Interior
Coverage 1st Year Only. Workmanship and Materials.
Interior Doors
9-1-1
Observation: Interior door is warped. Performance Guideline: Interior doors (full openings) shall not warp in excess of ¼- inch.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will correct or replace and refinish defective doors to match existing doors as nearly as practical during the warranty period.
Discussion: In bathroom or utility areas, exhaust fans or an open window must be used to remove moisture to eliminate or limit warpage of door units. If customer is responsible for painting the door, The Bolster Contractor is not responsible if the door is not painted to manufacturer’s specifications.
9-1-2
Observation: Bifold doors come off their tracks during normal operation.
Performance Guideline: Bifold doors shall slide properly on their tracks at the time of substantial completion of the project. Cleaning and maintenance necessary to preserve proper operation are owner responsibilities. Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: One time only, The Bolster Contractor will repair any bifold door that will not stay on its track during normal operation.
Discussion: Proper operation should be verified by the owner and The Bolster Contractor at the time of substantial completion of the project.
9-1-3
Observation: A pocket door rubs in its pocket during normal operation.
Performance Guideline: Pocket doors shall not rub in their pockets during normal operation if they are installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Corrective Measure: One time only, The Bolster Contractor will repair the pocket door to meet the performance guideline.
Discussion: Pocket doors commonly rub, stick, or derail due to the inherent nature of the product. It is common, however, for the door to operate against the guides provided by the manufacturer.
9-1-4
Observation: A wooden door panel has shrunk or split.
Performance Guideline: Wooden door panels shall not split to the point that light is visible through the door.
Corrective Measure: One time only, The Bolster Contractor will fill splits in the door panel with wood filler and will match the paint or stain as closely as practical.
9-1-5
Observation: Door rubs on jambs or The Bolster Contractor-installed floor covering, or latch does not work.
Performance Guideline: Doors shall operate smoothly and door latches shall operate correctly.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair the door and the door latch as necessary to meet the performance guideline.
9-1-6
Observation: A door edge is not parallel to the doorjamb.
Performance Guideline: When The Bolster Contractor installs the doorframe and door, the door edge shall be within 3/16-inch of parallel to the doorjamb.
Please note: Where Bolster installs the door in an existing frame that is out of square, the guideline does not apply. See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will adjust the door as necessary to meet the guideline one time.
9-1-7
Observation: A door swings open or closed by the force of gravity.
Performance Guideline: Doors shall not swing open or closed by the force of gravity alone.
Please note: This guideline does not apply where a door is installed in an existing wall that is out of plumb. See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor shall repair door operation to meet the performance guideline one time.
9-1-8
Observation: Interior doors do not operate smoothly.
Performance Guideline: Doors shall move smoothly with limited resistance.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor shall repair door operation to meet the performance guideline one time.
Interior Stairs
9-2-1
Observation: Interior stair tread deflects too much.
Performance Guideline: The maximum vertical deflection of an interior stair tread shall not exceed 1/8-inch within a 36-inch span at 200 pounds of static weight.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair the stair to meet the performance guideline.
9-2-2
Observation: Gaps exist between interior stair risers, treads, and/or skirts.
Performance Guideline: Gaps between adjoining parts that are designed to meet flush shall not exceed 1/8-inch in width.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will fix the gap with filler or replace parts as necessary to meet the performance guideline.
9-2-3
Observation: Squeaking stair riser or tread.
Performance Guideline: Loud squeaks caused by a loose stair riser or tread are unacceptable, but totally squeak-proof stair risers or treads cannot be guaranteed.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will refasten any loose risers or treads or take other corrective action to eliminate squeaking to the extent possible within reasonable repair capability without removing treads or ceiling finishes.
Discussion: Squeaks in risers or treads may occur when a riser has come loose from the tread, and is deflected by the weight of a person and rubs against the nails that hold it in place. Movement may occur between the riser and the tread or other stairway members when one tread is deflected while the other members remain stationary. Using trim screws to fasten the tread to the riser from above will sometimes reduce squeaking. If there is no ceiling below, gluing or renailing the riser to the tread or shimming will reduce squeaks but the total elimination of squeaks is practically impossible. The performance guideline requires The Bolster Contractor to make a reasonable attempt to eliminate squeaks without requiring removal of treads or ceiling finishes. Note: Most cellar stairs are not designed to be squeak resistant.
9-2-4
Observation: Gaps exist between interior stair railing parts.
Performance Guideline: Gaps between interior stair railing parts shall not exceed /- inch in width.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will ensure that individual parts of the railing are securely mounted. Any remaining gaps will be filled or parts replaced to meet the performance guideline.
9-2-5
Observation: Interior stair railing lacks rigidity.
Performance Guideline: Interior stair railings shall be attached to structural members in accordance with applicable codes.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair any stair railings as necessary to comply with applicable codes.
Trim and Moldings
9-3-1
Observation: There are gaps at non-mitered trim and molding joints.
Performance Guideline: Openings at joints in trim and moldings, and at joints between moldings and adjacent surfaces, shall not exceed 1/8-inch in width at the time of installation.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair joints to meet the performance guideline.
