When investing in a residential park home, understanding the warranty protection that comes with your purchase is essential for your peace of mind. A comprehensive warranty can save you thousands of pounds in potential repair costs, but the details of what’s covered—and more importantly, what isn’t—often remain unclear until you need to make a claim.
At Arden Parks, we’ve guided hundreds of homeowners through the warranty process, and we’ve learned that knowing your coverage beforehand can prevent costly surprises later.
Key Takeaways:
- New residential park homes typically come with a 10-year structural warranty plus separate manufacturer guarantees for fixtures and appliances
- Standard warranties generally cover structural elements, weather sealing, plumbing systems, and electrical installations
- Common exclusions include normal wear and tear, cosmetic issues, and damage from improper maintenance
- Regular maintenance and proper documentation are vital for maintaining warranty validity
- Additional protection options like extended warranties and specialized home insurance can complement standard coverage
What park home warranties actually cover
When you purchase a new residential park home at one of our communities like Leedons Residential Park, your home comes with protection designed to give you confidence in your investment.
New park homes come with a manufacturer’s warranty that typically runs for 1-2 years. This coverage addresses any manufacturing defects or issues that arise from the construction process itself. Beyond this initial period, all new homes also receive a 10-year Gold Shield or Platinum Seal structural warranty—a significant protection for your investment.
The structural warranty specifically covers:
- Chassis and frame integrity – Protection against defects in the steel chassis and structural frame that forms the foundation of your home
- Wall construction and insulation – Coverage for issues with external and load-bearing walls
- Roof structure and weather sealing – Protection against leaks and structural roof problems
- Floor construction – Coverage for structural floor defects
For homes within the manufacturer’s warranty period (typically the first 1-2 years), additional covered items usually include:
- Plumbing systems and water heaters
- Electrical installations and wiring
- Built-in appliances (often with separate manufacturer warranties)
- Windows and exterior doors
- Internal fixtures like fitted kitchens
Pre-owned park homes at Broadway Park or Leedons may have remaining warranty coverage depending on their age. If the home is less than 10 years old, the structural warranty transfers to you as the new owner, though manufacturer warranties for appliances typically don’t transfer.
All our park homes must comply with British Standard BS3632, which ensures they’re built to residential specifications for full-time living. This standard covers important aspects like insulation values, energy efficiency, and structural requirements that support long-term durability.
Common exclusions you should know about
While warranties provide important protection, understanding what isn’t covered is equally important for avoiding unexpected expenses. These exclusions often surprise park home buyers who haven’t reviewed their warranty documentation thoroughly.
Standard exclusions from park home warranties include:
- Normal wear and tear – The gradual deterioration that happens with regular use isn’t covered under warranty
- Cosmetic issues – Minor imperfections, scratches, or colour variations that don’t affect functionality
- Owner modifications – Any alterations you make to the original structure or systems typically void warranty coverage for those components
- Appliance failures beyond manufacturer warranty – Built-in appliances usually have separate, shorter warranty periods
- Damage from natural disasters – Flooding, severe storms, or other extreme weather events aren’t typically covered by your home warranty
Many homeowners don’t realise that improper maintenance can invalidate warranty coverage. For example, failing to properly ventilate your home can lead to condensation issues that might be excluded from warranty claims if they’re deemed the result of improper use.
Another common oversight relates to external skirting and steps. While we include these in the initial sited price at our parks, subsequent damage or issues with these elements often fall outside warranty coverage.
Site-related problems can also create confusion. Issues arising from the plot itself, such as ground settlement or drainage problems, are typically excluded from your home’s warranty and would instead be our responsibility as the park operator if they result from improper site preparation.
Understanding these limitations helps you make informed decisions about additional protection options and maintenance priorities.
How to properly maintain your warranty protection
Keeping your warranty valid requires more than just avoiding modifications. Here are the key steps to ensure you maintain your warranty protection throughout its duration:
Documentation is essential
Maintain a warranty file containing:
- Your original warranty certificates and documentation
- Proof of purchase for your park home
- Records of all maintenance carried out, including dates, work completed, and who performed it
- Copies of any correspondence with warranty providers
Taking photos before and after any authorised maintenance work provides additional protection if questions arise later about modifications or repairs.
