Warranty Information

Hardscape

3 Year Paver Craftsmanship Warranty

We guarantee you will be 100% SATISFIED with our hardscaping workmanship. We constantly emphasize QUALITY with our staff and commit to additional industry training each off season. We consistently meet or exceed industry standards! We are not perfect, but if you have a problem within 3 years we will come back and fix the problem FOR FREE!

If your new pavers sink or settle within 3 years after we install them, we will come back and repair them at no cost. Warranty period begins from date of completed construction for a period of 3 years. All material is guaranteed to be as specified by manufacturer. Warranty covers broken or cracked pavers that are damaged during installation. Warranty covers loose pavers, loose edge restraints, and settlement of pavers more than 3/8” compared to adjacent pavers, walls, or stair treads.

The guarantee covers the entire interlocking paver system, except projects that experience any of the following during the 3-year warranty period:

Warranty is void if alterations or changes are made to the paver system by anyone else other than Ground Works Land Design, LLC.
Ground Works Land Design, LLC. warranty does not cover naturally occurring efflorescence of pavers, stains, or any damage due to uncontrollable circumstances.
Warranty is void if high pressure water is used to clean the surface or joint lines of the pavers.
Additional joint sand is not covered by the warranty.
Warranty is void if new excavation, digging, or soil removal occurs within 10 feet of the finished paver system.
Tree roots from existing trees can damage the interlocking paver system. We do not offer a warranty to protect the paver system from damage or lifting caused by existing tree roots.
Natural occurrences and acts of God are not covered by the warranty.
Shifted or sunken pavers due to improper use such as vehicles or lawn mowers driving on or off the edges are not covered under the warranty.
Edge restraints in mulch beds can lift up during deep freezes. If requested, we will reset the affected edge restraints one time during the warranty period.
Late Payment: all final payments are due upon completion of work. Late payments for paver projects will result in the termination of the warranty.
Warranty does not include dusting, pitting, or efflorescence.

Conditions

It is the customer’s responsibility to locate, clearly identify, and notify Ground Works Land Design, LLC. of all underground conduits, wiring, pipes, septic systems, etc. Any damage to such underground conduits, wiring, pipes, septic systems, etc. shall not be the responsibility Ground Works Land Design, LLC.

If a warranty claim is made, it must be submitted within the 3-year warranty period. Requested repairs are made by Ground Works Land Design, LLC., or one of our approved sub-contractors, and the costs for the repairs are covered by us. If you wish to have another company complete the repairs, we do not compensate you for the repair, and the warranty is void. All repairs will be done in a reasonable timeframe.

*Material color will be matched as close as possible if a repair is made but some variation in color may occur.

All construction shall, unless otherwise specified herein, carry a 3-year warranty from the date on the invoice on materials and workmanship excluding neglected maintenance, misuse, vandalism, or damage from acts of God. Where applicable, manufacturers’ warranties apply.

All material is warranted to be as specified. All work is to be completed in a workmanlike manner according to standard practices. Any alteration or deviation from the above specifications involving extra costs will be executed only upon written orders and will become an extra charge over and above the estimate. All agreements are contingent upon strikes, accidents, or delays beyond our control. All our personnel are fully covered by Workmen’s Compensation Insurance. Ground Works Land Design, LLC is a fully insured contractor.

Plant Warranty

Ground Works Land Design, LLC. will replace or credit all nursery stock supplied and installed by us that fail to survive for a period of 12 months from the date of installation. Plants will only be replaced one time at no charge for the materials and labor. Replacement plants are not warrantied. Liability not to exceed plant value.

Transplanting, most of the time is successful. However, we cannot guarantee it. To promote success, we must prune each plant slightly to severely or however we deem fit before the transplant process begins. Transplants are not covered by warranty.

*Plant material eaten by wild animals are not warrantied.

Once material is delivered and installed, the responsibility for disappearance, theft, or vandalism shall be the customers.

Warranties will be voided in cases of physical and or chemical damage, neglect in watering or pest control, or in accounts over 30 days past due from date of invoice.

All material is warranted to be as specified. All work is to be completed in a workmanlike manner according to standard practices. Any alteration or deviation from the above specifications involving extra costs will be executed only upon written orders and will become an extra charge over and above the estimate. All agreements are contingent upon strikes, accidents, or delays beyond our control. All our personnel are fully covered by Workmen’s Compensation Insurance. Ground Works Land Design, LLC. is a fully insured contractor.

Conditions

We have the right to substitute any plant under warranty with one of equal value.

Ground Works Land Design, LLC. shall not be held responsible for concealed conditions such as, but not limited to, rock, water, clay pan, asphalt or any other obstacles encountered which are not apparent at the time of estimating.

Substitutions of plant material may be necessary due to the availability and will be left to the discretion of the Landscape Architect.

All materials installed by Ground Works Land Design, LLC. will be true to name, and up to or beyond industry standards. Plants will be free from disease, insects, and in healthy condition when planted.

