What a workmanship warranty is
A workmanship warranty, also called a labor warranty, covers the quality of your work: how it was installed, built or repaired. It is separate from the manufacturer's warranty, which covers the product itself. Customers mix the two up, and a written warranty that names both saves a lot of phone calls.
What to put in it
- What is covered and for how long, from a stated start date.
- How it relates to manufacturer warranties.
- What is not covered: storms, misuse, other trades, customer-supplied products.
- Conditions, such as payment in full or regular maintenance.
- Whether it transfers to a new owner.
- How to make a claim and how fast you respond.
How long to make it
Long enough to mean something and short enough that your business will be there to honor it. Pick a length you can afford to stand behind, and price warranty callbacks into your jobs. A warranty you cannot honor does more harm than a shorter one you can.
This is a template, not legal advice. State law may give homeowners rights beyond your written warranty. Check your state's rules.