Schedule C — Benchtop, Splashback & Sink Warranty

Detailed coverage for eligible benchtop and hard-surface work, fabrication, installation and ARK-supplied sink integration.

1. Purpose
This Schedule explains the detailed coverage, limits and exclusions applying to eligible:
kitchen benchtops;
benchtop templating and measurement;
fabrication;
installation;
hard-surface splashbacks;
sintered-stone panels;
ARK-supplied sinks;
sink and benchtop integration.
It applies together with:
the ARK Core Kitchen Warranty Policy v2.4;
the Accepted Project Documents;
the Material and Hardware Schedule;
applicable manufacturer documents;
applicable Care Guides;
the Project Record;
New Zealand law.

2. Warranty structure
This Schedule distinguishes between:
ARK completed-work warranty
The additional written warranty supplied by ARK for eligible benchtop and hard-surface splashback material, fabrication and installation responsibility.
Manufacturer or supplier warranty
Any separate product warranty supplied by the material or sink manufacturer.
Statutory rights
Rights and remedies that may apply under New Zealand law regardless of the wording or duration of an ARK or manufacturer warranty.
A manufacturer warranty does not replace ARK’s responsibility for work performed or arranged by ARK.

3. Benchtop warranty period
Subject to this Schedule, an eligible benchtop formally supplied by ARK and installed by ARK or an ARK- appointed fabricator is covered by the:
10-Year ARK Benchtop Warranty
The period begins on the recorded Handover Date. This is ARK's additional written warranty commencement date. It does not replace, shorten or redefine a statutory completion 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.
The warranty may include confirmed responsibility involving:
an original material manufacturing defect;
ARK-controlled templating;
ARK-controlled measurement;
fabrication;
edge fabrication;
cut-outs;
joins;
support requirements within ARK’s Scope;
fixing;
installation workmanship.

4. Hard-surface splashback period
An eligible hard-surface splashback formally supplied and installed through ARK may be covered for:

10 years from the recorded Handover Date
This may include eligible:
mineral or engineered surface splashbacks;
quartz-based splashbacks;
sintered-stone splashbacks;
other large-format hard-surface panels expressly recorded in the Project Record.
Glass, tile, acrylic, metal or another splashback material is governed by the actual product and installation terms recorded for the project and is not automatically included in this 10-year schedule.

5. Sink coverage
An ARK-supplied sink is covered according to:
the actual brand;
model;
material;
supplier or manufacturer warranty;
applicable statutory rights;
product record retained in the Project Record and, where ARK has actually released access, available through myARK.
ARK remains the customer’s initial service contact for an ARK-supplied sink.
A confirmed ARK error involving:
sink selection;
opening dimensions;
cut-out;
positioning;
fixing;
mounting;
support;
sealing;
physical integration with the benchtop;
may be assessed under the applicable 10-year ARK fabrication or installation-workmanship coverage.
The sink product itself does not automatically receive a 10-year ARK product warranty unless expressly recorded.

6. Eligible materials
This Schedule may apply to eligible materials recorded in the Accepted Project Documents, including:
mineral surfaces;
engineered or composite surfaces;
quartz-based surfaces;
sintered stone;
porcelain or ceramic slab surfaces;
compact surfaces;
natural stone where expressly accepted;
other hard-surface products approved by ARK.
Each material has different:
appearance;
composition;
physical properties;
care requirements;
heat resistance;
stain resistance;
scratch resistance;
edge and impact behaviour;
manufacturer conditions.
The selected material and applicable documents determine the expected performance.

7. Material records
The Project Record should identify, where applicable:
brand;
product range;
colour or design;
finish;
thickness;
slab or batch information where available;
supplier;
fabricator;
relevant manufacturer warranty;
registration requirement;
Care Guide;
technical limitations;
special project conditions.
Failure to obtain optional manufacturer registration does not remove rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.
It may affect access to a separate manufacturer warranty where registration is an express condition of that warranty.

8. General coverage
The warranty may cover a condition confirmed to result from:
an original material manufacturing defect;
incorrect ARK-controlled measurement or templating;
fabrication outside the accepted specification;
incorrect cut-out dimensions;
defective edge fabrication;
defective join fabrication;
inadequate support designed or supplied within ARK’s Scope;
incorrect fixing;
installation workmanship;
another ARK-controlled failure.
The condition must:
fall within the accepted Scope;
arise during normal intended residential kitchen use;
exceed applicable accepted tolerances;
not be caused or materially contributed to by an exclusion;
be supported by reasonable evidence.
The existence of a crack, stain, chip, scratch, mark or colour difference does not by itself establish an original defect.
The cause must be assessed.

