disposals, and cooktop — all things you want to protect your investment in with your newly constructed home.
Monthly cost figures provided include the discounted rate of 5% offered at the time of writing. Choice Home Warranty has been running this promotion since the beginning of this year.”
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Basic Plan | $46.67 | $100 | 5% discount, annual payment discounts, and 1 month free (online or phone) |
| Total Plan | $54.75 | $100 | 5% discount, annual payment discounts, and 1 month free (online or phone) |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Santa Fe. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
While not as extensive as American Home Shield’s $1,000 roof leak coverage, Choice’s add-on still provides $500 in roof leak coverage, which can really help if you discover leaks during the rainy season.
- Central vacuum: $3.33/month
- Limited roof leak: $5.83/month
- Pool: $15/month
- Second Refrigerator: $3.33/month
- Septic System: $10/month
- Septic Tank Pumping: $5.42/month
- Spa: $15/month
- Additional Spa: $15/month
- Sprinkler system: $8.33/month
- Stand-alone freezer: $3.33/month
- Sump pump: $3.33/month
- Well pump: $8.33/month
Exclusions
Choice has standard exclusions, but you’ll want to ask your builders if they made any upgrades or modifications to original home systems or appliances, as these are excluded in all plans.
- Audio or visual equipment
- Internet connection components
- Upgrades or modifications to original systems or appliances
- Pool accessories
- Fireplaces
- Doorbell
- Central vacuum ductwork, accessories, hoses, and blockages
- Portable or above-ground spas and pools
- Act of God incidents
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
Choice Home Warranty is the most affordable provider on this list, other than Select Home Warranty. When secret shopping, I received very competitively priced monthly premiums of less than $55 per month, even for Choice’s most comprehensive plan. The average monthly premium for new construction is about $64 per month based on the quotes I collected for this article, so this is a significant savings of well over $100 annually. On top of this, Choice has affordable add-ons, often half the price of providers like Liberty Home Guard, making it more budget-friendly to get extra coverage and prevent expensive repairs down the line.
CHW’s website is user-friendly with a truly instant quote calculator that doesn’t leave you waiting around to receive a quote, which is the case with Elite Home Warranty. However, you do have to go back and forth between the quote pages to compare pricing and plan coverage. I wish their website were set up like Liberty Home Guard’s, which lists all the information in a neat breakdown on a single page for easy comparison, but otherwise, I found the website straightforward. On the positive side, Choice thoroughly vets all of their local contractors to ensure you have a positive experience with the contractor sent for your repairs.
One of Choice’s weaker areas is their customer reputation. While they have a decent B rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 3.7-star rating from Trustpilot (significantly better than American Home Shield’s 2.1-star rating), they are in the middle of a pending consumer fraud lawsuit from the Arizona Attorney General. While this lawsuit is pending, it’s not something I love to see during my research into a company and their integrity.
Despite this, customer reviews are mostly positive, with customers sharing that Choice has a high claim acceptance rate, professional service agents, and quick repairs — all critical aspects to consider when thinking about what working with a home warranty provider is like. In contrast, negative reviews mention repeatedly opening claims to have them approved at last, which I don’t want to deal with when I’m already having a bad day after my electrical system gives out.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B/1.04 | 4,397 |
| Trustpilot | 3.7 | 39,077 |
| Yelp | 1.1 | 153 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
CHW excels with their efficient, streamlined claims process. You can submit claims through the online portal or call them 24/7/365 to submit a claim. Plus, you don’t have to pay an extra or more expensive service fee for after-hour or emergency service calls, which is the unfortunate case with providers like Elite Home Warranty and a significant pain when you’re already frustrated about your broken down plumbing. On top of this, customers report high claim acceptance rates with Choice, meaning you don’t have to worry about dealing with frustrating exclusions or finicky claim denials as much as other providers. Another bonus is their extensive workmanship guarantee — 90 days for parts and 60 days for labor — two to three times the 30-day industry standard that providers like American Home Shield offer. Another benefit is that Choice handles all complaints within 24 hours, according to their sample policy.
