How Custom Home Warranties Work In Montana and What They Cover

After years of building custom homes across Montana, I’ve learned that even the best-built homes can have small issues once people move in. A bit of settling, a cracked paint line, a door that sticks after a cold snap — it’s all part of building in Montana’s climate. What matters most is how your builder handles those things when they come up. That’s where a solid home warranty matters.

At JCH Construction & Development Inc., I see the warranty as an extension of our craftsmanship and our reputation. Understanding how warranties work and what they cover can help you protect your investment and feel confident after move-in day.

1. What Montana Law Requires

In Montana, state law requires builders to provide an express one-year warranty on new homes. This means your builder is responsible for covering workmanship and materials for at least the first year after completion or sale.

That warranty exists to make sure everything in your home performs the way it should once you move in. It covers things like framing, finishes, flooring, and installed systems that may need adjustment during that first year.

There’s also structural protection built into many Montana warranties. While the state does not specifically require a 10-year warranty, most Montana builders, including us, follow industry standards that include long-term structural coverage. This type of warranty protects you against major structural defects that could affect the home’s foundation, framing, or load-bearing components for up to ten years.

2. What the Warranty Covers

The first year is when you’ll notice most small issues if they occur. Typical coverage includes:

• Drywall cracks and nail pops from settling

• Trim adjustments or paint touch-ups

• Minor plumbing or electrical corrections

• Doors and windows that shift slightly during the first season

• HVAC or water system issues related to installation

For structural coverage, the protection focuses on the bones of the home — the foundation, structural framing, roof framing, and major load-bearing elements that keep the home safe and sound.

Most of the issues that appear in the first year are minor and easily handled, but the structural coverage provides peace of mind for the long term.

3. What’s Not Covered

Over time, I’ve seen some common misunderstandings about what a warranty includes. A builder’s warranty doesn’t cover normal wear and tear or problems caused by weather, lack of maintenance, or homeowner damage.

Typical exclusions include:

• Damage caused by neglect, poor maintenance, or landscaping issues

• Weather damage, flooding, or ground movement outside normal settling

• Appliance repairs, since those are covered by manufacturer warranties

• Upgrades or remodels done after the original construction

The warranty is meant to ensure the home was built right, not to serve as a maintenance plan. Regular care and seasonal upkeep are still part of home ownership.

4. How to Make the Most of Your Warranty Period

The warranty works best when communication stays open. I always tell homeowners to keep a simple list of anything they notice during that first year and send it to us before the warranty period ends.

We usually schedule a follow-up visit after the first full season, especially after winter, to check how the home has settled. Montana’s weather, soil, and temperature swings can test a home, and it’s better to address small things early before they grow into bigger issues.

5. How We Handle Warranties at JCH Construction

Our approach is straightforward. We stand behind our work, and if something covered under warranty needs attention, we fix it. It’s that simple.

We want homeowners to feel comfortable reaching out if something seems off, no matter how small it may seem. Most of the time, it’s a quick adjustment or repair. Taking care of those details shows clients that we don’t just build homes, we back them.

That commitment has earned us referrals and repeat clients because people remember how they were treated after the sale just as much as during the build.

Final Thoughts

The one-year warranty required by Montana law is there to protect homeowners, but a good builder sees it as the starting point, not the finish line. The warranty should give you confidence that your home was built right and that if something comes up, your builder will take care of it.

At JCH Construction & Development Inc., we take pride in building homes that last and in standing behind every one we build. From that first year of workmanship coverage to long-term structural integrity, our goal is to make sure your home stays solid for years to come.

Contact Us for a free pre-build consultation. We’ll walk you through realistic cost expectations, site requirements, and design options tailored to your property.