Ravenscraig Homeowner Manual Halifax, NS

Transcription

1 Ravenscraig Homeowner Manual Halifax, NS

2 Ravenscraig Homeowner Manual Congratulations on your decision to purchase a new home from Polycorp. We share your excitement about your new residence and want to provide you with the information you need to enjoy it and keep it operating at its very best. Polycorp designed this Homeowner Manual to assist you in caring for your new home. The information presented here will provide you with maintenance guidelines and a description of our limited warranty program, component by component. Please take the time to review this manual thoroughly. Note the amount of detail we have provided. Your new home has received the same attention to detail. If you want to protect your investment and maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the many features incorporated into your home, timely and careful maintenance is the best way to accomplish that goal. We want to help you in that endeavor. Please be aware that the Atlantic Home Warranty program provides Construction Performance Guidelines to assist with determining acceptable standards under the one-year builder s warranty program. Where there is an inconsistency between our policies and those guidelines, the Atlantic Home Warranty Construction Performance Guidelines shall prevail. We are aware that some of you are past the end of the one-year builder s warranty period; if this is the case we ask that you ignore references to that warranty. We hope that you will find the manual useful insofar as it provides information about the care and maintenance of your home. If you need clarification or additional details about any topic discussed, please don t hesitate to give us a call. We are delighted to welcome you as part of the Polycorp family and are always ready to serve you. Sincerely, The Polycorp Team

3 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION... 1 CONTACT INFORMATION... 2 HOMEOWNER PRE-CLOSING INSPECTION... 3 CLOSING ON YOUR HOME... 6 CARING FOR YOUR HOME... 8 WARRANTY... 9 WARRANTY SERVICE SUMMARY EXTENDED ABSENCES ENERGY AND WATER CONSERVATION A-Z GUIDE TO YOUR HOME S COMPONENTS Alarm System Appliances Asphalt Attic Access Cabinets Carpet Caulking Interior and Exterior Ceramic Tile Concrete Flatwork Countertops Damp Proofing Decking and Hand Rails - Front Decking and Hand Rails - Rear Doors and Locks Drywall Easements Electrical System Expansion and Contraction Fencing... 49

4 Fireplace Foundation Garage Overhead Door Gas Shut-Offs - Propane Ghosting Grading and Drainage Gutters and Downspouts Hardware - Door Hardwood Floors Engineered and Laminate Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) and Condensation Heating System and Timers Insulation Landscaping Mildew Paint and Stain Pests and Wildlife Phone and Communication Jacks Plumbing Property Boundaries Railings Roof Rough Carpentry Sewage Ejector Pump Shower Doors or Tub Enclosures Siding - Vinyl Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Stairs Ventilation Water Heater: Electric Windows, Screens and Sliding Glass Doors Wood and MDF Trim APPENDICES Appendix A: Troubleshooting Tips Appendix B: Maintenance Schedule Appendix C: NSP Time of Day Chart Appendix D: Photos of Electrical, Plumbing & Ventilation Equipment Appendix E: Timer & Thermostat User Guides Appendix F: Wacky s Floor Care Brochure

5 1 Introduction In the past ten years, Polycorp has grown to be one of Halifax s best known residential home builders and developers. Our vision is our commitment to excellence in terms of design, quality and energy efficiency. We create unique communities by preserving as much of the natural landscape as possible, burying electrical services where possible and using modern construction materials and technology such as ICF (insulating concrete forms) and Time-of-Day electrical metering. Our first development, Mont Blanc Terrace, consisted of 41 freehold townhomes and two residential apartment buildings with panoramic views of Halifax Harbour. Mont Blanc won the 2005 ICF Award for Best Development in North America, and in 2007 it won a UDI Award for Excellence for outstanding development. Spice, our colourful, funky, loft-style condominium project on the corner of Barrington and Cornwallis Streets, consisted of 85 one and two bedroom units and featured a guest suite and fitness centre. Spice was well-received because of its innovative exterior and interior design and, again, because of the quality, energy-saving ICF construction and Time-of-Day metering. Many units featured flexible sliding glass walls, glass block and, on the fifth floor, 11 foot ceilings, skylights and exposed steel beams. Woodman s Grove, located in Wolfville in the heart of the Annapolis Valley, is a subdivision of thirtyfive gorgeous building lots which we believe will be one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in that region. We have put in place Architectural Guidelines and Restrictive Covenants to ensure that it will maintain its aesthetic integrity for future generations. Ravenscraig, our flagship single family development, had a ground-breaking in 2006 and is developing into a beautiful multi-generational community. With 76 homes and a wide variety of models, all built with the same energy-saving features which have become our trademark, Ravenscraig is one of the most attractive residential communities in Halifax.

6 2 Contact Information if You Have a Problem Two-way communication is vital to a mutually satisfactory relationship. We believe that it is our responsibility to establish and maintain clear lines of communication. The professionals listed below will be glad to assist you or find the answers to your questions. Head Office Location: Mailing Address: 181 Herring Cove Road PO Box Halifax, NS B3P 1K9 Halifax, NS B3K 5Z1 For warranty issues and routine inquiries, Mon to Fri 8:30-5:00 p.m., contact: Sherri McFadgen Office: admin@polycorp.ca Administrative Coordinator Fax: For after-hours EMERGENCIES, there are 2 steps: Step 1 please phone: Peter Polley, President Cell: Home: In the event that there is no answer, please leave a message on both phones and then proceed to the next step. Step 2 please phone: Randy Pike, Construction Manager Office: (rings through to his cell)

7 3 Homeowner Pre-closing Inspection Your homeowner pre-closing inspection is an introduction to your new home and its many features. We follow a pre-planned agenda and a set route through the home to assure that we cover everything. Our homeowner pre-closing inspection provides you with a: Demonstration of your new home. Review of key points about maintenance and limited warranty coverage. Confirmation that Polycorp installed the selections and options as you ordered them. List of outstanding items which Polycorp will undertake to address as soon as possible either before closing or shortly thereafter. Scheduling We schedule the pre-closing inspection with you as your home nears completion, typically a day or two before your closing. Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Especially in winter months, beginning by 2:00 p.m. assures sufficient day light to view all surfaces adequately. We meet at your new home. Expect your pre-closing inspection to take approximately 2 hours. Last-Minute Activity If you visit your home a day or two prior to pre-closing inspection, you may notice dozens of details that need attention. During the few days just prior to your pre-closing inspection appointment, many trades people and Polycorp employees will be working in your home. They are completing lastminute adjustments and fine-tuning your home. These finishing touches cannot be performed until all of the parts have been installed. What seems like a rush of activity is a normal part of the construction process. Preparation Following the hints noted below will assure that you get the maximum benefit from your pre-closing inspection. Allow Enough Time Arrange your schedule so you can use the full amount of time allotted.

8 4 Attend Alone Our experience shows that the pre-closing inspection is most beneficial when buyers focus all their attention on their new home and the information we present. Although we appreciate that friends and relatives are eager to see your new home, it would be preferable if they visit after your preclosing inspection. Similarly, we suggest that, if possible, children and pets not accompany you at this time so that you can focus on the information being presented. If a real estate agent has helped you with your purchase, he or she is not required to attend. Cosmetic Surfaces Cosmetic surface damage caused during construction is readily noticeable during the pre-closing inspection. Such damage can also occur during the move-in process or through daily activities. Therefore, during your pre-closing inspection, we will confirm that all surfaces are in good and acceptable condition. Any details that need attention will be listed on the pre-closing inspection forms. After we correct any items noted during the pre-closing inspection, repair of cosmetic surface damage is your responsibility. Our limited warranty specifically excludes repairs for damage caused by moving in or living in the home. If your movers scratch the marble entry floor bringing the piano in, notify the moving company. If you splinter some wood trim and break a taillight backing out of your new garage, repairs to the garage and the car are your responsibilities. Polycorp is always available to assist you with information about cosmetic repairs you may need to make. Bring Questions If you have questions, make note of them to bring up at the pre-closing inspection. Attire Wear shoes that are convenient to get off and on. We will tour both the exterior and interior of your home. Anticipate that some dust, bending, kneeling, and reaching may be encountered. Get Involved Plan to listen carefully and take a hands-on approach. Push buttons, lock locks, and flip breakers. This will help you remember the dozens of details we cover.

9 5 Quality The overall quality of your home should equal that shown in our models and described in your purchase documents. We list items we agree need further attention and arrange for the work to be done. Pre-closing inspection items fall into several categories: Incomplete or missing (e.g. cabinet knob not installed). Incorrect (e.g. porch light should be polished brass, not antique). Dysfunctional (e.g. bath fan does not come on). Below company standard (e.g. mitered corner rough, top right of den door, hallway side). Damaged (e.g. scrape on wall from carpet installation). Not cleaned (e.g. mud on the garage floor). At some point, quality ceases to be scientific and becomes a matter of personal taste and opinion. In a few areas, your personal standards may be lower or even higher than ours. Our commitment to you is that we will deliver what we promised. If you wish to make it even better after moving in, we will be happy to assist you with information. Completion of Items Polycorp takes responsibility for resolving any items noted. We will complete items as soon as possible. If work needs to be performed in your new home after your move-in, construction personnel are available Monday through Friday, starting at 7:30 a.m. and finishing by 4:30 p.m. Under normal circumstances, you can expect us to resolve all items within 30 working days. Unfortunately, some items may take considerably longer to remediate, especially if multiple other parties (i.e. suppliers, manufacturers) need to become involved. We will inform you of any delays caused by back-ordered materials or unusual items. Please note that we will correct only those items listed. To prevent any possibility of confusion, it is important for you to be aware that all items that need to be addressed post-closing are agreed to in writing during the pre-closing inspection. Gaining access to occupied homes to complete pre-closing inspection items is a concern to homeowners and builders alike. Polycorp asks that you make appointments so that someone over 18 years of age is present for repairs. Working around your busy schedule may result in service taking longer than anyone wants. Your cooperation and flexibility is essential.

10 6 Closing on Your Home At closing the ultimate purpose of your purchase agreement is achieved: Ownership of your new home is transferred from Polycorp to you. Closing steps include finalizing your mortgage (one set of papers and cheques) and Polycorp selling you the home (another set of papers and cheques). The funds are disbursed to the appropriate people and companies, title is transferred to your name(s), and the mortgage is recorded against your new property. This process involves many documents, some of which are duplicates. Although these documents are not negotiable and thousands of home buyers have signed them, you should read them. Date Polycorp recognizes that timing is vitally important in planning your move and locking in your mortgage financing. We can specify an exact delivery date when construction reaches a point at which weather, material and labour shortages, or change orders are unlikely to affect completion of your home. This is usually around the time that the house is roof-tight. The closing takes place shortly after your pre-closing inspection. Polycorp will notify you of the closing date, normally when the house is roof-tight but at least 30 days before the date. Residents Association Documents Once the Residents Association has been legally formed, you will receive a copy of the Residents Association Memorandum of Association and the Bylaws. Polycorp recommends that you read these carefully. The provisions they contain will be enforced. "The Final Number" Certain customary items in connection with the property will be prorated to the date of closing such as prepaid expenses if applicable. Proration of general real property taxes and assessments will be based on the current year's taxes and assessments. The final cost figure will be available from your lawyer as you near the actual closing. Although a reasonably close estimate may be determined before the date of closing, the proration of several items included is affected by the closing date and cannot be calculated until that date is known. There may also be items which have been completed so close to the closing date that their exact cost is not known at the time of closing. If so, the cost of these items will be estimated and an adjustment may be required after closing.

11 7 Preparation The key to a smooth closing is preparation. Many details require your attention. You can handle most of these by phone. Address these details during the weeks before closing to prevent lastminute delays. Insurance If you are financing the purchase of your home, you will need to provide proof of a homeowner's policy from your insurance company. If not, you need to be aware that the risks of ownership transfer to you on closing day. Your insurance agent should know exactly what is needed. We suggest you arrange for this at least 3 weeks before the expected closing date. Utilities Polycorp will have utility service (water and electricity) removed from its name the day after closing. You will need to notify all applicable utility companies of your move so that service is provided in your name. We suggest that you contact these companies well ahead of time to avoid any interruption in service. Please note that Polycorp will not provide any notice to you of this normal disconnection process, as we assume that you have made the necessary arrangements. If you ordered a security system for your home, you can arrange to activate that system by contacting the monitoring service for a connection appointment. House Keys When the closing process is complete, as verified by our lawyer and communicated to us, we will call you and advise you that you can pick up the keys to your new home from our office (see address on page 2). You will receive at least two keys to operate the exterior locks on your home. We recommend that you try all of the keys in all of your locks immediately, to confirm smooth operation. Depending on the number of family members living in the home, you may want to get extra copies of your house keys made. Garage Door Remote Controls Garage door remote controls will be given to you when you pick up the keys. Batteries typically need to be replaced about once a year. You will receive two remote controls for each garage door installed in your home. If you need additional remote controls, contact the garage door supplier.