Discussion: Separation of trim and moldings in excess of the performance guidelines may be caused by lack of control of indoor relative humidity. Joints that separate under these conditions are not considered defective. It is the owner's responsibility to control temperature and humidity in the home.
9-3-2
Observation: Nails are not properly set or, where puttied, nail holes are not properly filled.
Performance Guideline: Setting nails or filling nail holes are considered part of painting and finishing. After painting or finishing, except stained or natural finished woodwork, nails and nail holes shall not be readily visible from a distance of 6 feet under normal lighting conditions at the time of substantial completion of the project.
Corrective Measure: Where The Bolster Contractor is responsible for painting, The Bolster Contractor shall take action necessary to meet the performance guideline.
9-3-3
Observation: Inside corner is not coped or mitered.
Performance Guideline: Trim edges at inside corners shall be coped or mitered. However, square edge trim may be butted.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will finish inside corners to meet the performance guideline.
9-3-4
Observation: Trim or molding miter edges do not meet.
Performance Guideline: Gaps between miter edges in trim and molding shall not exceed 1/8-inch at time of installation.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair gaps that do not meet the performance guideline. Caulking or puttying with materials compatible to the finish is acceptable.
9-3-5
Observation: Interior trim is split.
Performance Guideline: Splits, cracks, and checking greater than 1/8-inch in width are considered unacceptable.
Corrective Measure: One time only, The Bolster Contractor will repair the affected area to meet the guideline.
9-3-6
Observation: Hammer marks are visible on interior trim.
Performance Guideline: Hammer marks on interior trim shall not be readily visible from a distance of 6 feet under normal lighting conditions.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will fill hammer marks and refinish or replace affected trim to meet the performance guideline. Refinished or replaced areas may not match surrounding surfaces exactly.
Cabinets and Counter Tops
9-4-1
Observation: Cabinets do not meet the ceiling or walls.
Performance Guideline: Gaps greater than 1/4-inch in width are considered unacceptable.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair the gap with caulk, putty, or scribe molding, or will reposition/ reinstall cabinets to meet the performance guideline.
Discussion: When installed in rooms with out-of-plumb walls or out-of-level floors and ceilings, "square" cabinets cannot be installed parallel to walls and ceilings and still keep the cabinets on line. For example, if the floor is not level and the installer measures up from it, "snaps" a line on which to place the tops of the wall cabinets, and then plumbs the first cabinet, one corner of the cabinet will leave the line, and the bottom of successive cabinets will not be in line. Similarly, cabinets will not line up with each other if they are installed on a level line, starting against an out-of-plumb wall instead of a plumb wall. The Bolster Contractor should explain the aesthetic options to the owner and select the best option with the owner.
9-4-2
Observation: Cabinets do not line up with each other.
Performance Guideline: Cabinet faces more than 1/8-inch out of line, and cabinet corners more than 3/16- inch out of line, are considered unacceptable, unless the owner and The Bolster Contractor agree to disregard the guideline in order to match or otherwise compensate for pre-existing conditions.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will make necessary adjustments to meet the performance guideline.
Discussion: In remodeling projects, many times the rooms are out of square, walls are not plumb, and floors are not level. Cabinets and countertops may have to be shimmed or otherwise adjusted to make the cabinets and countertops fit together properly. Cabinets may not fit flush against the walls on the ends or bottoms and may not fit flat against the floor The Bolster Contractor should explain the aesthetic options to the owner and select the best option with the owner. In rooms with out of plumb walls or out of level floors and ceilings, “square” cabinets cannot be installed parallel to walls and ceilings and still keep the cabinets on line. For example, if the floor is not level and the installer measures up from it, “snaps” a line on which to place the tops of the wall cabinets, then plumbs the first cabinet, one corner of the cabinet will leave the line, and the bottom corners of successive cabinets will leave the line, and the bottom corners of successive cabinets will not be in line. Similarly, cabinets will not line up with each other if they are installed on a level line, starting against an out of plumb wall instead of being plumbed. The Bolster Contractor should explain the aesthetic options to the owner and select the best option with the owner.
9-4-3
Observation: Cabinet is warped.
Performance Guideline: Cabinet warpage shall not exceed ¼-inch as measured from the face frame to the point of furthermost warpage, with the door or drawer front in closed position.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will correct or replace doors and drawer fronts as necessary to meet the performance guideline.
9-4-4
Observation: Cabinet door or drawer binds.
Performance Guideline: Cabinet doors and drawers shall open and close with reasonable ease.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will adjust or replace doors and drawers as necessary to meet the performance guideline.
9-4-5
Observation: Cabinet door will not stay closed.
Performance Guideline: The catches or closing mechanisms for cabinet doors shall be adequate to hold the doors in a closed position.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will adjust or replace the door catches or closing mechanisms as necessary to meet the performance guideline.
9-4-6
Observation: Cabinet doors or drawers are cracked.
Performance Guideline: Panels and drawer fronts shall not crack.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor may replace or repair cracked panels and drawer fronts. No The Bolster Contractor action is required if the cracked drawer fronts or panels result from the owner's abuse.