9. Resistance is not proof
Benchtop and splashback surfaces may be described as:
stain resistant;
scratch resistant;
heat resistant;
impact resistant;
moisture resistant;
non-porous or low-porosity.
These descriptions do not mean the surface is:
stain proof;
scratch proof;
heat proof;
chip proof;
impact proof;
immune to chemicals;
indestructible.
Care requirements continue to apply.

10. Visible-condition reporting
A condition reasonably visible at Handover should be reported in writing:
during Handover; or
within seven calendar days after the Handover Date.
Examples include an alleged:
scratch;
chip;
dent;
visible stain;
visible colour concern;
edge concern;
join concern;
cut-out concern;
sink-position concern;
installation mark;
surface-finish concern.
The report should identify the exact location and include clear photographs.
ARK may compare the report with:
Pre-installation records;
installation photographs;
Pre-handover photographs;
completed checklists;
the Handover Record.
The seven-day period is an evidence and early-notification rule for ARK's additional-warranty process. A late report does not automatically remove statutory rights, the applicable Building Act one-year defect-remedy process, implied warranties, consumer guarantees or another non-excludable right. The recorded Handover condition and the reason for delay may remain relevant evidence.

11. Latent-issue reporting
A suspected latent issue should be reported as soon as reasonably practicable and, for ARK's evidence process, normally within seven calendar days after discovery. This is not a statutory cut-off.
The owner should:
identify the exact location;
explain when it was first noticed;
provide photographs or video;
preserve the condition;
stop activity likely to increase damage;
disclose heat, impact, cleaning, moisture and other work;
avoid repair, polishing, grinding, cutting, removal or destructive investigation before ARK assessment.
Unreasonable delay may affect responsibility for:
expanded damage;
lost evidence;
contamination of the affected area;
costs caused by continued use;
unauthorised intervention.

12. Surface appearance and samples
Samples, photographs, renders and display pieces are representative.
Reasonable differences may occur in:
colour;
tone;
pattern;
veining;
particulate distribution;
grain;
texture;
gloss;
reflectivity;
movement;
slab composition;
production batch.
Lighting, surrounding colours and viewing angle may alter perceived appearance.
A reasonable material variation is not a defect.
A specific pattern placement, vein direction or book-match arrangement applies only where clearly recorded in the Accepted Project Documents.

13. Natural and manufactured variation
Natural stone may contain inherent:
veins;
fissures;
inclusions;
pores;
mineral variation;
colour variation.
Manufactured surfaces may also contain reasonable:
pattern variation;
particulate variation;
texture variation;
shade variation;
batch differences.
A natural feature or reasonable production variation is not automatically a structural defect.
ARK must not describe a clearly abnormal manufacturing condition as ordinary variation without reasonable supporting evidence.

14. Seams and joins
Benchtops may require seams because of:
slab size;
access;
transport;
layout;
installation method;
structural or fabrication requirements.
A join may remain visible.
Assessment may consider:
accepted drawing;
material and finish;
pattern;
slab dimensions;
access;
normal viewing position;
reasonable fabrication tolerance;
level and function;
stability;
surrounding site conditions.
The warranty may cover a confirmed defect involving:
unreasonable join separation;
incorrect join position contrary to the accepted plan;
defective fabrication;
defective adhesive work;
unreasonable level difference;
installation workmanship.
It does not cover a reasonable visible join that performs correctly and is consistent with the accepted design and material.

15. Edges
The warranty may cover a confirmed original defect involving:
edge-profile fabrication;
polishing;
bonding;
mitred-edge fabrication;
edge alignment;
installation workmanship.
It does not cover edge damage caused by:
impact;
dropped objects;
cookware;
appliances;
furniture;
moving goods;
abrasive contact;
unauthorised repair;
later drilling or cutting.
Exposed edges and corners are particularly vulnerable to impact.
A chip caused by impact is not a material defect merely because it occurred during the warranty period.

16. Cut-outs and openings
Eligible ARK-controlled cut-outs may include openings for:
sinks;
cooktops;
taps;
waste disposals;
dispensers;
sockets in splashbacks;
other accepted fixtures.
The warranty may cover:
incorrect dimensions caused by ARK;
incorrect position;
defective fabrication;
inadequate radiusing or finishing where required;
failure caused by an ARK-controlled opening or support error.
It does not cover an issue caused by:
incorrect customer-supplied specifications;
changed appliance or sink model;
missing technical information;
third-party cutting;
later enlargement;
additional drilling;
product replacement with different dimensions.

