Most problems in a new garage show up in the first winter, when frost, snow and meltwater test the slab, the roof and the door. Write them down with photos and dates as soon as you see them. This page is general information, not legal advice.
My new garage slab has cracks: is that normal?
Thin hairline cracks are common as concrete shrinks while it cures, and HomeGuide notes that concrete tends to crack in colder climates where the ground freezes regularly. Cracks that are wide, growing, uneven from one side to the other, or that let a section lift or sink are not normal. Those point to the base, the footing or drainage, and the builder should look at them.
My new garage roof leaks: who fixes it?
The builder who did the roof should fix a leak in a new garage, so tell them in writing right away. In Boston the common causes are flashing where an attached garage meets the house, ice dams at the eaves, and nails or seams left open. Note when it leaks: in rain, or only when snow melts.
The new garage door will not close right. What is wrong?
A door that will not close right is usually out of adjustment: the tracks are out of line, the springs are not set, or the safety sensors are blocked or misaligned. A slab that is not level across the opening can also leave a gap on one side. Opener and door adjustments are a normal call-back on a new garage.
What warranty should I get on a new garage?
Ask for any warranty in writing before you sign: what it covers, for how long, and who to call. Doors, openers, roofing and windows usually carry their own manufacturer warranties, so keep the paperwork. A warranty is only as good as the words on paper, so read it the same way you read the contract.
Why is water coming in under the garage door?
Water under the door usually means the bottom seal does not meet the floor, the slab or apron slopes toward the garage, or there is no threshold. A new bottom seal or a threshold strip fixes many cases. If the driveway runs downhill to the door, a trench drain in front of it may be needed.
What if the builder will not come back to fix problems?
Send a dated letter or email with photos and a short punch list, and give a fair deadline. Keep copies of the contract and every payment. The state's home improvement program has an arbitration process for disputes with registered contractors, and its Guaranty Fund can pay a consumer up to $10,000 on an unpaid judgment against one.
Where do I file a complaint against a contractor in Massachusetts?
You can file a consumer complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, which lists home improvement contracts among the most common issues it handles. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation runs the Home Improvement Contractor program and its arbitration. Problems with a construction supervisor's licensed work can be raised with the Board of Building Regulations and Standards, which administers the licence.
Why is the driveway lifting in front of my new garage?
The driveway apron in front of a garage often lifts from frost if water collects under it. The garage slab sits on frost-protected footings, but the apron usually does not, so it can move a little each winter. Good drainage and a gravel base under the apron reduce it.
Ice dams formed on my new garage roof. Is that a defect?
Not by itself. Ice dams form when snow melts on a warm roof and refreezes at the cold eaves, which is common on a heated garage or one with a room above. Ice barrier at the eaves keeps the water out, and good insulation and ventilation reduce the dams. Ask the builder what was installed.
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