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![]() With plenty of charm and defined spaces, our 2020 Cottage on the Cape is ready for relaxing and entertaining. There’s plenty of room for everyone at our 2020 Cottage on the Cape, with distinct outdoor spaces for the main house and the ADU occupants to enjoy. Welcoming Entry![]() The core of our Idea House is a simple two-story rectangular box topped with a moderately sloped roof; the addition of a false rake gives it the appearance of a steep-roofed cottage. Gutter guards: All Weather Armour; Walkway pavers: Belgard; Garage door: Clopay; Roof shingles, underlayment: GAF; Box bay siding, soffits: LIFESPAN Solid Select; Factory-finished cedar shingles (Atlantic Blue): SBC Cedar; Triple-pane windows: Sierra Pacific; Porch flooring and ceiling: Aeratis; Lattice windbreak finish: Watco Teak Oil + Stain; Skylights: VELUX; Window boxes: Walpole Outdoors; Sod: Sodco ![]() Details that include a picket-style fence, a side porch entry, and bountiful window boxes provide classic cottage charm. Fence, window boxes: Walpole Outdoors; Walkway pavers: Belgard; Box bay siding, soffits: LIFESPAN Solid Select; Factory-finished cedar shingles (Atlantic Blue): SBC Cedar; Triple-pane windows: Sierra Pacific; Sod: Sodco Comfortable Porch Seating![]() The built-in bench on the front porch is made from the same durable and long-lasting PVC material used for the floor. Porch flooring, ceiling, and bench: Aeratis; Lattice windbreak finish: Watco Teak Oil + Stain; Pillows: Annie Selke ![]() The decorative windbreak not only protects porch-sitters from shore breezes, it also creates a delightful pattern with the help of the sun. Porch flooring and bench: Aeratis; Lattice windbreak finish: Watco Teak Oil + Stain; Pillows, rug: Annie Selke Smart Garage![]() Attaching the garage to the side of the house creates a courtyard area around the corner for the mudroom entry. The garage door, like many of the house’s features, can be controlled via smartphone app. Above it, shingles are cut and pieced together to create a compass rose, a nod to the Cape’s nautical heritage. Garage door: Clopay Mudroom Access![]() A sheltered doorway behind the garage/workshop leads to the mudroom. Nearby, a custom sliding barn door on the side of the garage allows workshop projects to continue outside in fair weather. Siding: Factory-finished white cedar shingles in Atlantic Blue by SBC Cedar; Trim: LIFESPAN Solid Select; Door: Sierra Pacific; Pavers: Belgard; Lighting: Progress Lighting; Steps: Aeratis; Mission Bench Finish: Watco Teak Oil + Stain; Pillow: Annie Selke; Window Box: Walpole Outdoors ![]() A view from the parking area shows the ADU entry on the left, the main house’s mudroom entry, and the custom barn door on the side of the garage. Heat pumps that are the core of the home’s HVAC system are tucked out of view on one side. HVAC: Mitsubishi Electric An Inviting Patio![]() A small patio outside the mudroom door has just enough room for a bench with a light nautical touch. Pavers: Belgard; Mission Bench Finish: Watco Teak Oil + Stain; Pillows: Annie Selke Room for Outdoor Entertainment![]() French-door sliders connect the dining room of the main house to a 12-by-14-foot deck built of durable and slip-resistant PVC. A few steps down, a patio with a kit-built fire pit becomes its own entertaining area. A smaller deck beyond provides outdoor seating for the ADU. French doors: Sierra Pacific; Pavers and firepit: Belgard; Deck floor and bench: Aeratis; Concrete footings: Sakrete ![]() This tumbled-block fire pit is built from a kit, making it a satisfying DIY project. Firepit: Belgard; Deck floor and bench: Aeratis; Concrete footings: Sakrete; Pillows, rug: Annie Selke ![]() The generous side yard offers distinct areas for outdoor living that serve both the main house and the ADU, allowing those living there to mingle or socialize separately as they wish. With the garage/workshop and HVAC units relegated to the other side and back of the house, this area is all about relaxing and entertaining. Roof: GAF; Skylights: VELUX, HVAC: Mitsubishi Electric; Pavers: Belgard; Sod: Sodco Easy Basement Access![]() A basement door provides a direct route into the lower storage and mechanical area. Basement door: The BILCO Company ADU Private Porch![]() A sliding French door with a small deck provides the ADU with its own outdoor escape. Both this deck and the main deck are built with weather and slip-resistant PVC planks. Windows, slider: Sierra Pacific; Decking: Aeratis; Adirondack chair finish: Watco Teak Oil + Stain; Pillows, rug: Annie