12 8 Mailbox Keys Mail at Ravenscraig is delivered to a Community Mail Box located on Ravenscraig Drive near the soccer field. To arrange for delivery, please contact Canada Post directly at They will assign you a Community Mail Box. They will then leave a Delivery Notice Card on your front door indicating the location of the Post Office where you can pick up your keys. You will need to bring the Delivery Notice Card, government issued photo identification and proof of residence. Storing Documents We suggest that you store the legal documents from your closing, along with other valuable papers, in a safe place. You will need them when you refinance or sell your home. Caring for Your Home Polycorp has constructed your home with carefully selected materials and the effort of experienced craftspeople and labourers under the supervision of our field personnel, with the administrative support of our office personnel. Although this group works from detailed plans and specifications, no two homes are exactly alike. Each one is unique; a home is one of the last hand-built products left in the world. Over time, each behaves differently. Although quality materials and workmanship have been used in creating your home, it requires care from the first day. Regular homeowner maintenance is essential to providing a quality home for a lifetime. This section of our manual was assembled in order to assist you in that effort. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines We are proud of the homes we build and the neighbourhoods in which we build them. We strive to create lasting value. This is best achieved when you, as the homeowner, know and perform appropriate maintenance tasks. Periodic maintenance is necessary because of normal wear and tear, the inherent characteristics of the materials used in your home, and normal service required by the mechanical systems. Natural fluctuations in temperature and humidity also affect your home, resulting in maintenance items. The components, natural and manufactured materials, interact with each other and the environment. We recognize that it is impossible to anticipate and describe every possible item needed for good home care. We focused on items that homeowners commonly ask about. The subjects are listed in alphabetical order to make finding answers to your questions convenient. Because we offer home buyers a variety of floor plans and optional features, this manual may discuss components that are not present in your home.

13 You will find several checklists included in this manual. These include energy and water conservation tips, suggestions for extended absences and a maintenance schedule. Again, we make no claim that we have included every detail. We do believe we have provided you with a good start, and we've allowed space for you to add your own notes to our checklists. Prompt Attention In addition to routine care, consistent maintenance, provided in a timely manner, may prevent a more serious, time-consuming and sometimes costly repair in the future. Note also that neglecting routine maintenance can void applicable limited warranty coverage on all or part of your home. By caring for your new home attentively, you ensure uninterrupted warranty coverage as well as your enjoyment of it for years. The attention provided by each homeowner contributes significantly to the overall desirability of the community. Manufacturer Literature Please take time to read the literature (warranties and use and care guides) provided by the manufacturers of consumer products and other items in your home. The information contained in that material is not repeated here. Although much of the information may be familiar to you, some points may differ significantly from homes you have had in the past. We make every effort to keep the information in this manual current. However, if any detail in our discussion conflicts with the manufacturer's recommendations, you should follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Activate specific manufacturer's warranties by completing and mailing any registration cards included with their materials. In some cases, manufacturer's warranties may extend beyond the first year and it is in your best interests to know about such coverage. 9 Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Warranty While we strive to build a defect-free home, we are realistic enough to know that, with repeated use, an item in the home may fail to perform as it should. When this occurs, we will make necessary corrections so that the item meets the warranty guidelines as described. In support of this commitment, Polycorp provides you with a one-year builder s warranty against workmanship and materials through the Atlantic Home Warranty Program. This program also warrants your home against major structural defects for seven years, as described on the Atlantic Home Warranty program website ( Please be aware that occasionally program parameters

14 can change; if you have any questions about your coverage, refer to the documentation you received from AHW subsequent to closing, or contact our office for more information. The Atlantic Home Warranty program provides Construction Performance Guidelines to assist with determining acceptable standards under the one-year builder s warranty program. Where there is an inconsistency between our policies and those guidelines, the Atlantic Home Warranty Construction Performance Guidelines shall prevail. Corrective Actions In addition to the information contained in the limited warranty itself, this manual includes details about the criteria we will use to evaluate concerns you report. The purpose is to let you know what our warranty commitment is for the typical concerns that can come up in a new home. The manual describes the corrective action we will take in many common situations. We Sometimes Break Our Own Rules In Your Favour Our criteria for qualifying warranty repairs are based on typical industry practices in our region and meet or exceed those practices. Please note that we reserve the right, at our discretion, to exceed these guidelines if common sense or individual circumstances make that appropriate, without being obligated to exceed all guidelines to a similar degree. We Sometimes Have to say No With a product as complex as a home, different viewpoints regarding which tasks are homeowner maintenance responsibilities and which are Polycorp warranty responsibilities are possible. If you request warranty service on a maintenance item, we will explain to you the steps you should take to care for the item. We are available to answer your home-care questions during and after your warranty period. Providing normal maintenance for your home is your job. Limited Warranty Document You will receive the signed Atlantic Home Warranty Program document at your closing. Please read through this information, as well as the service procedures and guidelines discussed on the following pages. If you have any questions, please contact our office. Warranty Reporting Procedures Providing warranty service for a new home is more complicated than for other products. When you purchased your home, you actually purchased hundreds of items and the work of 35 to 50 independent trade contractors. With so many details and people involved, a planned system is essential. 10

15 11 Our warranty service system is designed based on our written report of nonemergency items (Warranty Service Record form). This provides you with the maximum protection and allows us to operate efficiently, thereby providing faster service to all homeowners. If you have an issue that needs our attention, a warranty service request, please contact our office and we will record your request on a Warranty Service Record form. This written system permits Polycorp personnel to focus their time producing results for you and following up. Experience has taught us that accuracy and efficiency suffer when we work outside this system and sacrifice careful documentation. We plan two standard warranty contacts with you. The first is 60 days after your closing (60 day follow-up) and the second is at 11 months after closing (year-end warranty meeting). We also have emergency response procedures and have provided for miscellaneous warranty requests between the standard 60-day follow-up and year-end warranty meeting. 60-Day Follow-Up Approximately 60 days after closing, we will contact you to see if there are any issues needing our attention. This 60 day period allows you sufficient time to become settled in your new home and to use most components repeatedly. As you notice items, jot them down. We will contact you as the 60 day mark approaches and ask you for your list of items so that we can record it on your Warranty Service Record. Some items are better left until the year-end warranty meeting (e.g. drywall nail pops). If there are items that need to be addressed before then, we will determine the best course of action. We will schedule an inspection appointment if necessary to ensure that these items are addressed in a timely manner. Year-End Warranty Meeting Near the end of the eleventh month of your one-year builder s warranty, we will contact you to set up an appointment to meet you at your home to review your Warranty Service Record and address any concerns you may have. Polycorp does not conduct an inspection of your home during this meeting. We rely on you, the homeowner, to advise us of any items you wish to discuss. We will also be happy to discuss any maintenance questions you may have at that time. Again, keep notations of items; agreed deficiencies will be noted on a Warranty Service Record and followed up in a timely manner. This is also the best time for you to request the one-time repairs we offer on several components such as drywall. Atlantic Home Warranty Warranty coverage is set out in the Warranty Certificate and takes effect from the Date of Possession shown on the Certificate of Possession. It remains in effect even if the home is sold or otherwise transferred before the end of the warranty period.

16 12 The Warranty Program provides coverage for Major Structural Defects as defined on the Warranty Certificate in years two through seven. Emergency Service While emergency warranty situations are rare, when they occur, prompt response is essential. Begin by checking items you can check. Troubleshooting tips appear in this manual for several of your home's components: Electrical Heating Plumbing Roof (leak) Water heater Please refer to the individual categories to review these hints; you will find them in Appendix A, at the end of the manual. Often the appropriate action by you can solve a problem immediately or mitigate the situation until a technician arrives. If your review of the troubleshooting tips fails to solve the problem, during business hours call Polycorp s office: Mon. to Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (902) After hours, or on weekends or holidays, see page 2 for names and numbers to call. We provide emergency responses to the following conditions: Total loss of heat when the outside temperature is below 50 F (10 C) Total loss of electricity Total loss of water Plumbing leak that requires the entire water supply to be shut off Note that if a service (i.e. electricity, water) is out in an entire area, attention from the local utility company is needed. We are unable to help with such outages. Roof Leak. While we agree with homeowners that a roof leak is indeed an emergency, the reality is that repairs cannot safely or effectively be performed while the roof is wet. During business hours, contact our office with the information, take appropriate steps to mitigate damage, and we will follow up when conditions make repairs possible. (See Roof and Appendix A for more details.)

17 Other Emergencies. In addition to emergency situations covered by our limited warranty, be prepared for other kinds of emergencies. Post phone numbers for the fire department, police, paramedics, and poison control near phones in your home. Have companies in mind in the event you need a locksmith, water extraction, glass breakage repair, plumber or electrician. If you are new to the area, neighbours may be able to recommend good service providers. Introduce your children to neighbours who might be available to help in an emergency if you are not home. Other Warranty Service If you wish to initiate non-emergency warranty service before the standard 60-day follow-up and the year-end warranty meeting, you are welcome to do so by contacting our office during regular business hours. We schedule appointments for miscellaneous requests on a first come, first served basis. The standard year-end warranty meeting appointments take priority. As a result, service on miscellaneous requests may take a bit longer to address. Appliance Warranties Polycorp supplied appliances will fall under the one-year builder s warranty. Where the homeowner supplied the appliances, the manufacturers of appliances will work directly with homeowners if any repairs are needed for their products. Customer service phone numbers are included with the use and care materials for each appliance. Be prepared to provide the model and serial number of the item and the closing date on your home. Appliances warranties are generally for one year; refer to the literature provided by the manufacturer for complete information. Some components of appliances are often covered for longer periods by the manufacturer s warranty. Remember to mail in any registration cards you receive with the manufacturer materials. Being in the manufacturer s system assures that in the event of a recall the company can contact you and arrange to provide the needed correction. Warranty Item Processing Procedures When we receive a service request, we will ensure that you are contacted for an inspection appointment. Inspection appointments are available Monday through Friday, starting at 7:30 a.m. and finishing by 4:30 p.m. We will investigate items listed on our Warranty Service Record to confirm warranty coverage and determine appropriate action. Generally, reported items fall into one of three categories: Trade contractor item In-house item 13

18 14 Home maintenance item If a trade contractor or an in-house employee is required to perform repairs, administrative staff will ensure that the appropriate trade contractor or in-house employee is informed and arrangements will be made with you either for an inspection appointment or to perform the repair. If the item is home maintenance, we will review the maintenance steps with you and offer whatever informational assistance we can. Help Us to Serve You We can provide service faster and more accurately if we have all the necessary information. With your warranty service request, please include: Your name, address, and the phone numbers where you can be reached during business hours. A complete but simple description of the problem, for example, "guest bath cold water line leaks under sink," rather than "plumbing problem." Information about your availability or the best days or times to reach you. For instance, if calling you at work is acceptable, let us know. Otherwise, we will use your home phone number. If you are usually home on Thursday, mention that. Access to Your Home Other than in exceptional circumstances, Polycorp conducts inspections of Warranty Service Record items only when an adult is available to accompany our representative and point out the items you have listed. Both our in-house service technicians and those of our trade contractors will likewise perform repairs only when an adult is available to admit them to your home. An adult is a person 18 or older who has your authorization to admit service personnel and sign completed work orders. Exterior Items Exterior items can usually be inspected and repaired without an adult present, provided access is available (for instance, no locked gate). However, we will normally contact you the day prior to any visit and let you know we will have someone on your property. If you prefer to meet with us and discuss the item(s) in question, we are happy to arrange an appointment to do that. Repair Appointments Depending on the work needed, and in some cases at the conclusion of the inspection appointment, the construction manager may ask you to designate a work date for approved repairs to be made.

19 On occasion more than one work date might be needed. Once work date appointments are set, we confirm them the day before and our construction manager follows up to confirm repairs are completed. Inspection and Work Hours Many homeowners ask whether evening and weekend appointment times are available. Polycorp understands the desire for appointments outside normal business hours. We recognize the trend to services being available "24/7" in many businesses. However, in investigating how such appointments could be arranged, we discovered many factors that make extended service hours impractical. A significant portion of repairs require daylight for proper execution. This applies to drywall, paint, and exterior work of almost any type. We also found that most of the 35 to 50 independent trade contractors who helped us build your home many of whom operate as small companies were unable to work all week and also be available for extended hours. Therefore, the few repairs that could be performed in off-hours failed to eliminate the need for repair appointments during normal hours. Administrative staff and supervisors would need to be available to answer questions. Having some personnel work extended hours meant being short staffed during normal business hours. When we calculated the impact on wages and salaries for adding more personnel or compensating existing personnel for working non-traditional hours, we found that this affected overhead, and consequently the prices for our homes. Therefore, our warranty hours will be as follows: Administrative staff: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Inspection appointments: Monday through Friday, starting at 7:30 a.m. and finishing by 4:30 p.m. Work appointments: Monday through Friday, starting at 7:30 a.m. and finishing by 4:30 p.m. Evening and weekend appointments are reserved for emergency situations only. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with these policies. Pets Polycorp respects the pets that many homeowners count as members of their households. To prevent the possibility of an animal getting injured or lost, or giving in to its natural curiosity about tools and materials used for repairs, we ask that you restrict all animals to a comfortable location during any warranty visit, whether for inspection or warranty work. This policy is also for the protection of our employees and trades personnel. We have instructed Polycorp and trades personnel to reschedule the appointment if pets have access to the work area. 15

20 16 Your Belongings In all work that we perform for our homeowners we are concerned that their personal belongings be protected. When warranty work is needed in your home, we ask that you remove vulnerable items or items that might make performing the repair difficult. Polycorp and trade personnel will reschedule the repair appointment rather than risk damaging your belongings. Surfaces We expect all personnel who work in your home to arrive with appropriate materials to cover the work area, protecting it from damage and catching the dust or scraps from the work being performed. Similarly, all personnel should clean up the work area, removing whatever surplus materials they brought in. However, it is impractical and unrealistic for homeowners to expect contractors to be able to clean to the point where it is not noticeable that they were in the home. For example, contractors are not expected to move and clean under fragile items. Repair personnel will routinely check the work area for any existing damage to surfaces. They will document any scratches, chips, or other cosmetic damage prior to beginning repairs to avoid any later disagreement about how and when such damage occurred. Completion Time Regular review of warranty service requests is part of our office routine. Checking with trades and homeowners alike, we strive to identify the cause for delays and get all warranty work completed within an appropriate and reasonable amount of time. We intend to complete warranty service requests within 15 work days of the inspection unless you are unavailable for access. If a back-ordered part or similar circumstance causes a delay, we will let you know. Likewise, when weather conditions prevent the timely completion of exterior items, we track those items and follow up to ensure that they are addressed when conditions are right. Sometimes this can mean a wait of several months. Missed Appointments Good communication is one key to successful completion of warranty items. We strive to keep homeowners informed and to protect them from inconvenience. One of our challenges in this regard is when unexpected events sometimes result in missed appointments. If a Polycorp employee or a trade person will be late, he or she should contact you as soon as the delay is recognized, offering you a choice of a later time the same day or a completely different appointment. If you must miss an appointment, we appreciate being alerted as soon as you realize

