PRODUCT DISCLOSURES
CARPET
Carpet – Seams Disclosure
Carpet is produced in a variety of widths, most being 12 foot, 13 foot 6 inches, or 15 foot. Due to this fact, seams are an inevitable part of the installation process Interior Specialists, Inc. has pre-determined the direction of the carpet for your new home so as to minimize the number of seams required. Furthermore Interior Specialists, Inc. employs highly skilled installation crews that are qualified in the installation of carpet. However, some seams will be apparent despite the level of skill employed in the installation.
Carpet – Berber Disclosure
“Berber” carpet has become increasingly popular with consumers for its appearance, durability and the stain-resistant features inherently found in olefin fiber carpets. However, one drawback of Berber carpet is the appearance of seams. Every precaution will be taken to provide a “seam free” appearance – however, there is no way to ensure that seams will not be visible.
Carpet – Loose Threads/Pulls Disclaimer
Any “pull” or loose thread in your carpet (especially along a seam) should be carefully tucked back into the carpet or cut cleanly with a pair of scissors. NEVER pull on a loose thread (especially along a seam) – pulling on a loose thread will produce an undesirable result that is not covered by warranty.
Carpet – Soil Filtration Disclaimer
In all homes air moves and flows constantly throughout the house. Due to higher standards in construction, builders today are making the home’s exterior more airtight for higher HVAC efficiency. This sometimes creates an internal vacuum effect which forces airflow through any internal openings within the home. When air flows, it picks up any airborne particles that can in fact become a soilant. Carpet can potentially act as a filter for any airflow that may exist in your home.
Lighter colors of carpet, in particular white carpet, can potentially trap this soiled air through the backing of the carpet, which in turn may actually show discoloration at the point where air flows. This discoloration most commonly appears at the baseboards and around air returns. This is neither a problem nor a defect with either the carpet or the construction of the new home. This airflow is a condition that exists in every home but is only sometimes evident on the carpet itself.
This disclaimer is for your information so that you can select your carpet color with the understanding that this is a potential issue you may face when lighter colors of carpet are selected in your home. Though the chances of this happening are not great, your signature below acknowledges we have explained this issue to you in order for you to make an informed decision about your carpet selections. Should soil filtration of your carpet appear in home, Interior Specialists, Inc. and the home builder can not be held responsible for correcting the problem.
CERAMIC / MARBLE / STONE / PORCELAIN
Ceramic Tile
The natural beauty of ceramic and porcelain tile lies in its subtle shade of variation. Manufactured tile may vary from the samples you have seen. Floor tiles are manufactured with a matte glaze finish and wall tiles are manufactured with a bright glass glaze finish. The different finishes between the floor and wall tile may cause variation in the color and appearance of the tile. Deco tiles are installed randomly, and quantities may vary in different bath configurations.
Marble and Tumbled Stone
Buyer(s) understand that natural stone products, such as marble and tumbled stone, are inherently subject to variation in shading and markings and susceptible to scratches and pit marking. Upon installation, the veining direction and pattern will be left to the discretion of the installer. Once installed, Buyer(s) must accept finished product. No adjustments will be made after installation. Scratches or stains in this product are not warrantable and Buyer(s) acknowledge that any replaced tiles may vary in both shade and markings.
Porcelain Tile
The natural beauty of porcelain lies in its subtle shade of variation. Manufactured tile may vary from the samples you have seen. Floor tiles are manufactured with a matte glaze finish and wall tiles are manufactured with a bright glass glaze finish. The different finishes between the floor and wall tile may cause variation in the color and appearance of the tile.
Waiver
Seller hereby informs purchaser that there are certain inherent risks associated with ceramic tile and natural stone. Differences in the appearance, or color of the stone or tile may vary from lot to lot, run to run, as well as with each box, factors with may effect the appearance of stone and tile include; movement, the layout of the pattern of color within the materials, color variation, color variations within the stone or tile. Other factors include; lighting, cabinet color, wall color, and floor color. Ceramic, porcelain, and marble/stone are natural materials, no two pieces are identical. Pits, surface inclusions, and color texture variation are common. These may appear to be defects but in fact are not.
