What Matters Most
|
When a contractor tells you they offer a “lifetime warranty,” it sounds straightforward, right? It sounds like they’re saying it’s valid so long as you’re alive. However, “lifetime” means something different depending on the company. It can mean the lifetime of the company or the lifetime of your homeownership.
Shugarman's Bath has completed more than 6,500 tub and shower remodels across Orange County and San Diego. Every one comes with a true lifetime warranty, covered for as long as you own the home. Part of our job is understanding how warranties differ for other contractors.
This article breaks down what "lifetime" really means in a shower remodel warranty, whether it covers materials, labor, or both, and what Shugarman's Bath's lifetime warranty covers.
Table of Contents:
- What Does "Lifetime" Mean in a Shower Remodel Warranty?
- Does a Lifetime Warranty Cover Materials, Labor, or Both?
- What Does Shugarman's Bath's Lifetime Warranty Cover?
What Does "Lifetime" Mean in a Shower Remodel Warranty?
The term “lifetime” varies between contractors. There isn’t a definitive meaning to the word as it’s used in the home improvement industry.
Some companies mean the lifetime of the materials. Others mean the warranty lasts for as long as you own the home, no matter how many years you own it.
Some “lifetime” warranties cover one repair or replacement. This means that so long as the company you contracted with is still in business, you can use your lifetime warranty at any time. However, once the work is done, the warranty is then considered void.
Before you sign any contract, always ask about how they define “lifetime” in their warranty and whether the coverage is ongoing. All of their answers should be in writing. California's false advertising law, Business and Professions Code § 17500, makes it illegal for a business to advertise something as untrue or misleading, so a reputable company should be able to give you a straight answer in writing.
Does a Lifetime Warranty Cover Materials, Labor, or Both?
It varies from contractor to contractor. Some lifetime warranties cover only the product, meaning you have to pay for the labor when an installer comes to replace a part. Other warranties work the opposite way.
Even with a “lifetime” warranty, a part failing down the line can mean a hefty labor or material bill. The strongest warranties will cover both materials and labor.
What Does the Shugarman's Bath Lifetime Warranty Cover?
Shugarman’s Bath offers a true lifetime warranty for as long as you own the home. The warranty covers both labor and materials, so you don't pay a dime to repair or replace a part. Here’s the exact language from our contract:
| 16. Limited Warranty and Remedy. Except as provided below, Contractor warrants all work performed by Contractor to the wall surrounds, shower floors/bases, bathtubs, shower valves, shower doors, and accessories (collectively referred to as "the Product") to be free from defects in material and workmanship for as long as Purchaser owns the home where the Product is installed ("the Warranty"). The Warranty also includes all seals installed by Contractor, provided Purchaser invites Contractor to inspect and maintain the seals every five (5) years. The Warranty is the only warranty Contractor gives to Purchaser under this Agreement. The Warranty is transferable to the first (1) subsequent owner of Purchaser's home, if any, if the single transfer occurs within three (3) years following completion of the Scope of Work. In no event shall the Warranty extend to any subsequent owner following the first, immediate owner of Purchaser's home, even if the second or subsequent transfer occurs within three (3) years after completion of the Scope of Work. The Warranty may not be transferred to any other person in any other circumstance. Contractor is not responsible for any of the following, which are expressly excluded from the Warranty: (1) defective conditions listed under the above "Responsibilities of Purchaser" in paragraph eight (8) of these Terms and Conditions; (2) work performed by or materials installed by others that are not parties to this Agreement; (3) defects and failures caused by mistreatment or neglect; and (4) any drain stoppages or other drain issues. Purchaser expressly acknowledges that Contractor does not and will not be doing any drain work and is not responsible for drain stoppages or any other drain issues. Contractor's work with any drains is expressly limited to replacing the "P-trap." The Warranty terminates immediately upon any of: (1) Purchaser's failure to make payment to Contractor when due following fourteen (14) days' notice and opportunity to cure; (2) Purchaser's death; (3) any subsequent, material alteration to the Scope of Work provided for in this Agreement; or (4) Purchaser's sale of the home. |
Our warranty does not cover damage caused by mistreatment or neglect, work done by anyone other than Shugarman's Bath, or drain issues outside of the tub and shower area. The warranty ends if payment isn't made and isn't resolved within 14 days of notice, or if you change the original work. For example, if there's a scratch in the material and you or a third party buff it out instead of contacting Shugarman's Bath, that voids the warranty on that repair.
Bath Planet, the manufacturer, also backs the materials for as long as you own the home.
The warranty can transfer to a new owner within three years of your purchase. You have to contact Shugarman’s Bath directly to request the transfer. Shugarman’s Bath may choose to inspect the bathroom to confirm the warranty is still valid.
What Makes a Lifetime Warranty Worth Trusting?
The word “lifetime” doesn’t guarantee anything if the terms aren’t written in the contract. You should know the warranty’s length, what's covered, and what voids it. A contractor should be able to clearly define what they mean by “lifetime.”
Now that you understand more about lifetime warranties, read our article on other shower remodel warranties.
If you have questions about lifetime warranties, or about the Shugarman's Bath lifetime warranty specifically, contact us directly to speak with one of our experts.
The opinions expressed in the referenced materials are those of the authors only, not necessarily of Shugarman’s Bath. While these referenced materials are useful in answering generalized questions, each bathroom is unique. For a particular question about your tub or shower remodeling project, contact your Shugarman’s Bath consultant.
Topics:
.png?width=1916&height=1075&name=Screenshot%20(173).png)
.jpg?width=1440&height=1080&name=Bazaart_CF3F9E2C-23B2-4FB0-8B3B-1D470C00D9FE%20(1).jpg)
