One prevents problems before they start. The other pays for them after they break. Discover why luxury homeowners in the DMV are choosing proactive maintenance over reactive warranty coverage.
See how proactive home maintenance stacks up against a traditional home warranty plan.
| Feature | DMV Home Check | Home Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Preventive | Reactive |
| Coverage | All home systems | Named appliances/systems only |
| Visits | Quarterly inspections | Only when you file a claim |
| Documentation | Complete digital home record | Claim receipts only |
| Vendor Control | You choose; we coordinate | Warranty assigns vendors |
| Service Fee | Included in membership | $75–$150 per service call |
| Preventive Maintenance | Included | Not covered |
| Home Value Impact | Documented maintenance increases value | No impact |
| Pest Control | Included at Steward+; free termite inspection + WDI report at Superintendent+ | Explicitly excluded — home warranties never cover pest treatment or pest damage |
| Proactive Safety Inspections | GFCI, dryer vent, sump pump + 15+ checks on every visit — before anything breaks | Zero inspections — only activates after you file a claim for something that already broke |
These are the most common frustrations that drive homeowners away from traditional warranty plans.
Home warranties are notorious for denying claims due to pre-existing conditions, improper maintenance, or fine-print exclusions that homeowners never expected.
Filing a claim, waiting for approval, then waiting for an assigned technician can leave you without essential systems for days or even weeks.
Warranty companies choose the cheapest available contractor—not the best. You have no say in who enters your home or the quality of work performed.
Home warranties only respond after something breaks. They do nothing to prevent failures, leaving you in a cycle of reactive, costly repairs.
Common questions about choosing between maintenance and a home warranty.
Join homeowners in Potomac, Bethesda, and McLean who chose proactive maintenance over reactive warranty coverage.
We use cookies to improve your experience. Essential cookies are always active.