Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Homeownership in Garfield Heights can be satisfying for many people, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Home repairs can be an unexpected financial burden for many homeowners. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings from unexpected home repairs and expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and allow you to live in your home with more peace of mind.
Finding the best protection for your home can be difficult, so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Garfield Heights. Read on for our top provider recommendations.
Very highly rated among customer service reviews
Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
Extensive list of 20+ add-on coverages
Easy claims process
Won’t cover known or unknown pre-existing conditions
In Garfield Heights, Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty. With a home warranty from Liberty, you can enjoy a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Not to mention, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The 3 plans from Liberty are comprehensive and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
The 3 plans from Liberty Home Guard are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To read more, visit our review of Liberty Home Guard. To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281.
Appliance Guard
Systems Guard
Total Home Guard
Over 10 years of experience
24/7 customer service team
Home inspections aren’t required
90-day repair guarantee
Plans aren’t customizable
Customers can’t choose their own contractor
Not available in washington
In Garfield Heights, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. With a home warranty from Choice, you can enjoy very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Not to mention, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 plans from Choice are comprehensive and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
The 2 plans from Choice Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To read more, visit our review of Choice Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164.
Basic Plan
Total Plan
Low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
Two months of free coverage
Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
90-day repair guarantee
Has a $75 cancellation fee
Low coverage caps
In Garfield Heights, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. With a home warranty from Select, you can enjoy a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Not to mention, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The 3 plans from Select are comprehensive and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
The 3 plans from Select Home Warranty are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To read more, visit our review of Select Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953.
Bronze Care Plan
Gold Care Plan
Platinum Care Plan
The oldest and most trusted company in the industry
Allows customers to build their own plans
Ability to choose the service fee you want to pay
Broad coverage on up to 33 appliances and systems
Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
Doesn’t provide coverage in alaska
In Garfield Heights, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. With a home warranty from AHS, you can enjoy the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Not to mention, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 plans from AHS are comprehensive and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
The 3 plans from American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To read more, visit our review of American Home Shield. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
Established company with a bbb accreditation
Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
24/7 service calls available
Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair
Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
According to some customer reviews, the technical jargon in contracts is confusing
In Garfield Heights, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. With a home warranty from First American, you can enjoy very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Not to mention, it has a unique add-on alongside common ones called the First Class Upgrade, which covers fees associated with the use of lifting equipment, up to $250 per local building permits, haul away services, and appliances and systems that have been insufficiently installed or modified. The 2 plans from First American are comprehensive and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
The 2 plans from First American Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To read more, visit our review of First American Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164.
Basic Plan
Premier Plan
Offers home insurance deductible of $500
Extra long 180-day workmanship guarantee
Offers free cancellation in the first 30 days
Charges high service fees of $75-$150
Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician
Isn’t available in hawaii or alaska
In Garfield Heights, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can enjoy a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Not to mention, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 plans from Cinch are comprehensive and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
The 3 plans from Cinch Home Services are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To read more, visit our review of Cinch Home Services. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505.
Appliances Plan
Built-in Systems Plan
Complete Home Plan
Policy starts in ten days
24/7 customer service support
Generous coverage caps on important systems and appliances
30-labor guarantee and 90-day parts guarantee
Offers utility and home service outside line coverage
Higher service fee of $95
Not accredited by the better business bureau (bbb)
Only 2 plan options
In Garfield Heights, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. With a home warranty from HSC, you can enjoy quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Not to mention, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The 2 plans from HSC are comprehensive and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
The 2 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To read more, visit our review of The Home Service Club. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443.
Standard Coverage Plan
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on home warranty companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
| Home Appliance | Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Air Conditioner | $5,919 |
| Heating | $3,946 |
| Electrical | $592 |
| Toilets | $493 |
| Washer/Dryer | $789 |
| Plumbing | $592 |
| Oven | $1,578 |
| Fridge | $592 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Garfield Heights homeowners cut the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial protection to fix or replace appliances and systems that break down from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the cost of the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty delivers peace of mind for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly useful for those who own older homes or ones with outdated systems. More modern builds with modern appliances probably don’t need a home warranty.
Home warranties safeguard both your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers, washers, microwaves, garbage disposals, and more. Covered systems include plumbing, air conditioning, heating, and electrical. Many home warranties also offer add-on coverage options for septic systems, central vacuums, locksmiths, and even roof leaks. It's important for Garfield Heights homeowners to understand most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repairs are covered. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Before signing a home warranty contract, you should learn key terms like:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several key things to take into account:
Home warranties differ greatly in the items covered. Basic policies typically cover electrical, plumbing, heating, AC, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover roof leaks, spas, well pumps, and pools. Look for companies with a range of coverage choices, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. With these per-request costs adding up over time as you file claims, you may want to choose a provider with more affordable fees to maximize savings. Some providers also remove deductibles for homeowners who don't file claims in a certain period.
A home warranty provider's reputation gives insight into things such as contractor quality, repair timeliness, approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Use review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research providers. Good ratings and feedback indicate a provider known for great service.
Home warranty providers maintain networks of local technicians to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to ask how many repair professionals they have in Garfield Heights and get an idea for how quickly your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Wider networks improve the probability of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Some home warranty providers may include perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, smart home device coverage, and reduced maintenance fees. These extras can provide extra value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses let you enhance your home and get the most from your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Garfield Heights can be quite cold in the winter, the weather can put a lot of strain on your HVAC system. Getting a home warranty plan can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks down suddenly.
Not only can a home warranty save you some money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time as well. Instead of having to vet service technicians on your own, home warranty providers do the work for you and send a contractor from their network right to your door when you need them. Another added benefit of having a home warranty policy is that it can increase your home’s real estate value. If you ever decide to sell your home, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the company you have your home warranty with.
One drawback of getting a home warranty is that there are often exclusions. For example, if one of your appliances already has a manufacturer's warranty, it may not be covered under the home warranty, so it’s important to read over any contracts you’re considering carefully to get a sense of what is included and what isn’t.
Another thing to bear in mind is that some companies don’t cover pre-existing conditions and may require an inspection before your coverage can start. Ask the home warranty company for clarification about it if you need more information or if this is a problem for you.
A home warranty in Garfield Heights can cost between $30 and $60 a month. Higher-priced plans usually have broader coverage, higher coverage limits, and a lower service fee. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also reduce your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty plan helps protect against normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. Homeowners insurance protects the entire home in case of something such as a natural disaster or fire. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or dishwasher, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which can be a threat in Garfield Heights.
Homebuyers, home sellers, real estate agents, landlords, and homeowners are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty policy will cover your systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be helpful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Home warranty plans usually provide coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Usually the homeowner is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the person who is selling the home may purchase a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then have to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Garfield Heights is $120,897, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.
