Schedule B — Functional Hardware & Cabinet Lighting Warranty

Detailed coverage for standard mechanical hardware, specialist hardware and ARK-supplied cabinet LED systems.

1. Purpose
This Schedule explains the detailed coverage, limits and exclusions applying to:
the 5-Year ARK Functional Hardware Warranty;
the 3-Year ARK Cabinet LED System Warranty;
specialist, motorised and customer-selected hardware recorded in the Project Record.
It applies together with:
the ARK Core Kitchen Warranty Policy v2.4;
Schedule A - Cabinetry & ARK Installation Warranty;
the Accepted Project Documents;
the Material and Hardware Schedule;
applicable manufacturer information;
applicable Care Guides;
the Project Record;
New Zealand law.

2. Warranty periods
Subject to this Schedule:
Standard mechanical hardware
Eligible standard mechanical hardware is covered for:

5 years from the recorded Handover Date.
Cabinet LED system
Eligible ARK-supplied and ARK-installed cabinet lighting components are covered for:

3 years from the recorded Handover Date.
Specialist, motorised and customer-selected products
The applicable coverage period is recorded according to the:
brand;
product series;
model;
operating system;
supplier terms;
Project Record.
A repaired or replacement product does not automatically restart the original ARK warranty period. It remains covered for the balance of the original applicable period, together with any additional rights required by law or expressly supplied by the applicable manufacturer.
The 5-year and 3-year periods are ARK's additional written warranty periods. They do not replace, shorten or redefine a statutory commencement date, defect-remedy period, implied warranty, limitation period or non-excludable remedy. Where the Building Act 2004 applies, its completion date and one-year defect-remedy process are determined under that Act and may not be identical to ARK's recorded Handover Date.

3. Eligible standard mechanical hardware
The 5-Year ARK Functional Hardware Warranty may apply to eligible ARK-supplied:
concealed hinges;
standard drawer runners;
drawer systems;
soft-close mechanisms;
push-to-open mechanisms;
standard lift-up fittings;
ordinary pull-out hardware;
standard pantry and storage mechanisms;
standard waste-bin mechanisms;
standard internal cabinet fittings with moving parts.
The actual hardware brand, model and series are determined by the Accepted Project Documents and Material and Hardware Schedule.
Decorative handles and fixed non-mechanical accessories are assessed according to their actual product and installation responsibility.

4. ARK as the customer service contact
Where ARK formally supplied the hardware, the customer may submit the issue through ARK Support.
The customer is not required to determine whether the issue belongs to:
ARK;
the hardware supplier;
the manufacturer;
the installer.
ARK will assess the issue and manage any appropriate supplier or manufacturer process. ARK must not require the customer to pursue the supplier or manufacturer before ARK considers its own contractual, workmanship or statutory responsibility.
This does not mean every reported hardware condition is automatically accepted as a free ARK warranty claim. ARK's initial classification is not conclusive and does not prevent the customer from providing further evidence, disputing the finding or exercising an available legal right.

5. Product failure and installation workmanship
Hardware responsibility must distinguish between:
Product or mechanism failure
A confirmed internal failure of the hardware product during normal intended use.
Standard hardware product failure is principally assessed under the 5-Year ARK Functional Hardware Warranty.
ARK installation workmanship
A problem caused by ARK’s:
product selection;
compatibility assessment;
drilling;
mounting position;
fixing;
adjustment during installation;
integration with the cabinetry.
An established ARK hardware-installation error may be assessed under the applicable 10-Year ARK Cabinetry & ARK Installation Warranty in Schedule A.
The shorter product period does not reduce applicable installation-workmanship coverage.

6. General functional hardware coverage
The 5-Year ARK Functional Hardware Warranty may cover premature failure established on the available evidence involving:
internal mechanical failure;
failure of a hinge mechanism;
failure of a drawer runner or drawer system;
failure of an eligible soft-close mechanism;
failure of an eligible push-to-open mechanism;
failure of a standard lift-up fitting;
failure of an eligible storage or pull-out mechanism;
another original product defect.
The condition must:
arise during normal intended use;
fall within the eligible product period;
not be caused or materially contributed to by an exclusion;
be supported by reasonable evidence.
The need for an adjustment does not by itself prove product failure.