17. Support and cabinet movement
Benchtop performance depends on appropriate support and stable underlying cabinetry.
The warranty may cover a failure caused by inadequate support where support design or installation formed part of ARK’s accepted Scope.
It does not cover damage caused or materially contributed to by:
later cabinet movement;
floor movement;
wall movement;
structural settlement;
unauthorised cabinet alteration;
removal of support;
another trade;
excessive unsupported loading;
sitting, standing or climbing;
impact;
building movement outside ARK’s responsibility.
ARK may require the underlying cause to be corrected before benchtop repair proceeds.

18. Cracks
A crack requires cause assessment.
A crack may be covered where confirmed to result from:
an original material manufacturing defect;
defective ARK-controlled fabrication;
incorrect ARK-controlled support;
defective installation;
another ARK-controlled failure.
A crack is not covered where caused or materially contributed to by:
impact;
dropped objects;
excessive weight;
standing or sitting;
building or cabinet movement;
heat or thermal shock;
an appliance;
a leak;
unauthorised drilling or cutting;
third-party work;
relocation;
inadequate support altered after Handover.
The location, direction and physical characteristics of the crack may be considered when identifying cause.

19. Chips and impact damage
Chips are generally local physical damage and are not automatically evidence of a material defect.
The warranty does not cover chips caused by:
cookware;
bottles;
tools;
appliances;
dropped objects;
impact on edges or sink openings;
moving furniture or goods;
another trade;
third-party installation;
deliberate or accidental force.
A chip confirmed to have existed before Handover or to result directly from ARK-controlled fabrication or installation may be covered.

20. Scratches, scuffs and abrasion
The warranty does not cover scratches, scuffs, abrasion or surface dulling caused by:
cutting directly on the surface;
dragging cookware or appliances;
abrasive pads;
abrasive powders;
grit;
metal contact;
ceramic bases;
tools;
construction work;
another trade;
ordinary use and wear.
A visible scratch confirmed as existing before Handover or caused during work controlled by ARK may be covered.
ARK may consider the finish because polished, honed, textured and matte surfaces show marks differently.

21. Stains and discolouration
The warranty does not cover staining or discolouration caused or materially contributed to by use, cleaning or the environment, including:
chilli oil;
curry;
turmeric;
food colouring;
coffee;
tea;
wine;
fruit juice;
oils;
grease;
ink;
dye;
cosmetics;
adhesive;
paint;
metal residue;
spills not promptly cleaned.
Abnormal discolouration confirmed as an original manufacturing defect may be covered.
The fact that a surface is marketed as stain resistant does not mean all substances may remain on it indefinitely without effect.

22. Yellowing and ageing
The warranty does not cover yellowing, colour change or surface change caused or materially contributed to by:
smoke;
cooking residue;
oils or grease;
ultraviolet exposure;
sunlight;
heat;
unsuitable cleaning products;
standing moisture;
normal ageing;
environmental conditions.
Abnormal premature yellowing confirmed as a latent material manufacturing defect may be covered.
Assessment may consider:
the affected pattern;
exposed and protected areas;
cleaning history;
heat sources;
sunlight;
smoke;
supplier evidence;
material age.

23. Water marks, limescale and standing moisture
Water resistance does not prevent deposits or surface marks.
The warranty does not cover:
limescale;
mineral deposits;
dried water marks;
soap residue;
standing-water marks;
residue around taps and sinks;
staining caused by prolonged moisture;
damage caused by a leak.
These conditions are generally cleaning, maintenance, plumbing or use matters unless an original material or installation defect is confirmed.

24. Cleaning products and chemicals
The warranty does not cover damage caused or materially contributed to by:
abrasive cleaners;
abrasive pads;
concentrated bleach;
oven cleaner;
drain cleaner;
strong acids;
strong alkalis;
solvents;
paint stripper;
adhesive remover;
rust remover;
unsuitable degreasers;
prolonged chemical contact;
products prohibited by the applicable Care Guide.
Routine cleaning should follow the material-specific Care Guide.
A product suitable for one surface may not be suitable for another.

25. Heat and thermal shock
Heat-resistant surfaces can still be damaged by excessive heat or rapid temperature change.
The warranty does not cover damage caused or materially contributed to by:
hot cookware placed directly on the surface;
oven trays;
pots or pans;
portable cooktops;
air fryers;
slow cookers;
rice cookers;
electric frypans;
sandwich presses;
coffee machines;
heat-producing appliances;
open flame;
thermal shock.
Heat-resistant mats, trivets and manufacturer-recommended clearances should be used.
Where ARK selected or positioned an appliance contrary to timely supplied official specifications, the resulting issue may be assessed as an ARK design or installation matter.