21 your schedule has changed. We can put warranty service requests on "hold" for 10 to 30 days and reactivate them when your schedule offers a better opportunity to arrange access to the home. Final Sign-off Once the items noted on the Warranty Service Record, as agreed at the year-end warranty meeting have been completed, you will be required to sign off to that effect, thus indicating that our obligations under the one-year builder s warranty have been met. 17

22 18 Warranty Service Summary The many details of warranty coverage can be confusing. We hope this summary of key points will help. If you do not know whom to contact, call our office and we will guide you. Warranty Hours Administrative staff: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Inspection appointments: Monday through Friday, starting at 7:30 a.m. finishing by 4:30 p.m. Work appointments: Monday through Friday, starting at 7:30 a.m. finishing by 4:30 p.m. Emergency First, check the troubleshooting tips found in the Appendix A at the end of this manual. If those tips do not solve the problem, during our business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.), call our warranty office: (902) After business hours or on weekends or holidays, see page 2 for names and numbers to call. Non-emergency Call our office to discuss the problem and have the issue recorded on a Warranty Service Record form. Storm Damage or Other Natural Disaster Contact your homeowner's insurance agent immediately. Contain damage as much as possible without endangering yourself. In extreme situations, photograph the damage.

23 19 Extended Absences Whether for a vacation, business travel, or other reasons, nearly all of us occasionally leave our homes for days or weeks at a time. With some preparation, such absences can be managed uneventfully. Keep these guidelines in mind and add additional reminders that are appropriate to your situation. Plan in Advance Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on the property. If possible, provide them with a way to reach you while you are away. If you will be gone an especially long time (over two weeks) consider arranging for a house sitter. Arrange for someone to mow the lawn or shovel snow. Stop mail, newspapers and other deliveries. Use lighting timers (available at hardware stores for $10 to $20). Confirm that all insurance policies that cover your property and belongings are current and provide sufficient coverage. Mark valuable items with identifying information. Consider whether you have irreplaceable items that should be stored in a bank vault or safety deposit box. As You Leave Forward phone calls to a relative or close friend. Unplug computers and other electronic devices that might be harmed in an electrical storm. Leave window coverings in their most typical positions. Confirm that all doors and windows are locked and the deadbolts are engaged. Store items such as your lawn mower, bicycles, or ladders in the garage. Leave a second car in the drive. Winter: Set the thermostat to a minimum of 55 F (13 C). Leave doors on cabinets that contain plumbing lines open. Leave room doors open as well. This allows heat to circulate. Arm your security system, if applicable. Your Additional Reminders and Notes:

24 20 Energy and Water Conservation Good planning and thoughtful everyday habits can save significant amounts of energy and water. In the process of conserving, you also save money as an additional benefit. Keep these hints in mind as you select and use your home's features: Heating and Cooling Maintain all your home's systems in clean and good working order to prevent inconvenience and maximize efficiency. Keep filters clean or replace them regularly. Learn how to use your day/night programmable thermostats for comfort and efficient energy use. Maximize the benefits of your zoned heating system by thinking through the operating schedules and temperature settings to maximize comfort and minimize energy consumption. During cold days, open window coverings to allow the sun to warm your home (i.e. maximize passive solar heat gain). Close them when the sun begins to set. During the winter, humidifying the air in your home allows the air to retain more heat and is a general health benefit. Note: If condensation develops on your windows, you have taken a good thing too far and need to lower the setting on the HRV. Ceiling fans cost little to operate and the moving air allows you to feel comfortable at temperatures several degrees higher. On hot days, close all windows and the window coverings on windows facing the sun to minimize solar heating and reduce demands on your air conditioner if you use one. Keep the garage overhead doors closed. Plan landscaping elements that support efficient energy use: Deciduous trees provide shade during the summer and permit solar warming in winter. Evergreen trees and shrubs can create a windbreak and reduce heating costs. Position trees to shade the roof and still allow good air flow around the home. Water and Water Heater Set your water heater at 120 F (50 C) if your dishwasher has a water booster heater. If not, set the water heater at 125 F (52 C). Follow the steps outlined in the manufacturer's directions for draining water from your water heater in order to remove accumulated hard-water scale that builds up inside the tank. Correct plumbing leaks, running toilets, or dripping faucets ASAP. Keep aerators clean. The aerator is the small screen in kitchen and bathroom taps.

25 21 Appliances In selecting your home's appliances, compare the information on the Energy Guide sticker. Sometimes spending a bit more up front can reduce operating costs over the life of the appliance, conserving energy at the same time. Use cold water when operating your garbage disposal (if applicable). This not only saves hot water you pay to heat, it preserves the disposal motor. When baking, preheat your oven just five minutes before you use it. When possible, bake several items at the same time or at least consecutively. Turn the oven off a few minutes before baking time is done. Microwave rather than using the range when possible, especially during hot weather. Run the dishwasher when it has a full load and use the air-dry cycle. Avoid regular use of the rinse and hold cycle. Turn electric burners off a few minutes before cooking is complete. Refrigerators with the freezer on top generally use significantly less energy than side-by-side models. Select an appropriate size for your needs; two small refrigerators use more energy than one large one. Electrical Use compact fluorescent bulbs or fluorescent tubes where possible. Incandescent bulbs are the least efficient source of light. Turn lights and other electric items off when you finish using them or leave the room. Maintenance Caulk in dry weather when temperatures are moderate. Check all locations, such as: Foundation penetrations (i.e. electrical, phone, water, cable TV, and gas line entrances) Around fans and vents Check weather-stripping on all exterior doors and adjust as needed. Ensure that door thresholds are a good fit - most are adjustable. After any activity in the attic, check that the insulation is evenly distributed. Your Additional Reminders and Notes:

26 22 A-Z GUIDE TO YOUR HOME S COMPONENTS Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Alarm System Your home has been prewired for an alarm system; you may arrange for the final installation, connection and activation after you move-in. The alarm company will demonstrate the system, instruct you in its use, and provide identification codes for your family. We recommend that you test the system each month. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Polycorp makes no representation that the alarm system will provide the protection for which it is installed or intended. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Appliances On a quarterly basis, check the flaps on the exterior dryer and range hood vents to ensure the flaps are in place and opening and closing appropriately. Inspect the exterior dryer vent to ensure that it has not become plugged with lint. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Polycorp supplied appliances will fall under the one-year builder s warranty. Where the homeowner supplied the appliances, the manufacturers of appliances will work directly with homeowners if any repairs are needed for their products. Customer service phone numbers are included with the use and care materials for each appliance. Be prepared to provide the model and serial number of the item and the closing date on your home. Appliances warranties are generally for one year; refer to the literature provided by the manufacturer for complete information. Some components of appliances are often covered for longer periods by the manufacturer s warranty. Remember to mail in any registration cards you receive with the manufacturer materials. Being in the manufacturer s system assures that in the event of a recall the company can contact you and arrange to provide the needed correction.

27 23 Asphalt Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Asphalt is a flexible and specialized surface. Like any other surface in your home, it requires protection from things that can damage it. Over time, the effects of weather and earth movement will cause minor settling and cracking of asphalt. These are normal reactions to the elements and do not constitute improperly installed asphalt or defective material. Avoid using your driveway for one week after it is installed, and during that week, keep people, bicycles, lawn mowers and other traffic away from it. Chemical Spills Asphalt is a petroleum product. Gasoline, oil, turpentine, and other solvents or petroleum products can dissolve or damage the surface. Sprinkle such spills with an absorbent material such as cat litter, then wash with soap and water immediately, and finally, rinse thoroughly with plain water. Hot Weather Avoid any concentrated or prolonged loads on your asphalt, particularly in hot weather. Highheeled shoes, motorcycle or bicycle kickstands, trailers and trailer hitches, or even cars left in the same spot for long periods can create depressions or punctures in asphalt. Non-Residential Traffic Prohibit commercial or other extremely heavy vehicles such as moving vans or other large delivery trucks from pulling onto your driveway. We design and install asphalt drives for conventional residential vehicle use only: family cars, vans, light trucks, bicycles, and so on. Seal Coating Exposure to sunlight and other weather conditions will fade your driveway, allowing the surface gravel material to be more visible. This is a normal condition and not a material or structural problem. Wait a minimum of 12 months before sealing your driveway, and use an acrylic-based sealant rather than the more common coal tar sealant. Sealing every 3 to 5 years is recommended. Hairline cracks will usually be filled by the sealing process. Larger cracks can be filled or patched with a sand and sealer mixture prior to resealing.

28 24 Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines We perform any asphalt repairs by overlay patching. Polycorp is not responsible for the inevitable differences in colour between the patch and the original surface. Seal coating can eliminate this cosmetic condition and is your responsibility. Alligator Cracking If cracking that resembles the skin of an alligator develops under normal residential use during the first year, Polycorp will repair it. If improper use, such as heavy truck traffic, has caused the condition, repairs will be your responsibility. Settling Settling next to your garage floor of up to 1.5 inches across the width of the driveway is normal. Settling or depressions elsewhere in the driveway of up to one inch in any 8-foot radius are considered normal. We will repair settling that occurs during the first year that exceeds these measurements. Normal driveway settlement will create low spots that will cause water to pond. This is normal and is not a deficiency unless the settlement exceeds the limitations stated above. Thermal Cracking Your driveway will exhibit thermal cracking, usually during the first 12 months. These cracks help your driveway adapt to heating and freezing cycles. Cracks should be evaluated in the hottest months July or August. We will repair cracks that exceed ½ inch in width. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Attic Access We provide access to the attic space as a building code requirement. If you access the attic for any reason, use caution and avoid stepping off wood trusses onto the drywall which can result in personal injury or damage to the ceiling below. Your limited warranty does not cover such injury or damage. Ensure that attic hatches close completely to form a tight seal to prevent heat loss and drafts. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Polycorp and the local building department inspect the attic before your closing to confirm insulation is correct.

29 25 Cabinets Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines If you selected wood or wood veneer cabinets, expect differences in grain and colour between and within the cabinet components due to natural variations in wood and the way that wood takes stain. Cleaning Most cabinet surfaces can be cleaned using a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Grease splattered on the surfaces should be removed immediately as it becomes more difficult to remove as it solidifies. Abrasive cleaners should not be used. Products such as lemon oil or polishes can be used for wood cabinet care. Follow container directions. Use such products a maximum of once every 3 to 6 months to avoid excessive build-up. Avoid paraffin- based spray waxes and washing cabinets with excessive amounts of water, as both will damage the luster of the finish. Some common cleaning products such as Spray 9 will actually dissolve paint and cabinet finishes. Hinges If hinges catch or drawer glides become sluggish, a small amount of silicone lubricant will improve their performance. Moisture Damage to cabinet surfaces and warping can result from operating appliances that generate large amounts of moisture (such as a crock pot or kettle) too near the cabinet. When operating such appliances, place them in a location that is not directly under a cabinet. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines During the pre-closing inspection, we will confirm that all cabinet parts are installed and that their surfaces are in acceptable condition. Alignment Doors, drawer fronts, and handles should be level and even. Operation Cabinets should operate properly with normal use.

30 26 Separations We will correct gaps between cabinets and the ceiling or cabinets and the walls by caulking or other means if the gap exceeds 1/8 inch (locations behind appliances are excluded from this repair). Warping If doors or drawer fronts warp in excess of 1/4 inch within 24 inches, we will correct this by adjustment or replacement. Wood Grain Readily noticeable variations in wood grain and colour are normal in all wood or wood veneer selections. Replacements are not made as a result of such variations. Carpet NOTE: Please refer to the detailed floor care guide provided by Wacky s Carpet and Floor Centre. See Appendix F. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Your selection sheets, if applicable, provide a record of the brand, style, and colour of floor coverings in your home. Please retain this information for future reference. Refer to the various manufacturers recommendations for additional information on the care of your floor coverings. Burns Take care of any kind of burn immediately. First, snip off the darkened fibers. Then use a soapless cleaner and sponge with water. If the burn is extensive, talk with a professional about replacing the damaged area. Cleaning You can add years to the life of your carpet with regular care. Carpet wears out because of foot traffic and dirt particles that get trampled deep into the pile beyond the suction of the vacuum. The dirt particles wear down the fibers like sandpaper and dull the carpet. The most important thing you can do to protect your carpet is to vacuum it frequently.