Discussion: Paint or stain on the repaired or replaced panel or drawer front may not match the paint or stain on the existing panels or drawer fronts.
9-4-7
Observation: A cabinet door is warped.
Performance Guideline: Cabinet door warpage shall not exceed 1/8-inch as measured diagonally from corner to corner.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor may replace or repair warped doors to meet the performance guideline.
9-4-8
Observation: Cabinet doors do not align when closed.
Performance Guideline: Gaps between doors should not exceed 1/8-inch.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor shall adjust doors to meet the performance guideline.
9-4-9
Observation: Shrinkage of insert panels of cabinet doors and drawers show raw wood edges.
Performance Guideline: Panels will shrink and expand and may expose unpainted or unfinished surface.
Corrective Measure: None.
Countertops
9-5-1
Observation: High-pressure laminate on a countertop is delaminated.
Performance Guideline: Countertops fabricated with high-pressure laminate coverings shall not delaminate.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair or replace delaminated coverings, unless the delamination was caused by the owner's misuse or negligence.
Discussion: Owners should refrain from leaving any liquids near the countertop seams or allowing the surface to become excessively hot.
9-5-2
Observation: The surface of high-pressure laminate on countertop is cracked or chipped.
Performance Guideline: Countertops shall be free of cracks and chips at the time of substantial completion of the job. Cracks or chips occurring after acceptance of the job are the owner’s responsibility.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair or replace cracked or chipped countertops only if they are reported prior to acceptance of the job.
9-5-3
Observation: Solid surface countertops are visibly scratched.
Performance Guideline: At the time of substantial completion of the project, solid surface countertops shall be free of scratches visible from 6 feet away under normal lighting conditions.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor shall repair scratches in the countertop to meet the performance guideline.
9-5-4
Observation: A countertop is not level. Performance Guideline: Countertops shall be no more than 3/8-inch in 10 feet out of parallel with the floor.
Please note: For projects where the floor is out of level, the countertop may be installed proportionately out of level.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will make necessary adjustments to meet the performance guideline.
Discussion: In remodeling projects, many times the rooms are out of square, walls are not plumb, and floors are not level. Cabinets and countertops may have to be shimmed or otherwise adjusted to make the cabinets and countertops fit together properly. Cabinets may not fit flush against the walls on the ends or bottoms and may not fit flat against the floor: The Bolster Contractor should explain the aesthetic options to the owner and select the best option with the owner.
9-5-5
Observation: A tile countertop has uneven grout lines.
Performance Guideline: Grout lines should be straight and fairly consistent in width. However, if working with hand made tiles or tiles with broken edges grout lines may vary in width and straightness.
Corrective Measure: If applicable The Bolster Contractor shall make corrections as necessary to bring the grout lines into compliance with the performance guideline.
Discussion: Different tiles require different widths of grout lines. Some tiles are designed to have varied-width grout lines.
9-5-6
Observation: Tile countertop grout lines are cracked.
Performance Guideline: Tile grout is a cement product and is subject to cracking. Cracks that result in loose tiles or gaps in excess of 1/16-inch shall be repaired.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair the grout lines by adding grout, caulking, or replacing grout one time. New grout may not perfectly match previously grouted areas.
9-5-7
Observation: A granite, marble, stone, or solid surface countertop is cracked at the time of substantial completion of the project.
Performance Guideline: Cracks at the time of substantial completion are considered unacceptable.
Corrective Measure: If the crack is found to be caused as a result of faulty installation or product, The Bolster Contractor will repair or replace the countertop.
Discussion: Some granite, marble or stone have natural cracks and crevices these are allowed within the Performance Guideline and are not to be considered a defect. Some granite, marble and stones may develop cracks and crevices after substantial completion of the project and are not to be considered defects if properly installed.
9-5-8
Observation: A granite, marble, stone, or solid surface countertop has texture or color variations.
Performance Guideline: Color variations are acceptable. The Bolster Contractor has no responsibility for countertop texture or color variations when the owner selects the material.
Corrective Measure: No action is required of The Bolster Contractor.
9-5-9
Observation: A granite, marble, stone, or solid surface countertop is chipped at the time of substantial completion of the project.
Performance Guideline: Chips greater than 1/32-inch in width are considered unacceptable.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair or replace affected areas to meet the performance guidelines.
9-5-10
Observation: The surface of countertop tile has unacceptable lippage of adjoining tile.
Performance Guideline: Lippage greater than 1/16-inch is considered unacceptable, except for materials that are designed with an irregular height (such as hand-made tile).
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair or replace the tile to meet the performance guideline.
9-5-11
Observation: A solid surface or laminate countertop has a bubble, bum, stain, or other damage.
Performance Guideline: Solid surface or laminate countertops shall be free of bubbles, bums, or stains at the time of substantial completion of the project.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair or replace the countertop to meet the performance guideline.
Discussion: Solid surface and laminate products may be subject to damage by hot surfaces placed on or near the product. The owner is responsible for maintaining the countertop and protecting it from damage.