26. Ultraviolet exposure and external use
Unless the selected product is expressly approved and recorded for exterior or ultraviolet-exposed use, the warranty applies to indoor residential kitchen use.
It does not cover deterioration caused by:
exterior installation;
direct prolonged sunlight;
ultraviolet exposure;
outdoor temperature cycles;
frost;
weather;
exterior moisture;
unapproved outdoor use.
A material promoted for exterior use remains subject to its actual manufacturer and installation requirements.

27. Appliance and plumbing causes
The warranty does not cover damage caused or materially contributed to by:
dishwasher leakage;
tap leakage;
sink-waste leakage;
refrigerator leakage;
boiling-water unit leakage;
waste-disposal vibration or failure;
cooktop failure;
appliance heat;
plumbing pressure;
another service outside ARK’s accepted responsibility.
Where ARK-appointed work within the accepted Scope directly caused the issue, ARK remains the customer’s initial contact and will assess responsibility.

28. Hard-surface splashbacks
The warranty may cover confirmed defects involving ARK-controlled:
measurement;
panel fabrication;
edge finishing;
cut-outs;
panel support;
adhesive or fixing;
alignment;
installation workmanship.
Reasonable joins, gaps required for movement and sealing details are not automatically defects.
The warranty does not cover damage caused by:
building movement;
substrate movement;
moisture behind the panel from an external source;
heat beyond the material specification;
impact;
unauthorised drilling;
later electrical or plumbing work;
removal;
third-party modification.

29. Sintered-stone restrictions
Sintered-stone panels and splashbacks must not be altered without ARK’s prior written approval.
Unauthorised work includes:
drilling;
cutting;
chasing;
grinding;
enlarging an opening;
creating a socket opening;
adding a fixing;
removing a panel;
relocating a panel;
reinstalling a panel.
Unauthorised alteration may restrict ARK's additional written warranty, according to actual cause, increased damage and lost evidence, for:
the altered panel;
the altered opening;
the reasonably related affected area;
damage or failure that ARK can no longer reliably assess.
Unaffected and unrelated areas may remain covered.
Before recording a restriction, ARK should identify the affected panel or area, cause and evidence and give the authorised warranty holder a reasonable opportunity to provide relevant information. The Project Record may then display:
Additional ARK Coverage Restricted — Unauthorised Sintered-Stone Alteration
or, where structural support or safety is affected:
Additional ARK Coverage Restricted — Unauthorised Structural Alteration
The status applies only to ARK's additional written warranty for the identified area and cause. It does not state or imply that statutory or other non-excludable rights have been cancelled.

30. Sink product coverage
An ARK-supplied sink may be manufactured from:
stainless steel;
coloured or coated stainless steel;
granite composite;
ceramic;
fireclay;
another recorded material.
Product coverage is determined by the actual brand and model.
Ordinary product characteristics may include:
fine surface marks on stainless steel;
gradual patina;
water marks;
minor colour or texture variation;
changes caused by cleaning and use.
These are not automatically defects.

31. Sink product exclusions
Unless an original product defect is confirmed, sink coverage does not include damage caused or materially contributed to by:
scratches;
scuffs;
dropped cookware;
impact;
harsh chemicals;
abrasive cleaning;
metal residue;
rust contamination from another object;
heat;
thermal shock;
staining;
limescale;
standing water;
failure to clean;
waste-disposal vibration;
third-party plumbing;
incorrect use;
unauthorised alteration.
Coated, coloured, ceramic, fireclay and composite sinks may have material-specific care limitations.
The applicable manufacturer Care Guide should be followed.

32. Sink installation workmanship
ARK installation responsibility may cover a confirmed error involving:
incorrect opening dimensions;
incorrect sink position;
defective mounting;
inadequate physical support within ARK’s Scope;
defective fixing;
defective sealing performed by ARK;
damage caused during ARK-controlled installation.
Plumbing connections, tap connections, wastes and waste disposals are covered only where that work was expressly included and performed or arranged by ARK.
A leak does not automatically establish a sink or benchtop defect.
The source and responsibility must be identified.

33. Sealants and maintenance joints
Sealant may be used around:
sinks;
wall junctions;
splashbacks;
panel joins;
other transitions.
Sealant is a maintenance material and may change, shrink, discolour or require renewal over time.
The warranty may cover defective original application by ARK.
It does not cover later deterioration caused by:
movement;
cleaning chemicals;
mould;
standing moisture;
heat;
third-party disturbance;
ordinary maintenance requirements.
A failed seal should be reported promptly to prevent further damage.