7. Hinges
The warranty may cover:
premature failure of the hinge mechanism;
loss of normal opening or closing function caused by an internal defect;
failure of an integrated soft-close function;
failure of a mounting component supplied as part of the eligible hinge system;
another established original hinge defect.
It does not cover:
a door being slammed;
excessive force;
hanging from a door;
impact;
overloading the door;
customer or third-party adjustment;
incorrect replacement screws;
corrosion;
grease or chemical contamination;
damage caused by water or steam;
ordinary alignment maintenance;
movement caused by cabinet, panel or building conditions;
use outside the intended application.
A local hinge failure does not require replacement of all hinges, the complete door or the complete cabinet unless reasonably necessary.

8. Drawer runners and drawer systems
The warranty may cover:
premature runner failure;
internal bearing or movement failure;
failure of an integrated soft-close mechanism;
failure preventing the drawer from operating normally;
another established original runner or drawer-system defect.
It does not cover:
overloading;
uneven or concentrated loading;
standing, sitting or climbing in a drawer;
impact;
forced opening or closing;
debris obstructing the runner;
water or chemical exposure;
corrosion;
customer or third-party dismantling;
unauthorised adjustment;
damage caused by an incorrectly used drawer insert or accessory;
drawer-box failure governed by Schedule A.
ARK may consider:
intended load;
drawer width and depth;
actual stored contents;
manner and frequency of use;
condition of the drawer box;
evidence of impact or obstruction.

9. Soft-close mechanisms
The warranty may cover premature failure of an eligible integrated or separately fitted soft-close mechanism under normal intended use.
It does not cover:
slamming;
forced operation;
contamination by grease, dust or residue;
water or chemical exposure;
incorrect customer adjustment;
interference by another person;
ordinary changes capable of correction through routine adjustment;
failure caused by door, drawer or cabinet movement rather than the mechanism itself.
A difference in closing speed between separate doors or drawers is not automatically a defect.
The assessment may consider:
component type;
door or drawer weight;
temperature;
adjustment;
cabinet alignment;
normal operating variation.

10. Push-to-open mechanisms
The warranty may cover:
premature internal mechanism failure;
failure to release or retain correctly under normal operation;
another established original product defect.
It does not cover:
repeated forceful pressing;
impact;
obstruction;
door or drawer misalignment caused by another condition;
unauthorised adjustment;
contamination;
water, steam or chemical damage;
use outside the intended application.
Push-to-open systems may require greater alignment precision than standard handles.
Ordinary adjustment does not by itself establish a defect.

11. Standard lift-up fittings
The warranty may cover:
premature mechanism failure;
failure to support or operate the approved door within the intended specification;
failure of an eligible soft-close or opening function;
another established original fitting defect.
It does not cover:
using a door or panel outside the approved weight or dimensions;
adding items to the door;
impact;
forcing the door;
hanging or loading;
unauthorised adjustment;
incorrect third-party replacement;
customer or third-party modification;
use after visible damage has developed.
Where ARK selected a fitting that was not reasonably suitable for the confirmed door size, weight or application, the issue may be assessed as an ARK selection or installation matter.

12. Pull-out, pantry and storage mechanisms
The warranty may cover premature failure established on the available evidence of an eligible:
slim pull-out;
full-width pull-out;
pantry mechanism;
corner-storage mechanism;
waste-bin mechanism;
internal drawer organiser with moving hardware;
ordinary storage fitting.
It does not cover:
overloading;
unbalanced loading;
forced movement;
impact;
obstruction;
loose items entering the mechanism;
corrosion;
water or chemical exposure;
misuse;
customer or third-party adjustment;
modification;
use outside the product specification.
A storage accessory is selected for a specific cabinet width, depth, door arrangement and intended use.
Changing the cabinet or product arrangement may affect coverage.

