Another new home builder in the Central Ohio area has called it quits. On Tuesday, Joshua Homes unexpectedly shut down its web site and disconnected their phones. Joshua Homes appears to be the latest, in a long list, of new home builder casualties in our market. In the past few 
years Central Ohio area has lost many new home builders:
- Toll Brothers
- Joshua Homes
- Centex Homes
- CV Perry
- Beazer
Many current Joshua home owners are very concerned about their new home warranties. This latest new build casualty really magnifies the potential problem of new home warranties. Joshua Homes had one of the longest home warranties (40 year) in our area. But, a warranty is only as good as the builder or warranty company. Does it really matter if you have a 40, 45 or even 50 year new home warranty if your builder is out of business in a few years?
The home buying consumer needs to realize that new home builder warranties are NOT regulated by any State agencies or the Department of Insurance. It is buyer beware! So, make sure you use an Exclusive (true) Buyer Broker when purchasing your next new home. An Exclusive Buyer Broker will protect you during your transaction and act as your advocate.
Good luck out there.
Representing People, NOT Property!
My Buyer Broker Advocate! 
10 comments
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November 12, 2011 at 5:01 pm
leslie
I am trying to find out who did the windows in a home built by Joshua Builders, Columbus , Ohio. The home was built in 2002 and the company has since gone under. However, if they used a reputable window company, it should still have a warranty. If anyone knows how I can find out any information, please let me know. There is no printing on the windows.
November 13, 2011 at 8:03 am
Michael
Leslie, you are right; most window manufactures will offer a warranty on their windows. Here are a couple things you can do: check the windows again, sometimes the stamp is in the window or inside window frame and is extremely small. Plus, I would check multiple windows. You might be able to find manufacture name and date that windows were built. Second, if you bought the home new in 2002 than most home builders are pretty good and giving you paperwork on all components (furnace, roof, A/C, windows, etc.) of your home. I would go back again through all of your paperwork that the builder provided you at closing. Third, check with BIA in Central Ohio (614.891.0575). BIA might have info on builder or windows. There also might be a chance that Joshua had your home covered under a BIA home warranty. Lastly, BIA might be able to help you find other ways to resolve your window problem.
I hope this helps.
Good luck,
HomeBuyer Advocate Mike
November 13, 2011 at 7:14 pm
Leslie
Thanks Mike. Turns out the windows were done by Atria, who also went out of business. The warrentys went with them. We are buying a foreclosure where the seal is broken on several windows. Was hoping to have a little warrenty.
February 28, 2011 at 11:33 pm
Maryland Home Builder
All new construction is built to Energy Star standards which include energy-efficient building techniques and features such as more effective insulation, high-performance windows, tight construction, more efficient heating and cooling equipment, and Energy Star rated lighting fixtures and appliances