Selke ![]() A separate entrance provides the ADU with enough privacy to function as a rental unit. Doors, windows: Sierra Pacific; Decking: Aeratis; Pavers: Belgard Functional Landscaping![]() A view from above illustrates how the Cottage’s yard is landscaped for function, with parking and primary entrances on one side, and greener spaces for relaxation on the other. ![]() See inside the 2020 Idea House: the Cottage on the Cape! This Old House is revealing the restoration of this classic shingle-style home on scenic Cape Cod. Designed by award-winning Union Studio Architecture & Community Design, built by Cape Associates, with the design-savvy of Denise Enright Interior Design, this home features a comfortable floor plan, welcoming front porch, an upstairs master with en suite bath, a sleeping loft, maker’s workshop, and an in-law apartment. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/cottage-on-the-cape-idea-house![]() Here’s a peek inside the smartly-designed rental unit of our TOH 2020 Cottage on the Cape. The apartment’s connection to the house poses multiple possibilities: as a rental space for extra income, a first-floor master, or a separate dwelling for family in a multigenerational household. “When the cost of land can be shared, it brings the cost of living down,” says Union Studio architect Christina Carlson. “It’s a very adaptable way of developing, and it’s also solving some of the affordability issues.” Separate but Together![]() An arresting blue paint turns a wall in the ADU’s living area into a focal point that livens up the whole space. The furniture was chosen for its practical and compact design. “It’s usable and comfortable, but minimal in scale,” says Enright. “There are no big, oversize arms, and pieces are up on legs so it feels airier and more open.” Paint: Harwood Putty (walls, vaulted ceiling), Prussian Blue (nickel gap wall), by Benjamin Moore; Skylights: VELUX; Light Fixture: Progress Lighting; Rug, pillows, throw: Annie Selke; ![]() A sleeping nook, rather than a full bedroom, saves a few feet; the triple-pane casement windows are installed high enough to allow for multiple furniture arrangements. Paint: Harwood Putty (walls), Washington Blue (headboard), by Benjamin Moore; Windows: Sierra Pacific; Bed: Custom built for New England Staging by Vetere Custom Woodworks; Light Fixtures: Progress Lighting; Comforter Set, Quilt Set, Faux Fur Pillow, Throw, by Lush Décor; Rug: Annie Selke ![]() A bright orange high-top and stools add a perky contrast to the ADU’s predominantly blue and white palette. Paint: Harwood Putty (walls), Washington Blue (headboard), by Benjamin Moore; Windows: Sierra Pacific; Bed: Custom built for New England Staging by Vetere Custom Woodworks; Light Fixtures: Progress Lighting; Comforter Set, Quilt Set, Faux Fur Pillow, Throw, by Lush Décor; Rug: Annie Selke ![]() Curtains close off the sleeping nook when privacy is desired. Paint: Harwood Putty (walls), Prussian Blue (nickel gap wall), by Benjamin Moore; Privacy panels: Lush Decor Black & White Bathroom![]() The matte black fixtures in the ADU bathroom echo the aesthetic in the main house and coordinate with the black and white porcelain tile on the walls and floor. Paint: Harwood Putty by Benjamin Moore; Vanity: Woodharbor Custom Cabinetry; Hardware: Häfele; Edging profile, shower shelves, drain, and floor warming: Schluter-Systems; Light fixtures: Progress Lighting; Floor tile, shower floor, and shower wall tile: AKDO; Grout: Laticrete; Countertop: Global Marble & Granite; Fixtures, toilet, and fittings: Kohler ![]() As smart-looking as it is practical, a perforated shelf coordinates with other black accents in the ADU bath. Edging profile, shower shelves: Schluter-Systems; Grout: Laticrete A Functional & Stylish Kitchen![]() A countertop between the ADU’s galley kitchen and its living area can serve as a dining counter for a meal-on-the-go. The apartment floor is character-grade white oak, with a darker finish than the select oak in the main house. Paint: Bruton White (kitchen walls); Harwood Putty (living area walls), Prussian Blue (nickel gap wall) by Benjamin Moore; Cabinetry: Woodharbor Custom Cabinetry; Floors: Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods ![]() The kitchen’s galley layout creates an effective workspace that doubles as a passageway to the main house. Beyond the kitchen, a sliding barn door conceals a coat closet, and is set off from the wall far enough to hang art behind it but close enough to slip between the wall and a high-top table that provides dining space for two. The apartment can be