GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS specializes in custom-manufactured and supplied Modern Floating Stairs and Railings, designed and built to precise customer specifications. Due to the bespoke nature of our products, production and delivery timelines may be impacted by unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to supply chain disruptions, material shortages, labor constraints, manufacturing complexities, or force majeure events (e.g., natural disasters, pandemics, or governmental restrictions). GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages or costs arising from such delays, including but not limited to installation expenses, labor costs, equipment rentals, mortgage interest rate increases, temporary housing, lost profits, or costs related to delayed certificates of occupancy.

To mitigate scheduling risks, GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS strongly recommends that customers refrain from engaging contractors or scheduling installation until products are delivered, inspected, and confirmed to meet specifications. Where available, GATZA’s PRO Installation Service is advised to streamline coordination (availability varies by location; contact GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS for eligibility).

Ship Dates

GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS prioritizes delivering high-quality products over strict adherence to estimated ship dates. Production challenges, such as defective materials, quality control requirements, or unforeseen complexities, may necessitate partial or complete reproduction, extending lead times. GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS is not liable for any costs or damages arising from manufacturing or shipping delays, including but not limited to labor, rental, mortgage-related, or certificate of occupancy expenses. All timelines are estimates provided in good faith, and GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS reserves the right to prioritize quality over speed to meet its rigorous standards.

Payment

Order Payment Structure

20% non-refundable deposit due upon order placement to initiate engineering and Shop CAD Drawings. Refunds are permitted only if GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS determines, at its sole discretion, that site constraints render engineering infeasible.

40% production payment due upon customer approval of Shop CAD Drawings to commence manufacturing.

Remaining balance due in full prior to shipment.

PRO Installation Service (where available): Invoiced with the final balance, if contracted. For projects requiring extended installation due to size or complexity, progress payments are required every two weeks based on work completed, as determined by GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS.

Production will not commence until Shop CAD Drawings are signed and 60% of the total project cost (deposit + production payment for orders $5,000 and above, or full payment for orders under $5,000) is received. All payments are non-refundable except as explicitly stated in the Order Cancellation Policy. GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS reserves the right to suspend or cancel orders for non-payment without liability.

Taxes and Fees: Applicable sales taxes, shipping fees, and other charges will be included in the final invoice unless expressly stated otherwise.

Pricing

Pricing for GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS products and services is subject to change due to fluctuations in material costs, labor, or market conditions. GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS reserves the right to correct pricing errors post-order and adjust invoices accordingly.

Estimates: Preliminary quotes (via email, verbal, or otherwise) are non-binding, valid for 14 days, and subject to final pricing provided through GATZA’s estimate app upon customer approval.

Locked-in Pricing:

Pricing is fixed for six months from the order date with a valid deposit, provided the project scope, design, and specifications remain unchanged.

Starting in the seventh month, a 1% monthly price increase applies to the total order value to account for rising costs.

Orders open for 24 months or more are subject to repricing at GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS’ discretion. If material or production costs increase by 20% or more, GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS may reprice or cancel the order with 30 days’ written notice to the customer.

Promotions: Discounts or promotional offers are subject to change and may be voided if the project scope, timeline, or specifications change.

Production & Lead Times

Modifications to orders are strictly prohibited once production begins. Estimated lead times are provided in business days (excluding weekends and holidays) and cover production only, not shipping. Typical production ranges from 14–90 business days but may be extended due to quality control, material availability, labor shortages, or other factors. GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS is not liable for any costs, damages, or scheduling conflicts arising from production or shipping delays.

Storage: Products are shipped upon completion unless the customer requests storage in writing. Storage beyond five business days incurs a fee of up to $100 per day, at GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS’ sole discretion.

Customer Responsibilities: Customers must provide accurate site measurements, structural details, and any relevant specifications prior to production. GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS is not liable for errors, delays, or additional costs resulting from inaccurate, incomplete, or untimely information provided by the customer.

Order Cancellation Policy

Cancellations are permitted prior to production, subject to the following non-refundable fees based on work completed:

Within 90 days of order placement: 10% of the product total to cover administrative and preliminary engineering costs.

91–180 days: 25% of the product total.

After 180 days: 50% of the product total.

Non-engineered orders: No cancellation fee unless custom work has been initiated.

Cancellations are not permitted once production begins, defined as within one business day of order placement for non-engineered products or upon signed approval of Shop CAD Drawings for engineered products. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to contact@modernstairsusa.com and are subject to GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS’ approval. GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS reserves the right to retain all payments made for cancelled orders, except as expressly stated herein.

