Key takeaways:
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Home warranty coverage is increasingly popular in Wisconsin as homeownership numbers rise, offering protection for new homeowners against unexpected repair costs.
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The average annual cost of a home warranty in Wisconsin is $650, which is cost-effective considering the high expenses associated with major appliance or system repairs or replacements.
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A typical home warranty in Wisconsin covers major home systems and appliances from damages due to wear and tear, unlike homeowners insurance, which covers catastrophic events.
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Home warranties are particularly beneficial when buying older homes, selling properties (as it can increase the property's market value and reduce time on market), or managing rental properties to mitigate repair costs.
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When selecting a home warranty provider in Wisconsin, consider factors such as the company's experience, plan options, price, and the comprehensiveness of coverage to ensure it meets your specific needs and budget constraints.
According to official county deed records, Wisconsin home sales have risen steadily since 2007, reaching 90,319 in 2021. As homeownership increases, the home warranty industry is becoming more popular among new homeowners that want to protect their investment.
Whether you're a homeowner or looking to sell, home warranty coverage can provide significant benefits that protect you from major unexpected expenses. If you're considering getting home warranty protection in Wisconsin, you should know many things before signing a contract.
We're here to help. Let's discuss how Wisconsin's home warranty differs from other states and help you determine how to get the right coverage.
The cost of home warranty in Wisconsin
According to MarketWatch, the average cost of a home warranty plan in Wisconsin is $630 per year. This amount pales compared to how much even a major repair or replacement to one appliance or system could cost. Having the right plan in place can help you save money on unexpected repairs and free up your budget to plan vacations, a home remodel, or whatever you see fit.
What's typically included in a home warranty plan in Wisconsin?
Whether in a major city like Madison or Milwaukee or a smaller suburban area, it's important to know what a home warranty plan typically helps cover in Wisconsin.
A home warranty helps cover the cost of repairing and replacing major appliances and systems inside your home. It should be noted that they differ from homeowners insurance and manufacturer warranties.
Home warranties cover repairs of home systems and appliances due to wear and tear, while homeowners insurance covers catastrophic events like fires, theft, and natural disasters.
Related Article: Home Warranty vs. Homeowners Insurance
On the other hand, a manufacturer's warranty guarantees that a manufacturer will maintain the condition of its product for a certain amount of time. If the product needs repair or replacement while under warranty, the manufacturer should repair or replace it for free.
When looking for the right home warranty plan, it is essential to know the typical types of plans so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Appliance-based plans
Home warranty plans that focus on appliances are meant to help you avoid having to shoulder alone the total cost of repairs and replacements when the appliances in your home stop working. For a small monthly fee, when your microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher and other covered appliances stop working, you'll have to call your home warranty company to gain access to a network of skilled technicians who will do their best to fix it.
Systems-based plans
As you research different home warranty companies in Wisconsin, you'll find that some companies offer plans that focus heavily on your home's systems. This includes things such as your HVAC, electrical system, plumbing, and more. These kinds of plans are meant to go beyond your appliance warranty plans and offer coverage on things that are pricier to repair or replace.
Complete home plans
The third kind of home warranty plan you'll likely encounter when you search for home warranty plans in Wisconsin is a much more comprehensive option. This kind of plan blends your appliance-centric plan and systems-based plans and provides coverage for most of the appliances and systems in your home. While this will probably be the most expensive, it should provide exceptional coverage and peace of mind.
How comprehensive should a home warranty in Wisconsin be?
It depends on your home and your specific needs. If you need clarification on your plan, feel free to ask questions as you research different home warranty companies.
According to Todays Home Owner, the median age of a Wisconsin home is 47 years. When considering the home warranty coverage you need, consider the age of your home and how old your appliances and systems are.
Another specific Wisconsin home warranty factor to consider is the harsh climate during the winter months. Rough winters can be more brutal on heating systems and plumbing than in more moderate parts of the country. This is critical when deciding what plan you need. The last thing you want to do is be forced to come out of pocket exclusively for a new plumbing or HVAC system that could cost you thousands.
When do you need a home warranty in Wisconsin?
Home warranties can save any household from the stress and expensive price tag of repairing home systems and appliances. However, there are specific scenarios where home warranty coverage can be particularly beneficial. Here are some of those instances and why you can benefit from having a home warranty plan.
When buying a house
This is especially true if you are purchasing an older home, and the appliances and systems could be experiencing significant wear and tear. Even the most honest seller might miss some issues with home appliances, and having the right home warranty plan can protect you from expensive repairs and replacements that can arise after you take ownership of your new home.
When selling property
According to the Service Contract Industry Council, sellers that provide home warranty coverage sell their homes for $2300 more on average and their properties spend 11 days less on the market. If you are selling your home, adding the protection of home warranty coverage can push your home to sell faster. This can be a significant boost for your home in the Wisconsin market.
When your appliances are old
Ensure that you know the average lifespan of your own appliances and factor that into your home warranty coverage decision. If your appliances and systems are old and at the stage where they might start experiencing issues, having the right coverage may save you money.
When your emergency budget is tight
How confident are you with your emergency budget? Is it enough to cover repairs to your microwave or washer and dryer that may cost you a few hundred bucks? Or are you prepared to spend a few thousand dollars if needed on a new HVAC system or water heater? If you're concerned that even the smallest repairs won't fit into your budget, having a home warranty plan may be the right move for you.
When owning rental properties
If you own rental properties in Wisconsin, having home warranty coverage can help you save. Renters can be demanding, and when things break down, you need to be able to get them repaired quickly. Home warranty coverage means you'll know exactly who to call while avoiding expensive repairs.
Additionally, construction companies have found it beneficial to use builder warranty plans, which act as additional protection for their new buildings and homes that they want to sell to prospective buyers.
How can you determine the best home warranty provider for your Wisconsin home?
Once you've explored what type of Wisconsin home warranty your home needs, the next step is to find the right company to meet those needs. Here are some of the main factors that you should consider in choosing the right provider.
- Experience: Although longevity only sometimes matches quality, it doesn't hurt. With a more experienced company, you will likely have a more well-developed network of technicians, which is a major benefit.
- Price: Of course, price is an important factor when shopping around. However, don't get tricked into signing up for a plan with a less expensive provider that doesn't offer the services you need.
- Plan options: Make sure that the company you choose offers a wide variety of options to fit your home's needs and budget. Remember, you're in control, and you have the opportunity to make a decision that works best for you and your family.
The Cinch Home Services Advantage
Cinch Home Services offers home warranty plans backed by over 30 years of experience and a network of top-notch service providers. With Cinch, you can purchase an affordable warranty plan with award-winning customer service and many options. Check out our home warranty plans to learn more.