entered through a front door beyond the refrigerator, through a slider off of the living area, or from the main house through the kitchen. Paint: Bruton White by Benjamin Moore; Cabinetry: Woodharbor Custom Cabinetry; Refrigerator, dishwasher, range by Cafe Appliances; Sink, faucet, cutting board by Elkay; Light fixture: Progress Lighting; Backsplash tile: AKDO; Grout: Laticrete; Countertop: Global Marble & Granite Smart Fixtures & Appliances![]() The ADU kitchen features a 30-inch induction and convection range with a warming drawer in matte-white enamel. The kitchen is partially open to the living area as seen on the left; a doorway to the main house can be glimpsed at right. Paint: Bruton White by Benjamin Moore; Cabinetry: Woodharbor Custom Cabinetry; Range, microwave by Cafe Appliances; Countertop: Global Marble & Granite ![]() A pull-out faucet and stainless undermount sink with an integrated cutting board speeds food prep in the ADU’s galley kitchen. Sink, faucet, cutting board by Elkay; Cabinetry: Woodharbor Custom Cabinetry; Countertop: Global Marble & Granite; Outlet: iDevices ![]() The ADU appliances have a retro edge and a sleek finish. Refrigerator, dishwasher, by Cafe Appliances; Cabinetry: Woodharbor Custom Cabinetry; Sink, faucet, cutting board by Elkay ![]() Here are some of the ways we incorporated usable living space into every nook and cranny of our 2020 Cottage on the Cape. “When you’re designing this small, you’re taking into account every little thing, from the width of the casing to the thickness of the floor,” architect Don Powers says. Down in the basement, a bonus room can be used as anything from an office to a teen hangout. The garage was turned into a maker’s workshop. Upstairs, a loft provides an elevated hangout space. All were drawn down to the inch. Cozy Reading Loft![]() A sculptural ladder, a collaboration between Enright and Cape Associates, offers access for the agile to a reading loft above the second-floor hall. Ladder finish: Varathane ![]() The loft’s sloped ceiling accommodates low-slung seating that suits its use as a casual hangout. Electrical outlets beneath the railing ensure everyone sharing the space has a place to plug in. A door accesses attic space that houses the home’s main air handler. Loft paint: Palace Pearl (end walls, ceiling), Chiswell Blue (sidewalls), by Benjamin Moore; Railing finish: Varathane; Skylight: VELUX; Rugs: Annie Selke; Outlets: iDevices ![]() The loft also provides room for extra storage. Ladder finish: Varathane; Rug: Annie Selke ![]() A space-saving stackable washer and dryer are neatly tucked into the space beneath the loft in the second-floor hall. Washer, dryer by GE Appliances Basement Bonus Space![]() To succeed, a basement office needs light and personality. In ours, unique plantable window wells provide light and a pretty view, while Enright added the personality. She started with a floor of click-together linoleum tile laid in 24-inch-wide black and bone stripes to give the space a “fun, unexpected, kind of retro look.” Then she added bold, whimsical photo prints of vintage bathing costumes. Long curtains visually raise the ceiling and help the space feel finished, as do a sunny accent wall and airy furniture. The result: a space that’s energizing, not oppressive. Paint: Harwood Putty (walls), Green Umber (accent wall), Benjamin Moore; Window well: The BILCO Company; Window treatments, rugs, pillows, artwork: Annie Selke; Flooring: Forbo Creative Maker’s Workshop![]() In the combined garage/workshop, a darker paint color anchors the shelving and workstations lining the back gable wall. Paint: Ambler Slate (behind wall unit), Slate (side walls), Benjamin Moore; Door: Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods; Door hardware: House of Antique Hardware; Floor coating: EpoxyShield; Organization system: California Closets; Adhesives: Gorilla Glue ![]() The garage/workshop features dual workstations, each equipped with tool storage, electrical outlets, and room to create. Pop-up outlets, battery-charging stations, and visible storage aid productivity. Workstation: California Closets; Hooks & LED strip lighting: Häfele; Pop-up counter top receptacles: Hubbell Wiring Device-Kellems ![]() Gooseneck lighting and a wood “quilt” give some style to the gable wall of the garage/workshop, while a darker paint shade adds depth. Paint: Ambler Slate, Benjamin Moore; Lighting: Progress Lighting; Storage system: California Closets; Wall art: Custom wood art by Jenn Largesse of This Old House, featuring Varathane Weathered Wood Stain ![]() A durable, easy-to-clean