This post breaks down the new construction home warranty structure, what CMS Homes covers beyond the standard 1-2-10 framework, what is not covered, and how to submit a request when something needs attention.

What Is a New Construction Home Warranty?

• 1 year for workmanship and materials
• 2 years for mechanical systems
• 10 years for major structural defects

These tiers do not overlap. Each covers a distinct set of home components, has its own claims process, and carries its own coverage terms. Understanding all three before you close is the best way to protect your investment.

For the complete details of CMS Homes’ specific warranty terms and coverage, visit the CMS Homes Warranty page.

What Does the 1-Year Builder Warranty Cover in a New Home?

The 1-year workmanship and materials warranty covers defects in construction quality and the materials used in the build. If a covered component does not meet the applicable Construction Performance Standards during the first year, CMS Homes will repair or replace it, or you will receive payment for the cost of repair or replacement.

This warranty operates as surety-type coverage. A third-party surety, similar in function to an insurance company, guarantees the builder’s obligations. If the builder fails to fulfill a covered warranty commitment, the surety steps in to cover the cost.

CMS Homes 1-Year Workmanship and Materials Warranty covers:

• Cabinets
• Carpet
• Ceramic tile
• Countertops
• Door panels
• Drywall
• Hardwood flooring
• Interior trim
• Paint
• Exterior siding
• Roof covering
• Windows

What Does the 2-Year New Construction Systems Warranty Cover?

CMS Homes 2-Year Systems Warranty covers*:

• Ductwork
• Wiring
• Piping of the HVAC
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems

If a covered system fails or shows defects in materials or installation during the two-year window, the warranty process applies. Normal wear and use do not constitute a covered defect.

*HVAC equipment, light fixtures, and plumbing fixtures are excluded from coverage. If a product has a manufacturer warranty it is excluded from this coverage and should be submitted to the manufacturer.

If a covered system fails or shows defects in materials or installation during the two-year window, the warranty process applies. Normal wear and use do not constitute a covered defect.

*HVAC equipment, light fixtures, and plumbing fixtures are excluded from coverage. If a product has a manufacturer warranty it is excluded from this coverage and should be submitted to the manufacturer.

What Does the 10-Year Structural Warranty Cover in New Construction?

The 10-year structural warranty is a direct warranty, not a surety-backed builder guarantee. The distinction matters: under a direct warranty, CMS Homes’ third-party warranty partner, Maverick, is the directly responsible party for major structural defects, with coverage that starts on the day of closing and runs for ten years.

A major structural defect is a failure in a load-bearing element of the home that makes the home unsafe, unsanitary, or unlivable. If such a defect occurs within the 10-year term, it will be repaired, replaced, or paid for under this warranty.

CMS Homes 10-Year Structural Warranty covers:

• Load-bearing structures
• Beams
• Floor framing
• Foundation
• Load-bearing walls
• Roof framing

CMS Homes 60-Day and 10-Month Warranty Reviews

In addition to the standard 1-2-10 warranty framework, CMS Homes includes two scheduled service reviews in the first year of homeownership. These are a CMS standard, not an industry requirement, and they exist because new homes go through a natural settling period in the months after closing.

The 60-day review: During the first two months, new homes settle, humidity levels change, and small issues can appear that were not visible at closing. Nail pops, minor drywall cracks, and small material inconsistencies are common. The 60-day review is your opportunity to submit all items at once for repair. CMS Homes does not expect homeowners to live with these issues.

The 10-month review: This review occurs near the end of year one, before the 1-year builder warranty expires. It is a second chance to catch any workmanship or materials items that developed over the first year of living in the home.

Both reviews use a service request form. Submit all items at once. CMS does not repair warranty issues one at a time unless the situation constitutes a true emergency.

The 60-day and 10-month service request forms are available on the CMS Homes Warranty page as downloadable PDFs.

What a New Construction Home Warranty Does Not Cover

A new home warranty covers construction defects and system failures related to the build. It does not cover everything that can go wrong in a home. Understanding the exclusions is as important as understanding the coverage.

Appliances: Appliance malfunctions are not covered by the builder’s warranty. Each appliance carries its own manufacturer warranty. For appliance service, contact the manufacturer or the appliance retailer directly.

Wind and storm damage: Roof damage from wind, hail, or other weather events is not a construction defect and is not covered under the new home warranty. Homeowner’s insurance is the appropriate coverage for storm damage.

Personal property damage: Damage to furniture, clothing, electronics, or other personal belongings is outside the scope of any CMS Homes warranty.

Downstream sewer issues: If a sewer line outside the property clogs or backs up, that is a city utility issue, not a builder warranty claim. Contact your city utility department or a plumber who handles sewer line repairs.

Condensation on windows: Window condensation is a function of interior humidity levels, not a defect in the window or its installation. It is not a warranty item. The best remedy is humidity control through exhaust fans, proper ventilation, and appropriate thermostat settings.

Normal wear and use: Scratches, fading, and gradual wear to surfaces are not covered. The warranty covers defects, not the natural aging of materials over time.

Homeowner-caused damage: Damage resulting from alterations, misuse, or neglect by the homeowner is not subject to warranty repair.

What Counts as a New Home Warranty Emergency?

Emergency situations at a CMS home include:

• HVAC failure during extreme heat or cold
• Complete loss of electrical power (verify with the utility company first before contacting the contractor)
• Complete loss of water supply to the home (check with your water company first)
• Natural gas leak: leave the home at once and call Ameren’s 24/7 emergency line at 800-552-7583 or call 911
• Sewer backup or septic failure that prevents use of all plumbing
• A plumbing leak that requires shutting off the main water supply to prevent damage
• A roof leak caused by a construction defect (not wind or storm damage) that is causing active damage

How to Submit a Warranty Repair Request to CMS Homes

For non-emergency warranty issues, CMS Homes uses a formal service request process. Do not submit items one at a time. Collect all issues and submit them together on the appropriate form.

Step 1: Download the correct form. Use the 60-day service request form if you are within the first 60 days of closing. Use the 10-month service request form if you are approaching the end of year one.

Step 2: List every item that falls under the builder’s warranty. Review the covered components before you submit to confirm each item qualifies.

Step 3: Submit the completed form by mail or email.

Mail to: CMS Homes LLC, 55 Tower St, Moscow Mills, MO 63362
Email to: [email protected]

CMS Homes will work with you to schedule repairs at a time that suits your schedule. Outside of a true emergency, repairs are scheduled together, not one item at a time.

Why a Third-Party Warranty Matters When You Build a New Home

Not all builder warranties carry the same weight. A third-party warranty adds a critical layer of protection: if a builder goes out of business or fails to honor a claim, the third-party provider remains obligated to cover the defect. A builder-only warranty offers no such backstop.

CMS Homes uses a third-party warranty partner for both the 2-year systems warranty and the 10-year structural warranty.
This means that the coverage you receive at closing does not depend entirely on CMS Homes’ continued operation. The third-party provider holds the obligation independently.

This is one part of what CMS Homes describes as a straightforward, transparent build process. For a full picture of what the process looks like from the first conversation to move-in day, read: Our Build Process.

Build with a Builder Who Stands Behind the Work

Contact CMS Homes to schedule your free estimate.

Ready to begin your journey toward homeownership with CMS Homes? Stop by one of CMS Homes’ three display homes located in Orchard Grove, Moscow Mills, Missouri and see how easy it is to get a realistic new home estimate and explore available lots. We’re here to help, Monday through Saturday, 11 AM to 5 PM, or by appointment.