Choice Home Warranty has excellent coverage, with homeowners in every state, but Washington and California, benefitting from their home warranty policies. They also have over 14 years of experience and protect over two million homes throughout the United States from sudden appliance and home system breakdowns.
Select Home Warranty
4.2
Our Rating
If things are tight after purchasing your new home, Select Home Warranty is the most affordable home warranty company on my list. Plus, you won’t have to worry about one of their biggest exclusions if your home is brand new: maintenance records. For HVAC coverage (up to $3,000 and a great value at Select’s low prices), you must maintain yearly records and photos to demonstrate that you or a technician have kept up with the maintenance and cleaning. Since you’re starting with a new slate with a brand new house, you can keep up with these from the start and don’t have to worry about acquiring maintenance records from the previous owners.
Select Home Warranty has many exclusions. For example, your electrical system isn’t covered if the damage is caused by flood, fire, water, or rust. Other exclusions include inadequate wiring capacity, attic or exhaust fans, or damage caused by power failures or surges. Many of these factors are out of your hands or may have been caused by the builders, such as inadequate wiring capacity, so this is something to consider before enrolling with Select because they can lead to claim denials later on.
If you’re on a tight budget after purchasing your new home, Select Home Warranty’s affordable monthly premiums and service fee of only $75 (half what Elite Home Warranty charges for service on the weekends or to premium appliances) make them a great choice. Their add-ons are also much more affordable than Liberty Home Guard’s, and you receive free roof leak coverage with all plans — a $99 value and something most providers have you pay extra for on top of your monthly premium.
However, you’ll want to consider if your builders made any mistakes that would lead Select to deny your claims. For example, if your home is improperly wired, appliances are improperly installed, or your home has construction damage, Select may deny some items or reimburse you at a lower rate.
Select Home Warranty has standard plan offerings, with an appliance-only plan, systems-only plan, and comprehensive plan with both. I recommend the latter, the Platinum Care plan, because it covers much more and costs only $3 more than the other two plans when I received quotes for a single-family home. You also receive up to $3,000 in HVAC coverage, which is $1,000 more than Liberty Home Guard, which costs at least $10 more per month than Select. Another feature of Select’s plans is their free roof coverage (valued at $99), which can help protect your new home against pricey roof repairs and water damage.
Note: Monthly cost figures provided include the discounted rate offered at the time of writing. Select Home Warranty has been running this promotion since the beginning of this year.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Bronze Care | $44.42 | $75 | $150 off (website), two extra months free (website), multi-year coverage discount (call) |
| Gold Care | $44.42 | $75 | $150 off (website), two extra months free (website), multi-year coverage discount (call) |
| Platinum Care | $47.75 | $75 | $150 off (website), two extra months free (website), multi-year coverage discount (call) |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Santa Fe, NM. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
Roof leak coverage is free with all of Select’s plans, a massive bonus for those who want to keep up with their new home’s roof and repairs.
- Central vacuum: $3.33/mo
- Lawn sprinkler system: $5.83/mo
- Pool: $8.33/mo
- Roof leak: $0/mo
- Septic system: $5.83/mo
- Spa: $5.83/mo
- Stand-alone freezer: $3.33/mo
- Sump pump: $3.33/mo
- Well pump: $3.33/mo
Exclusions
Select has strict exclusions around repairs or replacements impacted by incorrect installations or malfunctions due to construction damage, improper wiring, and foundation or structural issues. Have your home evaluated for these issues before enrolling with Select to ensure your claim can’t be denied based on these issues in case the builders cut corners during construction.
- Secondary damage (i.e., your home warranty may cover roof damage but won’t cover water damage caused by the leak)
- Incorrect installation or malfunctions due to construction damage or improper wiring
- Issues with systems or appliances related to hazardous or toxic materials (e.g., mold, asbestos, and gas leaks)
- Common areas in condominiums or family homes
- Failure to properly maintain or clean systems or appliances
- Electrical surges
- Solar heating systems
- Foundation or structural issues
- Damage caused by natural disasters and rust
- Defects or damages caused by the foundation and structure of the home
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
Select Home Warranty stands out as the most affordable of all the providers I’ve researched. They provide many discount options, such as a multi-year discount and free roof leak coverage for all plans. Most providers, like American Home Shield and Liberty Home Guard, make you pay an extra $10 or more a month for roof leak coverage, so this is a serious saving. Lastly, all the quotes I received were less than $50 per month, which is the most affordable average price for a provider on this list, and their add-ons are all less than $9 a month — much more cost-effective than Liberty, which has add-ons that mostly start at $20 or more.
