Systems
Plumbing System
Coverage 1st and 2nd Year. Systems.
Please note: Bolster is responsible only for areas of the property worked on and specified in the contract, and not for the entire house.
Water Supply System
13-1-1
Observation: The water supply system fails to deliver water.
Performance Guideline: All on-site service connections to the municipal water main or private water supply are the responsibility of The Bolster Contractor.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair the water supply system if the failure results from improper installation or failure of materials and if the connections are a part of the construction agreement. Conditions beyond the control of The Bolster Contractor that disrupt or eliminate the water supply are not covered.
13-1-2
Observation: Pipes leak.
Performance Guidelines: No leaks of any kind shall exist in any soil, waste, vent, or water pipe.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will make repairs to eliminate leakage.
13-1-3
Observation: Water in plumbing pipes freezes, and the pipes burst.
Performance Guideline: Drain, waste, vent, and water pipes shall be adequately protected to prevent freezing as required by the applicable plumbing code for normally anticipated cold weather and in accordance with the de-sign temperatures established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will correct situations not meeting the applicable code. The owner is responsible for draining or otherwise protecting pipes and exterior faucets exposed to freezing temperatures.
Discussion: Leaks occurring due to owner’s neglect and consequential damage are not The Bolster Contractor’s responsibility. The owner is responsible to maintain suitable temperature in the home to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Homes which are periodically occupied such as summer homes, or where there will be no occupancy for an extended period of time must be properly winterized or periodically checked to insure that a reasonable temperature is maintained.
Sanitary Sewer or Septic
Coverage 1st and 2nd Year. Systems.
13-2-1
Observation: Septic system fails to operate properly.
Performance Guideline: Septic system shall function adequately during all seasons, under climatic conditions normal or reasonable anticipated (based on local records) for the location of the home. Septic system shall be designed and installed to comply with applicable, approved code requirements.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair, or otherwise correct, a malfunctioning or non operating system, if failure is caused by inadequate design, faulty installation, or other cause relating to actions of the builder or The Bolster Contractors or subcontractors under The Bolster Contractor’s control. The Bolster Contractor will not be responsible for system malfunction or damage which is caused by owner negligence, lack of system maintenance, or other causes attributable to actions of the owner or other owner’s contractors, not under the control of The Bolster Contractor, including, but not necessarily limited to: the addition of fixtures, items of equipment, appliances or other sources of waste or water to the plumbing system served by the septic system; and damage, or changes, to the septic system installation or surrounding soil conditions critical to the system’s functioning.
13-2-2
Observation: Sewers, fixtures, or drains are clogged.
Performance Guideline: Sewers, fixtures, and drains shall drain.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will not be responsible for sewers, fixtures, and drains that are clogged because of the owner’s actions or negligence. If a problem occurs, the owner should consult The Bolster Contractor for corrective action. If defective installation is the cause, The Bolster Contractor is responsible for correcting the problem. If the owner’s actions or negligence is the cause, the owner is responsible for correcting the problem.
Discussion: With respect to septic systems, owner actions that constitute negligence under this guideline include but are not limited to the following:
- Connection of sump pump
- Roof drains, or backwash from a water conditioner into the system
- Placement of non-biodegradable items into the system
- Use of a food waste disposer not supplied or approved by The Bolster Contractor
- Placement of surfaces not permeable to water over the disposal area of the systems
- Allowing vehicles to drive or park over the disposal area of the system
- Failure to pump out the septic tank periodically, as required
- Use, which exceeds the system’s design standards.
Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System
Coverage 1st and 2nd Year. Systems.
Please note: Bolster is responsible only for areas of the property worked on and specified in the contract, and not for the entire house.
Heating System
14-1-1
Observation: The heating system is inadequate.
Performance Guideline: The heating system shall be capable of producing an inside temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, as measured in the center of each room at a height of 5 feet above the floor under local, outdoor winter design conditions as specified in the ASHRAE Handbook: Fundamentals. National, state, or local energy codes shall supersede this performance guideline where such codes have been locally adopted.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter. Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will correct the heating system to provide the required temperature in accordance with the performance guideline or applicable code specifications. The Bolster Contractor will re-balance a warm air system once during the first heating season. However, the owner will be responsible for balancing the system thereafter and for adjusting dampers and registers and for making other minor adjustments.
Discussion: For new living spaces created by remodeling jobs, heating guidelines may not apply to areas where living space has been created without resizing the HVAC system.
Central Air-Conditioning System
14-2-1
Observation: Cooling of rooms is inadequate.
Performance Guideline: If air-conditioning is installed by The Bolster Contractor, the cooling system shall be capable of maintaining a temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit, as measured in the center of each room at a height of 5 feet above the floor under local outdoor summer design conditions as specified in the ASHRAE Handbook: Fundamentals. In the case of outside temperatures exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the system shall keep the inside temperature 15 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the outside temperature. National, state, or local codes shall supersede this guideline where such codes have been locally adopted.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will correct the cooling system to provide the required temperature in accordance with the performance guideline or applicable code specifications. The Bolster Contractor will re-balance an air-conditioning system once during the first cooling season. However, the owner will be responsible for balancing the system thereafter and for adjusting dampers and registers and for making other minor adjustments.
Discussion: For new living spaces created by remodeling jobs, heating guidelines may not apply to areas where living space has been created without resizing the HVAC system.
14-2-2
Observation: There is a refrigerant leak.
Performance Guideline: Refrigerant lines and fittings shall not leak during normal operation.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair leaking refrigerant lines and recharge the air-conditioning unit unless the damage was caused by the owner's actions or negligence.
Ventilation System
Coverage 1st and 2nd Year. Systems.
14-3-1
Observation: The ductwork is separated or detached.
Performance Guideline: Ductwork shall remain intact and securely fastened.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will reattach and secure all separated or unattached ductwork.
14-3-2
Observation: The ductwork makes noises.
Performance Guideline: Ductwork will be constructed and installed in accordance with applicable mechanical code requirements. When metal is heated, it expands, and when cooled, it contracts. The resulting “ticking” or “crackling” sounds generally are to be expected and do not constitute a defect.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: Unless the duct is not in compliance with the local code, no corrective action is required.
14-3-3
Observation: The ductwork produces excessively loud noises commonly known as "oil canning."
Performance Guideline: The stiffening of the ductwork and the thickness of the metal used shall be such that ducts do not "oil can." The booming noise caused by oil canning is considered unacceptable.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will correct the ductwork to eliminate noise caused by oil canning.
14-3-4
Observation: The air handler or furnace vibrates.
Performance Guideline: These items shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable codes.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: If installed incorrectly; The Bolster Contractor will correct the items according to the manufacturer's instructions and code requirements.
Discussion: Under certain conditions some vibrating may be experienced with the normal flow of air, even when air handlers and furnaces are installed correctly. See the manufacturer's instructions.
Electrical System
Coverage 1st and 2nd Year. Systems.
Please note: Bolster is responsible only for areas of the property worked on and specified in the contract, and not for the entire house.
15-1-1
Observation: Wiring fails to carry its designed load.
Performance Guideline: Wiring shall be capable of carrying the designed load for normal residential use.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will verify that wiring conforms to applicable electrical code requirements. The Bolster Contractor will repair wiring not conforming to code.
15-1-2
Observation: Electrical outlets, switches, or fixtures malfunction.
Performance Guideline: All electrical outlets, switches, and fixtures shall operate as designed.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair or replace malfunctioning electrical outlets, switches, and fixtures, if supplied and installed by The Bolster Contractor.