WARRANTIES
& GUARANTEES
The
manufacturer, or seller, of a home will usually provide a warranty
which guarantees the quality and workmanship of the home for a
specified time. This warranty, also, tells the buyer what to do
if a problem arises. Under the federal warranty law, warranties
must be designated by the manufacturer as a "full (duration) warranty"
or as a "limited" one. Home manufacturers and the makers of appliances
for homes provide either "full" or "limited" warranties. The careful
buyer will compare the terms of each. Especially important are
the service provisions of a warranty which should be compared
in terms of whether you plan a second move.
Be sure you recognize the difference between the manufacturer's,
and the retailer's, responsibilities in setting up and servicing
your home. You may be headed for trouble unless these are defined
at the time of the sale, and put in writing.
Any warranties provided should be kept in one place, or they may
be affixed to the covered products.
Even if your home and some of its appliances do not have a written
warranty, the buyer does have implied warranties under state laws
which require a home, and its appliances to work normally and
perform properly.
Some states have special laws to protect the owners of manufactured
homes. Also, the Federal Trade Commission has authority to issue
additional requirements under the federal warranty law. Thus,
the buyer of a home should keep up-to-date on the rights afforded
under this law.
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