*Proper watering, fertilizing, and pest control are necessary to maintain healthy plant growth.

Warranties will be voided in cases of:

Neglect in watering
Physical and / or chemical damage
Insects
Accounts over 30 days past due from the date of invoice.

Once installed, we are not responsible for damage from acts of God or extreme weather conditions, theft, vandalism, or disappearance. Before, during, or after installation, of any landscape project, excessive storm damage may cause erosion and washout conditions. Ground Works Land Design, LLC. will not be held responsible for storm damage. We will restore the areas to their original condition after signing a work order to approve such restoration.

Concrete Warranty

What to Expect with your Concrete:
A common misconception is that your driveway, porch, or sidewalk surface will last and hold indefinitely. Unfortunately, this is not true. Exterior concrete (particularly in Cleveland) is subject to inclement weather. These result in normal wear on the surface of the concrete. While concrete is a very durable product it is not always without its flaws. Sometimes the surface of the concrete may appear to be popping of flaking off. If this is minimal (a few here or there) it is quite possible that a stone or stone(s) close to the surface popped out. This is nothing to worry about since the integrity of the slab is not compromised. If you experience a lot of popping and/flaking of the surface (more than 20%) then you may have a warranty issue.

Discoloration:
Another common misconception is color matching. It is not possible to match the exact color of your porch to your sidewalk or to your driveway. Sometimes even the different pours of your driveway will not match exactly (most driveways require two or more loads of concrete, even these will vary in color). This is especially true if concrete placements are made on different days. Most of these color variations are minor and most will fade over time.

Cracks:
Concrete will crack. We don’t like it either, but it is going to happen. Here’s why. Concrete is a strong and very rigid material. Concrete is poured over large areas (i.e.. patios and driveways, etc.) of more pliable materials (gravel). Since these are unlike materials, we design the concrete to compensate for this difference by either cutting or forming control joints in the surface of the slab. These control joints are places we want the concrete to crack. Control joints are cut into the concrete slab surface after the concrete is placed. However, sometimes cracks occur before the joints are cut. We do everything we can to control cracking. There is no guarantee that the concrete will not develop crack(s) later and in other locations. A crack that is 1/4 of an inch or less (height or gap) is not a warranty issue.

Shifting & Settling:
We cannot warranty against settling because the sub-grade (below the surface sand) is beyond our control.

Frost Heave & Cracking:
Cleveland is in a severe weather region. Throughout any given winter there are many freeze-thaw cycles. During these events, your exterior concrete is likely to heave up but will most likely settle back to its normal elevation again. Unfortunately, the slab is susceptible to cracking during a frost heave event. Cracking related to frost heave is not a warranty issue.

Texture:
Concrete is a wearing surface, and it will also change color over time.

Cracked Concrete:
The industry standard for repair or replacement is greater than a 1/4 of an inch displacement (either height or gap). We may warranty cracks that exceed 1/4 of an inch in height or gap.

Popped or Flaked Concrete:

We will repair or replace a section or sections of your flatwork if it can be defined within our warranty.
Part of the decision to execute warranty repair or replacement will be determined if the minimum 20%, Industry Standard, of total area is affected.
We may repair or replace our work if a minimum of 20% of the total work area is popped or flaking.

General Matters Related to Our Warranty

The decision to repair or replace concrete will be determined at the sole discretion of Ground Works Land Design.
Use of any salt or deicing chemicals will void warranty.

Dispute Resolution:
Should a defect in the Work occur which is covered by this warranty, or should a disagreement occur, which cannot be resolved after serious attempts between GWLD and Homeowner it is agreed that a third-party arbitrator shall be contracted to resolve said Differences. Costs related to arbitration shall be equally divided between GWLD and Homeowner. It is understood that the arbitrated ruling is binding and replaces the right to litigation and a jury trial.

Customer Care of Concrete:

Do not drive any machinery on the “new” concrete.
Keep pets, children, and objects off the concrete, within 24 hours of pouring.
Do not allow water to drain beneath the slab.
Do not allow snow and ice to accumulate the first winter, keep snow shoveled off.
Never use deicers containing ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate (i.e. fertilizers). Such products are known to aggressively attack concrete.
Cleveland is classified as a severe weathering region. Therefore, for added protection, a sealer may be applied approximately 30 days following placement provided that the surface is dry and ambient temperatures are above 55 degrees F.
Apply a good quality sealer. Contact your local building supply store to purchase a concrete sealer.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sealer application.
Re-application of the sealer is generally recommended every year.
For stain removal, do not use harsh acids. Use a product specifically designed for the stain in question and for use on concrete.

Conditions

It is the customer’s responsibility to locate, clearly identify, and notify Ground Works Land Design, LLC. of all underground conduits, wiring, pipes, septic systems, etc. Any damage to such underground conduits, wiring, pipes, septic systems, etc. shall not be the responsibility Ground Works Land Design, LLC.

