Obtain Warranties and Documentation
Your addition is complete—congratulations! Before you move on, collect and organize every document related to the project. Future you will thank present you when you need to make a warranty claim, touch up paint, or sell the house.
Quick Summary
Time needed
2-4 hours
Documents to collect
15-25 items
Storage
Digital + physical
Why This Step Matters
Over the life of your home, you'll need these documents more times than you expect. Warranty claims, insurance purposes, future renovations, selling the house, matching paint colors—having organized records saves hours of frustration and potentially thousands of dollars.
Did You Know?
Homes with complete permit records and documentation sell faster and for higher prices. Buyers trust permitted, documented work—and so do their inspectors and lenders.
Essential Documents to Collect
Permits and Approvals
These prove your addition was built legally and to code.
- Building permit: Original permit application and approval
- Certificate of Occupancy: Essential—proves legal completion
- Inspection records: All passed inspections
- HOA approval: If applicable
- Variance approvals: If any were granted
Construction Plans and Specifications
These show exactly how your addition was built.
- As-built drawings: Final plans reflecting actual construction
- Structural drawings: Foundation and framing details
- Electrical drawings: Circuit layouts and panel schedules
- Plumbing drawings: Pipe layouts and fixture locations
- HVAC drawings: Duct layouts and equipment specs
Warranties
Collect warranties for all major components and appliances.
| Item | Typical Warranty |
|---|---|
| Contractor workmanship | 1-2 years |
| Roofing (materials) | 20-50 years |
| Roofing (labor) | 5-10 years |
| Windows | 10-lifetime |
| HVAC equipment | 5-10 years |
| Appliances | 1-5 years |
| Plumbing fixtures | Limited lifetime |
Product Information
Details you'll need for maintenance, repairs, and matching.
- Paint colors: Brand, color name, and formula number for each room
- Flooring: Manufacturer, style name, and color
- Tile and countertops: Manufacturer, product name, lot number
- Fixtures: Model numbers for faucets, lights, hardware
- Appliances: Serial numbers and purchase receipts
Contractor and Contract Documents
Keep records of the business relationship for future reference.
- Original contract: With all change orders and amendments
- Payment records: All invoices and proof of payment
- Lien releases: From contractor and all subcontractors
- Insurance certificates: Contractor and sub insurance
- Contact info: Contractor, architect, key subs
Photos of Hidden Work
Photos taken before drywall are invaluable for future work.
Critical: If you don't have pre-drywall photos, you won't know where pipes, wires, and studs are located. Ask your contractor for any construction photos they took.
- • Framing and structural connections
- • Electrical rough-in (wire paths, box locations)
- • Plumbing rough-in (pipe locations, valves)
- • HVAC ductwork and equipment
- • Insulation installation
How to Organize Your Documents
Create both digital and physical copies for different access needs.
Digital Archive
- • Scan all paper documents
- • Organize in labeled folders
- • Store in cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox)
- • Back up to external drive
- • Share access with spouse/partner
Physical Binder
- • Original warranties (some require originals)
- • Permits and CO
- • Paint chip cards with formula numbers
- • Flooring/tile samples if available
- • Appliance manuals
Folder Structure Suggestion
Create a main folder called "Home Addition [Year]" with subfolders: Permits, Plans, Warranties, Paint-Materials, Photos, Contractor-Payments, Appliance-Manuals.
Documenting Paint Colors Properly
Future touch-ups require exact matches. Here's how to document properly.
For Each Paint Color, Record:
- Brand: Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, etc.
- Color name and number: "Agreeable Gray SW7029"
- Sheen: Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss
- Product line: Duration, Regal Select, etc.
- Formula: The exact tinting formula on the can lid
- Location used: Which rooms/surfaces
Pro tip: Take a photo of the paint can lid showing the formula sticker, then store leftover paint in clearly labeled containers. Even a quart of each color is enough for years of touch-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I keep construction documents?
Keep permits, CO, and as-built plans indefinitely—they transfer with the house. Keep warranties for their full duration plus one year. Keep payment records for at least 7 years for tax purposes, or indefinitely if you plan to sell.
My contractor won't provide some of these documents. What can I do?
First, check your contract—many documents are required deliverables. If they're not cooperating, withhold final payment until you receive everything. For manufacturer warranties, you can often register online using model and serial numbers.
Do I need to notify my insurance company about the addition?
Yes, absolutely. Your addition increases your home's value and replacement cost. Notify your insurance company to update your policy coverage. Provide them with the CO and final project cost. Failure to update could result in denied claims.
What about updating my property tax records?
Your local assessor's office will be notified through the permit process. They'll eventually reassess your property value. You don't need to notify them directly, but be prepared for a property tax increase—typically 1-2 years after completion.
Congratulations!
You've completed your home addition project! From assessing lot boundaries to collecting final documentation, you've navigated one of the most complex home improvement projects possible. Your planning, patience, and attention to detail have paid off.
Now enjoy your new space—you've earned it!
What's Next?
Your home addition checklist is now complete. Return to the main checklist to review your journey or explore other home improvement projects.