34. Customer-supplied sinks and fixtures
ARK does not provide product warranty for a customer-supplied:
sink;
tap;
waste disposal;
dispenser;
waste fitting;
accessory.
Where ARK expressly accepts fabrication or installation around that product, ARK remains responsible for its own accepted workmanship.
ARK is not responsible for:
incorrect product dimensions;
inaccurate templates;
changed models;
missing parts;
product defects;
incompatibility;
manufacturer warranty;
third-party installation;
leakage caused by another person.
Additional fabrication, redesign, storage or repeat attendance may be treated as a Variation or paid service unless caused by ARK.

35. Other trades and later work
The warranty does not cover damage caused or materially contributed to by:
plumbers;
electricians;
appliance installers;
builders;
tilers;
painters;
flooring installers;
cleaners;
another contractor or occupant.
Examples include:
drilling a benchtop or splashback;
enlarging a cut-out;
moving a sink;
changing a cooktop;
removing support;
disconnecting or reconnecting plumbing;
damaging an edge;
applying unsuitable chemicals;
standing on the benchtop.
Where the other trade was appointed and controlled by ARK within the accepted Scope, ARK remains the customer’s initial service contact.

36. Relocation, removal and reinstallation
Coverage applies to the original installed location.
A benchtop, splashback or sink that is:
removed;
relocated;
transported;
stored;
modified;
reinstalled;
by anyone other than ARK or an ARK-approved contractor is not covered for damage or failure caused by that work.
ARK may assess relocated components and provide new written project-specific terms but is not required to do so.

37. Reporting evidence
A Service Request should include:
ARKCode;
exact affected location;
clear photographs;
close and wider views;
first-discovered date;
description of the condition;
heat, impact, cleaning and moisture history;
details of plumbing or appliance events;
details of other-trade work;
details of attempted repair.
ARK may also consider:
slab and material records;
fabrication drawings;
templates;
cut-out records;
installation photographs;
Handover photographs;
support and cabinet condition;
pattern and direction of damage;
supplier or laboratory information;
site movement;
cleaning residue;
heat or impact evidence.
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.

38. Cause assessment
ARK may classify a condition as:
original material manufacturing defect;
templating or measurement defect;
fabrication defect;
installation workmanship defect;
ordinary material variation;
within accepted tolerance;
stain or maintenance;
scratch, chip or impact;
heat or thermal shock;
chemical damage;
plumbing or appliance cause;
building or cabinet movement;
other-trade responsibility;
unauthorised alteration;
customer-supplied product issue;
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 material brand;
the age of the surface;
whether the condition arose during the stated period;
marketing descriptions such as resistant or durable;
customer preference.
ARK's initial classification is not conclusive. 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.

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

1. cleaning or approved treatment where appropriate; 2. local adjustment or repair; 3. replacement of the affected component or section; 4. reasonably comparable current 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 remedy only the affected:
panel;
benchtop section;
join;
edge;
splashback panel;
sink;
related component.
A local defect does not automatically require replacement of:
the entire benchtop;
all splashbacks;
unaffected cabinetry;
the complete kitchen.

40. Labour, removal and reinstatement
Where a Covered Defect is established, ARK will cover reasonable direct work necessary to remedy the affected component.
This may include:
assessment;
templating;
fabrication;
removal;
repair;
replacement;
reinstallation;
directly necessary reconnection work within ARK’s responsibility.
It does not automatically include:
unrelated plumbing;
unrelated electrical work;
unaffected cabinetry;
appliances;
tiling;
painting;
flooring;
wall repair;
customer-requested upgrades;
replacement of unaffected matching material.
Related work will be assessed according to actual causation, reasonable necessity, the Accepted Project Documents and applicable law.

41. Replacement matching
ARK will first seek the same material where reasonably available.
If the original material is discontinued or unavailable, ARK may use a reasonably comparable current product.
ARK does not guarantee an exact match to:
an earlier slab;
an earlier batch;
surrounding material that has aged;
sunlight-exposed material;
discontinued colour or finish;
natural stone variation.
A reasonable replacement difference does not require replacement of unaffected benchtops, splashbacks or cabinetry.

42. Manufacturer claims and registration
Where a separate manufacturer warranty may apply, ARK remains the initial Service Request contact for an ARK-supplied product and must first consider its own contractual, workmanship and statutory responsibility. ARK may manage or assist with:
proof of purchase;
product identification;
supplier contact;
photographs;
fabrication information;
claim submission.
The owner must complete any clearly disclosed registration requirement within the manufacturer’s required period where that registration is necessary.
Failure of a manufacturer claim does not automatically determine ARK’s separate contractual or statutory responsibility.

43. 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.

44. 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, matching description or sample 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.
A manufacturer's stated period, registration requirement or exclusion does not by itself determine whether ARK has met an applicable legal obligation.

45. 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.