Select’s quote calculator is straightforward to use and takes just a minute to generate an instant quote for you — a perfect set-up when you’re shopping around and don’t want to waste time on the phone to get a ballpark estimate. Plus, Select’s plans are neatly organized and broken down into cost and comparison charts, making it easy to review your options. They also have transparent pricing, which is a significant benefit over providers like Elite Home Warranty, which makes it challenging to get a precise quote or add-on price. Lastly, I like that Select doesn’t require an inspection before you enroll, which saves you from unnecessary hassle.
With a 3.8-star rating from close to 5,000 reviewers on Trustpilot and 12 years of experience in the industry, Select Home Warranty has a solid company reputation. Satisfied customers praise Select for its affordable pricing, professional customer service, and easy claims process, which reassures me that I won’t have to wait days to hear back from my provider when my furnace needs repairs.
Negative reviews called Select out for issues with HVAC coverage. Your HVAC is one of your home’s most expensive repairs or replacements, so this is less than ideal. However, it may be due to Select’s policy requiring maintenance records and pictures for the HVAC system.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B-/1.38 | 2,106 |
| Trustpilot | 3.8 | 4,835 |
| Yelp | 1.0 | 9 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Select Home Warranty has a standard claims process with the option to submit a claim over the phone or through their online portal. The Today’s Homeowner Team found that SHW usually responds within 48 hours to non-emergency claims, which is standard in the industry. I’d personally like it if this was a bit faster, especially when comparing Select to faster providers like Liberty Home Guard, who responds in about 12 hours — which is so important when dealing with something essential like a broken down fridge or AC unit.
Select Home Warranty is available in the District of Columbia and all 50 states, giving it perfect availability for any U.S. homeowner. They receive widely positive reviews nationwide, giving me more faith in their process.
Elite Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
If your new home has premium appliances, you can’t go wrong with Elite’s high coverage caps. They offer up to $6,000 for appliances and up to $10,000 for home systems, which is double to triple the industry standard and enough for most HVAC expenses (one of the most devasting repair costs homeowners face). On top of this, their customer satisfaction ratings are exceptional, with nearly five-star reviews across three third-party review websites and a BBB accreditation, giving me more faith in Elite’s behind-the-scenes customer service than companies like American Home Shield, which averages around two stars.
If you have a high-end or professional-grade appliance, Elite charges a higher service fee of $150 per visit instead of their standard $75 service fee. This feels like nickel-and-diming to me and isn’t great if you have a luxury home with many premium appliances. In addition, Elite doesn’t cover commercial-grade appliances in any capacity.
Elite is an ideal home warranty provider for premium appliances because of its high coverage caps of up to $6,000 on appliances and up to $10,000 on home systems like your plumbing or HVAC. However, you will be left paying a higher service fee of $150 for premium appliance repairs or after-hours service, which isn’t common in the industry.
Still, Elite’s superior coverage caps, unusually high customer service ratings, and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau give me more peace of mind about their process. I feel like they value their customers and have policies in place to protect you. For example, if your fridge or freezer breaks down and Elite doesn’t send a technician out there fast enough to resolve the issue, they’ll reimburse you up to $100 to help you replace spoiled food. I feel like this goes above and beyond what I’ve seen other providers offer, making them a truly customer-centric company.
Other than Liberty Home Guard, Elite Home Warranty is the only provider our team has given a perfect score for in plans and coverage. They receive this exceptional score for their flexible, comprehensive plans and coverage. I especially recommend their Elite Complete plan, which only costs $10 to $15 more than their other plan options but covers both appliances and systems, so you don’t have to worry about your dishwasher, HVAC, or plumbing going out and not having enough money to cover the repair costs.
