Living along the East Coast comes with beach and lifestyle benefits to be sure. There are also concerns – from hurricanes and sand to the economy. One thing’s for sure, the quality your home’s floors shouldn’t be one of the things that keeps you up at night! A good warranty will guarantee the condition of not only the materials but also the installation of the flooring and give coastal homeowners a peace of mind to last for years to come.
What is a Warranty?
A warranty is a promise made between a buyer and seller assuring the purchased product will be repaired or replaced, if necessary, within a specific amount of time. While it would be nice to depend on a handshake or verbal agreement, it is highly recommended to have all warranty information given in writing to secure the details of the contract. Manufacturers offer limited warranties and you may have the option to purchase additional warranty coverage.
Why do I Need One?
New floors are an investment in your home. Protecting that investment is important.
Warranties allow retailers to stand firmly behind the products they’re selling and build a trusting relationship with their customers. Typically, a customer is offered two different kinds of warranties.
A product warranty should cover any mistake or malfunction in the material itself, as well as durability over a specific amount of time. An installation warranty covers the labor and quality of the work done during the installation. Remember, not just anyone can install a floor properly. Make sure you have a trusted professional installer with experience.
How Long do they Last?
Nothing lasts forever, but warranties make sure your floors are protected for a while. Warranties range from 10 years to a lifetime, depending on the type of floor covering you select. Before you buy, ask about warranty length, coverage and conditions. While you’re at it, inquire about extended warranties which will give you a few more worry-free years.
How do I Make a Claim?
If you happen to find yourself with a flooring problem that is covered by your warranty, notify the retailer you purchased it from as soon as possible.
Keep your receipts and paperwork as a proof of purchase and so the representative inspecting the problem will know all the details, like date installed, product number, and name of your flooring. They should be able to tell you whether it is a product or installation issue.
Once it is established which category it falls under, submit your claim. Do not try to fix the problem yourself as it may cause the more damage and void the warranty. A full inspection should be done and the party responsible should repair it in a timely manner.
What Else do I Need to Know?
Get warranty details in writing. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You want to make sure your investment is covered appropriately. Take the time to read the details. It may seem tedious to read through the paperwork, but it will make you more aware of disclaimers, limitations and exceptions you may not think about initially.
Keep all paperwork in a safe place. You never know when you might need the information again.
Finally, maintain a good relationship and open communication with your local flooring retailer and installer. They want to keep your business, as well as a good reputation. If you let them know about a problem, they will want to help you find a solution.