3.3 Cabinets: Panels and Shelves

Pertains to cabinet doors and frames as it relates to the ability to functionally open and close cabinets doors and drawers, as well as visual appearance in relation to factory defects or damage occurring as a result of factory or installation defect.

1. Warranty Period

   In-Home: Cabinets and hardware receive 1-year warranty coverage from the original date of occupancy of the home.

   Common Property: Cabinets and hardware receive 15-month warranty coverage from the date of first conveyance.

2. Potentially Warrantable

   1. Not level and plum
   2. Gap between outer panel edge and wall or ceiling (applies to gaps not intended as part of the cabinetry design).
      1. Visible gaps in excess of 3mm (1/8") are not acceptable
      2. Trim pieces may be used to cover caps
      3. Gaps gaps between 3mm (1/8") and 5mm (3/16") may be filled with caulking material
   3. Alignment of adjoining panels
      1. Generally, cabinets and filler panels should be aligned to provide uniform appearance from Normal Viewing Position.
      2. Shrinkage of panel(s) due to improper maintenance, extreme changes in Relative Humidity (RH), or additions/deletions/alterations made by homeowner, occupant, or trade hired by homeowner or occupant are not covered under warranty
   4. Distortion in panels (warping, bowing, twisting, cupping)
   5. Delamination of thermofoil or edging
      1. Applies to debonding of surfaces due to manufacturing defect
      2. May include debonding from heat or steam if source is from appliance installed in direct proximity to cabinet component and heat/steam is not deemed user error
      3. Debonding due to application of force, impact, abrasion, tools, chemicals, heat, moisture, or combination thereof is not covered under warranty
   6. Swelling or shrinkage of wood materials
      1. Applies to absorption of atmospheric moisture within typical Relative Humidity (RH) range of 30% to 50%.
      2. Excessive or inadequate humidity and/or direct application of heat or moisture (ie. steam from kettle), with exception to heat or steam sources installed by design (ie. dishwasher) is not covered under warranty
   7. Panel loose
      1. Fastener(s) used to secure panel to wall, ceiling, or adjoining panel is damaged or loose from improper installation.
   8. Finish (factory blemishes, discolouration, inconsistent sheen or colour)
   9. Damage (chips, scratches, dents, discolouration reported on or prior to original date of possession)

3. Non-Warrantable

   1. Missing parts are considered contractual issues between homeowner and builder
   2. Damage (chips, scratches, dents, discolouration) reported after original date of possession
      1. Caveat: Damage caused by hardware failure under normal use may be considered for warranty coverage
   3. Fastener(s) become loose from general or excessive use. This is deemed a maintenance issue and not covered under warranty

4. Prevention and Maintenance

   1. Periodically tighten and torque fasteners to manufacturer recommended specifications.
   2. Clean dust, dirt, and stains from surfaces as per manufacturer recommendations. Avoid use of caustic chemicals and sbrasive cloths and/or tools. Damage to finishes from the application of chemicals and tools may be permanent and could affect the appearance and performance of the panel(s). Pitting from caustic chemicals or scratches from abrasive cloths or tools may allow moisture to penetrate surfaces and absorb into substrate and cause swelling.
   3. Avoid application of unusual force or loads.
   4. Avoid direct exposure to heat and moisture
   5. Do not spray cleaners directly onto surfaces or submerge in water or other liquids as this may cause swelling and permanent damage to panels.
   6. If a cabinet door or drawer impacts one or more panels, discontinue use until the misalignment has been resolved. Damage caused by continued use of malfunctioning components is not covered under warranty.