Plus, Elite pays up to $100 per term for disposal costs for any covered systems or appliances, which most providers like Liberty Home Guard make you pay for. On top of this, Elite pays up to $150 for cranes or lifting equipment if your heavy appliances or systems require it for repair or replacement, which, again, most providers have you pay for.
The following table doesn’t factor in available discounts to the monthly costs.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Elite Appliance | $44.99 | $75 | $150 sign-up, first month free, 30-day free trial (phone) |
| Elite Systems | $49.99 | $75 | $150 sign-up, first month free, 30-day free trial (phone) |
| Elite Complete | $59.99 | $75 | $150 sign-up, first month free, 30-day free trial (phone) |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Santa Fe, NM. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
Your newly constructed home is a fresh slate, and maintenance impacts how long your appliances and systems will last you. I recommend Elite’s HVAC maintenance add-on to help you stay on top of everything and extend the life of your HVAC system, which is one of the most expensive repairs and replacements many homeowners face. New homes may also particularly benefit from Elite’s premium benefits, systems, and appliances add-ons if you have lux appliances or systems that cost more to repair or replace. These add-ons give you more coverage, so you don’t end up paying high replacement costs out of pocket.
- Attic exhaust fan: $69.99/year
- Central vacuum: $49.00/year
- Effluent pump: $99.99/year
- Ejector pump: $99.99/year
- Freestanding freezer: $59.99/year
- Freestanding ice maker: $59.99/year
- Freestanding spa equipment: $119.99/year
- Generator: $99.99/year
- Geothermal heating and cooling system: $299.99/year
- Grinder pump: $99.99/year
- Guest house: $299.99/year
- HVAC annual maintenance: $299.99/year
- Jetted/hot tub: $99.99/year
- Lawn sprinkler system: $99.99/year
- Lift pump: $99.99/year
- Limited roof leak repair: $99.99/year
- Pool & spa equipment: $199.99/year
- Pool equipment: $149.99/year
- Premium appliances: $249.99/year
- Premium benefits: $199.99/year
- Premium systems: $299.99/year
- Premium systems Plus: $499.99/year
- Septic system: $129.99/year
- Service lines: $349.99/year
- Sump pump: $99.99/year
- Swamp cooler: $149.99/year
- Water filtration system: $99.99/year
- Water softener: $99.99/year
- Well pump: $99.99/year
- Wine cooler: $69.99/year
Exclusions
I didn’t notice any exclusions from Elite that would impact newly constructed homes. Their exclusions are generally standard, except for the commercial-grade appliance exclusion, which may be a dealbreaker for you depending on your appliances.
- Natural disaster-related damages
- Acts of God
- Commercial-grade appliances
- Units in a rental property (i.e. apartments)
- Cosmetic damage
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
Despite their extensive coverage caps, Elite has competitive prices and add-ons. Most add-ons cost between $15 and $20, which is average in this industry, and less than providers like Liberty Home Guard with their add-ons that typically start at $20 or more per month. Additionally, Elite’s monthly premiums are less expensive than the average quote I received for new construction. The biggest opponent to Elite’s affordability is their expensive service fees. If you need service for a premium appliance on the weekend or after hours, Elite charges $ 150 a visit, which is much pricier than Select Home Warranty, which charges half that.
Elite’s customer service representatives have always treated me professionally, and I’ve yet to experience any pushy or aggressive upsell tactics, which I greatly appreciate as a shyer individual. Customer reviews echo this sentiment, making me feel like this is the norm. I also love that Elite has many unique benefits that other companies simply don’t offer. For example, their lodging coverage benefit reimburses you up to $125 per day for documented lodging expenses for up to three days ($375) if you can’t stay in your own home safely due to an appliance or system failure. This could be if your furnace breaks down in the winter, or your AC unit is down in the summer, or if your furnace is leaking carbon monoxide. I haven’t seen other providers offer this benefit, making this an outstanding and customer-forward benefit.
A drawback I’ve encountered with Elite is their lack of follow-through. I never heard back from an agent when I contacted them with an additional question, which wasn’t ideal. Another downside is that if you cancel after the 30-day cancellation period, you’re subject to an 8% cancellation fee.
