KITCHEN DOORS

What is going on with the kitchen doors?. They looked great for a couple of years and then it's like they contracted chickenpox. First there are little bubbles. Later they grow into something much larger.

A quick check in the Home Owner's book gives the sad news. These doors have a warranty of One Year.

The same Home Owner's book also describes these doors as follows: "Your beautiful new cabinets are produced using top quality plastic laminate material. With just a little care they will provide you with many years of service."

The book doesn't say it, but "many years of service" equals just about two years of service before the pox strikes. At this point the doors look somewhat less than "beautiful," and the builder has turned a cold shoulder to the problem.

While recognizing the problem with the doors that were installed, our Builder has apparently danced away from any responsibility. They sing a wonderful song about manufacturer defects, sub contractors, and expired warranty. If you are looking at doors with bubbles in the finish this tune is not music to your ears.

On the other hand the builder has secured the name of a contractor who will replace the doors for residents at their expense. The recommended dealer is: "AAA Craftsman Home Improvement & Repair" - 772 201 0542. They may also be contacted by email at: aaacraftsman@bellsouth.net There are no adverse reports regarding this contractor; and, it must be remembered that, this company was not the original installer or in any way responsible for the defective doors that one may have.

The questions that remains are: 1) Are there other solutions to repair these doors rather than replacing them; and 2) Is there any real chance the builder will stand up and do something for the people who ultimately became owners of these defective doors ?