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2. Damage resulting from fires, storms,
electrical malfunctions, accidents,
floods, sub-grade moisture condi-
tions, leaks, water damage or acts of
God;
3. Damage related to customer’s failure
to observe any instructions from
the kitchen manufacturer and/or
requirements of the manufacturer
with respect to the product;
4. Incorrect installation of the products;
5. Normal wear-and- tear or colour
variations caused by the passage of
time, light, steam or vapours or other
such factors associated within the
kitchen and/or living environment.

It is crucial that you keep a paper trail
of all items that you have purchased.
Make sure you sign off on your kitchen
off the workmanship of the installation premises, the lifetime guarantee would and its worktops upon completion. Keep
separately to that of the kitchen, in order not transfer to the new owners. The receipts and/or proof of purchase for all
to receive the full benefits of the guarantee supplier should be able to give you a clear the other products and supplies that make
from the fabricator. If you do not sign indication of the expected lifespan of the up your kitchen investment, and ensure
off the worktop installation separately to product you have selected. you register your guarantee online or
that of the kitchen cabinetry installation, via submission of paperwork if required.
any dispute arising from the worktop A final reminder that all guarantees have Do your due diligence in understanding
installation or condition of such, can be exclusions; these include, but are not the materials and components you have
subject to a rebuttal with a claim that limited to: selected, the maintenance required to
any number of people with access to the 1. Damage related to subsequent keep these in an optimal condition and to
site could have inflicted damage from alterations, misuse, negligence ensure the longevity of such items. dw
installation to sign off. and/or careless use or abuse of the
Most stone suppliers require you to covered items; www.ksa.co.za
register your stone guarantee online in
order for it to be valid. Be sure to confirm
with your kitchen manufacturer whether
this duty falls to you as the homeowner,
or your fabricator. If this step is not
concluded within the required time
period, your stone will not be covered
against patent defects. Most surfacing
material guarantees are also reliant on
you caring for the material correctly and
within prescribed guidelines. Cleaning
it with an incorrect or abrasive detergent
and/or substance, or exposing it to
thermal shock, can render the guarantee
null and void.
Many products claim a lifetime
guarantee. It is vital that you understand
what is meant by the term ‘lifetime’.
‘Lifetime‘ does not mean for the duration
of your life. It refers rather, to the
predetermined acceptable lifespan of
that particular product, if cared for and
maintained under optimal conditions.
There are, likewise, exclusions to these
guarantees, such as with the change in
original ownership of the residential

dw • Issue 246 23