13. Specialist and motorised hardware
Specialist hardware may include:
motorised lift-up systems;
electronic opening systems;
specialist pantry systems;
specialist corner systems;
motorised drawers;
electronically controlled storage mechanisms;
uncommon or project-specific products.
Coverage is determined by the actual:
product;
supplier;
model;
installation;
Project Record.
ARK will not represent the longest warranty available from one supplier as though it applies to every specialist product.
The Project Record should identify, where applicable:
brand;
model or series;
product-coverage period;
registration requirement;
power or control requirements;
relevant supplier documents;
project-specific exclusions.

14. Customer-selected or upgraded hardware
Where the customer requests a specific product or brand and ARK formally accepts, supplies and installs it:
ARK remains the customer’s initial service contact;
product coverage is recorded in the Project Record;
ARK remains responsible for its own installation workmanship.
If ARK gives a written warning that the selected product is not suitable for the intended cabinet, weight, use or environment, and the customer nevertheless instructs ARK to proceed, a problem caused by that warned incompatibility is not covered by ARK’s additional written warranty.
ARK must not rely on a warning that was not clearly provided before approval.

15. Product suitability and compatibility
ARK is responsible for exercising reasonable care when selecting standard hardware for the confirmed:
cabinet type;
door or drawer dimensions;
expected load;
opening method;
intended use;
installation environment.
A product is not defective merely because a different or more expensive product may offer:
greater load capacity;
quieter operation;
a different motion;
a longer supplier warranty;
more adjustment;
different aesthetics.
The accepted hardware specification determines the expected function.

16. Loading and normal use
Hardware must be used within its intended application and reasonable load.
Coverage does not include damage or failure caused or materially contributed to by:
overloading;
concentrated loading;
uneven loading;
climbing;
sitting;
standing;
hanging;
repeated slamming;
forced operation;
impact;
use as a step or support;
use outside an ordinary kitchen-storage purpose.
ARK may consider the actual contents, loading pattern and use when assessing the cause.

17. Adjustment and maintenance
Hinges, drawer fronts and adjustable mechanisms may require ordinary adjustment during their service life.
An adjustment request is not automatically a product or workmanship defect.
One complimentary Settling Adjustment Visit may be available under Schedule D.
After the Settling Adjustment period, the following may be treated as paid maintenance unless a Covered Defect is confirmed:
ordinary hinge adjustment;
drawer-front adjustment;
preference-based alignment;
adjustment after heavy use;
adjustment after cabinet or building movement;
adjustment following customer or third-party interference.

18. Moisture, corrosion and contamination
The warranty does not cover hardware deterioration caused or materially contributed to by:
standing water;
plumbing or appliance leaks;
excessive steam;
condensation;
prolonged moisture;
corrosion;
salt or corrosive substances;
grease buildup;
food residue;
unsuitable cleaning products;
solvents;
acids;
alkalis;
abrasive cleaning;
paint, plaster or construction contamination;
inadequate ventilation.
Where an ARK-controlled defect directly caused the damaging exposure, responsibility will be assessed according to actual causation.

19. Other trades and third-party work
The warranty does not cover damage caused or materially contributed to by:
another cabinet installer;
plumber;
electrician;
appliance installer;
builder;
painter;
tiler;
cleaner;
another contractor or occupant.
Examples include:
removing doors or drawers;
changing screws;
drilling through hardware;
disconnecting electrical components;
cutting LED strips;
changing drivers or sensors;
adjusting mechanisms incorrectly;
damaging hardware during later work.
Where the other trade was appointed and controlled by ARK within the accepted Scope, ARK remains the customer’s initial service contact and will assess responsibility.

20. Unauthorised adjustment or alteration
ARK's additional written coverage may be restricted only to the extent that a customer or third-party action caused the condition, materially contributed to it, increased the damage or prevents reliable assessment. Relevant actions include where a customer or third party:
dismantles hardware;
changes adjustment beyond ordinary user operation;
changes screws or fixing points;
replaces part of a mechanism;
modifies a door or drawer;
cuts or extends wiring;
changes a driver, sensor or controller;
connects an unapproved power supply;
removes and reinstalls a component.
Before recording a restriction, ARK should identify the affected component, area, cause and evidence and give the authorised warranty holder a reasonable opportunity to provide relevant information. The affected component and reasonably related area may then be recorded as:
Requires Review;
Additional ARK Coverage Restricted;
Additional ARK Coverage Restricted — Unauthorised Structural Alteration;
depending on the nature and effect of the alteration.
The status applies only to ARK's additional written warranty for the identified component, area and cause. Unaffected and unrelated components remain eligible, and the status does not state or imply that statutory or other non-excludable rights have been cancelled.