31 Vacuum twice each week lightly and once a week thoroughly. Heavy traffic areas may require more frequent cleaning. A light vacuuming is three passes; a thorough job may need seven passes. A vacuum cleaner with a beater-bar agitates the pile and is more effective in bringing dirt to the surface for easy removal. Vacuuming high-traffic areas daily helps keep them clean and maintains the upright position of the nap. Wipe spills and clean stains immediately. For best results, blot or dab any spill or stain; avoid rubbing. Test stain removers on an out-of-the-way area of the carpet, such as in a closet, to check for any undesirable effects. Have your carpet professionally cleaned regularly, usually after 18 months in your home and then once a year after that. Crushing Furniture and traffic may crush a carpet's pile fibers. Frequent vacuuming in high-traffic areas and glides or cups under heavy pieces of furniture can help prevent this. Rotating your furniture to change the traffic pattern in a room promotes more even wear. Some carpets resist matting and crushing because of their level of fiber, but this does not imply or guarantee that no matting or crushing will occur. Heavy traffic areas such as halls and stairways are more susceptible to wear and crushing. This is considered normal wear. Fading Science has yet to develop a colour that will not fade with time. All carpets will slowly lose some colour due to natural and artificial forces in the environment. You can delay this process by frequently removing soil with vacuuming, regularly changing air filters in heating and air conditioning systems, keeping humidity and room temperature from getting too high, and reducing sunlight exposure with window coverings. Fuzzing In loop carpets, fibers may break. Simply clip the excess fibers. If it continues, call a professional. Pilling Pilling or small balls of fiber can appear on your carpet, depending on the type of carpet fiber and the type of traffic. If this occurs, clip off the pills. If they cover a large area, seek professional advice. 27

32 28 Rippling With wall-to-wall carpeting, high humidity may cause rippling. If the carpet remains rippled after the humidity has left, have a professional re-stretch the carpeting using a power stretcher, not a knee-kicker. Seams Carpet usually comes in 12-foot widths, making seams necessary in most rooms. Visible seams are not a defect unless they have been improperly made or unless the material has a defect, making the seam appear more pronounced than normal. The more dense and uniform the carpet texture, the more visible the seams will be. Carpet styles with low, tight naps result in the most visible seams. Seams are never more visible than when the carpet is first installed. Usually with time, use, and vacuuming the seams become less visible. You can see examples in the model homes of how carpet seams diminish after they have been vacuumed repeatedly and have experienced traffic. Shading Shading is an inherent quality of fine-cut pile carpets. Household traffic causes pile fibers to assume different angles; as a result, the carpet appears darker or lighter in these areas. A good vacuuming, which makes the pile all go in the same direction, provides a temporary remedy. Shedding New carpeting, especially pile, sheds bits of fiber for a period of time. Eventually these loose fibers are removed by vacuuming. Shedding usually occurs more with wool carpeting than with nylon or other synthetics. Snags Sharp-edged objects can grab or snag the carpet fiber. When this occurs, cut off the snag. If the snag is especially large, call a professional. Sprouting Occasionally you may find small tufts of fiber sprouting above carpet surface. Simply use scissors to cut off the sprout. Do not attempt to pull it, because other fibers will come out in the process.

33 29 Stains No carpet is stain-proof. Although your carpet manufacturer may designate your carpet as stainresistant, some substances may still cause permanent staining. These include hair dyes, shoe polish, paints and ink. Some substances destroy or change the colour of carpets, including bleaches, acne medications, drain cleaners, plant food, insecticides, and food or beverages with strongly coloured natural dyes as found in some brands of mustard and herbal tea. Refer to your care and maintenance brochures for recommended cleaning procedures for your particular fiber. Pretest any spot-removal solution in an inconspicuous area before using it in a large area. Apply several drops of the solution, hold a white tissue on the area, and count to ten. Examine both tissue and carpet for dye transfer and check for carpet damage. Static Cooler temperatures outside often contribute to static electricity inside. To avoid the problem, look for carpets made with anti-static. You can also install a humidifier to help control static build-up. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines During your pre-closing inspection, we will confirm that your carpet is in an acceptable condition. We will correct stains or spots noted at this time by cleaning, patching, or replacement. Polycorp is not responsible for dye lot variations if replacements are made. Edges Edges of carpet along moldings and edges of stairs should be held firmly in place. In some areas, metal or other edging material may be used where carpet meets another floor covering. Seams Carpet seams will be visible. Polycorp will repair any gaps or fraying. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Caulking Interior and Exterior Flexible sealing compounds are generally referred to as caulking. Numerous varieties exist and have many specialized uses. Interior and exterior caulking is generally used to seal gaps between dissimilar materials and to seal gaps or joints in interior and exterior finishes. As the building moves due to the

34 shrinkage of the building framing members and/or the finishing materials themselves, considerable stress is placed on the caulking materials. While a caulking joint should never be the only means of preventing water from entering a building, it is one of the initial means of keeping water out. Therefore, caulking requires examination annually before the wet weather arrives. Any cracked or damaged caulking should be removed and replaced. When caulking, use a high quality material formulated for your specific purpose. Read the manufacturer s instructions carefully to be certain that you select an appropriate caulk for the intended purpose. Consult with us or a local home supply centre for an appropriate product. Coloured Caulk Coloured caulking is available where larger selections are provided. As with any coloured material, dye lots can vary. Latex Caulk Latex caulking is appropriate for an area that requires painting, such as along the stair stringer or where wood trim meets the wall. Silicone Caulk Caulking that contains silicone will normally not accept paint; it works best where water is present, for example, where tub meets tile or a sink meets a countertop. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines During the pre-closing inspection we confirm that appropriate areas are adequately caulked. One-Time Repair We will touch up interior caulking one time during your materials and workmanship period. This will be performed as part of your year-end warranty meeting. See also Countertops, Expansion and Contraction, Stairs, and Wood Trim. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Ceramic Tile NOTE: Please refer to the detailed floor care guide provided by Wacky s Carpet and Floor centre. See Appendix F. 30

35 31 Cleaning Ceramic tile is very durable and is one of the easiest floor coverings to maintain. Simply vacuum when needed. Occasionally, a wet mopping with warm water may be appropriate. Avoid adding detergent to the water; do not use waxes or sealers. If you feel a cleaning agent is required, use a mild solution of warm water and dishwasher crystals (they will not result in a heavy, difficultto-remove lather on the grout). Rinse thoroughly. The ceramic tile installed on walls or countertops in your home may be washed with any nonabrasive soap, detergent, or tile cleaner. Abrasive cleaners will dull the finish. Grout Discolouration Clean grout that becomes yellowed or stained with a fiber brush, cleanser, and water. Grout cleansers and whiteners are available at most hardware stores or specialty ceramic dealers. Sealing Grout Because grout is porous and will absorb water which will lead to staining, annual sealing of the grout joints with a clear liquid silicone sealer may be carried out at the homeowner s discretion. Sealing grout is your decision and responsibility. Once grout has been sealed, because ongoing maintenance of that seal is necessary, limited warranty coverage on grout that has been sealed is void. Separations Expect slight separations to occur in the grout between tiles. This grout is for decorative purposes only; it does not hold the tile in place. Cracks in the grout can be filled using premixed grout purchased from flooring or hardware stores. Follow package directions. Tile around bathtubs or countertops may appear to be pulling up after a time. This is caused by normal shrinkage of grout or caulk and shrinkage of wood members as they dry out. If this occurs, the best remedy is to purchase tub caulk or premixed grout from a hardware store. Follow directions on the container. This maintenance is important to protect the underlying surface from water damage. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines During the pre-closing inspection we confirm that tile and grout areas are in acceptable condition. We will repair or replace cracked, badly chipped, or loose tiles noted at that time. Polycorp is not

36 responsible for variations in colour or discontinued patterns. New grout and tile may vary in colour from the original. One- Time Repair Cracks appearing in grouting of ceramic tiles at joints or junctions with other materials are to be expected due to shrinkage. Polycorp will repair grouting, normally in this situation by caulking, if necessary, one time during the first year. We are not responsible for colour variations in grout or discontinued coloured grout. Any grouting or caulking that is needed after that time is the homeowner s responsibility. 32 Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Concrete Flatwork By maintaining good drainage, you protect your home's foundation and the concrete flatwork: the basement floor, porch, patio, driveway, garage floor, and sidewalks. Concrete slabs are floating they are not attached to the home's foundation walls. These are not a structural (load-bearing) element of the home and are covered by the one-year builder s warranty. Cleaning Avoid washing exterior concrete slabs with cold water from an outside faucet when temperatures are high and the sun has been shining on the concrete. The abrupt change in temperature can cause the surface bond of the concrete to fail. We recommend sweeping for keeping exterior concrete clean. If washing is necessary, do this when temperatures are moderate. Repeated cleaning of the garage floor by hosing can increase soil movement under the garage slab by allowing water to penetrate any existing cracks. We recommend sweeping to clean the garage floor. Cracks Following installation, concrete will shrink as it cures. A concrete slab 10 feet across shrinks approximately 5/8 inch as it cures. This shrinkage causes stress in the concrete, which often results in surface cracks as this stress is released. Expansion Joints Cracking can be controlled by the installation of control joints or cuts in the concrete. These deliberate joints in the concrete are more susceptible to cracking than the remainder of the slab,

37 thereby preventing cracks from occurring in the slab surface itself. Unfortunately, these control measures are not always effective and surface cracks can appear despite the builder's best efforts. These cracks are generally cosmetic and do not require repair unless they constitute a tripping hazard that exceeds acceptable standards as set out by your warranty provider. Seasonal variations in temperature may also cause cracks in concrete slabs. During the summer, moisture can find its way under the concrete along the edges or through cracks in the surface. In winter, this moisture forms frost that can lift the concrete, increasing the cracking. This change in height may change the direction of surface drainage causing water to pool against the foundation wall of your new home. If this occurs, repairs should be undertaken to prevent water from pooling. Both of the instances above are natural occurrences that are beyond the builder's control. As cracks occur, seal them with a waterproof concrete caulk (available at hardware or home improvement stores) to prevent moisture from penetrating to the soil beneath. Ice, Snow, and Chemicals Remove ice and snow from concrete slabs as promptly as possible after snow storms. Protect concrete from abuse by chemical agents such as pet urine, fertilizers, radiator overflow, or repeated hosing. All of these items can cause spalling (chipping of the surface) of concrete. Other potential causes of damage to concrete surfaces are road salt and other chemical contaminants. Road salt or other de-icing products used for ice control in the winter will adversely affect the surface of the concrete. As a result, road slush, which contains road salt, should not be allowed to melt on the concrete. For increased traction on icy sections of the driveway or sidewalk, sand or cat litters are good alternatives to de-icers. Non-salt de-icers that do not harm concrete are available to be used on concrete walks and steps. Common lawn fertilizer, contaminated surface water and run-off from stored materials can cause staining of the concrete surface; such staining cannot be removed. Care should be taken in the handling and storage of potential contaminants on or near any concrete surface. Concrete sealers that are commercially available may reduce damage caused by chemical contaminants. Sealer A concrete sealer, available at paint and hardware stores, will help you keep an unpainted concrete floor clean. Do not use soap on unpainted concrete. Instead, use plain water and washing soda or, if necessary, a scouring powder. 33

38 34 Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Concrete slabs are floating they are not attached to the home's foundation walls. Because these slabs are not a structural (load-bearing) element of the home, they are excluded from coverage under the structural warranty. The limited warranty coverage is for one year. Colour Concrete slabs vary in colour. Polycorp provides no correction for this condition. Cracks If concrete cracks reach 3/16 of an inch in width or vertical displacement, Polycorp will patch or repair them one time during the warranty year. Subsequently, concrete slab maintenance is the homeowner s responsibility. Finished Floors Polycorp will correct cracks greater than 1/8 inch wide or ruptures greater than 1/8 inch deep in finish floor materials that we installed as part of the home as you originally purchased it. Level Floors Concrete floors in the habitable areas of the home will be level to within +/- 1/4 inch within any 32-inch measurement with the exception of an area specifically designed to slope. Separation Polycorp will correct separation of concrete slabs from the home if separation exceeds one inch. Settling or Heaving Polycorp will repair concrete slabs that settle or heave in excess of 2 inches or if such movement results in negative drainage (toward the house) or hazardous vertical displacement. Spalling (Surface Chips) Causes of spalling include repeated hosing of concrete for cleaning, animal urine, radiator overflow, fertilizer, uncleared snow and ice, ice-melting agents, and road salts from vehicles. Repair of spalling is a home maintenance task.

39 35 Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Plastic Laminates Countertops Use a cutting board to protect your counters when you cut or chop. Protect the counter from heat and from extremely hot pans. Laminated countertops will burn or de-laminate if hot pots or pans are placed directly on the surface. If you cannot put your hand on it, do not put it on the counter. Protective potholders should be used if the hot items are to be placed on the countertop. Do not use countertops as ironing boards and do not set lighted cigarettes on the edge of the counter. Countertops may also require protection from electrical appliances when in use. The damage caused by hot items is generally not repairable so it is best to err on the side of caution. Mats Rubber drain mats can trap moisture beneath them, causing the laminated plastic to warp and blister. Dry the surface as needed. Cleaning Abrasive cleaners or steel wool should not be used as the surface of the laminate will scratch. The ability to withstand scratching does vary with the laminate material used. If allowed to remain on the surface, household bleach or solvents can stain or discolour the laminate. Joint seams in countertops cannot be caulked. Water must NOT be allowed to remain on joints in the countertop as this will result in the substrate of the countertop swelling due to the excess moisture. This damage is irreversible and is not covered under warranty. Clean the surface of plastic laminates with a damp, soapy cloth or sponge. For stubborn stains, use a mild household cleaner and rinse thoroughly with clear water. Be aware that some liquid cleaners contain abrasives and/or solidify at the mouth of the container. These hard pieces can scratch the surface if they inadvertently adhere to the cleaning cloth or sponge used to clean the laminate surface. Granite and Other Hard Solid Service Countertops Hard service countertops have specific care and maintenance requirements. Contact the supplier to obtain guidelines specific to the countertop installed in your home.

