Don't Waste Your Money | Check warranties when purchasing new furniture

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Are you planning to buy something for your house this spring?

Chances are those items will be covered by a warranty. But some stores may refuse to honor that warranty, so don't waste your money.

When you buy a piece of furniture, it could be covered by a warranty for at least the first year. But there are plenty of reasons why a warranty can be voided.

Many furniture warranties are filled with catches. Carmen Kent bought a new couch, but the beauty soon wore off.

"Here it's like the fiber is falling apart," Kent said.

Kent said within six months the fabric started wearing and pilling, even though she doesn't wear shoes on it or have young children.

"The fibers are pulling out on it," Kent said. "You can go like this, and pull fibers out."

Kent called the furniture store and requested a repair under the warranty. But the technician who came to her home said the warranty had been voided because she moved to her new home a few weeks after buying the couch.

"They said you moved and that invalidated the warranty," Kent said.

There are plenty of reasons a furniture company can deny a warranty claim. If a person has a pet in the house, they'll have to fight to get any coverage for scratches or excess wear.

FindLaw.com said many furniture warranties can be voided if damage was caused by a dog or cat, there is evidence of excessive wear and tear, the owner isn't the original buyer or if someone moves.

One of the top furniture retailers said on its website, "warranty is null and void if furniture has been moved from original point of delivery to consumer."

Kent said workers did not break the couch, instead, it was bad fabric.

"I think they owe me a new couch," Kent said.

The furniture store said it will look at Kent's warranty claim again, but there's a chance her $1,500 new couch will have to go to the landfill.

To protect yourself, consider purchasing extra fabric warranty that can cover issues for years or more.

To read more Don't Waste Your Money stories, click here.

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