epoxy coating on the concrete looks great underfoot. Windows and skylights ensure there’s plenty of light for tinkering. A carriage house-style garage door allows ample fresh air and accessibility. Floor coating: EpoxyShield; Skylights: VELUX; Garage door: Clopay ![]() Here’s a closer look at the beautiful bedrooms and bathrooms of the TOH 2020 Idea House: Cottage on the Cape. The second floor of the Cottage on the Cape Idea House features an airy master suite and comfortable guest bedroom with accompanying bath, and ushers in a softer color palette throughout, which includes a transition from black to white windows. A Bright, Airy Master![]() At roughly 16 by 11 feet, the master bedroom is hardly oversize, but a vaulted ceiling and light colors make it feel spacious. Designer Denise Enright chose a soft pink inspired by the Cape sky at dusk to direct attention to the master bedroom’s vaulted ceiling. Decorative beams, finished with a transparent wood stain for a sun-bleached look, also draw the eye upward. Paint: Harwood Putty (walls), First Light (ceiling), by Benjamin Moore; Beam Finish: Sunbleached by Varathane; Bedding, Rug, Window Panels, Art: Annie Selke; Bed: Custom-built for New England Staging by Vetere Custom Woodworks ![]() The wall behind the bed is covered with a textured, muted-aqua grasscloth. In a house where every inch counts, the distance from the wall to window was calculated to be just wide enough for a queen-sized bed. On the side table, a discreet sensor continuously monitors and automatically adjusts indoor air quality. Wallpaper: Thibaut; Bedding, Rug, Window Panels, Art: Annie Selke; IAQ Sensor: Cosmos Healthy Home System; Bed: Custom-built for New England Staging by Vetere Custom Woodworks Sleek and Luxurious Master Bath![]() Though compact, the master bath’s packs a lot of luxury in a small space, with ample natural light and a heated marble-tile floor. The shower wall tiles are impressive 8-by-4-foot porcelain. Paint: Bruton White by Benjamin Moore; Sun Tunnel skylight: VELUX; Floor warming: Schluter-Systems; Floor tile: AKDO; Wall tile: AKDO; Interior Door: Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods; Door hardware: House of Antique Hardware ![]() A sun tunnel—a highly reflective metal tube—brings natural light to the front of the vanity, where a multifunction mirror adjusts lighting for makeup and mood. For both upstairs baths, Enright specified contemporary nickel fixtures and hardware, a departure from the more industrial ones downstairs. Paint: Bruton White by Benjamin Moore; Sun Tunnel Skylight: VELUX; Shower System, Floor Warming: Schluter-Systems; Floor Tile: AKDO; Mirror: Häfele; Ventilation Fan: Panasonic; Lighting: Progress Lighting; Door hardware: House of Antique Hardware ![]() The master bath shower’s floor tiles are marble, and feature a decorative drain. Both the master and the ADU baths feature electric in-floor heating. Drain: Schluter-Systems; Floor Tile: AKDO; Mirror: Häfele; Tile grout: Laticrete Next-Level Closet Organization![]() The master-bath closet features an organization system and ample shoe storage. Closet organization, shoe storage system by California Closets Room for GuestsA second upstairs bedroom features a light and breezy palette, and is paired with a hall bath. ![]() An unexpected mix of soft paint colors—on walls, casings, and ceiling—enliven the guest bedroom. Pale bedding and ceiling-high curtains help create an open, airy feel. Paint: Harwood Putty (walls), Greenhow Blue (trim), Green Earth (ceiling) by Benjamin Moore; Lighting: Progress Lighting; Comforter set, quilt set, stripe pillow, decorative pillow, window panels: Lush Décor; Rug: Annie Selke; Bed: Custom-built for New England Staging by Vetere Custom Woodworks ![]() Designer Denise Enright used the guest bedroom rug to inspire her choice of blue trim and a soft green ceiling. Leggy, light wood furniture echoes the white oak flooring, enhancing the room’s whimsical, beachy vibe. Paint: Harwood Putty (walls), Greenhow Blue (trim), Green Earth (ceiling) by Benjamin Moore; Lighting: Progress Lighting; Comforter set, quilt set, stripe pillow, decorative pillow, throw, window panels: Lush Décor; Rug: Annie Selke; Bed: Custom-built for New England Staging by Vetere Custom Woodworks; Interior Door: Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods; Door hardware: House of Antique Hardware ![]() Sun tunnels shed light in even the tightest spaces, such as the guest room closet. Sun Tunnel: VELUX; Organization system: California Closets Ocean-Inspired Guest Bathroom![]() The hall bath holds the house’s