Countertops Standards
Coverage Summary
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface damage (chips, cracks, scratches) at closing | ✓ | At closing | Must be listed on Final Walkthrough/Orientation Form |
| Gaps or differential at seams exceeding 1/16 inch | ✓ | First year | Not due to Homeowner damage |
| Caulking at walls, backsplash, and around sinks | ✗ | — | Homeowner maintenance; not covered under the Limited Warranty |
| Natural stone coloration, veining, and texture variation | ✗ | — | Natural characteristics of the material |
| Cracking or breakage from heavy weight or force | ✗ | — | Over unsupported spans, after installation |
Performance Standards
Orientation Inspection
Standard: All countertops must be installed without defects.
Coverage: During the Final Walkthrough/Orientation Classic will confirm that all countertops are installed without defects. Classic will repair only the noticeable surface damage such as chips, cracks, and scratches that are listed on the Final Walkthrough/Orientation Form.
Seams
Standard: Countertops will have one or more discernible seams.
Coverage: During the first year of the Limited Warranty Period Classic will repair gaps or differential at the seams that are not due to Homeowner damage when they exceed 1/16 inch.
Separation and Caulking
Standard: Separation of countertops from walls, backsplash, and around sinks results from normal shrinkage of materials.
Coverage: Caulking is Homeowner maintenance and is not covered under the Limited Warranty.
Natural Stone Characteristics
Standard: All natural stone colors are species of natural materials; coloration, veining, and texture (i.e., pits, fissures, and fragmentation) will vary from samples and will be part of the finished product.
Coverage: Variation from samples is not a defect. Classic is not responsible for cracking or breakage that occurs after installation due to the application of heavy weight or force over unsupported spans of countertops.
What's Not Covered
The following are excluded from warranty coverage:
- Surface damage not listed on the Final Walkthrough/Orientation Form - Only noticeable surface damage (chips, cracks, scratches) listed on the form is repaired
- Seam gaps due to Homeowner damage - Only gaps not due to Homeowner damage are covered
- Caulking - Caulking at walls, backsplash, and around sinks is Homeowner maintenance and is not covered under the Limited Warranty
- Natural stone variation - Coloration, veining, and texture (pits, fissures, and fragmentation) will vary from samples
- Cracking or breakage after installation - When due to the application of heavy weight or force over unsupported spans
Filing a Claim
If you believe you have a warranty issue:
- Check if the damage was listed on your Final Walkthrough/Orientation Form
- For seam issues, note whether the gap or differential exceeds 1/16 inch
- Request Service
Related Standards
Care Tips: See Countertops Use & Care for maintenance and troubleshooting guidance.