Hardwood Disclosure/Disclaimer
Expansion and Contraction: Hardwood flooring is a natural product and its natural qualities are what make it desirable. Much like any of the wood that is used to build your new home it will expand and contract according to moisture it absorbs with the fluctuation of the humidity levels in your home. Controlling humidity levels in your new home will help control the dimensional stability of the hardwood. Humidity levels should be maintained between 35%-55% throughout the year. We recommend having a humidifier built-in to your HVAC system if you are purchasing over 250 square feet of hardwood. Tiny cracks between edges of boards may appear when dry conditions are produced by your heating system. This can usually be reduced simply by installing a humidifier. Both family and floors benefit from a healthier environment and a balance of moisture content in the house. Gapping of hardwood up to the thickness of a dime is to be considered normal; however, wider gaps can be considered normal depending on the width of the boards and/or humidity levels in the home. Gapping discovered during the heating season(s), for the most part, should close up during the non-heating season(s). In damp conditions, proper humidity levels can be maintained with an air conditioner or dehumidifier, or by periodically turning on your heating system during the summer months.
Hardwood Flooring Inspections: If you have a question or concern about your hardwood floor, it will be evaluated and examined from a standing position. Again, hardwood is a natural product - imperfections and variation are part of its natural beauty. The floor will be evaluated as a whole, not as individual pieces.
Board Length: Board length will vary significantly depending on manufacturer, species, quality/grade and source. Varied board lengths add beauty and provide a natural appearance to your floor. Board lengths of 12" (or less for "country"-type grades) are acceptable and are a necessity in obtaining the finest quality pieces while maximizing yield. Some species will yield a significantly greater quantity of short boards than others.
Repairing your Hardwood: Face nailing (that is, nailing through the top of the board) is allowed along the walls as your floor is installed. Face nailing is also the industry standard for replacing individual boards. This method will be followed should your floor require a board replacement.
Hardwood may have minor splits, chips, cracks, and rounded corners. These are not considered defective. If they are apparent from a standing position, in natural lighting conditions, they will be hand-sanded as needed, stained as needed and new finish applied as required. This will also include edges that are sock or stocking grabbers. Major split boards are defined as split all the way through the wood. Defective boards will be removed and replaced with new boards using the face nail method for replacement.
Each piece of oak flooring sands differently: depending on its grain type, making it impossible to attain a completely flat surface. Minor differences in the height of adjacent boards are to be expected.
Color variations in your hardwood: are to be expected and are not considered defective. The floor cannot be expected to have a uniform appearance. Color variations in flooring are a natural occurrence due to species, age, character of flooring, sanding, grain type and exposure to UV light or sunlight. All wood floors will change color over time. Natural occurring wood characteristics such as variations in grain, color, mineral streaks, and knots, are not considered defects. For these reasons, new and/or replacement flooring may not match display samples and/or existing floor. Due to color variations of product and/or samples, Interior Specialists, Inc., the hardwood manufacturer and the builder are not responsible for the consumer matching flooring to other wood products, such as cabinets, stair railings, trim and moldings.
Dramatic color variation, fluctuation and change: are especially evidence in species that include, but are not limited to, American and Brazilian Walnut, American and Brazilian Cherry, Amendoim, Eucalyptus, Teak, and all exotic species hardwoods, etc. Should you have any concerns whether or not the wood you select is subject to such dramatic fluctuation, please bring your concerns to the attention of your design consultant for further discussion.
Normal exposure to sunlight: will bring about changes in the shading of any hardwood floor as the floor ages. Area rugs should be moved occasionally as they block sunlight and may give the appearance of discoloring under the rug. This is not a product defect. Controlling the degree of sunlight entering the home with window and door coverings can help limit the changes. Movement of area rugs to allow even exposure can also help. Gloss reduction is not considered surface wear.
Use adequate protector pads: on the feet of furniture and appliances to avoid scratches, abrasions, and indentations. When moving heavy furniture or appliances, use extra caution to help avoid scratching, indentations, and gouging. Some objects may be too heavy to be moved across a hardwood floor under any circumstances. Such damage is not covered by warranty.
Cupping/Warping: Interior Specialists, Inc. the hardwood manufacturer and the builder will not warrant against cupping or warping.
Warranty Exclusions: Warranties do not cover indentations, scratches, stains or damage caused by negligence, fire, water, moisture, excessive heat or excessive dryness, erosion, pebbles, sand or other abrasives, pets, insects, spiked heel shoes, weather conditions or natural disasters, color variations, naturally occurring wood characteristics, failure to follow all the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions, improper maintenance, wet mopping, insufficient protection, insufficient protection on furniture or appliance feet/legs, misuse, or improper alterations of the original manufactured product. Warranties do not cover natural expansion and contraction resulting in separation between boards, or damage caused by low or excessive humidity. Damage due to water and/or moisture, including but not limited to damage resulting from broken or leaking pipes, wet mopping, or weather conditions or natural disasters, is excluded from warranties.
Floor care products: Do not use any amount of water to clean a wood floor. Use of floor care products other than those especially formulated for use on your specific hardwood floor may damage your floor and may void the warranty. We recommend you only use the specific manufacturer-recommended floor care products/system.
