Post-Handover Warranties: What is the Homeowner Entitled to Claim?

30 Nov Post-Handover Warranties: What is the Homeowner Entitled to Claim?

The moment of receiving the home keys after the completion of Turnkey Contracting works is an unforgettable moment of joy. However, this moment is not the end of the relationship between the owner and the Contracting Company; it is the beginning of the warranty and guarantee phase. Post-Handover Warranties are the written covenant that guarantees the owner that the construction and installations will stand the test of time, representing the true security for a lifelong investment.

ALoda Contracting Company, with over 18 years of experience as one of the largest Contracting Companies in Kuwait, places Post-Handover Warranties at the core of its contracts, to provide its clients with the legal and engineering protection they deserve.

What are Post-Handover Warranties? And Why are They Crucial?

Post-Handover Warranties are the legal and engineering mechanism that obligates Building Contracting to repair any defects or damages that appear in the building due to poor execution or material flaws during a specified period. The importance of these warranties lies in:

1. Protecting the Financial Investment:

Post-Handover Warranties prevent the owner from incurring immediate and costly Renovations and Refurbishments, especially those related to Structural Shell Construction, which are among the most serious problems.

2. Confirming Execution Quality:

Post-Handover Warranties are proof of a Contracting Company’s confidence in the quality of its work. ALoda Contracting Company provides not just routine guarantees but studied warranties stemming from our expertise in Engineering Contracting.

3. Addressing Hidden Defects:

The period following handover is when Hidden Defects in Finishes That Only an Expert Engineer Detects appear, such as insulation leaks or utility issues, and the existence of a warranty protects the owner from these defects.

Duration of Post-Handover Warranties: What is the Homeowner Entitled to Claim?

The Post-Handover Warranties that the homeowner is entitled to claim are divided into different categories based on the nature and lifespan of the item:

1. Structural Durability and Defects Warranty (Decennial Liability – 10 Years):

• What it Covers: This is the longest and most important warranty. It relates to the integrity of Structural Shell Construction and fixed installations, foundations, and anything that leads to a total or partial collapse of the building.
• Warranty Duration: Extends for ten years from the project handover date.
• ALoda’s Guarantee: At ALoda Contracting Company, we go beyond the legal Decennial Liability, offering a warranty on Structural Shell Construction up to 25 years, confirming our confidence in our Structural Shell Contractor.

2. Insulation and Major Installations Warranty (5 to 15 Years):

• What it Covers: This covers water and thermal insulation works for roofs and bathrooms, which are vital in the Best Insulation System for Villas in Kuwait.
• Warranty Duration: Usually between 5 and 15 years, depending on the quality of materials used.
• ALoda’s Guarantee: We commit to providing long-term warranties on water and thermal insulation, ensuring the client does not need Building Maintenance due to moisture and leaks.

3. Electromechanical and Finishes Warranty (1 to 2 Years):

• What it Covers: This warranty covers electrical works, plumbing, mechanical installations, and final Finishes (such as paints, Decorations, door and window installations).
• Warranty Duration: Typically ranges between one and two years, known as the “Defects Liability Period.”
• Importance of Inspection: During this period, the owner must monitor any defect in the Smart Finishes or the appearance of leaks in water and electrical utilities.

ALoda Company: Written Post-Handover Warranties Within the Contract

ALoda Contracting Company ensures that Post-Handover Warranties are an integral part of the signed contract, whether for Turnkey Contracting or Structural Shell vs. Turnkey. This written commitment protects the client from disputes over Contractor Fraud and provides them with complete peace of mind.

1. Warranty Duration Detailed by Item:

Our contract precisely specifies the timeframe for each item:

• Structure: 25 years.
• Insulation: A specified duration depending on the material type used.
• Plumbing and Electrical Works: Warranty on installations and manufacturing defects (may differ from the manufacturer’s warranty for appliances).

2. Warranty Claim Mechanism (Building Maintenance):

The contract defines a clear claim mechanism. If any defect covered by the warranty appears, ALoda Contracting Company undertakes sending the Contracting and Maintenance team to assess the damage and commence the necessary Renovations and Refurbishments without any cost to the owner.

3. Documentation and Blueprints:

Upon final handover, the owner receives all warranty documents, in addition to the final building blueprints (As-Built Drawings), which are crucial for future Building Maintenance services and for carrying out any Interior and Exterior Designs renovations.

How Do Post-Handover Warranties Protect Against Contractor Fraud?

Post-Handover Warranties are your effective weapon against Contractor Fraud and common mistakes when choosing a contractor:

• Long Structural Warranty: When a Structural Shell Contractor offers a 25-year warranty, they bear responsibility for serious defects that may appear later, making them more cautious and precise during the Structural Shell Construction phase.
• Addressing Hidden Defects: Post-Handover Warranties ensure the treatment of problems that only appear after a period, such as leaks resulting from poor execution of insulation or utilities.
• Defining Responsibility: In the Turnkey Construction model, ALoda Contracting Company bears full responsibility for all Engineering Contracting, eliminating the contractor’s excuse that the defect resulted from another subcontractor.

Conclusion A Written Warranty is the Price of Your Peace of Mind

Never accept handover of your project without detailed, written Post-Handover Warranties. Your right as a homeowner is to demand a guarantee on the Structural Shell Construction, insulation, and installations. ALoda Contracting Company does not offer verbal promises but written contracts and long-term warranties, extending up to 25 years on the structural frame. Choose a partner that grants you confidence in the Contracting and Maintenance of your project, and ensure your villa in Kuwait is safe and protected for years to come.