Fall Maintenance

Fall Homeowner Maintenance​

Note: You may find a situation where this document suggests one thing and a manufacturer document suggests another. In these circumstances, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

 

It is a good idea to set yourself up with a few basic tools and supplies for your home. Having them on hand saves a lot of time. Here are a few suggestions:

• A medium-sized tool box 

• Adjustable wrench

• Pair of pliers

• Full set of screwdrivers

• Hammer

• Assorted nails and screws

• Flashlight

• Caulk gun

• Interior and exterior caulk

• 1”, 2” and 3” paint brushes

• Assorted sandpaper

• 6-foot stepladder

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Fall Maintenance Tips

• Clean gutters – this will prevent unnecessary roof leaks from winter ice build-up

• Re-caulk and re-grout ceramic (if applicable)

• Caulk around exterior openings

• Remove leaves/snow from around HVAC outdoor units

• Oil moving parts of garage door

• Check roof for loose, damaged or missing pieces (shingles, flashing, etc.)

• Close crawl space vents (if applicable) – extreme cold weather could freeze pipes under

  the crawl space

• Start and test your heat on the first day exterior temperatures reach 60°F

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Vacations

• Locate/Turn off master water shut-off valve – should a leak occur, you will be protected (while on vacation) or if a pipe should burst, master shut-off valve will stop water

• Set thermostat to 60°F - keeping the setting at a mild temperature can help to prevent damages due to extreme temperatures in your absence

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General Maintenance Items

The following is a list of tips that may assist homeowners on simple, but important maintenance matters regarding their new Home. Although these items do not fall under our Limited Warranty, by following the suggestions below homeowners are taking the proper steps in maintaining the quality and beauty of their home that we are so proud to offer.

• Air Filters

  • It is important for the homeowner to inspect & replace (as necessary) air filters on a regular basis (at least once per month for the first 12 months and every 2-3 months thereafter) in order for clean air to circulate throughout the home. Changing air filters can also help extend the life of the heating and cooling system.

• Caulking

  • It is the homeowner’s responsibility to caulk on a regular basis in areas where this water based material has dried out (around cabinets, baseboards, tubs, showers, outside surrounds and exterior of windows). Tubes of caulk can be purchased at most local hardware stores.

• Ceramic Tile

  • If your home has ceramic tile, you should expect to re-grout and re-caulk as necessary. Ceramic tile will require maintenance to keep it from leaking. We also recommend applying a clear sealer to the tile. This may be obtained from most hardware stores or any ceramic tile dealer.

• Condensate Lines/Exterior Drain Tile

  • In order to remove additional moisture around the foundation or crawl space and unwanted condensation from the cooling unit, there are several pipes exiting the home or foundation. It is necessary for the homeowner to keep these outside lines free of any debris that may accumulate (grass clippings, dirt, mud, etc.) Additionally, it is appropriate to pour 1 capful of bleach down the main condensate line at its opening (located on the unit) once per year to remove any mildew that might be on the inside of the pipe.

• Driveway Maintenance

  • Homeowners with gravel driveways may find ruts in their driveway after long, hard rains. To maintain a proper driveway, it is up to the homeowner to rake out any ruts that may occur in the driveway. Homeowners with paved driveways need to be aware that the pavement will be soft for the first few months after moving in and on hot days thereafter. Large trucks, moving vans, and heavy machinery may cause depressions in the driveway.

• Exterior Wood

  • Wood railings, wood trim, wood siding, etc., must be maintained on a regular basis. Caulking, painting, etc., are the responsibility of the homeowner. Wood will rot if not given proper care. TIP: Check paint and caulking every six months, and re-paint exterior painted areas every 2-3 years, at a minimum.

• Floor Squeaks

  • With any new home, floor squeaks may appear over time. 

• Foundation Vents (Crawl Spaces Only)

  • During winter months, closing foundation vents prevents frozen pipes.

• Frozen Pipes

  • Your plumbing pipes may freeze if temperatures drop below normal temperatures. You should keep your heat set to at least 60°F even if you go away. If temperatures do drop below normal, you should open cupboards and vanities to allow heat to the pipes and let faucets drip to keep pipes from freezing.

• Gutters

  • It is your responsibility to clean leaves and debris from your gutters to maintain proper drainage within the gutter system, and to prevent snow or ice from backing up under the shingles and causing leaks (aka “ice-damming”). While your home has been built with preventative measures in mind, roof leaks due to ice-damming are not covered under our warranty.

• Hose Bibs/Exterior Faucets​

  • In homes equipped with Frost-Free hose bibs, there is no vacuum breaker or plastic ring, simply remove any hose and shut off the hose bib at the exterior faucet.

• Lawn Care

  • A new and healthy lawn takes a lot of work (continued watering, seeding & fertilizing). Once a healthy lawn is present, the homeowner will be less likely to find erosion and small stones throughout the lawn.

• Light Bulbs

  • Though not warranted, replacement light bulbs are inexpensive and can be found at local hardware stores.

• Siding

  • Your siding will need to be re-caulked on a regular basis. The timing will vary due to sun exposure, direction the house faces, weather, etc.​

• Trees

  • Only trees in the way of construction were removed. The builder is not responsible for trees that may die or become diseased after settlement.

• Wear & Tear Items

  • The following “wear & tear” items are not covered by the Limited Warranty: 

    • Tub chips & scratches

      • Cuts or scratches on countertops

      • Tears or cuts in vinyl flooring

      • Scratches on hardwood floors

• Windows

  • During season changes, you will need to adjust and lubricate your windows for easy operation. Spray furniture polish (Pledge, for example), or other suitable lubricant recommended by the manufacturer.