Warranty Template for Countertop Fabrication Shops
What Is a Fabrication Warranty?
A fabrication warranty is a written guarantee covering the quality of workmanship and installation provided by your shop. It defines what is covered, what is excluded, how long coverage lasts, and how customers should report claims. A clear warranty sets expectations, reduces frivolous complaints, and builds customer confidence. Shops offering written warranties close 15-20% more sales than shops with vague or verbal warranty promises.
TL;DR: Warranty Template Essentials
- 1-2 year workmanship warranty is industry standard for fabrication and installation
- Clearly separate fabricator warranty from manufacturer warranty (different coverage)
- Exclusions are as important as inclusions -- define what is NOT covered
- Warranty claims handled within 48 hours improve customer retention by 40%
- Written warranties close 15-20% more sales than verbal promises
- Track all warranty claims for quality improvement data
- Have your attorney review the template before deploying
Warranty Document Template
Header
[COMPANY LOGO]
[Company Name]
[Address] | [Phone] | [Email] | [Website]
COUNTERTOP FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION WARRANTY
Warranty #: ________________
Date of Installation: ________________
Customer Name: ________________
Project Address: ________________
Job #: ________________
Section 1: Warranty Coverage
WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY
[Company Name] warrants that the countertop fabrication and
installation performed under Job # ______ is free from defects
in workmanship for a period of ______ year(s) from the date
of installation.
This warranty covers:
1. SEAM INTEGRITY
Seams that separate, crack, or fail due to improper bonding
techniques during the warranty period.
2. INSTALLATION QUALITY
Countertop not properly secured to cabinets, uneven surfaces
due to improper shimming, or gaps between countertop and wall
exceeding acceptable tolerances.
3. EDGE FABRICATION
Edge profiles that show fabrication defects such as uneven
grinding, inconsistent profile shape, or rough finish that
was present at installation.
4. CUTOUT QUALITY
Sink, faucet, and cooktop cutouts that do not meet specified
dimensions due to fabrication error.
5. STRUCTURAL FAILURE
Countertop breakage at seams or support points attributable
to improper fabrication or installation methods.
Section 2: What Is NOT Covered
EXCLUSIONS
This warranty does NOT cover:
1. NATURAL STONE CHARACTERISTICS
Fissures, pits, veining variations, color variations, and
other natural features inherent to granite, marble, quartzite,
and other natural stones. These characteristics were present
at the time of selection and are not defects.
2. NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR
Gradual dulling of polish, minor surface scratching from
normal kitchen use, or patina development on marble surfaces.
3. DAMAGE FROM MISUSE
Chips, cracks, or stains caused by impact, dropping heavy
objects, standing or sitting on countertops, or using
countertops as cutting surfaces without a cutting board.
4. HEAT DAMAGE
Discoloration, cracking, or surface damage caused by placing
hot pots, pans, or appliances directly on the countertop
surface without a trivet or heat pad.
5. STAINING
Stains resulting from failure to seal natural stone per
recommended schedule, prolonged contact with staining
agents, or use of improper cleaning products.
6. CHEMICAL DAMAGE
Surface damage from harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners,
bleach, or abrasive cleaning products.
7. DAMAGE BY OTHERS
Any damage caused by other trades (plumbers, electricians,
painters) working on or near the countertops after installation.
8. STRUCTURAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL
Damage caused by settling, shifting, or failure of cabinets,
walls, or supporting structures. Water damage from plumbing
failures not caused by the Fabricator.
9. MODIFICATIONS
Any alterations, repairs, or modifications made by parties
other than [Company Name] after installation.
10. IMPROPER CARE
Damage resulting from failure to follow the care and
maintenance instructions provided at installation.
Section 3: Manufacturer Warranty (Engineered Stone)
MANUFACTURER WARRANTY (Quartz/Engineered Stone Only)
Engineered stone products carry a separate manufacturer warranty
provided by [Manufacturer Name]. This warranty covers material
defects and is administered directly by the manufacturer.
Manufacturer Warranty Period: ______ years
Manufacturer Contact: ________________
Warranty Registration Required: [ ] Yes [ ] No
Note: Fabricator workmanship warranty and manufacturer material
warranty are separate. A workmanship claim is filed with
[Company Name]. A material defect claim is filed with the
manufacturer. [Company Name] will assist with manufacturer
claim filing upon request.