21. Replacement products
Where a Covered Defect is established, ARK will first attempt to use the same product where reasonably available.
If the original product is discontinued or unavailable, ARK may use a reasonably comparable current product.
ARK does not guarantee:
identical appearance;
identical branding;
identical sound or movement;
identical opening force;
identical colour or finish;
compatibility with discontinued smart controls or applications;
exact matching between old and new components.
A reasonable difference does not require replacement of unaffected hardware.

22. Cabinet LED System scope
The 3-Year ARK Cabinet LED System Warranty may apply to eligible ARK-supplied and ARK-installed:
LED strips;
LED modules;
drivers;
transformers;
sensors;
switches;
low-voltage connectors;
cables supplied as part of the system;
lighting channels and diffusers;
low-voltage cabinet-lighting integration.
It does not automatically apply to:
wall sockets;
mains wiring;
switchboards;
household electrical circuits;
third-party smart-home systems;
customer-supplied controllers;
work outside ARK’s accepted Scope.

23. Cabinet LED System coverage
The 3-Year ARK Cabinet LED System Warranty may cover:
premature failure of an eligible LED strip or module;
premature failure of an eligible driver;
sensor or switch failure;
failure of an ARK-installed low-voltage connection;
another original lighting-product defect;
another confirmed ARK cabinet-lighting installation defect.
The warranty applies where the established cause is an eligible original product or ARK cabinet-lighting installation defect. Use, ventilation, operating conditions, external electrical causes and later alteration may be considered only to the extent relevant to actual causation, increased damage or reliable assessment.

24. Cabinet integration and installation errors
A problem involving the physical cabinet integration of lighting may be assessed under Schedule A where caused by:
incorrect ARK machining;
incorrect channel position;
inadequate physical support;
unreasonable damage to the cabinetry;
another cabinetry-installation defect.
A product, driver, sensor, low-voltage connection or lighting-system failure is principally assessed under the 3-Year ARK Cabinet LED System Warranty.

25. External electrical exclusions
The Cabinet LED System Warranty does not cover failure caused or materially contributed to by:
a faulty wall socket;
mains power interruption;
voltage fluctuation;
electrical surge;
switchboard failure;
household wiring;
electrical work performed by another person;
incorrect mains connection;
a third-party power supply;
lightning;
flood;
fire;
an external appliance;
a third-party smart-home system;
an incompatible controller or application.
ARK may require assessment by a licensed electrician where the cause may involve mains electricity or household wiring.
Where the cause is external to ARK’s system, ARK may offer paid:
inspection;
removal;
replacement;
reinstallation;
electrician coordination.

26. Moisture and heat affecting lighting
The Cabinet LED System Warranty does not cover failure caused or materially contributed to by:
water;
excessive moisture;
condensation;
steam;
plumbing or appliance leakage;
excessive environmental heat;
installation of a later heat-producing appliance;
obstruction of required ventilation;
cleaning liquid entering the system.
Where an ARK installation defect directly caused the exposure, responsibility will be assessed according to actual causation.

27. Light output and normal ageing
LED lighting can change gradually during normal use.
The warranty does not cover:
ordinary reduction in brightness;
minor colour-temperature variation;
minor brightness differences between separate fittings;
reasonable differences between production batches;
appearance under different surrounding finishes;
customer preference concerning brightness or colour temperature after approval;
expected ageing after the applicable warranty period.
A substantial and premature change caused by a confirmed original product defect may be covered.

28. Sensors, switches and smart controls
The warranty may cover premature failure of an eligible ARK-supplied:
motion sensor;
door sensor;
touch sensor;
switch;
compatible control component.
It does not cover problems caused by:
changed user settings;
obstruction;
contamination;
battery failure in a customer-controlled device;
third-party applications;
wireless network failure;
software updates outside ARK’s control;
an incompatible smart-home system;
unauthorised programming or alteration.
Any app-based or connected feature is subject to the continued availability and compatibility of the relevant third-party platform.
ARK does not guarantee that a third-party application or online service will remain unchanged or available indefinitely.

