WHEN IS A NOT A LIFETIME WARRANTY?

It seems these days like you can get a warranty on anything and everything, from toasters and waffle irons, to cars and high-end electronics. Even home improvement companies have been known to offer lifetime warranties.

A lifetime warranty on your shiny new kitchen remodel sounds good, right? Or maybe a little too good to be true?

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a warranty is a written guarantee, issued to the purchaser of an article by its manufacturer, promising to repair or replace it if necessary within a specified period of time.

But what happens if your home improvement company goes out of business a few years after your project, and you discover you have a faulty installation?

“If you have a lifetime warranty from a company that hasn’t been around for the long haul, it’s a meaningless warranty,” said Doug Readnower, co-owner of Craftsman Home Improvements, who encourages homeowners to be skeptical and do their research.

Do your research: Part of that research is knowing that only 36 percent of construction companies remain in business after the first five years, according to Small Business Trends, and 95 percent of new businesses go under within ten years.

Many home improvement products on the market have warranties, but that’s not where the bulk of the cost comes from when you’re dealing with home improvement projects. The cost of labor to replace the warranted item should be a consideration.

“If you’re putting in a shower faucet, it’s usually buried in a wall and tiled over,” Readonwer said. “If the faucet goes bad in two years, you’re paying someone to rip out the wall and replace the faucet.”

Install reputable products: The professionals at Craftsman Home Improvements not only provide a five-year warranty on kitchen and bath remodels to guarantee their work, but also use their experience and knowledge to help homeowners select only the finest and most reputable products to put into their home.

“This industry is littered with products that are the latest and best,” Readnower said. “I always say we will be on the cutting edge, not on the bleeding edge.”

The newest and greatest doesn’t always end up being the best choice, if the kinks aren’t all worked out. Home improvement professionals know how to navigate the new product landscape.

“The main thing is do your due diligence,” Readnower said. “Only deal with a company that has a reputation in your area and is using products that have been around for a long time.”

For over 20 years, Craftsman Home Improvements has been successfully remodeling homes in Dayton and greater Cincinnati. Craftsmen Home Improvements is one of America’s Top 500 remodelers and one of the 15 largest in Ohio.

Specializing in kitchen, bath and basement remodels and exterior makeovers that enhance curb appeal and provide energy savings with new roofing, siding, windows and doors, Craftsman Home Improvements provides professional service and stands behind their work.

Call them today for your free estimate at 937-660-9669.