Selecting a Qualified Solid Surface Fabricator
The most important choice a consumer can make when it comes to selecting a Solid Surface product is the fabricator who will actually manufacture and install it. This is not to say that the brand of solid surface chosen is unimportant--far from it. This choice is also an important one.
Solid Surface fabrication is a highly skilled and ever-changing field. Some rules and practices for fabrication and installation that are standard today were not required ten years ago--and some things that were allowed ten years ago would void most manufacturers’ warranties today. Only a full-time professional who is active in maintaining his expertise, skill and training levels, someone who works with the product every day, can hope to keep up. In the hands of the true Solid Surface craftsperson, a Solid Surface installation is as robust and permanent as anything in the house. If taken care of it will remain a useful and beautiful addition to your home or office virtually forever.
So how does one select a Solid Surface
fabricator?
Most important is that the fabrication company be a member of ISSFA,
the International Solid Surface Fabrication Association. The
following "ISSFA Fabricator Member Code of Ethics" speaks for
itself:
Each member of the International Solid Surface Fabricators Association agrees to observe the highest standards of Honesty, Integrity, and Responsibility in the conduct of their business.
- By adhering strictly to the highest quality standards of fabrication and installation;
- By promoting only those products and services that are of proven quality and value;
- By writing contracts and warranties that are clear, honest, and fair to all parties involved;
- By honoring all contractual obligations in a reasonably prompt manner;
- By quickly acting on and attempting to resolve all customer complaints, and in situations where complaints appear unreasonable and persistent, by encouraging the customer to initiate an approved third party dispute settlement mechanism;
- By being fiscally responsible and honoring all legitimate financial obligations;
- By maintaining all required licenses and insurance;
- By maintaining fabrication shops that are safe, healthy workplaces.
In addition to agreeing to abide by these guidelines, membership requirements for ISSFA fabricators help insure a quality job. The ISSFA program focuses on a company’s years in the business, sponsorship by an ISSFA member in good standing, trade and customer references, licensing, insurance and certification requirements and a proven track record of sound ethical business practices and quality work.
In short, the best guarantee for Solid
Surface fabrication and installation is to choose an ISSFA
fabricator member. There is no other group or association besides
ISSFA whose sole responsibility is to look out for the health and
quality of the Solid Surface industry. To find an ISSFA fabricator
member in your area, call the National Headquarters at 702-567-8150.
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© 2000-2003 Protect All,
Inc. All Rights Reserved. Last Revised:
08/26/2003
1910 E. Via Burton Street, Anaheim, CA 92806-1215 • 800.322.4491