40 36 Caulking The caulking between the countertop and the wall, along the joint at the backsplash (the section of counter that extends a few inches up the wall along the counter area), and around the sink may shrink, leaving a slight gap. Maintaining a good seal in these locations is important to keep moisture from reaching the wood under the laminates and to prevent warping. See also Ceramic Tile. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines During your pre-closing inspection we confirm that all countertops are in acceptable condition. We repair noticeable surface damage such as chips, cracks and scratches noted on the pre-closing inspection list. Repair of surface damage noted subsequent to this is one of your home maintenance responsibilities. Laminates Laminated countertops will have one or more discernible seams. Polycorp will repair gaps or differential at the seams that exceed 1/16 inch. Granite and Other Hard Service Countertops Edges should be smooth and even. Where backsplash joints occur at corners, the top edges should be even within 1/16 inch. Separation from Wall Granite slabs and backsplashes are normally almost perfectly straight, whereas the walls they abut are not. Drywall walls are slightly irregular from being taped and filled. The placement of a perfectly straight granite piece adjacent on irregular drywall will show a gap that varies in thickness. This is normal at the granite/wall interface. Separation of countertops from walls, backsplash and around sinks results from normal shrinkage of materials. Polycorp will re-caulk these areas if required as a one-time repair. Subsequently, caulking will be your home maintenance responsibility.

41 37 Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Damp Proofing ICF (insulating concrete form) foundations are damp proofed with a sheet dimpled product. Although we make every effort to assure a dry basement, during times of excessive moisture, you may notice some dampness. Over time, natural compaction of soils in the backfill areas will usually eliminate this condition. Careful maintenance of positive drainage around the perimeter of the house will also protect your basement from this condition. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Polycorp will correct conditions that allow actual water to enter the basement unless the cause is improper installation of landscaping or failure to adequately maintain drainage. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Decking and Hand Rails - Front The decking on the front of your home is typically made of pressure-treated lumber. Decks add to the style and function of your home and are a higher maintenance part of your home's exterior. Handrails are either painted wood or PVC plastic. Effects of Exposure Wood decks are subject to shrinkage, cracking, splitting, cupping and twisting. Nails or screws may work loose and will need routine maintenance. Nails, even those that are galvanized, may rust from salt exposure. Painted surfaces will chip and peel. Plan to inspect your front decks and handrails regularly, a minimum of once each year, and provide needed attention promptly to maintain an attractive appearance and forestall costly repairs. Polycorp recommends that you paint, treat or re-stain your front decking annually, before the onset of poor weather, to keep them looking their best. Foot Traffic As you use your decks, abrasives and grit on shoes can scratch or dent the wood surface. Regular sweeping and mats can mitigate this but will not completely prevent it.

42 38 Outdoor Furniture The surface of the decking can be damaged by moving grills, furniture, or other items. Use caution when moving such items to prevent scratches, gouges, and so on. Sealing or Water Repellent To prolong the life and beauty of your deck, treat it periodically with a water repellent or wood preservative. Local home centers or hardware stores offer several products to consider for this purpose. Always follow manufacturer directions carefully. Snow and Ice Heavy snow or ice that remains on the deck over long periods increases wear and tear on the deck. Prompt removal can reduce adverse effects. Use caution in shoveling to avoid needless scratching of the deck boards. Plastic shovels are best. Stain Exposed wood decks have been stained with a solid hide oil stain to protect and beautify the wood. Each board takes the same stain differently and variations in colour will be readily noticeable. Over time, with exposure to weather and use, further variations in colour will occur. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines During the pre-closing inspection, we will confirm that the wood decks and handrails are in satisfactory condition. Colour Variation Colour variations are a natural result of the way in which wood accepts stain and are excluded from limited warranty coverage. Replacement Boards or Rails Shrinkage, cracking, splitting, cupping and twisting are natural occurrences in wood decks and are excluded from limited warranty coverage unless personal safety is involved. In these extreme situations, if Polycorp provides replacement of boards or rails, the new material will not match existing pieces that have been exposed to elements and use. Polycorp does not provide corrections when problems occur due to lack of normal maintenance.

43 39 Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Decking and Hand Rails - Rear The deck surface on the rear of your home is typically made of a composite resin material or PVC plastic. It is lightweight yet extremely durable. It won't splinter, crack, warp or rot, and is less susceptible than wood to mould and mildew. The only maintenance your rear deck should require is cleaning. We recommend basic cleaning with a composite deck cleaner or a combination of soap, hot water, and a soft bristle brush semi-annually (typically spring and fall). Because of the wood content in composite decking, natural colour shifts do occur in the decking material. Twelve to sixteen weeks of exposure to sunlight and rain are typically required for it to achieve its faded colour. This process is completely harmless to your deck and does not affect its durability. Hand rails are factory-painted aluminum with a powder-coated finish that does not need repainting. Small scratches in the powder coat finish can be touched up with spray paint from a hardware or paint store. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Decks are constructed to meet structural and functional design. Colour Variation Colour variations are a natural result of the way in which the decking material fades and are excluded from limited warranty coverage. Manufacturer s Warranty Typically the manufacturer s composite or PVC deck limited residential warranty offers long-term coverage against material defects in workmanship and materials, and against splintering, splitting, checking, rot, decay and termite damage. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Doors and Locks Most of the doors installed in your home are wood or MDF products and therefore display characteristics of wood such as shrinkage and warping. Natural fluctuations caused by humidity and the use of showers and dishwashers may mean interior doors may occasionally require minor adjustments.

44 Typically, this is most noticeable in humid periods when doors can swell up to ¼ inch over short periods of time. General Bifold Doors Interior bifolds sometimes stick or warp because of weather conditions. Apply a silicone lubricant to the tracks to minimize this inconvenience. Doors Exterior swing doors are generally made of metal, wood or fiberglass over a foam core. Sliding patio doors are usually constructed with metal or vinyl frames and are supplied by the window manufacturer. Interior doors are usually masonite over a hollow core. The man door between the garage and the house will be provided with an automatic closer or self-closing hinges and seal (weather stripping) to ensure that the door automatically closes to prevent the entry of exhaust gases from the garage into your new home. Due to the air-tight nature of the house and garage, it may not always close perfectly and the homeowner should keep an eye on it to make certain it is closed properly. Exterior doors are exposed to detrimental weather conditions and extreme temperature variations from the inside to the outside which can harm the surface of the door. Variations in the relative humidity from the interior to the exterior can also affect the door. Collectively or separately, these conditions can cause doors to warp or change in dimension. Seasonal variations can occur up to ¼ inch in any direction. It is prudent to refrain from trimming a binding exterior door as the problem may rectify itself with a change in climatic conditions. Some exterior doors have restrictions imposed by the manufacturer as to the colour the door may be painted. The heat absorbed by darker colours can cause failure of the sealing compounds in the glazing and/or cause excessive warping of the door. The wrong paint colour may void the manufacturer s warranty; therefore any such restrictions should be reviewed prior to the door being painted. Failure to Latch If a door will not latch because of minor settling, you can correct this by making a new opening in the jamb for the latch plate (re-mortising) and raising or lowering the plate accordingly. 40

45 41 Finish hardware The factory finish on exterior locks and door handles will wear and change colour with regular use. Interior door hardware can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and polished with a soft dry cloth. Hinges You can remedy a squeaky door hinge by removing the hinge pin and applying a silicone lubricant to it. Avoid using oil, as it can gum up or attract dirt. Graphite works well as a lubricant but can create a gray smudge on the door or floor covering beneath the hinge if too much is applied. Over time, a black residue may accumulate around the hinge area on doors. This is normal as the friction of the moving parts of the hinge inevitably wear, releasing a very fine powder. The powder residue can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild cleanser. Interior doors Interior doors are generally sized to allow a gap up to 25 mm (1 ) at the bottom of the door between the door and the floor covering. The gap height may vary from door to door and with different types of flooring and across the width of the door. This gap is provided to allow for the circulation of air beneath the door. Locks Lubricate door locks with graphite or other waterproof lubricant. Avoid oil, as it will gum up. Shrinkage Use putty, filler, or latex caulk to fill any minor separations that develop at mitered joints in door trim. Follow with painting. Panels of wood doors shrink and expand in response to changes in temperature and humidity. Touching up the paint or stain on unfinished exposed areas is your home maintenance responsibility. Slamming Slamming doors can damage both doors and jambs and can even cause cracking in walls. Teach children not to hang on the doorknob and swing back and forth; this works loose the hardware and causes the door to sag.

46 42 Sticking The most common cause of a sticking door is the natural expansion of lumber caused by changes in humidity. When sticking is caused by swelling during a damp season, do not plane the door unless it continues to stick after the weather changes. Before planing a door because of sticking, try two other steps: first, apply either a paste wax, light coat of paraffin, or candle wax to the sticking surface; or second, tighten the screws that hold the door jamb or door frame. If planing is necessary even after these measures, use sandpaper to smooth the door and paint the sanded area to seal against moisture. Warping If a door warps slightly, keeping it closed as much as possible often returns it to normal. Weather Stripping Weather stripping and exterior door thresholds are installed around doors and windows to reduce air infiltration. Check the weather stripping annually to ensure that the seal is adequate. Some weather stripping is adjustable and the door should be slightly difficult to latch or lock. Petroleum jelly can be used to lubricate rubber or vinyl products to maintain their flexibility. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines During the pre-closing inspection we confirm that all doors are in acceptable condition and correctly adjusted. Polycorp will repair construction damage to doors noted on the pre-closing inspection list. Adjustments Because of normal settling of the home, doors may require adjustment for proper fit. Polycorp will make such adjustments at the end of the one-year builder s warranty period. Panel Shrinkage Panels of wood doors shrink and expand in response to changes in temperature and humidity. Although touching up the paint or stain on unfinished exposed areas is your home maintenance responsibility, Polycorp will repair split panels that allow light to be visible.

47 43 Warping Interior doors leading to rooms or spaces shall not permanently warp more than ¼ inch (6mm) beyond the edge of the doorjamb when the door is closed. In the case of double doors, one leaf shall not permanently warp more than ¼ inch (6mm) beyond the face of the adjacent door leaf. Doors which warp in excess of the above parameters will be addressed. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Drywall Slight cracking, nail pops, or seams may become visible in walls and ceilings. These are caused by the shrinkage of the wood and normal deflection of roof trusses to which the drywall is attached. Ceilings The ceilings in your home are easy to maintain: periodically remove dust or cobwebs as part of your normal cleaning and repaint as needed. Repairs With the exception of the one-time repair service provided by Polycorp at the end of the oneyear builder s warranty, care of drywall is your maintenance responsibility. Most drywall repairs can be easily made. This work is best done when you redecorate the room. You can repair cracks with spackle, caulk or pre-mixed drywall compound. To correct a nail or screw pop, reset the nail with a hammer and punch or tighten the screw with a Phillips screwdriver. Cover it with spackle, which is available at paint and hardware stores. Apply two or three thin coats. When dry, sand the surface with fine-grain sandpaper (minimum 100 grit) and then paint. You can fill indentations caused by sharp objects in the same manner. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines During the pre-closing inspection, we confirm that drywall surfaces are in acceptable condition. One-Time Repairs One time during the one-year builder s warranty, Polycorp will repair drywall shrinkage cracks and nail pops. Paint touch-ups are the homeowner s responsibility. Due to the effects of time on paint and wallpaper, as well as possible dye lot variations, touch-ups are unlikely to match the

48 44 surrounding area. Repainting the entire wall or the entire room to correct this is also the homeowner s responsibility. Lighting Conditions Polycorp does not repair drywall flaws that are only visible under particular lighting conditions, such as when light or daylight strikes the wall at an obtuse angle. Drywall imperfections that are covered under warranty are those items that are visible when standing in a normal viewing position at a distance of 5 feet at right angles to the surface being inspected, while under normal lighting conditions. It is normal to see drywall imperfections when viewing walls and ceilings from angles and/or with light shining on them. A drywall wall will always have differing identifiable textures within the same plane. Taped and filled areas will look and feel slightly different from paper drywall areas and will look different on close inspection. Drywall Corners The normal drywall finishing process requires metal or plastic corner bead to be installed on the drywall. The rough framed wood corner is square before the drywall is installed. Drywall is installed tight to the rough framing, creating drywall surfaces that are at right angles. The installation of corner bead and subsequent finishing with drywall compound will cause the corner to no longer be a perfect right angle. This effect is virtually unnoticeable on longer walls. However, inevitably it is noticeable on short walls, with it being more prominent as the length of the wall is reduced. On very short walls, this may create a situation where a square rough framed corner becomes out of square by approximately 3/8 inches in 4-6 inches. This is a normal situation for finished drywall corners on very short walls and is not a deficiency or warranty item. Related Warranty Repairs If a drywall repair is needed as a result of poor workmanship (such as blisters in tape) or other warranty-based repair (such as a plumbing leak), Polycorp completes the repair by touching up the repaired area with the same paint that was on the surface when the home was delivered. If more than one-third of the wall is involved, we will repaint the affected wall from corner to corner. The homeowner is responsible for custom paint colours or wallpaper that has been applied subsequent to closing. The effects of time on paint and wallpaper, as well as possible dye lot variations, mean touch-ups may not match the surrounding area.

