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How important are warranties and, more importantly, the length of steel building warranties to consumers today? The answer seems to be that they are growing more and more significant nationwide and steel building suppliers and manufacturers are reacting to this demand. Steel building companies are progressing, competitively, to eventually provide the longest and largest steel building warranty that has ever been available to American consumers. Some steel building warranties now last 30, 35 and even 50 years.
As a consumer, a warranty is your contract with the manufacturer of your steel building that states that any defects will be corrected at the manufacturer’s expense. For most steel building companies, purchasers should possess a clear understanding of the warranty before any deposit is applied to a building. A well stated warranty aids the steel building manufacturer or supplier that provides it. Longer warranted buildings are more attractive to consumers as compared to steel building companies with shorter warranties. In the competitive pricing market of steel buildings, when two buildings are equally attractive to the buyer the one featuring the longest warranty usually will win out over price. The longer the warranty, the more the consumer will have “peace of mind” about the structural integrity of the building. There should not be an additional cost to the consumer for a superior and longer warranty. A good warranty also benefits the consumer. There is no additional outlay of cash upfront and a longer warranty enhances the consumer’s investment. The consumer also knows that there is protection from potential costs of future repairs.
If you buy a $20 shirt and change your mind, the store will probably give you your money back. If you buy a $20,000 car that doesn’t run right, a “lemon law” will probably protect you. But steel building buyers need to exercise caution. Although the purchase of a steel building may be the biggest investment you will ever make, a few steel building companies have a “satisfaction isn’t guaranteed” policy.
A warranty should be an important part of any new steel building purchase decision. Make sure to buy your building from a company with a solid reputation for quality as well as for offering the best warranty. Reputable building manufacturers and suppliers will discuss their products with you thoroughly before you invest. They are proud of their products, and you will not be abandoned if a defect crops up.
Make sure the warranty on your steel building is an express warranty; something you can hold and read. Your warranty, at a minimum, should express that it will cover the structural, load-bearing elements of the building. In the unlikely event of a structural failure, the warranty should read that the failed part or parts will be repaired or replaced at no charge. A good warranty provides peace of mind–so when you move into your new building you can concentrate on putting it to good use.
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