Follow maintenance schedules
Most warranties require you to perform regular maintenance, including:
- Annual inspection of roof seals and exterior cladding
- Regular checks of guttering and drainage systems
- Timely repairs of any minor issues before they develop into major problems
- Proper ventilation to prevent condensation and moisture build-up
At our residential parks, we recommend creating a calendar reminder system for these important maintenance tasks. Seasonal checks are particularly important – before winter to ensure weather protection and during spring to address any issues that might have developed.
Use approved contractors
When repairs are needed, using qualified contractors who understand park homes is crucial. We maintain a list of approved contractors familiar with our homes’ specifications who can perform warranty-compliant repairs.
If you’re unsure about whether a contractor is suitable, check with our park management team before proceeding with any significant repairs or maintenance.
Report issues promptly
Warranty claims typically have specific reporting requirements:
- Report problems as soon as you notice them
- Document the issue with photographs
- Follow the specific claim procedure outlined in your warranty documentation
- Keep copies of all claim-related correspondence
Delaying reports can give warranty providers grounds to deny claims, especially if the delay leads to additional damage that could have been prevented.
Additional protection options beyond standard warranties
While manufacturer and structural warranties provide important baseline protection, many of our homeowners opt for supplementary coverage to create a more comprehensive safety net. Here are options worth considering:
Extended warranties
For newer homes, extended warranty packages can provide additional years of coverage beyond the standard manufacturer’s warranty period. These typically cover:
- Internal systems like plumbing and electrical
- Built-in appliances
- Heating systems
The cost varies based on the age of your park home and the level of coverage, but many homeowners find the predictable expense preferable to unexpected repair costs.
Specialized park home insurance
Standard warranties don’t cover many risks that insurance policies can address. A comprehensive park home insurance policy typically includes:
- Structural coverage for events not included in warranties (like accidental damage)
- Contents insurance for your possessions
- Alternative accommodation costs if your home becomes uninhabitable
- Public liability coverage
Look for policies specifically designed for residential park homes rather than standard home insurance, as these address the unique aspects of park home construction and ownership.
Appliance protection plans
For homes where built-in appliances are approaching the end of their manufacturer warranty, dedicated appliance protection plans can provide coverage for:
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Ovens and hobs
- Washers and dryers
- Dishwashers
These plans typically offer repair services with minimal call-out fees or replacement if repairs aren’t possible.
We recommend reviewing your coverage needs annually, particularly as your home ages. What’s adequate protection for a brand-new park home may not be sufficient for one that’s five or ten years old.
By combining manufacturer warranties, structural protection, insurance, and targeted extended coverage, you can create a comprehensive protection plan that addresses most potential issues your residential park home might face.
Final thoughts
Understanding your warranty coverage helps you protect your investment in park home living. By knowing what’s covered, maintaining your home properly, and supplementing standard warranties where needed, you can enjoy your residential park lifestyle with confidence.
If you have questions about warranties for homes at our parks, our team is always available to help clarify your coverage and recommend appropriate protection options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my warranty if I sell my park home?
Structural warranties (like Gold Shield or Platinum Seal) typically transfer to new owners if the home is under 10 years old. However, manufacturer warranties for appliances and fixtures usually don’t transfer. Always check your specific warranty terms and provide documentation to buyers when selling.
How do park home warranties compare to traditional house warranties?
Park home warranties are specifically designed for manufactured homes and typically offer more comprehensive structural coverage than traditional house warranties. However, they often have stricter maintenance requirements and more specific exclusions related to the transportable nature of park homes.
What’s the difference between a warranty and insurance for park homes?
Warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship for specific periods, while insurance protects against unexpected events like storms, theft, or accidental damage. They complement each other rather than replacing one another – warranties handle manufacturing issues, while insurance covers events beyond the manufacturer’s control.
How do seasonal changes affect my warranty coverage?
Seasonal maintenance is essential for maintaining warranty validity. Winter freeze damage might be excluded if you haven’t taken appropriate winterization steps, while summer heat issues could be denied if ventilation guidelines weren’t followed. Your warranty likely requires seasonal adjustments to protect systems throughout the year.
What documentation should I keep to support potential warranty claims?
Maintain your original warranty certificates, purchase documentation, maintenance records (with dates and provider details), and any correspondence with the manufacturer or warranty company. Photos of your home at purchase and after any approved modifications provide additional documentation that can support your claims.
