What's great about a Home Warranty?
Today I was speaking with a new client, and our discussion lead to home warranties. Are they a good thing or a bad thing? Well maybe 'good or bad' is not the right way to pose the question. Necessary or unncessary? I think that's a better way to look at it.
You have to start with the premise of determining cost and quality of what each home warranty company offers. I have been dealing with home warranty companies via my property management business, and I have learned that not all are created alike. I will not go into specific companies, but I have had some good experiences and crazy experiences over the years.
An example of a good experience is when one of my clients told me how a particular company handled her air conditioning repair. The home warranty company was able to get a contractor dispatched to her address within 24 hours of the initial call. Pretty considering we were in the middle of the summer with heat wave. The home warranty company had to come out several times replacing parts and doing everything possible to get the air conditioning restored again. In the course of a week the client was happy to report that the air conditioning was working like majic to keep her home cooled.
Another incidient reported by a different client was not so pleasant. The contractor took a week to get to the home. Parts were on back order. Parts were replaced two times before the home warranty finally gave in to replacing the hot water heater. This particular situation took over two months to resolve. Given it was initially reported right before Christmas, I had a little sympathy for the contracts trying to work through the holidays, but it was aweful getting the contractors to step up and go above and beyond.
When considering a home warranty company, take a look at reviews online to help with the decision. Price is a factor, but it should not be the sole determining factor. Check coverage and check cost for appointments. Typically between $75 and $125.
A home warranty is great when it is supported by great contractors. Otherwise getting repairs completed through them can be very frustrating. Do your homework.
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