Hiring & planning · Updated November 2026
Workmanship vs. Manufacturer Warranties: What Each Covers
Most home projects come with two separate warranties: one from the company that made the product and one from the contractor who installed it. They cover different problems, and a gap between them is where homeowners get stuck.
The two warranties side by side
| Manufacturer warranty | Workmanship warranty | |
|---|---|---|
| Who provides it | The company that made the product (shingles, windows, AC unit) | The contractor who installed it |
| What it covers | Defects in the product itself | Installation errors: leaks, poor fit, loose connections |
| Typical length | Often long for materials; parts and labor coverage may be shorter | Varies widely by contractor, from one year to many years |
| Common conditions | Registration, certified installer, required maintenance | Contractor still in business; no alterations by others |
Common exclusions
- Damage from storms, impacts or settling of the house.
- Problems caused by lack of required maintenance (for example, annual HVAC service).
- Labor to remove and reinstall a defective product, unless the warranty says otherwise.
- Work changed or repaired by someone else.
- Coverage that drops sharply after the first few years ("prorated").
Registration and transfer
Some manufacturer warranties must be registered within a set time after installation, or they revert to a shorter term. Ask your contractor whether they register the product for you, and keep the confirmation.
If you might sell the home, ask whether each warranty transfers to a new owner and whether there is a fee or deadline.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Which manufacturer warranty applies to the products in this quote, and for how long?
- Does it cover labor, or only parts or materials?
- Do you register the warranty, or do I?
- What does your workmanship warranty cover, and for how long? Can I have it in writing?
- What would void either warranty?
- If something fails, who do I call first?