49 45 Easements Homeowner Use and Care Guidelines Easements are areas where such things as utility supply lines and sewer and water connections can pass through your property. They permit service to your lot and adjacent lots, now and in the future. Your lot may also include drainage easements if a large amount of runoff is expected from adjacent lots. Likewise, water from your property may run across a neighbouring lot. Easements are recorded and are permanent. Almost every lot in a development receives surface and subsurface water from adjacent lots and disposes of water onto adjacent lots. Easements are typically only put in place when larger water flows are expected and/or when flow is combined from 3 or more properties. Trees, shrubs, gardens, play equipment, storage sheds, fences or other items which you install in or across these easements may be disturbed if service entities (such as the electric or phone companies) need access to lines for repairs or to connect service to nearby home sites. Utility companies and others have the right to install equipment in easements. These might include items such as streetlights, mailboxes, or junction boxes. Neither Polycorp nor you as the homeowner have the authority to prevent, interfere with, or alter these installations. Plans for the location of such items are subject to change by the various entities involved. Because they have no obligation to keep Polycorp informed of such changes, we are unable to predict specific sites where such equipment may be required. Homeowners must be cognisant of uphill and downhill drainage patterns before making any grade alterations to the property as stated in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, Clause 5e of Schedule K - Protective and Restrictive Covenants as follows: The Grantee acknowledges that the Developer must grade all properties in the development so that they drain properly without creating problems on adjacent properties. The Grantee agrees that it will not change the grades or drainage patterns or flows established by the Developer. The Grantee agrees that the Developer may enter upon the property to make minor grading changes to accommodate the grading and drainage of other properties provided that such changes do not materially or adversely affect the property. See also Grading and Drainage and Property Boundaries. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Electrical System The electrical system in your home has been installed in accordance with the requirements of the provincial electrical code. The power supply to the home is usually underground, or could be by overhead cable. Know

50 the location of the breaker panel, and of the main breaker, so that in the event of an emergency, you will be prepared. The main power shut-off is located inside the electrical panel. Breakers Circuit protection is via circuit breakers located in the electrical panel. Individual breakers control the separate circuits. Each breaker is marked to help you identify which breaker is connected to which major appliances, outlets, or other service. Should a failure occur in any part of your home, always check the breakers in the main panel box. Circuit breakers have three positions: on, off and tripped. When a circuit breaker trips, it must first be turned off before it can be turned on. Switching the breaker directly from tripped to on will not restore service. Breakers Tripping Breakers trip because of overloads caused by plugging too many appliances into the circuit, a worn cord or defective appliance, operating an appliance with too high a voltage requirement for the circuit or exposure to moisture or water. The starting of an electric motor can also trip a breaker. If any circuit trips repeatedly, unplug all items connected to it and reset. If the circuit remains on after you have done that, then you know that one or more of the items you unplugged is defective and will require repair or replacement. If it trips when nothing is connected to it, you need an electrician to investigate the source of the problem. Buzzing Fluorescent fixtures use transformer action to operate. This action sometimes causes a buzzing or vibration. Fixture Location Polycorp installs light fixtures in the locations approximately as indicated on the plans or as discussed during the pre-wiring walk-through. Moving fixtures to accommodate specific furniture arrangements or room use is the homeowner s responsibility. GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters) A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is an additional electrical safety device installed in the electrical system. This device is a circuit breaker that can be located in the main electrical panel or within specialty outlet receptacles and is designed to provide protection from ground faults. 46

51 GFCI receptacles have a built-in element that senses fluctuations in power. The GFCI is extremely sensitive and will trip if grounding of the electrical current is detected. Building codes require installation of these receptacles in bathrooms, the kitchen, outside, garage and areas where an individual can come into contact with water while holding an electric appliance or tool. The GFCI receptacles in a home are normally configured as follows: All bathrooms are protected from one GFCI receptacle that is normally located in the lower/basement level bathroom. All exterior plugs are protected from one GFCI receptacle located on the outside of the house the location varies. All kitchen counter plugs are protected from one GFCI receptacle located somewhere in the kitchen. Ground faults usually occur in older appliances and electrical equipment. Caution: Never plug a refrigerator or food freezer into a GFCI-controlled outlet. The likelihood of the contents being ruined is high and the limited warranty does not cover such damage. GFCI outlets should be tested monthly to ensure their proper operation. Each GFCI circuit has a test and reset button. Once each month, press the test button. This will trip the circuit. To return service, press the reset button. If a GFCI breaker trips during normal use, it may indicate a faulty appliance and you will need to investigate the problem. One GFCI breaker can control multiple outlets. AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters) An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) is a circuit breaker designed to prevent fires by detecting a non-working (i.e., non-intended/non-useful) electrical arc and disconnecting the power before the arcs starts a fire. Conventional circuit breakers only respond to overloads and short circuits; so they do not protect against arcing conditions that produce erratic current. An AFCI is selective so that normal arcs do not cause it to trip. NOTE: By code, there are 2 to 3 AFCIs per home; all bedroom plugs are protected by arc fault breakers in the electrical panel. Often vacuum cleaners will trip the arc fault breakers. Grounded System Your electrical system is a three-wire grounded system. Never remove the bare wire that connects to the box or device. 47

52 48 Light Bulbs You are responsible for replacing burned-out bulbs other than those noted during your preclosing inspection. The one-year builder s warranty does not cover builder supplied light bulbs. Modifications If you wish to make any modifications, contact an electrician. Having another electrician modify your electrical system during the warranty period can void that portion of your limited warranty. Outlets If an outlet is not working, check first to see if it is controlled by a wall switch, GFCI or arc fault breaker. Next, check the breaker. Underground Cables Before digging, check the location of buried service leads by calling the local utility locating service. Maintain positive drainage around the foundation to protect electrical service connections. Under or Over-Cabinet Lights Under or over-cabinet lighting provides either task lighting or atmosphere to your kitchen. We suggest you note the size and type of bulbs in these fixtures and keep replacements on hand. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines During the pre-closing inspection, we confirm that light fixtures are in acceptable condition and that all bulbs are working. Polycorp's limited warranty excludes any fixture supplied by the homeowner. Designed Load Polycorp will repair any electrical wiring that fails to carry its designed load to meet specifications for the base house. If electrical outlets, switches or fixtures do not function as intended, Polycorp will repair or replace them. Polycorp will not be responsible for appliances or equipment that place loads on the electrical service that exceed the service s capacity to perform as designed and installed (e.g. hot tubs, wall ovens, etc). Always get professional assistance when considering adding large electrical loads to your home.

53 49 GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters) Polycorp is not responsible for food spoilage that results from your plugging refrigerators or freezers into a GFCI outlet. Power Surge Power surges are the result of local conditions beyond the control of Polycorp and are excluded from limited warranty coverage. These can result in burned-out bulbs or damage to sensitive electronic equipment such as TVs, alarm systems, and computers. Damage resulting from lightning strikes is excluded from limited warranty coverage. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Expansion and Contraction Changes in temperature and humidity cause all building materials to expand and contract. Dissimilar materials expand or contract at different rates. This movement results in separation between materials, particularly dissimilar ones. You will see the effects in small cracks in drywall and in paint, especially where moldings meet drywall, at mitered corners, and where tile grout meets tub or sink. While this can alarm an uninformed homeowner, it is normal. Shrinkage of the wood members of your home is inevitable and occurs in every new home. Although this is most noticeable during the first year, it may continue beyond that time. In most cases, caulk and paint are all that you need to conceal this minor evidence of a natural phenomenon. Even though properly installed, caulking shrinks and cracks. Maintenance of caulking is your responsibility. Polycorp Limited Warranty Polycorp provides one-time repairs to many of the effects of expansion and contraction. See individual categories such as Drywall and Caulking for details. Fencing The use of fences of any kind at Ravenscraig is strongly discouraged while the use of shrubbery, trees and planting beds is strongly encouraged as a means of defining or in order to define elements of personal space within individual properties. However, fencing will be considered by the Grantor or the Residents Association subject to a written submission. Please refer to Schedule K, Clause 2(c) in the Restrictive Covenants. Fencing will not be included with your home; with permission as described above, you may have it installed by an installer of your choice after you take possession of the home.

54 50 Residents Association and Protective and Restrictive Covenants If you are considering adding fencing after moving into your new home, you can find out more about how to obtain approval, either from the Grantor or the Residents Association. Specific requirements about style, height, materials and position on the lot are described in the Protective and Restrictive Covenants which were included as Schedule K in your Agreement of Purchase and Sale, and also as part of your closing documents when you purchased your new home. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines All types of fencing require some routine attention. As Polycorp does not include or install fencing as part of your new home, we do not confirm or warranty its good condition. Drainage In planning, installing, and maintaining fencing, ensure that you allow existing drainage patterns to function unimpeded. When installing a fence, use caution in distributing soil which has been removed to set posts in order to avoid blocking drainage swales. Plan enough space under the bottom of a wood fence for water to pass through. Polycorp recommends that you engage the services of professionals to install your fence. Be certain to inform a fence installer of all design review requirements and the Protective and Restrictive Covenants. Polycorp is not responsible for damage caused by fence installers to the exterior finishes of the home or underground plumbing and electrical piping and wiring. See also Property Boundaries. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Gas Fireplace Fireplace Polycorp offers direct-vent gas fireplaces. If you ordered this type of fireplace please read and follow all manufacturers directions. A slight delay between turning the switch on and flame ignition is normal. The flames should ignite gently and silently. If you notice any deviation from this and notice any gas smell, immediately shut off the switch and report it to your propane supplier.

55 Excessive winds can cause a downdraft, which can blow out the pilot, requiring you to relight it before using the fireplace. Caution: The exterior vent cover for a direct-vent gas fireplace becomes extremely hot when the fireplace is operating. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Fireplaces are not intended to be the sole or primary heat source in the home. The fireplace should function properly when Polycorp's and the manufacturer's directions are followed. Downdraft Although extremely high winds can result in a downdraft, this condition should be temporary and occasional. We will determine and correct continuous malfunction if caused by a construction or design defect. Glass Doors During the pre-closing inspection we confirm that glass fireplace doors, when included with the home, are in acceptable condition. Water Infiltration During unusually heavy or prolonged precipitation, especially when accompanied by high winds, some water can enter the home through the side wall vent. The limited warranty excludes this occurrence. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Foundation We install the foundation of your home according to the recommendations of our consulting engineer. The walls of the foundation are poured concrete using insulating concrete forms (ICF) and steel reinforcing rods. To protect your home's foundation, follow the guidelines in this manual for installation and maintenance of landscaping and drainage. Cracks Even though an engineer designed the foundation and we constructed it according to engineering requirements, surface cracks can still develop in the wall. Surface cracks are not 51

56 detrimental to the structural integrity of your home. If a crack develops in a foundation wall that allows water to come through, follow the procedures for submitting a warranty claim. Dampness Basement levels of homes may have a higher level of moisture which can cause condensation to form on water lines and drip onto the floor. Future Construction in Basement If you decide to perform additional construction in the basement, obtain a building permit and comply with all codes and safety requirements. Polycorp does not warrant that you will be able to obtain such a permit because of the possibility that building codes may change. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines The foundation of your home has been designed and installed according to the recommendations of an engineer. Cosmetic Imperfections Slight cosmetic imperfections in foundation walls, such as a visible seam where two pours meet or slight honeycombing (aggregate visible), are possible and require no repair unless they permit water to enter. Cracks Shrinkage or backfill cracks are not unusual in foundation walls, especially at the corners of basement windows. Polycorp will seal cracks that exceed 1/8 inch in width. Leaks Polycorp will correct conditions that permit water to enter the basement during the one-year builder s warranty period, provided you have complied with the drainage, landscaping, and maintenance guidelines. 52 Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Garage Overhead Door Since the garage door is a large, moving object, periodic maintenance is necessary.

57 53 Life Span Your garage door assembly includes a pre-tensioned spring. The springs have a rated lifespan measured in cycles. A cycle is one opening/closing of the door. Springs typically used have a rating of 10,000 cycles which means that the door will open and close approximately this many times before the springs will break. Based on your own usage pattern, you can roughly calculate the life expectancy of the spring. Spring replacement is a normal maintenance item. Weather Strip Monitor the weather stripping to ensure it is not damaged. The weather stripping is installed around the entire garage door. Operation Ensure that the door opens and closes fully and properly without any problems. Light Visible Garage overhead doors cannot be airtight. Some light will be visible around the edges and across the top of the door. Weather conditions may result in some precipitation entering around the door as well as some dust, especially until most homes in the community have landscaping installed. Lubrication Every 6 months, apply a lubricant such as silicone spray to all moving parts: track, rollers, hinges, pulleys, and springs. Avoid over lubricating to prevent drips on vehicles or the concrete floor. At the same time, check to see that all hardware is tight and operating as intended without binding or scraping. Opener To prevent damage to a garage door opener, be sure the door is completely unlocked and the rope-pull has been removed before using the operator. If you have an opener installed after closing on your home, we suggest that you order it from the company that provided and installed the garage door to assure uninterrupted warranty coverage. Be familiar with the steps for manual operation of the door in the event of a power failure. If Polycorp installed a door opener as one of your selections, during the pre-closing inspection we demonstrate the electric eye that provides a safety stop in the event someone crosses through the opening while the overhead door is in motion. Use care not to place tools or other stored

58 items where they interfere with the function of the electric eye. Knocking the electric eye out of alignment prevents the door from opening and closing properly. Refer to your operating manual for further information. Expect to replace the battery in the garage opener remote controls about once a year. The battery is usually a 9 volt. Safety Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and reliable operation. Do not allow anyone except the operator near the door when it is in motion. Keep hands and fingers away from all parts of the door. Do not allow children to play with or around the door. For your safety, after the expiration of the one-year builder s warranty, have any needed adjustments made by a qualified specialist. The door springs are under a considerable amount of tension and require special tools and knowledge for accurate and safe servicing. Have the door inspected by a professional garage door technician after any significant impact to the door. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines The garage door should operate smoothly and with reasonable ease. The door can become misaligned and require adjustment, which Polycorp will provide within the first year unless the problem is attributable to a problem created by the homeowner. 54 Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Gas Shut-Offs - Propane You will find shut-offs on gas lines near their connection to each item that operates on propane gas. In addition, there is a main shut-off at the tank. Gas Leak If you suspect a gas leak, leave the home and call your propane supplier immediately for emergency service.

