Washington New Home Buyers Protected... By Law

[Chad Fabry]

By BRIAN SLODYSKO, Associated Press Writer -OLYMPIA, Wash.

Homeowners could get additional warranty protections against shoddy construction under a bill narrowly approved Wednesday by the state Senate and House.

Some warranty protections already exist under state common law, but bill supporters say homeowners who take builders to court have had a difficult time winning their claims in the past.

Builders groups have strongly lobbied against the legislation, saying it will open up a huge new avenue of civil lawsuits that could harm a struggling sector of the economy.

Under the measure narrowly passed by the Senate on Wednesday, warranties on new homes would be guaranteed by law, with most elements of a new home being guaranteed for four years. Damages from water penetration would be covered for six years.

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