only bathtub. Blue glass tile and a driftwood-like finish on the contemporary vanity continue the house’s beachy theme. Lighting: Progress Lighting; Vanity: Woodharbor Custom Cabinetry; Vanity top: Global Marble & Granite; Vanity hardware: Häfele; Glass tile: AKDO; Shelves and profiles: Schluter-Systems; Grout: Laticrete; Sink, toilet: Kohler; Faucet, towel bars, fittings: Delta; Shower curtain: Lush Décor; Ventilation fan: Panasonic ![]() Clever corner shelves in the hall bath shower feature built-in drain holes arranged in a delightful pattern. Shelves: Schluter-Systems; Glass tile: AKDO ; Grout: Laticrete ![]() An oval undermount sink, a polished-marble countertop, and a contemporary faucet keep the guest vanity sleek and modern. Edging profile creates a unique frame for the mirror. Sink: Kohler; Faucet: Delta Faucet; Profile: Schluter-Systems Urban-Style Half Bath![]() A half bath located off the mudroom features a chunky, concrete-top vanity in a style that melds urban and organic. But what grabs all the attention in this room, says Enright, is the watercolor-patterned wall covering that looks like grasscloth. “People walk in and they have to touch it, but it’s just paper,” she says. Lighting: Progress Lighting; Vanity and integrated sink: Avanity; Floor tile: AKDO; Interior Door: Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods; Door hardware: House of Antique Hardware ![]() Take a tour of the open and inviting first floor of the TOH 2020 Cottage on the Cape. “When you think flexibility, you think open,” says architect Joel VanderWeele, one of the original Side Hustle House’s designers. With the exception of an attached mudroom entry and powder room, the first floor of the main house is one open space that includes the living area, dining area and kitchen. Smart design makes each space work together, and apart. Casual Entrance![]() A mudroom with an adjacent powder room provides a casual entry on the side of the house. Wall paint: Williamsburg Wythe Blue by Benjamin Moore; Entry door: Sierra Pacific; Ceiling fixture: Progress Lighting; Floor tile: AKDO; Rug: Annie Selke ![]() Bright blue walls in the mudroom guarantee visitors a cheery arrival. Wall paint: Williamsburg Wythe Blue by Benjamin Moore ![]() A poplar two-panel door leads from the mudroom to the workshop beyond. Door: Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods; Hardware: House of Antique Hardware Efficient Cook Spaces![]() The 3-by-8-foot island has a quartzite top with a rich, easy-care leather finish. Perimeter countertops and backsplash are polished quartzite. The touchless smart faucet is voice activated. Custom alder cabinets feature inset drawers and a silvery driftwood finish. A door on the left leads to the ADU. Nine-foot ceilings help the compact first floor feel more spacious. Wall paint: Bone Black by Benjamin Moore; Kitchen cabinetry: Woodharbor Custom Cabinetry; Lighting: Progress Lighting; Refrigerator: Café Appliances; Undercabinet and toekick lighting: Häfele; Countertops: Global Marble & Granite; Island counter stools: Courtesy of New England Staging ![]() In the kitchen, frosted-glass upper cabinet doors fold up and out of the way for access to serving ware. Lift doors: Häfele; Cabinetry: Woodharbor Custom Cabinetry ![]() Drawers in the custom cabinetry feature handy dividers and organizers. Drawer inserts: Häfele; Cabinetry: Woodharbor Custom Cabinetry ![]() The kitchen’s easy-care quartzite countertops have a fingerprint-resistant leather finish; custom cabinets are stained in a silvery wood tone. Kitchen cabinetry: Woodharbor Custom Cabinetry; Appliances: Refrigerator, Range by Café Appliances; Lighting: Progress Lighting; Range hood: Panasonic; Countertops: Global Marble & Granite; Island counter stools: Courtesy of New England Staging High-Design Fixtures![]() The smart faucet in the main kitchen is voice-activated and can dispense water in whatever amount is needed, from a tablespoon to a gallon. Shown: Faucet: Moen; Countertop: Global Marble & Granite ![]() In this compact kitchen, the distance between countertops varies from 4 feet between the island and the range, and 38 inches between the end of the island and the perimeter countertop. Dishwasher: Cafe Appliances; Runner: Annie Selke; Countertops: Global Marble & Granite; Windows: Sierra Pacific; Lighting: Progress Lighting ![]() Both the induction/convection oven and the French door refrigerator have a contemporary reflective-glass finish. The vent hood above features ultra-quiet operation. Range: Cafe Appliances; Range hood (not shown): Panasonic Small Space, Big Feel![]() The