Homeowner Tips for Purchasing Products

Now, more than ever before, homeowners making large home improvement changes should take the time to carefully review product warranties. That's the advice of representatives from several leading building product manufacturers.

"Unfortunately we are in economic conditions in our country that are exceptionally difficult for some building product manufacturers," says Tom Riscili with Fypon, a leading synthetic products manufacturer. "That means some companies are going out of business or are being sold. As a result, they are not able to stand behind their product warranties. This can be dangerous for consumers. Homeowners need to be vigilant about researching the companies, products and warranties they're investing in to assure adequate coverage and satisfaction in the future."

Ray Rosewall with DaVinci Roofscapes recommends seeking out "strong and long" warranties on major building products for the home, such as windows, siding and roofing. "First, search for a national manufacturer with a solid reputation that can be depended upon to survive the current economic stresses in the marketplace," says Rosewall. "Once you find that manufacturer, carefully review the company's product warranties. You're looking for a manufacturer that stands behind their product for many years, offers full replacement of potentially defected product and, ideally, allows transferability of the warranty to the next owner of the home."

As an example, Rosewall references his own company's 50-year warranty on roofing tiles. The warranty is issued to the original purchaser of the roof and may be transferred to additional owners of the home. "We warrant that the roofing tiles will be free from manufacturing defects that could cause leaks under normal conditions. Should a problem arise, our company offers options that include replacing the roofing tiles or a refund to the homeowner." Other companies, such as Simonton Windows® and Fypon, offer comprehensive Limited Lifetime Warranties.

"Warranties can be long, cumbersome documents, but it's very important for homeowners to read through them completely before making a product purchase," says Riscili. "Every reputable company has a web site or 1-800 phone number that you can contact to ask warranty questions and gain more insights into the product you're purchasing. Investing the time on research now will save headaches in the long run."

Another tip for homeowners: A manufacturer's warranty does not typically include installation or replacement costs. "Manufacturers can only warrant the products they make, not the installation of that product," says Mark Savan with Simonton Windows. "That's why it's important to review the installation policies of remodelers and contractors you hire. When top quality products meet excellent installation -- it's always a win-win for the homeowner. Have a conversation with your remodeler to make sure you are comfortable that he and his employees, or any subcontractors they may use, have been 'factory-trained' to properly install the products according to the manufacturer's specifications."

Finally, all three company representatives remind homeowners to make sure to register their warranties once their products are installed and to save original receipts. Only by registering products are homeowners eligible for warranty benefits that could be extremely important in future years.

For additional information, visit www.simonton.com, www.davinciroofscapes.com and www.fypon.com.