29. Reporting and evidence
A hardware or lighting Service Request should include:
ARKCode;
affected cabinet or component;
exact location;
photographs;
clear functional video;
date first noticed;
description of loading and use;
details of water, steam, heat or impact;
details of any adjustment or third-party work;
electrical diagnosis where reasonably required.
ARK may also consider:
hardware brand and model;
Material and Hardware Schedule;
installation records;
photographs from Handover;
component age;
actual load;
physical damage;
evidence of contamination;
electrical testing;
service and adjustment history.
The ARKCode supplied with a Service Request must be the code assigned to the relevant Project Record. It identifies the record, not the owner or property. Where one property has several ARK records, the customer should select the ARKCode for the affected project.

30. Cause assessment
ARK may classify a hardware or lighting condition as:
original product defect;
ARK selection or compatibility error;
ARK installation workmanship defect;
ordinary adjustment;
maintenance;
use-related damage;
overload;
moisture, corrosion or contamination;
external electrical cause;
third-party responsibility;
unauthorised alteration;
Requires Further Assessment.
Coverage is determined by the cause established through ARK's assessment, an agreed independent assessment or another applicable dispute or legal process, not solely by:
the age of the product;
the fact that it failed within a stated period;
the product brand;
the number of operating cycles claimed in marketing or testing;
customer preference.
The assessment process must apply any statutory allocation of responsibility or burden of proof. ARK must not require the customer to prove fault where applicable law places that burden on ARK, including where the Building Act one-year defect-remedy process applies.

31. Remedy
Where a Covered Defect is established, the normal remedy order is:

1. adjustment; 2. repair; 3. replacement of the affected component; 4. reasonably comparable replacement; 5. written settlement or another lawful remedy.
This order is ARK's normal administrative sequence for its additional warranty. It does not limit any remedy or customer choice required by applicable law. Safety, urgency, prior failed repairs, substantial failure and consequential damage must be considered where relevant.
ARK may replace only the failed or affected:
hinge;
runner;
mechanism;
driver;
sensor;
switch;
LED section;
related component.
A local hardware or lighting defect does not automatically require replacement of:
the complete cabinet;
all matching hardware;
every LED component;
the complete kitchen.

32. Labour, removal and reinstallation
Where a Covered Defect is established, ARK will cover the reasonable direct labour, removal, replacement and reinstallation required for the affected component.
This does not automatically include:
unaffected cabinetry;
unrelated electrical work;
switchboard or house-wiring work;
unrelated wall repair;
painting;
tiling;
customer-requested upgrades;
replacement of compatible unaffected systems.
Related work will be assessed according to actual causation, reasonable necessity, the Accepted Project Documents and applicable law.

33. Additional ARK coverage restriction
Where an exclusion or unauthorised alteration affects ARK's additional written warranty, the restriction applies only to the identified component, area and reasonably related cause.
The Project Record should state:
affected component and area;
reason and evidence;
effective date;
whether unrelated components remain eligible.
The record must not imply that statutory or other non-excludable rights have been cancelled.

34. Statutory and consumer rights
This Schedule provides additional written warranty coverage. It does not remove, reduce, postpone or replace rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded under New Zealand law.
To the extent the work is residential building work under the Building Act 2004, applicable implied warranties and the statutory one-year defect-remedy process continue according to law. Where the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 applies, guarantees including acceptable quality, reasonable durability, fitness for purpose and reasonable care and skill continue according to law. Nothing in this Schedule contracts out of the Fair Trading Act 1986 or authorises misleading warranty representations.
The expiry of the 5-year or 3-year ARK period does not by itself determine whether a product or service met an applicable statutory requirement.

35. Disagreement and escalation
A customer who disagrees with an assessment may provide additional evidence, request further review, propose an agreed independent assessment or use any applicable negotiation, mediation, adjudication, Tribunal, court or other legal process. An ARK Project Record status does not determine the outcome of an external process.