If a warranty claim is made, it must be submitted within the 1-year warranty period. Requested repairs are made by Ground Works Land Design, LLC., or one of our approved sub-contractors, and the costs for the repairs are covered by us. If you wish to have another company complete the repairs, we do not compensate you for the repair, and the warranty is void. All repairs will be done in a reasonable timeframe.

*Material color will be matched as close as possible

All construction shall, unless otherwise specified herein, carry a 1-year warranty from the date on the invoice on materials and workmanship excluding neglected maintenance, misuse, vandalism, or damage from acts of God. Where applicable, manufacturers’ warranties apply.

All material is warranted to be as specified. All work is to be completed in a workmanlike manner according to standard practices. Any alteration or deviation from the above specifications involving extra costs will be executed only upon written orders and will become an extra charge over and above the estimate. All agreements are contingent upon strikes, accidents, or delays beyond our control. All our personnel are fully covered by Workmen’s Compensation Insurance. Ground Works Land Design, LLC is a fully insured contractor.

Lighting

5-YEAR WARRANTY

The following Ground Works Land Design products are covered by this warranty for a period of 5 years from the date of original retail purchase:

All residential outdoor lighting LED bulbs and electronics installed by Ground Works Land Design. This warranty only applies when the installation is performed by a qualified GWLD employee. This warranty will be void if anyone else performs services or replaces any bulbs. This may also void your system warranty as well. Using the wrong bulbs can lead to issues with your installation, including damage to the fixtures. This warranty does not cover service calls to fix problems caused by non-GWLD service companies and will incur a service fee.
All transformers installed by an authorized Ground Works Land Design Technician. This warranty doesn’t cover lightning strikes, acts of God, and any other issues caused by circuit breakers, GFCIs, or home electrical issues. This warranty is void if anyone other than a qualified GWLD employee accesses the transformers for any reason other than to adjust the timer. Any additional fixtures that are added to the transformers that cause them to overload will also void this warranty.

2-YEAR WARRANTY

The following Ground Works Land Design products are covered by this warranty for a period of 2 years from the date of original retail purchase:

All digital timers and photocells.
All Lighting Control Automation controls, modules, and timers. The warranty does not cover lightning strikes, acts of God, or any issues that result from home electrical problems.
Low voltage wire. This warranty does not cover wires cut by the property owner or other vendors, an electrical shortage to the line resulting from something being stapled or driven into the wire lines, or lightning, acts of God, or any home electrical problems.

Our warranty does not cover man-made disasters, lightning, or other extreme weather events. Damage or material failures that are the result of abuse or negligence are also not covered by any of our warranties.

Clients have the responsibility to ensure that 110-volt electric receptacles are available and in good working condition for system use. GWLD disclaims all responsibility for ensuring that your household circuits contain the sufficient electrical load capacities your installation requires. We will alert homeowners if any necessary alterations need to be made to their landscape, structures, or any other part of their property. GWLD does not provide warranties on work performed on any lighting system not originally installed by GWLD.

Lawn Installation and Renovation

Warranty period is for 1-year from the completion of the installation. We offer a 1-time call back to touch up any areas where grass seed does not germinate, or soil settles out and creates low spots. Ground Works is not responsible for soil and seed washouts, relocation or ponding due to excessive watering or hard rains.

Daily watering should occur for 6 to 9 weeks depending on the season and volume of rain fall. Lawn areas should be watered between 6am-9am for 10-20 minutes per zone per day.

Once new Grass has reached a height of 5 inches it is ready to be cut for the first time. Mowing height should be at 3.5-4 inches

Client must engage in 1-year fertilization package with Custom Lawns to qualify for warranty period. A comprehensive fertilization program will encourage the establishment of a thicker and healthier lawn.

Our warranty does not cover man-made disasters or other extreme weather events.

Ground Works is not responsible for unforeseen damages to lawn installation such as: Footprints from walking on soft soil, deer tracks from walking through soft soil, seed wash out from heavy rains or any turf disease damage.

Irrigation

MATERIALS installed for a period of 3-YEARS from the date of installation.

LABOR to repair or replace the components of the sprinkler system is covered for a period of 1-year from installation.

This warranty includes all system components installed by Ground Works including the controller, valves, sprinkler heads, pipe, and backflow device. The warranty includes only defects in materials or workmanship and expressly excludes improper usage of the system, damage caused by freezing, fire, flooding, any other natural phenomena, or damage by any other outside cause. Any modification or repair of the system by any company other than Ground Works Land Design voids this warranty.

This warranty expressly excludes the cost of testing the backflow device as may be required by water providers after the initial inspection at installation. Warranty/Installation includes the first year’s turn on and winterization of the irrigation system.

Ground Works warrants for a period of 1-YEAR, that all lawn and landscape bed areas detailed or specified in the original proposal will be properly irrigated according to industry standards in effect at the time of installation. Changes to beds or changes due to plant growth are not warrantied