Code Compliance

Compliance with local building codes and regulations is the sole responsibility of the customer. GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS designs products based on customer-provided specifications and industry standards but does not guarantee compliance with local codes. Customers must independently verify that products meet all applicable codes prior to installation. Local code requirements supersede any specifications, recommendations, or documentation provided by GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS. GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS is not liable for any costs, fines, or delays arising from non-compliance.

Damages & Shortages

Reporting: Any defects, damages, or shortages must be reported within five business days of delivery via email to contact@modernstairsusa.com, accompanied by clear photos or videos documenting the issue.

Post-Installation Claims: Claims filed after installation are not honored, regardless of timing.

LTL Shipments: For Less Than Truckload (LTL) deliveries, customers must inspect shipments upon receipt and note any visible damage or missing items on the Bill of Lading (BOL) before signing. Failure to do so may result in the customer bearing full replacement costs.

Resolution: GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS will review claims and, at its sole discretion, may require the return of damaged parts at the customer’s expense. Replacements, repairs, or refunds are subject to GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS’ approval and may be denied if the customer fails to comply with reporting requirements.

Disputes

GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS is committed to resolving issues fairly and promptly. Customers must contact contact@modernstairsusa.com to initiate resolution. All disputes arising from GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS’ products, services, or these Terms are governed exclusively by the laws of the State of Connecticut, without regard to conflict of law principles, and must be resolved solely in the state or federal courts located in Litchfield County, Connecticut. Customers irrevocably waive any objections to this jurisdiction or venue, including claims of inconvenient forum. GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS’ liability in any dispute is limited to the amount paid by the customer for the specific product or service in question.

Engineering

GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS’ custom products require precise measurements, structural details, and specifications provided by the customer. Signed Shop CAD Drawings are mandatory before production begins. GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS is not responsible for additional costs, delays, or replacement parts necessitated by unnoted site conditions, measurement errors, specification changes, or modifications requested after Shop CAD Drawing approval. Customers are solely responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of all provided information.

Incorrect Usage or Installation

GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS assumes no liability for any loss, damage, injury, or costs resulting from improper use, handling, storage, or installation of its products. Engineering drawings, quotes, and product documentation are provided for reference only and do not constitute professional construction or installation advice. Customers and their contractors are solely responsible for worksite safety, proper installation, and compliance with all applicable laws, codes, and regulations.

Returns

Returns are accepted within 180 days of shipment, subject to the following conditions:

Products must be unused, undamaged, in original packaging, and in resellable condition, as determined by GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS.

A 25% restocking fee applies to all returns.

A Return Goods Authorization (RGA) form, obtainable via contact@modernstairsusa.com, must be completed and approved by GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS prior to return.

Non-returnable items: Wood, glass, and most metal products, including custom-fabricated components.

Returnable items: Cable railing posts, reinforced aluminum/stainless steel handrails, fittings, tensioners, and unopened spools of stainless steel cable, subject to inspection.

Customers are responsible for all return shipping costs unless otherwise agreed in writing by GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS.

Shipping

Carrier Selection: GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS selects carriers for standard freight shipments unless otherwise agreed in writing. Small packages ship via UPS or USPS; LTL shipments are used for handrails, rods, or components exceeding 8 feet.

Express Shipping: Available at the customer’s sole expense, including for remakes, replacements, or additional items.

Delivery Requirements: LTL deliveries require 4–5 people or a forklift for unloading. Glass panel deliveries may necessitate forklift rental, arranged and paid for by the customer.

Damage Reporting: Customers must note any damages or missing items on the Bill of Lading (BOL) at the time of delivery. Failure to do so may void any claims for replacement or refund.

Address Changes: Post-shipment address changes incur re-consignment fees, payable by the customer.

Proof of Delivery: Carrier tracking information constitutes proof of delivery, and GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS is not liable for claims of non-delivery absent evidence of carrier error.

Terms

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS and the customer, superseding all prior communications, agreements, or understandings. These Terms are governed exclusively by the laws of the State of Connecticut, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any legal action or proceeding related to GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS’ products, services, or these Terms must be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Litchfield County, Connecticut, and customers irrevocably waive any objections to this jurisdiction or venue. GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time, with changes effective immediately upon posting to GATZA’s website (modernstairsusa.com). Continued engagement with GATZA | MODERN STAIRS & RAILINGS’ products or services constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.