When purchasing a home in Naperville, IL—whether it’s a brand-new build in Ashwood Pointe or a charming colonial in downtown Naperville—one of the questions buyers and current homeowners often ask is: Do I need a home warranty?
With real estate being one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, protecting that investment is a top priority. Homeowners insurance provides coverage for major disasters like fires and storms, but what happens when your HVAC system fails or your refrigerator stops cooling? That’s where a home warranty may come in.
In this blog post, we’ll break down what a home warranty is, when you should consider one, and whether it makes sense for your Naperville property.
What Is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty is a service contract—not insurance—that covers the repair or replacement of specific home systems and appliances that break down over time due to normal wear and tear. Most warranties are renewable annually and offer different levels of coverage depending on the plan and provider.
Typical coverage includes:
Typical coverage includes:
-
Heating and cooling systems
-
Plumbing systems
-
Electrical systems
-
Kitchen appliances (oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, etc.)
-
Laundry appliances (washer and dryer)
-
Garage door openers and more
Warranties generally do not cover structural issues, windows, roofing, or damage caused by neglect or improper installation.
How Does It Work?
When something breaks, you contact your warranty provider instead of hiring a repair technician on your own. The provider then sends a contractor from their network to assess the issue. You’ll typically pay a service fee (usually between $75 and $125), and the warranty company will cover the rest, depending on the terms and limits of your plan.
This can be especially helpful when dealing with large-ticket items like HVAC systems or water heaters—common sources of frustration for Naperville homeowners as temperatures fluctuate between icy winters and humid summers.
This can be especially helpful when dealing with large-ticket items like HVAC systems or water heaters—common sources of frustration for Naperville homeowners as temperatures fluctuate between icy winters and humid summers.
Who Should Consider a Home Warranty?
While a home warranty isn’t required, it can be a smart option for certain types of homeowners:
1. First-Time Homebuyers
If you’re buying your first home in Naperville and don’t have experience maintaining appliances or home systems, a warranty can provide peace of mind. You won’t be as familiar with how long things are supposed to last or how to troubleshoot issues. A warranty can ease the transition into homeownership by reducing surprise repair costs.
2. Buyers of Older Homes
Many neighborhoods in Naperville, like Cress Creek and East Highlands, feature homes built in the 1970s and 80s. While these homes often boast charm and strong construction, their appliances and systems may be near the end of their life cycle. A home warranty can offset the cost of repairs or replacements that might be just around the corner.
3. Sellers Looking to Attract Buyers
If you’re selling your home, offering a home warranty as part of the sale can make your property more appealing. It provides reassurance to buyers that they won’t be burdened by unexpected repairs in the first year of ownership. In some cases, sellers even purchase the warranty before listing to cover any issues that arise during the selling process.
4. Landlords and Investors
If you own a rental property in Naperville, a warranty can simplify maintenance. Instead of scrambling to find a reliable plumber or electrician at short notice, the warranty provider handles those logistics for you. This can save both time and stress.
What’s the Cost?
Home warranties in Naperville typically range from $400 to $700 annually, depending on the size of your home and level of coverage. Some companies offer premium add-ons for items like swimming pools, septic systems, or high-end appliances.
You’ll also pay a service call fee for each repair visit, separate from your annual premium. It's important to review the fine print on coverage caps—for example, some plans might only cover $1,500 toward an HVAC replacement, even if the cost is significantly higher.
You’ll also pay a service call fee for each repair visit, separate from your annual premium. It's important to review the fine print on coverage caps—for example, some plans might only cover $1,500 toward an HVAC replacement, even if the cost is significantly higher.
Pros of Having a Home Warranty
-
Peace of Mind: You’re protected from major financial surprises when systems fail.
-
Convenience: No need to vet contractors; your provider handles it for you.
-
Budget Control: Helps you manage repair costs with a predictable annual fee.
-
Added Value: A strong selling point when listing your home.
-
Useful During the First Year: Especially helpful when you’ve just bought and are unsure of appliance age or condition.
Potential Drawbacks
While home warranties offer many benefits, they’re not a perfect solution for everyone. Here are some things to consider:
-
Limited Coverage: Not all breakdowns are covered. Pre-existing issues or improper installations may be denied.
-
Service Delays: You may have to wait for the assigned technician, which can be frustrating in emergencies.
-
Repair vs. Replace: Some warranty companies prefer cheaper repairs over full replacements, which may leave you with temporary fixes.
-
Lack of Contractor Choice: You must use the warranty company’s selected contractors, which may not always be your preferred local professionals.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It in Naperville?
The answer depends on your home’s age, comfort level with unexpected expenses, and budget. A home warranty can provide an extra layer of protection in a place like Naperville, where weather extremes can wear down HVAC systems, sump pumps, and water heaters.
For example, if your furnace breaks down in January, and you’re facing freezing temperatures, a warranty could save you hundreds—or even thousands—on emergency repairs. Likewise, a home with older appliances may benefit from the predictability a warranty provides.
However, if you own a newer home with builder warranties still in effect, or you’re a seasoned homeowner who prefers handling repairs yourself, the cost of a warranty might outweigh the benefits.
For example, if your furnace breaks down in January, and you’re facing freezing temperatures, a warranty could save you hundreds—or even thousands—on emergency repairs. Likewise, a home with older appliances may benefit from the predictability a warranty provides.
However, if you own a newer home with builder warranties still in effect, or you’re a seasoned homeowner who prefers handling repairs yourself, the cost of a warranty might outweigh the benefits.
Questions to Ask Before Purchasing
If you’re thinking about buying a home warranty, here are a few things to investigate:
-
What exactly is covered and what’s excluded?
-
What are the limits on repair or replacement costs?
-
What is the service call fee?
-
Can you choose your own contractor if necessary?
-
Is the warranty transferable if you sell your home?
Make sure to compare providers, read reviews, and examine the fine print before committing to any plan.
Consult with a Local Expert
The best way to determine if a home warranty makes sense for your situation is to speak with a local real estate professional who understands the Naperville market and the kinds of issues that commonly arise with homes in this area.
Work with Lori Johanneson for Peace of Mind
If you’re navigating a home purchase or sale in Naperville and wondering whether a home warranty is right for you, contact Lori Johanneson. Lori brings years of experience and local expertise to guide you through every stage of the real estate journey—including helping you decide whether a home warranty will add real value to your transaction.
She’s worked with buyers and sellers in every part of Naperville and can help you make informed, confident decisions about protecting your property.
Visit lorijohanneson.com to get started or schedule a personalized consultation today. Lori will help you ensure that your home—and your peace of mind—are well protected.
She’s worked with buyers and sellers in every part of Naperville and can help you make informed, confident decisions about protecting your property.
Visit lorijohanneson.com to get started or schedule a personalized consultation today. Lori will help you ensure that your home—and your peace of mind—are well protected.