In general, a manufacturer will honor its warranties only if the recommended floor care products have been properly used. Please review the manufacturer’s warranty and cleaning guide to determine your specific warranties and care instructions. Manufacturer’s warranties govern all actual or implied warranties, with the sole exception of Interior Specialists, Inc. labor warranty.
NATURAL STONE
Natural stone is a product of nature and because of that each piece may vary in color, pattern, and texture. It is this uniqueness that is the beauty of a natural stone and should not be considered flaws. Natural stone products include, but are not limited to granite countertops, tumbled stone tiles and slate fire place surrounds (where applicable).
Because natural stone is porous it can easily stain, especially if lighter in color. Spills should not be allowed to stand for any length of time as it can result in a permanent change in the appearance of the stone.
To protect your natural stone and preserve its beauty, it is recommended it be treated with a stone sealer available at retail stores or your local tile and stone dealer. Stone sealer should be applied once a year for continued protection.
Wipe your natural stone frequently to remove dirt and dust. Never use cleaners that contain acid, bleach or even vinegar as these can damage your natural stone. Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral PH stone cleaner available at retail stores or at your local tile and stone dealer, or a mild liquid dish washing detergent and warm water. Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results.
With proper care and maintenance, your natural stone products will provide you with a lifetime of use, enjoyment and beauty.
Purchaser acknowledges that natural stones vary in color, pattern, and texture. The actual stone installed may differ from the sample or picture(s) shown.
NON-GLUED, INTERLOCKING VINYL PLANK FLOORING DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER
Expansion and Contraction: Non–glued, interlocking vinyl plank flooring (“NIVP Flooring”) is a floor that “floats” over the existing subfloor. It is not fastened to the subfloor with nails, staples, or adhesive like a traditional hardwood floor. Although still prone to scratches, dents, and dings, and NIVP Flooring will generally dent, ding, and scratch less than a traditional solid or engineered wood floor. Controlling humidity levels in your home will help control the dimensional stability of NIVP Flooring. Because NIVP Flooring “floats”, it is extremely important that humidity levels in your home are maintained between 35%-55% throughout the year. Tiny cracks between edges of NIVP Flooring boards may appear when dry conditions are produced by your heating system. This can usually be reduced simply by installing a humidifier.
Normal exposure to sunlight: will bring about changes in the shading of any NIVP Flooring as the floor ages. Area rugs should be moved occasionally as they block sunlight and may give the appearance of discoloring under the rug. This is not a product defect. Controlling the degree of sunlight entering the home with window and door coverings can help limit the changes. Movement of area rugs to allow even exposure can also help. Gloss reduction is not considered surface wear.
Use adequate protector pads: on the feet of furniture and appliances to avoid scratches, abrasions, and indentations. When moving heavy furniture or appliances, use extra caution to help avoid scratching, indentations, and gouging. Some objects may be too heavy to be moved across an NIVP Flooring floor under any circumstances. Such damage is not covered by warranty.
Cupping/Warping: The NIVP Flooring manufacturer, NIVP Flooring installer, and DRB Group will not warrant against cupping or warping.
Manufacturer Warranty: Manufacturer warranties do not cover indentations, scratches, stains or damage caused by negligence, fire, water, moisture, excessive heat or excessive dryness, erosion, pebbles, sand or other abrasives, pets, insects, spiked heel shoes, weather conditions or natural disasters, color variations, naturally occurring wood characteristics, failure to follow all the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions, improper maintenance, wet mopping, insufficient protection, insufficient protection on furniture or appliance feet/legs, misuse, or improper alterations of the original manufactured product. Manufacturer warranties do not cover natural expansion and contraction resulting in separation between boards, or damage caused by low or excessive humidity. Damage due to water and/or moisture, including, but not limited to, damage resulting from broken or leaking pipes, wet mopping, or weather conditions or natural disasters, is excluded from manufacturer warranties. Please review the manufacturer’s warranty and cleaning guide to determine your specific manufacturer warranties and care instructions. DRB GROUP MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR GENERAL, LIMITED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, EXCEPT AS CONTAINED IN QUALITY BUILDERS WARRANTY CORPORATION’S LIMITED WARRANTY AGREEMENT (THE “LIMITED WARRANTY AGREEMENT”), AS MORE FULLY STATED IN YOUR AGREEMENT OF SALE. Please review the Limited Warranty Agreement to determine the scope of the warranty coverage provided therein.
Floor care products: Use of floor care products other than those especially formulated for use on your specific NIVP Flooring may damage your floor and may void any applicable warranties. We recommend you only use specific manufacturer-recommended floor care products/systems.