Section 4: Claim Process
HOW TO FILE A WARRANTY CLAIM
1. Contact [Company Name] at [Phone] or [Email]
2. Provide your Job # and describe the issue
3. Include photographs of the issue if possible
4. A representative will respond within 48 business hours
5. If a site visit is needed, it will be scheduled within
5 business days
6. Covered repairs will be completed at no charge to the Customer
7. Repairs not covered under warranty will be quoted before
any work begins
WARRANTY RESPONSE TIMELINE:
- Initial response: Within 48 business hours
- Assessment visit (if needed): Within 5 business days
- Covered repair completion: Within 10 business days of assessment
Section 5: Conditions and Limitations
CONDITIONS
1. This warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the
original Customer at the original installation address.
2. [Company Name] reserves the right to repair or replace at
its sole discretion. Replacement material may not be an
exact match to the original (natural stone varies by slab).
3. [Company Name]'s liability under this warranty is limited
to repair or replacement of the affected area. [Company Name]
is not liable for consequential damages.
4. This warranty is void if the countertops have been modified,
repaired, or altered by anyone other than [Company Name].
5. Customer must provide reasonable access to the property
for warranty inspection and repair.
Section 6: Care Instructions Reference
To maintain warranty coverage, follow these care instructions:
QUARTZ: Clean with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals.
No sealing required. Use trivets for hot items.
GRANITE: Seal every 6-12 months. Clean with pH-neutral stone
cleaner. Blot spills promptly. Use cutting boards.
QUARTZITE: Seal every 6-12 months. Highly scratch-resistant
but use cutting boards. Heat-resistant but use trivets.
MARBLE: Seal every 3-6 months. Avoid all acidic substances.
Always use cutting boards. Expect patina over time.
Detailed care guide provided at installation: [ ] Yes
Signatures
This warranty is provided by:
[Company Name] Representative: ___________ Date: ________
Customer Acknowledgment: _________________ Date: ________
Customer confirms receipt of this warranty document and the
care and maintenance instructions.
Warranty Claim Tracking
Track every claim for quality improvement:
| Claim Data Point | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Claim type (seam, chip, stain, etc.) | Identifies recurring fabrication issues |
| Time since installation | Shows if failures happen early or late |
| Material type | Reveals material-specific problems |
| Installer who did the job | Identifies training needs |
| Resolution cost | Calculates true warranty expense |
| Customer outcome (satisfied/not) | Measures service recovery |
FAQ
What warranty period should a fabrication shop offer? 1-2 years for workmanship is standard. Some shops offer lifetime workmanship warranties as a competitive advantage. The key is that your exclusions are clear enough to prevent abuse of a longer warranty.
Should the warranty be transferable to new homeowners? Most fabricator warranties are non-transferable. Transferable warranties can be a selling point for homeowners who plan to sell their house, but they increase your long-term claim exposure.
What is the difference between a fabricator warranty and a manufacturer warranty? The fabricator warranty covers workmanship -- how the material was cut, finished, and installed. The manufacturer warranty covers material defects -- issues with the slab itself, like premature discoloration or structural flaws not caused by the fabricator.
How should I handle a warranty claim that is clearly not covered? Respond promptly and professionally. Explain why the issue is not covered, referencing the specific exclusion in the warranty document. Offer to repair the issue at a fair quoted price. Good service on non-warranty issues generates referrals.
How many warranty claims should a shop expect? Well-run shops see warranty claims on 2-4% of jobs within the first year. Shops with poor quality control may see 8-12%. Tracking claim rates helps identify systemic issues.
Should I include the warranty in the customer agreement or as a separate document? Both. Reference the warranty terms in the customer agreement and provide the full warranty as a separate document at installation. The customer should acknowledge receipt of both.
What is the most common warranty claim? Seam issues account for 30-40% of warranty claims, followed by loose undermount sinks (20-25%) and minor chips discovered after installation (15-20%).
Does offering a warranty increase my liability? A well-written warranty actually limits your liability by defining exactly what you are responsible for and what you are not. Without a written warranty, implied warranties under state law may expose you to broader claims.
Track Warranty Claims Automatically
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Sources
- National Kitchen & Bath Association -- Warranty guidelines for contractors
- ISFA -- Warranty best practices for surface fabricators
- Natural Stone Institute -- Consumer warranty recommendations
- American Bar Association -- Warranty law basics
- Marble Institute of America -- Natural stone warranty standards
- Consumer Product Safety Commission -- Warranty disclosure requirements