custom TV cabinet on the right side of this photo does triple duty: As a partition wall, it separates the living and dining areas, and, with a cantilevered bench on the dining room side, it provides seating at the table. Equipped with a hinged top panel and lift mechanism, it also conceals the TV. Wall paint: Bone Black by Benjamin Moore; Lighting: Progress Lighting; Sliding doors: Sierra Pacific; Flooring: Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods; Pillows, window panels: Annie Selke; TV Cabinet/Banquette: Custom built by Cape Associates; Lift Mechanism, Lighting, and Hardware by Häfele ![]() A motorized lift raises and lowers a TV hidden inside the custom room divider. TV Cabinet/Banquette: Custom built by Cape Associates; Lift Mechanism, Lighting, and Hardware by Häfele ![]() On the main floor, interior designer Denise Enright specified black window frames for a contemporary look that’s softened by the muted gray of the walls. Wall Paint: Bone Black (walls); Harwood Putty (nickel gap) by Benjamin Moore; Stain (coat closet door): Varathane; Interior doors, flooring: Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods; Windows, entry door: Sierra Pacific; Lighting: Progress Lighting; Door hardware: House of Antique Hardware; Rugs, pillows, throws, window panels: Annie Selke; Nickel-Gap Stairwell![]() Walls with a nickel-gap look pair with a beachy striped runner to give the main stairway a breezy cottage feel. Paint: Harwood Putty (nickel gap) by Benjamin Moore; Stair runner: Annie Selke; Stair parts courtesy of Mid-Cape Home Center and BROSCO ![]() If you’re looking for a way to save money on home repairs, buying a home warranty plan could give you the financial protection you need. In this article, our review compares Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield on criteria like coverage plans, cost, customer reviews, and more. Looking to compare Select Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield? Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield are national home warranty companies available in every state, except Alaska. While American Home Shield offers more coverage plans than Select Home Warranty, Select Home Warranty offers cheaper plans and more optional coverage. The This Old House Reviews team compares these two providers head-to-head on their cost, coverage plans, customer reviews, and more. Keep reading to determine which company provides the best home warranty for you and your home. Select Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield CoverageAmerican Home Shield covers more appliances and systems than Select Home Warranty, but Select Home Warranty offers more optional coverage than American Home Shield. American Home Shield also offers a Build-Your-Own Plan that allows customers to customize their own coverage. Select Home Warranty CoverageThere are three Select Home Warranty plans: Bronze, Gold, and Platinum. Bronze Care covers six home systems, Gold Care covers eight home appliances, and Platinum Care covers everything in the Bronze Care and Gold Care plans, plus garage door openers and plumbing stoppages. Compare what each Select plan covers in the table below: Select Home Warranty also offers 12 optional add-ons to purchase separately, including:
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, call 888-370-3956 or fill out this simple form. American Home Shield CoverageThere are four American Home Shield plans: Systems, Appliances, Combo, and Build-Your-Own. The Systems Plan covers 11 major systems, the Appliances Plan covers 10 essential home appliances, and the Combo Plan protects all 21 home items found in both plans. The company’s Build-Your-Own Plan lets you choose 10 or more covered items that you need protected—after choosing 10 items, each additional item will cost $2. Compare each American Home Shield plan in the table below: In addition to its four standard plans, American Home Shield offers five optional add-ons:
Get a free quote from American Home Shield by calling 844-529-9298 or by filling out this easy form. Select Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield CostAmerican Home Shield premiums cost more than Select Home Warranty premiums, but Select Home Warranty has a lower service call fee range of $60–$75. American Home Shield allows you to choose a service fee of $75, $100 or $125. The service fee you select with American Home Shield affects the cost of your monthly premium—the higher the service fee you select, the lower your monthly premium will be and vice versa. Note: The optional add-on cost for each provider depends on the items you select and may add about $40 to $180 per year to your home warranty cost. Select Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield ReviewsWhile these two companies received a B rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), we found that American Home Shield reviews on the BBB are more positive, on average, than Select Home Warranty reviews. Our ConclusionAmerican Home Shield and Select Home Warranty are two of the best home warranty companies in the industry, offering comprehensive plan options across 49 states. If you want customizable coverage and a flexible service fee, we recommend choosing American Home Shield. If you want more affordable plans and a greater selection of optional coverage items, consider Select Home Warranty. To determine the specific cost of each provider’s plans, request a free quote using the panel below. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does a home warranty cover? Home warranty plans cover major appliances and systems in your home like your refrigerator, air conditioning, and plumbing. Both American Home Shield and Select Home Warranty offer plans that cover appliances, systems, and a combination of both. What is the waiting period for Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield? Once you purchase your home warranty plan from Select Home Warranty or American Home Shield, you’ll have to wait 30 days before you can file your first claim. Is a home warranty worth it? Because a home warranty protects homeowners from expensive, unexpected repair bills, it may be worth it for valuable peace of mind and budget protection. How much does a home warranty cost? On average, homeowners pay $25 to $60 per month for a home warranty plan, and the service call fees, or deductibles, are between $60–$125. What is the minimum contract length for American Home Shield and Select Home Warranty? The minimum contract length for American Home Shield and Select Home Warranty is 12 months. Do American Home Shield and Select Home Warranty offer promotions? Yes. American Home Shield offers $50 off for new customers, while Select Home Warranty offers $150 off and two months free to new customers. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at [email protected]. ![]() The This Old House Reviews team compared AFC Home Club and American Home Shield on their home warranty coverage offerings, customer reviews, and pricing to help you decide which provider is best for your home. Looking for a comparison of AFC Home Club vs. American Home Shield? AFC Home Club and American Home Shield both offer home warranty plans across the U.S. that protect major appliances and systems from expensive repairs. The This Old House Reviews team analyzed both providers’ plans, pricing, and customer reviews to help you determine which offers the best home warranty for your home protection needs. AFC Home Club offers four different coverage plans with a service guarantee that lasts for the entire duration of a homeowner’s membership. Not to mention, AFC Home Club offers unique benefits like free credit monitoring and discounts on maintenance-related parts and supplies. To save up to $150 on a new plan, call AFC Home Club at 678-335-2181 or fill out this quick form. The longest-running and most popular home warranty company, American Home Shield has millions of customers nationwide and a large contractor network of more than 16,000 independent professionals. Aside from its trustworthiness, American Home Shield offers some of the most comprehensive coverage available and even lets customers customize protection with their Build-Your-Own Plan. For $50 off of a new plan, call American Home Shield at 844-529-9298 or complete this quick form. AFC Home Club vs. American Home Shield CoverageBoth AFC Home Club and American Home Shield offer four different coverage plans, but American Home Shield offers a unique Build-Your-Own Plan. Keep reading to learn how each company’s coverage plans stack up against each other. AFC Home Club CoverageAFC Home Club offers four different coverage plans: a Platinum Plan, Gold Plan, Silver Plan, and System Plan. The Platinum Plan is AFC Home Club’s most comprehensive plan, while the System Plan only covers systems and the Silver Plan only covers appliances. The company’s Gold Plan covers everything in the Platinum Plan, except for plumbing stoppages, an ice maker, and a built-in microwave. Here’s what each AFC Home Club plan covers: AFC Home Club also offers six optional add-ons:
