What happens if there’s a warranty issue after my remodel?

When you invest in a home remodel, especially for high-use areas like your kitchen or bathroom, you want to feel confident that everything will hold up for years. But what if something goes wrong? Maybe a cabinet door doesn’t close properly, or an appliance stops working. How do you handle it?

Don’t worry—you're not alone in wondering about warranty issues after a remodel. Whether it's a product failure or poor workmanship, understanding how warranties work and what to expect can ease your concerns. Let’s walk through the most common questions homeowners ask about warranties and how to deal with them.

What should I do if a product fails after my remodel?

It’s totally normal to be concerned about this. You’ve just invested in new fixtures, appliances, or materials, and now you’re wondering, “What if something breaks or stops working?”

If a product fails—like a fridge or faucet—it’s usually covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. These warranties can last anywhere from one to several years, depending on the product.

Here’s a helpful tip: If something does fail, contact your general contractor first, not the manufacturer. Your contractor will help determine if it’s a product defect or an installation issue. If it’s a manufacturer’s defect, many contractors will even handle communication with the manufacturer for you, saving you the hassle.

What happens if poor workmanship causes problems after my remodel?

If something wasn’t installed correctly, like a misaligned door, poorly sealed tile, or faulty plumbing, it falls under the contractor’s workmanship warranty. Most reputable contractors, including Rothrock Kitchen & Bath, offer a one-year warranty on workmanship. This covers defects from improper installation or construction practices.

If something goes wrong due to how it was installed, your contractor will come back and fix it—at no cost to you. This peace of mind is why choosing a contractor who stands behind their work is so important. Make sure to ask about your contractor’s warranty—while one year is standard, some contractors offer longer warranties for certain work.

Who do I contact if something goes wrong after my remodel is completed?

Always reach out to your general contractor first. They’ll help determine whether the issue is a product defect or related to workmanship. Your contractor should also handle communication with the manufacturer or subcontractors as needed.

Reaching out to manufacturers or subcontractors directly can complicate things because they might not have the full picture of the project. Your contractor is responsible for the entire project, so it’s ultimately their job to figure out who is liable and ensure the issue is resolved.

What should I expect from my contractor when I have a warranty issue?

You might be wondering, “Should I expect a hassle, or will it be smooth sailing if something goes wrong?” A good contractor will handle warranty issues with care. They should be easy to contact and responsive to your concerns.

Generally, contractors try to resolve warranty issues quickly—especially if it’s affecting your ability to use the space. Whether it’s a product or workmanship issue, they’ll assess the situation and let you know the next steps. A hands-on contractor will often coordinate the repair process themselves or work with a manufacturer to resolve the issue, keeping you informed throughout.

How quickly should I expect a home remodel warranty problem to be resolved?

A reputable contractor will respond to warranty claims promptly. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of the issue, but most problems are addressed within a few days to a couple of weeks. If it’s an urgent issue, like a leaking pipe, a good contractor will prioritize it.

What is typically covered under a home remodel warranty?

Understanding what’s covered by a warranty can prevent frustration down the road.

• Product warranties generally cover defects in the materials, such as a faulty faucet or cracking countertop. These warranties won’t cover damage from improper use or lack of maintenance, though.

• Workmanship warranties cover issues related to the installation. So, if your tiles weren’t installed correctly and start to come loose, that falls under your contractor’s warranty. However, if you drop something heavy and damage the tiles, that’s on you.

Be sure to ask your contractor to explain what’s covered so there are no surprises later.

Does a home remodel warranty cover labor costs?

Labor costs can be tricky. If a product fails due to a manufacturing defect and your contractor provided the materials, they’ll usually cover both the labor and material costs to fix it. However, if you provided the materials and they fail, you’re likely responsible for covering the labor costs to replace them, even if the materials are under warranty.

From a warranty perspective, will it matter if my contractor provides the materials, or if I do?

Yes, it does! If your contractor provides the materials, they typically cover both the labor and materials for any warranty issue. This means that if your new countertop chips due to a defect, your contractor will handle both replacing the material and reinstalling it. However, if you provide the materials, the contractor usually won’t cover the labor to fix any defects in those materials.

That’s why many homeowners prefer to let the contractor handle the materials—it simplifies things if something goes wrong.

If I have a warranty problem, and my contractor fixes it, will the repair be covered under warranty as well?

If your contractor fixes a warranty issue, that repair is usually covered under the original workmanship warranty. However, it’s a good idea to clarify with your contractor. Some extend the warranty on the repair itself, while others stick with the original warranty period.

How long do warranties last for remodeling materials and workmanship?

