Like every material that goes into the construction of the home, caulk and grout have a life expectancy. Caulk and grout generally have a shorter life expectancy than most other products and materials in the home. Due to the natural settling and drying out process of the home, they are very susceptible to cracking. It is therefore necessary for you to periodically re-caulk and touch-up grout these areas.

These will include areas around the tubs, vanities, countertops, fireplace (interior and exterior), windows (interior and exterior), doors (interior and exterior), etc. Caulking and grout are the most typical elements of maintaining you home and is a homeowner maintenance responsibility. Cracks in mortar joints of masonry foundation walls greater than 1/8 inch shall be repaired by painting or patching.

Ceramic tile shall not crack or become loose. It shall be repaired or replaced and/or re-secured unless caused by owner's negligence. Not responsible for discontinued patterns or color variations.

Fireplaces are designed and constructed to function property, however high winds, trees, and other obstructions can cause negative draft situations. Should these occur remove any obstructions. Sometimes opening a window slightly will create a positive draft. Separations that exceed 1/2 inch from main structure in a 10 foot vertical measurement shall be repaired. Caulking is acceptable for these repairs.

Several components of a house are considered "fragile'. These include tubs, sinks, tile, vinyl, marble, light, and plumbing fixtures, porcelain, Formica countertops, screens, windows, mirrors, etc. 'Me warranty on fragile items is limited to chips, dings, scratches, etc., noted at the "closing orientation". Because these items can potentially be damaged easily during normal aspects of living in a house, it is important to understand that these types of items are only warranted against construction oriented defects and not normal wear and tear.

Examples are:

Broken glass, mirrors, windows, light fixtures, or torn screens not recognized at the closing orientation.

Chips, dings, scratches, mars, etc. in marble, sinks, tubs, Formica, vinyl, and wood flooring, tile, appliances, doors, cabinets, woodwork, walls, fixtures, carpet, etc. which are not recognized at the closing orientation.