American Home Shield CoverageThere are four American Home Shield plans: an Appliances Plan, Systems Plan, Combo Plan, and Build-Your-Own Plan. The Combo Plan offers protection for both systems and appliances, the Appliances Plan covers essential home appliances, and the Systems Plan protects major home systems. The Build-Your-Own Plan lets homeowners choose 10 or more items that they would like to cover in their home warranty plan. Every additional item after the tenth item costs $2 per item per month. The table below shows the specific items covered under each American Home Shield plan: In addition to these plans, American Home Shield offers five optional add-ons:
AFC Home Club vs. American Home Shield CostAFC Home Club and American Home Shield offer coverage plans at roughly the same monthly cost, but the low end of American Home Shield’s monthly cost range is more expensive than that of AFC Home Club. Both companies offer the ability to choose a service fee between $75 and $125. Customers who choose a lower service fee will usually pay a higher monthly premium, while customers who choose a higher service fee will have a relatively lower monthly premium. AFC Home Club and American Home Shield GuaranteesAFC Home Club guarantees parts and labor on repairs for the entirety of a customer’s membership, a rarity in the home warranty industry, while American Home Shield provides a 60-day service guarantee on parts and labor. AFC Home Club vs. American Home Shield ReviewsAmerican Home Shield and AFC Home Club received a B rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and are both accredited by the organization. Regarding customer reviews, AFC Home Club reviews have been slightly more positive than American Home Shield reviews. However, American Home Shield has received substantially more customer reviews than AFC Home Club. Our ConclusionAFC Home Club and American Home Shield are two of the best home warranty companies in the industry. They both offer four extensive coverage plans at relatively affordable pricing and hold a B rating from the BBB. If you’re looking for a lifetime guarantee or want unique benefits with your home warranty plan, consider AFC Home Club. If you want customizable coverage, American Home Shield may be a good option for their Build-Your-Own Plan. Customers who live in Hawaii, California, South Carolina, and Nevada may also prefer American Home Shield since AFC Home Club doesn’t offer services in those states. Before buying a home warranty, we recommend getting quotes from AFC Home Club and American Home Shield using the panel above. Doing so will help you compare current pricing and promotions for your home. For more information on each of these providers, read our AFC Home Club review and American Home Shield review. Frequently Asked Questions About Home WarrantiesHow does AFC Home Club’s service guarantee compare to American Home Shield’s service guarantee? AFC Home Club guarantees parts and labor for the entire duration of your membership, while American Home Shield offers a 60-day guarantee on parts and labor. Do AFC Home Club and American Home Shield cover air conditioning systems? Both AFC Home Club and American Home Shield cover air conditioning systems in their plans. AFC Home Club covers air conditioning in its System, Gold, and Platinum Plans. American Home Shield covers air conditioning in its Systems and Combo Plan, but it can also be added to a Build-Your-Own Plan. What is the difference between homeowners insurance and a home warranty? A home warranty, also known as a home service contract, protects homeowners from expensive repair bills caused by normal wear and tear, while homeowners insurance protects your house and its belongings in the event of a destructive event, such as a fire, flood, or theft. How does a home warranty work? Homeowners pay a monthly payment, also called a premium, of about $25 to $60 per month for their plan. When they need a repair or replacement on a covered item, homeowners submit a service request with their home warranty company and pay a service fee typically between $60–$125. What is the waiting period on a home warranty? In general, there’s a waiting period of 30 days after purchasing a home warranty before you can file your first claim with the company. Both AFC Home Club and American Home Shield have a 30-day waiting period. What are some other top home warranty companies? In addition to American Home Shield and AFC Home Club, here are some other top-rated home warranty companies that made the This Old House Reviews team’s list:
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September 2020
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