59 55 Ghosting Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Recent feedback from homeowners (in both old and new homes) regarding black sooty stains which develop on surfaces in homes (on carpet, walls, ceilings, appliances, mirrors, and around area rugs - to list a few examples) have caused much investigation and research. The conclusion of the research and laboratory tests has been that the majority of this staining or "ghosting" results from pollution of the air in the home caused by burning scented candles and incense. Incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons as these candles burn contributes a considerable amount of soot to the air. This sooty substance then settles or accumulates on surfaces of the home. The sooty deposits are extremely difficult to remove; on some surfaces (light-coloured carpet, for instance), they are impossible to clean completely away. The popularity of scented candles has increased many-fold in recent years. If this is an activity that is part of your lifestyle, we caution you about the potential damage to your home. When this condition results from homeowners burning candles or other lifestyle choices, the resulting damage is excluded from our limited warranty coverage. See also Carpet. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Grading and Drainage The final grades around your home have been inspected and approved for proper drainage of your lot. Our engineer completes a drainage certification and local building authorities, as well as Polycorp, inspect the site. Yards drain from one to another. You and your neighbours share an overall drainage plan for the community. Use caution when installing landscaping, fencing, or additions to your home to prevent causing water problems on adjacent lots. Drainage (See also Easements) The intent of site drainage patterns is to prevent surface water from pooling near or against the perimeter foundation wall of your new home. This is accomplished by ensuring that the soil adjacent to the house is sloped away from the residence on all sides. Typically, the grade around your home should slope approximately six inches in the first 10 feet from the house, tapering to a 2 percent slope. In most cases, drainage swales do not follow property boundaries. Maintain the slopes around your home to permit the water to drain away from the home as rapidly as possible. This is essential to protect your foundation. Failure to do so can result in major structural damage and will void your warranty.

60 Window wells are a means of providing a basement window that is below grade. Window wells must be kept free of ice, snow, leaves and other debris which may block the drainage system and flood your new home. Some house models have a driveway that slopes toward the house, with a trench drain adjacent to the garage door. Ice, snow, leaves and other debris can block the flow of drainage and must be frequently maintained by the owner. In addition to the drainage considerations adjacent to your new home, overall property drainage systems may include surface depressions (swales), drain tile curtain drains and catch basins. Again, ice, snow, leaves and other debris can block the flow of drainage and must be frequently maintained by the owner. Care must be taken not to permanently alter the drainage flow so as to cause an ongoing drainage problem. During periods of excessive rainfall, standing water may occur due to soil saturation. Such conditions are beyond the control of the owner or builder. Drain tile In most jurisdictions, there is a requirement for a perimeter drain tile system to be located below the level of the basement floor. This system is generally comprised of perforated pipes that are covered with gravel to allow water to seep into them. This drain tile carries the water away from the perimeter of the house to prevent it from accumulating against the foundation wall or footing. The drain tile then carries the water to the municipal storm drain system or to a lower area on the property. Trench drains and area well drains (around some windows and doors) should be cleaned at least quarterly to remove any excessive sediment, leaves or other debris. Exterior stairwells are often equipped with a drain and/or a sump at the bottom of the stairwell to prevent flooding of the basement. These drains must be kept clear of debris. Deep rooted plants or trees next to the foundation walls should be avoided, as deep roots can clog a drain tile system. Exterior Finish Materials Maintain soil levels approximately 6 inches below siding or other exterior finish materials. Contact with the soil can cause deterioration of the exterior finish material and encourages pest infestations. 56

61 57 Roof Water Do not remove the splash blocks or downspout extensions from under the downspouts. Keep these in place at all times, sloped so the water drains away from your home quickly. Rototilling Rototilling can significantly change drainage swales. You can minimize this by rototilling parallel to the swales rather than across them. Settling The area we excavated for your home's foundation was larger than the home to allow room to work. In addition, some trenching is necessary for installation of utility lines. Although we replaced and then compacted the soil, it does not return to its original density. Following construction, depressions due to soil compaction may occur adjacent to the foundation walls, especially after prolonged or heavy rainfall or melting of large amounts of snow. Settling can continue for several years. Inspect the perimeter of your home regularly for signs of settling and depressions. These depressions should be filled and graded to direct surface water away from the walls for a distance of at least 2 meters. At no time should water be allowed to pool against the foundation walls. Subsurface Drains Occasionally Polycorp installs a subsurface drain to ensure that surface water drains from a yard adequately. Keep this area, and especially the drain cover, clear of debris so that the drain can function as intended. See also Landscaping. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines We established the final grade to ensure adequate drainage away from the home. Maintaining this drainage is your responsibility. If you alter the drainage pattern after closing, or if changes in drainage occur due to lack of maintenance, the limited warranty is void. Backfill Settlement Backfilled or excavated areas around the foundation and at utility trenches should not interfere with the drainage away from your home. If these areas settle excessively during the first year, Polycorp will fill the areas as a one-time repair.

62 58 Erosion Polycorp is not responsible for weather-caused damage to landscaped yards or weather-caused damage to non-landscaped natural areas after the closing date. New Sod New sod installation and the extra watering that accompanies it can cause temporary drainage problems, as can unusually severe weather conditions. Grade at Time of Delivery Polycorp documents the grades that exist at the time of delivery of your home or as soon thereafter as possible. The ground must be dry and free of frost to make these determinations. Once final grades are set, Polycorp will inspect drainage problems reported in writing during the warranty period, compare grades and/or drainage directions to those originally established and advise you on corrective actions you might take. Swales Polycorp does not alter drainage patterns to suit individual landscape plans. Typically, a lot receives water from and passes water on to other lots, so changes in grade often affect adjacent or nearby lots. Polycorp advises against making such changes. After heavy rain or snow, water may stand in swales up to 48 hours. Winter Grading Due to weather conditions, especially during winter and early spring, the final grade may not have been established at the time of closing. We document the status of your grading at the time of delivery. When conditions permit, grading work will continue. Homeowners should confirm that we have completed their grading before doing any additional landscaping. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Gutters and Downspouts Check gutters periodically (at least twice a year, and after every heavy windstorm or after prolonged periods of freezing and thawing) and remove leaves or other debris such as particles from asphalt shingles. Materials that accumulate in gutters can slow water drainage from the roof, cause overflows, and clog the downspouts. When cleaning out the gutters, do not allow the leaves and debris to clog the downspout pipes.

63 59 Downspouts or Splashblocks Downspouts should discharge outside of rock or bark beds so that water does not become dammed behind the edging materials that might be used. Ladders Use caution when leaning ladders against gutters, as this may cause dents. Leaks If a joint between sections of gutter drips, caulk the inside joint using a commercial gutter caulking compound available at hardware stores. Snow and Ice Clear excess snow from downspouts as soon as possible to allow the gutter to drain and to prevent damage. Severe ice or snow build-up can damage gutters, and such damage is not covered by the limited warranty. See also Roof/Ice Dam. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Gutters over 3 feet long are installed with a slight slope so that roof water will flow to the downspouts. Leaks We correct leaks that occur during the warranty period. Overflow Gutters may overflow during periods of excessively heavy rain. This is expected and requires no repair. Standing Water Small amounts of water (up to one inch) will stand for short periods of time in gutters immediately after rain. No correction is required for these conditions.

64 60 Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Hardware - Door Doorknobs and locks should operate correctly with little attention. Over time, they may need slight adjustments due to normal shrinkage of the framing. Occasionally, you may need to tighten screws or add lubrication such as powdered graphite. Interior door hardware can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and polished with a soft dry cloth. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines We confirm that all hardware is in an acceptable condition during pre-closing inspection. The limited warranty excludes repairs for cosmetic damage subsequent to the pre-closing inspection. Polycorp will repair hardware items that do not function as intended. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Hardwood Floors Engineered and Laminate In daily care of engineered hardwood or laminate floors, preventive maintenance is the primary goal. Cleaning NOTE: Please refer to the detailed floor care guide provided by Wacky s Carpet and Floor Centre. See Appendix F. Sweep on a daily basis or as needed. Never wet mop an engineered hardwood or laminate floor. Excessive water causes wood to expand and can possibly damage the floor. When polyurethane finishes become soiled, damp-mop with a mixture of 1 cup vinegar to one gallon of warm water. When damp-mopping, remove all excess water from the mop. Check with the hardwood company if your floor has a water-based finish. Dimples Placing heavy furniture or dropping heavy or sharp objects on engineered hardwood and laminate floors can result in dimples.

65 61 Filmy Appearance A white, filmy appearance can result from moisture, often from wet shoes or boots. Furniture Legs Install proper floor protectors on furniture placed on engineered hardwood and laminate floors. Protectors will allow chairs to move easily over the floor without scuffing. Regularly clean the protectors to remove any grit that may have accumulated. Humidity Engineered hardwood and laminate floors respond noticeably to changes in humidity in your home. Especially during winter months the individual planks or pieces expand and contract as water content changes. A humidifier helps but does not eliminate this reaction. Mats and Area Rugs Use protective mats at the exterior doors to help prevent sand and grit from getting on the floor. Gritty sand is wood flooring's worst enemy. However, be aware that rubber backing on area rugs or mats can cause yellowing and warping of the floor surface. Grit that gets trapped under carpet backings can also act as an abrasive on engineered hardwood and laminate floors. Salt Salt used for winter season ice control is often carried into homes. Salt is hard, sharp and abrasive and can cause scratches and gouges in engineered hardwood and laminate flooring. Separation Expect some shrinkage around heat vents or any heat-producing appliances, or during seasonal weather changes. See also Warping in this category. Shoes Do not wear high heeled shoes on engineered hardwood and laminate floors. High heels that are in good repair, even when worn by a person of slight or average build, can produce a load that exceeds 1,000 pounds of pressure per square inch on the floor. Heels that have lost their protective cap (thus exposing the fastening nail) will exert over 8,000 pounds of pressure per

66 62 square inch on the floor. That is enough to damage hardened concrete; it will mark your engineered hardwood and laminate floors. Spills Clean up food spills immediately with a dry cloth. Use a solution of vinegar and warm water for tough food spills. Splinters When floors are new, small splinters of wood can appear. Sun Exposure Exposure to direct sunlight can cause irreparable damage to engineered hardwood and laminate floors. Floors can change colour over time with sun exposure; this is normal. Colour change may not be uniform and may occur at different rates. To preserve the beauty of your engineered hardwood and laminate floors, install and use window coverings in these areas. Traffic Paths A dulling of the finish in heavy traffic areas is likely. Warping Warping will occur if the floor repeatedly becomes wet or is thoroughly soaked even once. Wax Waxing and the use of products like oil soap are neither necessary nor recommended. Once you wax a polyurethane finish floor, recoating is difficult because the new finish will not bond to the wax. The preferred maintenance is preventive cleaning. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines During the pre-closing inspection we will confirm that the engineered hardwood and laminate floors are in acceptable condition. We will correct any readily noticeable cosmetic defects listed during the preclosing inspection. You are responsible for routine maintenance of engineered hardwood and laminate floors.

67 63 Separations Shrinkage will result in separations between the members of engineered hardwood and laminate floors. If these exceed 1/8 inch, Polycorp will fill them one time. Polycorp is not responsible for removing excess filler that appears on the surface if the boards expand due to subsequent changes in humidity and expel the filler. Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) and Condensation Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines When warm, moist air comes into contact with cooler surfaces, the moisture condenses. Outside we see this as dew; inside you may see it as a layer of moisture on glass windows and doors. This condensation comes from high humidity within the home combined with low outside temperatures and inadequate ventilation. Family lifestyle significantly influences two out of three of these conditions. New Construction Some experts have estimated that a typical new home contains 50 gallons of water. Water is part of lumber, concrete, gypsum board, paint, caulk, and other materials used in building. Wet weather during construction adds more moisture. This moisture evaporates into the air as you live in your new home, adding to the moisture generated by normal living activities. Over time, the construction-related source of moisture will diminish. Normal Activities As you live in your home, your daily lifestyle contributes to the moisture in the air also. Cooking, laundry, baths and showers, aquariums, plants and so on all add water to the air in your home. Conversely, your daily routine can mitigate the amount of moisture in your home and reduce condensation on interior surfaces. Temperature Avoid setting your thermostat at extreme temperatures. Excessively heating your home will cause the materials to dry out faster, generating more moisture into the air; drying the materials out too fast also increases shrinkage cracks and separations.

