How to Understand Decoration Warranty? Warranty Scope, Duration, and Defect Repair Explained

A decoration warranty is the contractor's commitment to repair defects caused by non-human factors within a certain period after completion. It is not a legally mandated uniform duration and is usually agreed upon by both parties in the contract. Common practice is to set different warranty periods for different items (e.g., waterproofing, woodwork, paint, equipment) and specify what is covered and what is excluded (human damage, natural wear and tear, etc.). It is recommended to clearly state the warranty scope, duration, reporting, and repair methods before signing the contract. The following is a neutral summary, not legal advice.

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Common Warranty Items and Typical Durations

There is no legally mandated uniform duration for decoration warranties; they are usually agreed upon per item. The table below shows common practices (actual terms are subject to the contract and individual contractor agreements):

Item	Typical Warranty Direction	Remarks
Waterproofing	Often has a longer warranty period	Leakage has significant impact; key point to confirm
Masonry, Woodwork	Repair of structural construction defects	Mainly non-human issues
Paint, Putty	Relatively shorter period	Easily affected by use and environment
Equipment, Appliances	Usually follows the original manufacturer's warranty	Pay attention to the original warranty card and expiration date

The above are common directions, not fixed standards. The actual duration and scope for each item are subject to the contract. This section is a neutral summary, not legal advice.

How to Write the Warranty into the Contract: Scope, Duration, Exclusions, Repair

Clearly stating the warranty conditions in writing provides a basis for future handling. It is recommended that the contract includes:

Duration for each item: Set per item, not a single duration for everything.
Coverage and exclusions: What is covered and what is excluded (human damage, natural wear and tear, natural disasters, work by others, etc.).
Start date: Usually from the completion of acceptance inspection; should be clearly stated.
Reporting and repair: Method of reporting defects, response and on-site time limits, and responsibility for repair costs.

A written agreement provides a stronger basis than verbal promises. You may also refer to the site's articles 'What to Pay Attention to in Contracts' and 'Interior Decoration Process and Reporting'.

Handling Defects and Today's First Step

If a defect is found during the warranty period, common neutral practices are as follows:

Preserve evidence: Take photos recording the defect location, time of occurrence, and condition.
Report in writing: Notify the contractor according to the contract method, and keep records of correspondence.
Handle according to contract: Confirm whether it falls within the warranty scope and the agreed repair method and time limit.
Dispute resolution channels: If it is within the warranty scope but not handled promptly, you can seek advice through channels such as the Consumer Protection Committee of the Executive Yuan.

Today's first step (can be done immediately): List the warranty conditions you want (duration for each item, coverage and exclusions, reporting and repair methods, start date), confirm each item with the contractor before signing, and include them in the contract. Keep photos and records upon completion of acceptance inspection as a basis for future warranty. This page is a neutral information summary, not legal advice.

FAQ

What is a decoration warranty?

A decoration warranty is the contractor's commitment to repair construction defects caused by non-human factors within a certain period after completion. The content and duration are usually agreed upon in the contract and are not a legally mandated uniform standard. Clearly stating the scope and conditions in the contract provides a basis for future handling. This page is a neutral information summary, not legal advice.

How long does a decoration warranty typically last?

There is no legally mandated uniform duration; it is usually agreed upon by both parties and often varies by item. For example, waterproofing often has a longer warranty period, while paint or consumables have shorter periods, and equipment usually follows the original manufacturer's warranty. The actual duration is subject to the contract and individual item agreements; it is recommended to confirm each item before signing.

What is usually covered and excluded in the warranty scope?

Generally, it covers defects related to construction quality (such as non-human issues like joint gaps, leaks, detachment). Common exclusions include human damage, natural wear and tear, natural disasters, alterations made by the homeowner, or issues caused by third-party work. The scope and exclusions should be clearly listed in the contract to avoid future misunderstandings.

How should the warranty be written into the contract?

It is recommended to specify: the warranty duration for each item, coverage and exclusions, defect reporting and response time, repair method and cost responsibility, and the start date of the warranty (usually from the completion of acceptance inspection). A written agreement provides a stronger basis than verbal promises. You may also refer to the site's article 'What to Pay Attention to in Contracts'.

How do I apply for warranty repair if a defect is found?

The general practice is to notify the contractor in writing as soon as possible (including photos, time of occurrence, and location), handle it according to the contract method and time limit, and keep records of correspondence. If it is within the warranty scope but not handled promptly, you can proceed according to the contract and consumer dispute resolution channels.

What if the contractor cannot be contacted or has closed during the warranty period?

This is a risk worth considering when choosing a contractor. If this happens, review the original contract and payment receipts, preserve evidence of defects, and seek advice through consumer dispute resolution channels such as the Consumer Protection Committee of the Executive Yuan. Choosing a legally registered and transparent contractor beforehand can help reduce risks.

What is the difference between warranty, acceptance inspection, and payment retention?

Acceptance inspection is to confirm whether the construction meets the contract upon completion. Payment retention (final payment) is to withhold a portion of the payment until acceptance inspection is passed. Warranty is the commitment to repair defects within a certain period after completion. These are mechanisms at different stages and can be agreed upon together in the contract.

What can I do today regarding the decoration warranty?

An immediate step you can take: list the warranty conditions you want (duration for each item, coverage and exclusions, reporting and repair methods, start date), confirm each item with the contractor before signing, and include them in the contract. Keep photos and records upon completion of acceptance inspection as a basis for future warranty.

References (official data sources)

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Updated: 2026-07-28 · This page is a neutral compilation of information for reference only. Please refer to the announcements of the competent authority for actual registration status and regulations.