Warranties vary depending on the product and contractor. Product warranties can last from one to 10 years, depending on the item. For example, appliances might have a one-year warranty, but quartz countertops might come with a 15-year warranty against staining.

Workmanship warranties typically last one year, which is usually enough time for workmanship-related problems to surface. Some contractors may offer longer warranties for structural work. It’s essential to ask for details on both material and workmanship warranties before you sign the contract to avoid surprises later.

What happens if I find a problem after my contractor’s warranty has expired?

Once a warranty expires, you may wonder if you’re on your own. Unfortunately, after the warranty period ends, any issues are typically your responsibility to repair. However, many contractors offer goodwill repairs, especially for minor issues or clear defects. It never hurts to ask!

What happens if my contractor refuses to honor their warranty?

If a contractor refuses to honor their warranty or goes out of business, it’s a difficult situation. Start by documenting everything and giving them a written deadline to resolve the issue. If that fails, legal action might be necessary.

If a contractor goes out of business, resolving warranty claims becomes much harder. You may be able to go through their liability insurance for certain failures, but that generally applies to more significant damage. The best way to avoid these situations is by hiring a reputable contractor with a solid track record.

What should I do if a subcontractor’s work fails after my remodel?

Don’t worry about tracking down the subcontractor yourself. Your general contractor is responsible for all the work done on your project, including any work done by subcontractors. The general contractor will take care of warranty claims or repairs, regardless of who performed that part of the job.

What if a problem during my remodel causes more damage to my home?

If a product failure or poor workmanship causes further damage—like a leaking pipe damaging your floors—the contractor's liability insurance should cover the repairs. Manufacturer warranties, on the other hand, typically don’t cover secondary damage, which is why it’s important to address issues quickly.

Can I count on my contractor to communicate well if there’s an issue after my remodel?

This depends on the contractor you choose. Reputable contractors like Rothrock Kitchen & Bath prioritize communication and provide a clear process for follow-up. Before hiring, ask contractors about their response times and post-project care.

Can I trust the quality of the warranty service from my contractor?

Choosing a contractor with a strong reputation ensures that any warranty issues are handled with the same care as the original project. Reputable contractors don’t just complete the job and disappear—they stick around to make sure you’re happy with the result.

What happens if materials for my remodel are discontinued and I need a warranty replacement?

If a product is discontinued, manufacturers usually offer a comparable replacement, though it’s rarely an exact match. If this happens, you may need to decide whether to replace the affected area entirely or accept a slightly different replacement. Always ask your contractor about their policy for dealing with discontinued materials during the warranty period.

A real-life example: How we handle warranty issues

We know that talking about warranties is one thing, but seeing them in action is another. Here’s a story from one of our recent kitchen remodels that shows exactly how we handle warranty issues from start to finish:

A few days after we completed a stunning kitchen renovation for one of our clients, she noticed that her new beverage faucet was leaking. Instead of worrying about who to call or how to handle the issue, she contacted us directly. As the general contractor, we immediately stepped in to resolve the problem.

The plumbing work on this project had been done by a licensed plumber, as required by New Hampshire law, so we reached out to him to fix the issue. Within a couple of days, the plumber arrived at our client’s home to inspect the faucet. He found that the faucet was defective and since he had come prepared with a replacement, he installed a new faucet on the spot.

However, after the replacement, our client noticed the new faucet was also leaking. At this point, our plumber suspected the original manufacturer might have had a bad batch of faucets. To solve the issue, he ordered a replacement from a different manufacturer. It took about a week for the new faucet to arrive, and once again, the plumber visited our client’s home to replace the faulty faucet and thoroughly check the water system. This time, the faucet worked perfectly, and the problem was permanently fixed.

The entire warranty process took less than two weeks, and the best part? Our client didn’t have to pay a dime for the repairs or replacements! Since we had provided both the labor and the materials, everything was covered under our warranty. The manufacturer provided the first replacement faucet at no cost, and we covered the cost of the second faucet from the new manufacturer. Throughout the process, we handled all the communication with the plumber and manufacturers, so our client didn’t have to worry about a thing.

While warranty issues like this are rare, when they do come up, we make it our priority to resolve them quickly and efficiently. We believe in giving our clients peace of mind, knowing that if something goes wrong, we’ll take care of it—just like we did for this homeowner.

Final thoughts and what to expect next

When planning your remodel, it’s natural to have concerns about what might happen if things go wrong afterward. The best way to protect yourself is by working with a reputable contractor who clearly explains the warranties for both products and workmanship.

If you're ready to get started on your remodel in the New Hampshire seacoast or have more questions about warranties, Rothrock Kitchen & Bath is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your project and ensure your remodel is in good hands!