Joe's Note: After 20+ years installing roofs and siding across the Twin Cities, I've seen how much a transferable warranty can mean when you're selling. It's not just peace of mind for the buyer—it's real money in your pocket. Most homeowners don't even know this option exists. Let me walk you through exactly how it works.

When you sell your home in Minnesota, one of the strongest selling points you can offer is a transferable manufacturer warranty on your roof or siding. Most roofing and siding warranties CAN be transferred to new homeowners, but the process and coverage varies significantly by manufacturer. Understanding your options—and acting quickly—can add thousands in home value and close the deal faster.

A roof or siding system is one of the largest investments you'll make to your Minnesota home. For buyers, inheriting a manufacturer's warranty on that system is huge:

• Buyer confidence. A 20-30 year transferable warranty signals quality craftsmanship and material durability.
• Home value leverage. Real estate agents consistently report that homes with transferable warranties attract more serious offers and sell faster.
• Peace of mind. The buyer knows they won't face an unexpected $8,000–$15,000 roof replacement in year 3 if something fails.
• Your exit strategy. Offering warranty transfer removes a major objection from buyers and strengthens your negotiating position.

Warranty transfers aren't automatic. They require action from both the current owner (seller) and the new owner (buyer). Here's the general framework:

1. Notify the manufacturer. Within 30–60 days of the sale, you must contact the original manufacturer with proof of ownership and sale.
2. Complete a transfer form. The manufacturer provides a one-page form confirming the original installation, the new owner's information, and the property address.
3. Pay a transfer fee (if applicable). Some manufacturers charge $50–$300 to process the transfer; others do it free.
4. Verify registration. Many warranties require the original installation to have been registered at install time.
5. Coverage may be reduced. Some manufacturers honor only a prorated or partial warranty for new owners.

Note: Policies subject to change. Always contact the manufacturer directly to confirm current transfer terms.

1. Locate your original installation paperwork. Find your purchase invoice, warranty certificate, and installation date.
2. Confirm the original warranty was registered. Check your paperwork or call the contractor to verify.
3. Alert the buyer (and their agent). Include warranty transfer information in your listing or disclosure documents.
4. Have everything ready at closing. Provide copies of all warranty documents and the transfer form.
5. Be prepared to cover the transfer fee. Negotiate this at closing.

1. Request all warranty documentation before or at closing.
2. Contact the manufacturer within 30–60 days. Don't wait—missing the window eliminates transfer eligibility.
3. Complete and submit the transfer form. Include proof of sale and new ownership documentation.
4. Pay the transfer fee (if applicable). Budget $50–$300 depending on manufacturer.
5. Keep the transferred warranty certificate. File this permanently.

Modern Exterior Systems has been serving Minnetonka and the Twin Cities metro since 2004. Owner Joe Dvorak brings 20+ years of roofing and siding expertise, and our team holds an A+ BBB rating and NRCA certification . We're a family-owned business committed to quality craftsmanship, transparent pricing, and customer success.

• Missing the deadline. The 30–60 day window is firm. Mark your calendar immediately after closing.
• Not registering the original warranty. If the original owner didn't register at install time, some manufacturers won't honor a transfer.
• Losing installation paperwork. Scan and back up these documents digitally.
• Assuming all warranties transfer equally. They don't. Some reduce coverage to material only; others void labor.
• Not communicating with the buyer. Highlight the warranty in your listing, disclosure, and at closing.

Yes, in most cases. You can transfer your warranty at any point during its validity period. The remaining warranty period transfers to the new owner (usually prorated).

Contact the roofing or siding contractor who originally installed the system. They'll have records and can provide copies. Modern Exterior Systems can help track down these documents if you're a local customer.

It depends on the manufacturer. Some charge $50–$300; others offer free transfers. These costs are typically paid by the seller as part of closing negotiations.

Almost always, transferred warranties cover materials only. Labor coverage is typically excluded. The original owner usually has full material + labor coverage; the new owner gets material only (sometimes prorated).

Request a written explanation. Common reasons include: missing the transfer deadline, no original registration, or missing documentation. If you installed through Modern Exterior Systems, we can often advocate on your behalf and provide our installation records.