This BBB-accredited provider has an exceptional company reputation and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. I’ve never seen another company score nearly five stars across multiple third-party review websites, making Elite a true exception in this category in the home warranty arena. However, they score a bit lower because they only have four years of experience in the industry — much less than companies like American Home Shield, which have over 50 years of experience. Still, positive reviews share that Elite has unmatched customer service and that they’re delighted with Elite’s high coverage. I couldn’t find enough negative reviews to effectively summarize them because they were so few and far between.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+/4.97 | 371 |
| Trustpilot | 4.7 | 70 |
| Yelp | 4.8 | 4 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Elite Home Warranty has the worst claims process score on this list for their weekend and after-hour service visit fees. If you need service on a professional-grade appliance or during the weekend or after-hours, you’re charged $150 for the service, which is much more expensive than providers like Select Home Warranty, which charges $75 for any service. Otherwise, Elite’s claims process is average, with the option to submit claims through the online portal or over the phone.
Elite Home Warranty provides coverage to homeowners in 47 states, excluding California, Wisconsin, and Texas. While not actual nationwide coverage, their availability is strong enough that they receive a perfect score in this category.
Calculate the Cost of New Construction Home Warranty
Use the following calculator to estimate the cost of a new construction home warranty by plugging in your monthly premium and service fee, then your best guess for the number of service visits you’ll need during your first year.
| Appliance | Average Repair Cost | Average Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dehumidifier | $50–$200 | $1,300–$2,800 |
| Microwave | $50–$400 | $60–$2,000 |
| Dishwasher | $50–$500 | $400–$3,000 |
| Exhaust Fans | $16–$300 | $250–$950 |
| Electric Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
| Gas Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
| Dryer | $100–$400 | $450–$2,300 |
| Oven | $100–$430 | $400–$3,000 |
| Washer | $50–$450 | $400–$2,300 |
| Freezer | $90–$500 | $160–$2,900 |
| Refrigerator | $40–$350 | $200–$5,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a Home Warranty for New Construction?
Yes, many people need a home warranty for new construction homes to prevent a coverage gap. A builder’s warranty may cover structural or material issues, but they often don’t cover or have enough coverage for major appliance or home system failures, which can occur at any time, leaving you with huge repair bills.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost for New Construction?
The average cost of a home warranty for new construction is around $64 per month for a two-bedroom home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. However, location, the plan, add-ons, coverage, and other factors significantly impact this, as our team at Today’s Homeowner has found the average home warranty cost to fall around $50 per month nationwide.
How To Save Money When Shopping for Home Warranties for New Construction?
Start by researching home warranties for new construction online. Then, narrow your selection to a few based on customer service, company reputation, affordability, and other factors, like whether the policy covers unknown preexisting conditions (which even new appliances may have). Then, call your top three choices and ask about available deals, discounts, and service fee options to help you save money on your monthly premium. Calling has always given me the best deal, so I recommend taking the extra few minutes.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It for New Construction?
A home warranty is worth it for new construction to provide additional protection and coverage for major appliances and systems in your brand-new home. While everything may be new, this doesn’t mean your builder’s warranty will cover anything beyond material and structural issues, and you don’t want to be left with expensive appliance or home system repair bills, which makes a home warranty worth it for many homeowners.
Other Warranty Resources for Homeowners
- Best Home Warranty Companies
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Seniors
- Best Home Warranty for Garage Doors
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Water Heaters
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Heat Pumps
- Best Mobile Home Warranty Companies
- Best Home Warranty Companies for a Rental Property
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Electrical Systems
- Best Home Appliance Insurance Companies
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Pre-Existing Conditions
- Best Home Warranties With No Deductible
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Luxury Homes
- Septic System Warranty Coverage and Cost
- Best Pool Warranty Companies
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Duplexes
- Best Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Coverage
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Plumbing
- Best Home Warranty for Sellers
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Sewer Lines
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Roof Coverage
- Best Home Warranty Companies for High-End Appliances
- Best Home Warranty Companies For Wells
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Plumbing
- Best Options for a Dishwasher Warranty