68 64 Ventilation Develop the habit of using exhaust fans in bathrooms and the over the stove vent fan. When weather conditions permit, open windows so fresh air can circulate through your home. Keep the dryer exhaust hose clean and securely connected. Heat Recovery Ventilation System Your home receives a slow, steady amount of fresh air inflow from the outside via an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) unit. The HRV unit is installed in the storage/mechanical room on the lower level. The HRV brings air into the home, and exhausts air out of the home via the bathroom fan openings and other vents. In other words, there is a constant small amount of air being exhausted out of the bathrooms through the bathroom fans (even when the bathroom fan is not turned on) and an exhaust system in the kitchen ceiling or wall. This ensures that there is a controlled amount of air exchange to the home in accordance with building code requirements. The bathroom fans, when turned on, exhaust through the HRV. We recommend that you DO NOT TURN YOUR HRV OFF. If you do, the moist air from the bathroom activities (showers, etc.) will stay in your home as there can be a long run of piping to the outside of the home and the HRV is required to move the moist air all the way to the outside. Excessive moisture in the air will become evident when the windows start to accumulate an excessive amount of condensation on cold days. Your HRV unit is an integral part of maintaining proper air quality in your home as well as the appropriate level of relative humidity. The relative humidity is particularly important for homeowners who have installed hardwood flooring. It is very important that you leave your HRV unit on at all times even if you are expecting to be away from your home for an extended period of time. See also Ventilation. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Condensation results from weather conditions and a family's lifestyle. Polycorp has no control over these factors. The limited warranty coverage excludes condensation. Heating System and Timers Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines All of the levels of your new home are equipped with an in-floor radiant hot water heating system. High

69 efficiency boilers heat the water for the in-floor radiant hot water heating system. Hot water pipes are encapsulated in a thick layer of concrete running throughout your house. The encapsulation of hot water pipes in the concrete material allows the building to qualify for NS Power Time-of-Day metering. The principal is that heat can be stored in the mass of the concrete slab during off-peak electrical demand periods to minimize electrical demand during peak periods of electrical demand (and rates). This concept is called Electric Thermal Storage. Installed in your home is a Time-of-Day meter which will measure the amount of electricity used by the occupants of the home at peak versus off-peak times of the day and night, based on a schedule that NS Power has developed and has been approved by the Nova Scotia Utility Review Board. Timing is important! Polycorp makes special arrangements with Nova Scotia Power to have the Time-of-Day meters installed in each home at Ravenscraig, either at closing or shortly thereafter. You MUST closely review the Time of Day Charts so that you fully understand the electricity rate structure. See the Appendix C for Time of Day Charts. Basically, the idea is to avoid or minimize electrical consumption during the regular or peak periods, and to shift your electrical demand to the off-peak periods. This is a great way to save money. Heating System Controls There are two factors involved in the control of the heating system of your Ravenscraig home temperature and timing. Not all homes have the same system: Group 1 - Two Aube timers are located in the mechanical room; one controls the timing of the heating system and the other controls the timing of power to the hot water tank. Nonprogrammable thermostats, which control the temperature of the heating system, are located in each heating zone. Each zone can be set to the temperature which is desired for that zone. Group 2 One Aube timer is located in the mechanical room; it controls the timing of power to the hot water tank. Programmable thermostats, which control both the timing and the temperature of the heating system, are located in each heating zone. Each zone can be set to the temperature which is desired for that zone, and can also be programmed to come on and off at the times desired (keeping in mind that adherence to off-peak times per the NS Power Time of Day Charts is most economical). Group 2 uses two different types of programmable thermostats: a) Earlier models used an Aube Model TH programmable thermostat. b) Later models use programmable thermostat Honeywell Model Thermostat Pro Before you can understand how to control the heating system in your home, you need to know which type of system you have. Take a look in the mechanical room to see if there is one Aube timer or two 65

70 (see Appendix D for a photo of an Aube timer). If there are two, you are in Group 1. Otherwise you are in Group 2. You can determine the type of the thermostats by a simple visual inspection of the thermostats (see Appendix D). Operating instructions for both models of the programmable thermostats are provided in this manual (see Appendix E). See below for a more detailed explanation of the various systems. Group 1 Whole House Central Timer The earliest Ravenscraig houses use an Aube timer - Model TH , which is located in the mechanical room. The Aube timer controls the times that heat is provided to the house by controlling the times at which circulating pump operates for the heating system. The circulating pump will only work in the periods that are programmed into the Aube timer, which should be consistent with NS Power s Time-of-Day system. With a Whole House Central Timer, the time when the heat comes on and off (for the whole house) is centrally shut on and off by the operation of the circulating pump. The temperature, however, is regulated by the non-programmable thermostats. It is important to understand that the thermostats are a secondary control and are subservient to the central Aube timer on the circulating pump. If a thermostat is set above room temperature, but the Aube timer is telling the circulating pump not to run, no heat will be delivered to that zone, notwithstanding that the thermostat is calling for heat. This system is distinguishable by the presence of two Aube Timers in the mechanical room (see Appendix D for a photo of an Aube timer) and by the fact that the thermostats throughout the house are not programmable. Group 2 Individual Zone Programmable Thermostats The second generation of heating system controls at Ravenscraig saw the introduction of a programmable thermostat on each heating zone. This allows each heating zone of the house to maintain its own schedule with respect to timing as well as temperature. Programmable thermostats are of two types: a) Earlier homes used an Aube Model TH programmable thermostat. b) Later homes use programmable thermostat Honeywell Model Thermostat Pro Homeowners can determine the model of the thermostats by a simple visual inspection of the thermostats (see Appendix D). Operating instructions for both models of the programmable thermostats are provided in this manual (See Appendix E). The boiler(s) for your home are located on the lower level in the storage/mechanical room. When you take possession of your home, your programmable thermostats or Aube timer will have been programmed by the in-floor radiant heating contractor to be shut off during the 7 a.m. 11 p.m. period Monday to Friday, unless the temperature falls below 65 F/18 C. The Aube timer controlling 66

71 the hot water tank will have been programmed by the electrician to be shut off during the 7 a.m. 11 p.m. period Monday to Friday as well. As the homeowner, it is your responsibility to check the thermostats and timers and verify their settings immediately upon taking occupancy of the home. The builder is not responsible for the homeowner incurring electricity costs at above optimal rates if the thermostats and timers are not programmed properly after the homeowner takes possession of the home. The above schedule is the simplest way to minimize regular or peak period consumption of electricity by the heating system. The Time-of-Day program is used by the builder to provide a method for the homeowner to meet the home's electricity requirements under a structured discount program. However, it is not reasonable to expect that there will not be some amount of standard or peak-rate electricity being consumed by the household. In particular, in the cold winter months it may not be the case that all of the areas in the house will remain comfortable from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. without a "top-up" (i.e. heat being turned on) in the mid-afternoon (within the 12 noon to 4 p.m. time period). The amount of non-discounted electricity consumption will vary depending on the exact home style, solar heat gain, lifestyle, personal preference etc. Homeowners are free to adjust the programming of thermostats and timers, as described above, to their personal preference. You should be aware however that if NS Power sees that a homeowner is not making an attempt to shift the demand/consumption from daytime peak load periods to off peak periods, NS Power may decide to remove the Time of Day meter and install a regular meter. NS Power does not want to give discounted off-peak electrical rates to people who do not try to co-operate with their demand-shifting program. The concrete encapsulates the heating lines that store the heat as a large radiator. The heat is radiated to the home while the boiler is running and well after the thermostat or timer turns the heat off during the daytime period (7a.m. to 11p.m. Monday to Friday). The thermal mass of this concrete requires several hours to come up to a temperature and then cool off. In other words, turning your thermostat up (or down) or your timer on (or off) will result in the home having a temperature change over an extended period that may take many hours to feel or notice. As well, the floor is warmed by a series of pipes that run through it in loops. The heat will be distributed in slightly different proportions in different areas depending on the exact layout of the pipes in your home. This will inevitably result in floor temperatures that vary noticeably. This will be most evident in the ceramic tile areas as the ceramic tile transfers the heat directly to foot traffic. The heat will not be distributed exactly evenly and you will find warm and cold spots in the ceramic tile, as well as other areas. As a result of your home being very well insulated by the ICF (insulating concrete forms) exterior walls, and being equipped with the low-e and argon filled energy efficient windows, the amount of heat that is actually required to heat your home is relatively small. This should result in the heating system not 67

72 needing to work overly hard to keep your home warm. The good thing about this is that it will translate into very reasonable, individually controlled heating costs. However, the floor will only feel warm when the heat has been running. Once your thermostat senses that the room is up to the set temperature, the heat will turn off. Please note that while the in-floor heating system allows your home to qualify for the Time-of-Day meters, the Time-of-Day electrical meter applies to all aspects of electrical consumption in your home. In other words, using your clothes dryer or oven at 9 a.m. on a Monday morning in December will attract the highest peak rate, while using it in the off-peak periods will attract the discounted rate. You will maximize your savings by shifting your electricity demand to the off-peak periods. Consider using the delay function on your washer and dishwasher to take advantage of the off-peak rate. Note: It is important that you are aware that for all homes, the hot water tank (which heats water for domestic use) is on an Aube timer located in the mechanical room. Again, the purpose of this is to shift demand to the off peak periods and allow you to save on your power bills. If all of the hot water in the tank is used early in the day, the water will only re-heat based on the programming schedule of the timer. See the Aube Thermostat User Guide in Appendix E for easy reference to operating the Aube timer. Heating Zones Another energy-savings feature of the heating system of your home is zoning. Your home comes with a heating system with a minimum of five (5) heating zones, so that you can decide, depending on how you will use the space, how warm or cool you wish each zone to be. Each heating zone has its own thermostat which can be programmed to heat that zoned space to a particular temperature, and, if it is programmable, to have a top-up mid-afternoon or not, depending on your personal preference. If the thermostat is not programmable, the Aube timer which controls the timing of the circulating pump can be programmed for a top-up. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines We will install heating systems according to local building codes, as well as to engineering designs of the particular model home. Heating systems shall be capable of maintaining a minimum indoor temperature of 22 C/71.6 F in living spaces. TIME OF DAY RATES Q & A Note: The information below has been taken from Nova Scotia Power s website. Some of the information may have appeared in other sections of this manual. What is the time-of-day rate? The time-of-day (TOD) rate is an optional rate available to residential customers. Customers who qualify 68

73 for the rate can take advantage of low-cost electricity by focusing on the time-of-day the energy is used. The rate reflects the actual cost to generate the electricity and provides low-cost electricity during off-peak energy-times. Various electric-based space heating systems qualify for use with the TOD rate by storing heat and releasing it through appropriate timing and controls. 69 What do you mean by "off-peak" times? There are different times throughout the day, and different seasons throughout the year, when the demand for electricity is higher. Nova Scotia Power must be able to produce and distribute enough electricity to meet these high demand "peak" times, but during low-demand or "off-peak" times, there is plenty of generating capacity available. To encourage customers to use the majority of their electricity during "off-peak" times, Nova Scotia Power offers the TOD rate. How can I use the majority of my power in "off-peak" times? There are various electric-based space heating systems that qualify for use with the TOD rate because they draw energy during low cost "off-peak" times and store the heat for release later in the day. This is known as thermal storage. A traditional electric-based space heating system uses power on demand and draws electricity as needed, when needed. An electric-based thermal storage space heating system draws the majority of its energy during "off-peak" times saving you money. What rate is in effect at what time? The time-of-day (TOD) schedule is easy to follow. Power used on weekends, holidays and during nighttime hours (11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) is charged at the "off peak" rate (approximately half of the regular residential rate). It is during this "off-peak" time that an ETS heating system will draw power, convert the energy to heat, and store it for controlled release over the course of the day. Your water heater can be controlled to heat during this time as well. The "mid-peak" period covers daytime power use from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. from March to November and from 12 noon until 4 p.m. in December, January and February. During this time, the cost for electricity is at the regular residential rate, while the nighttime and weekend cost remains at approximately half price. The "on-peak" (1.437 times the regular residential rate) period is in December, January and February from 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon and from 4:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. on weekdays only. During these months, energy used during nighttime hours (11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) and on weekends remains at approximately half the regular residential rate.

74 70 Time Hours Rate/Kilowatt Hour Reduction Weekends & Holidays Year round - 24 hours/day 6 /kwh Off-peak save approx 50% Weekdays March to November 7am to 11pm 11pm to 7am 12 /kwh 6 /kwh Standard rate Off-peak save approx 50% Weekdays December to February 7am to noon 4pm to 11pm 11pm to 7am noon to 4pm 15 /kwh 15 /kwh 6 /kwh 12 /kwh On-peak On-peak Off-peak Standard rate * Rates effective January 1, Rates vary based on approved NS Power rates. How can I save money with these rates? Your electric space heating and hot-water systems account for the majority of the electricity you use, so a significant way to save money is by using electricity at times when the lowest rates are in effect. You can do this automatically by using thermal storage for space heating and controlling your electric water heater. It's easy to cut costs even more by using appliances like your washer, dryer and dishwasher during the "off-peak" period. Optional appliance controls can help you do this automatically. All these things mean savings on your total electricity bill. How do you know what to bill me? Qualifying customers will have their regular electric meter replaced with a time-of-day (TOD) meter. A TOD meter records the amount of power used, the time-of-day the usage occurred, and the season that we are in. The TOD meter even keeps track of the holidays when power is approximately half the standard residential rate. The TOD meter measures all activity requiring power and the customer is billed at the cost in effect when the power is used. As an example, a TOD customer doing their laundry on a weekday during the "on-peak" period is paying a premium price for the power they use. The same load of laundry during the "off peak" is at approximately half of the standard residential rate.

75 71 Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Insulation As the last step in any work done in your attic (for example, the installation of speaker wire), you should confirm that the insulation is lying smoothly and evenly. Do not step on drywall ceilings, because this can result in personal injury or damage to the drywall. Electrical outlets normally emit noticeable amounts of cold air when outside temperatures are low. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Polycorp will install insulation to meet or exceed the building codes applicable at the time of construction and outlined as part of your purchase agreement. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Landscaping Providing complete details on landscape maintenance is beyond the scope of this manual. Many excellent books, videos, and computer software programs are available that offer your this information. Local nurseries and landscape professionals can also assist you. As per your agreement of purchase and sale, Polycorp will provide a landscaping package for your home which includes sod for front, side and rear yards, and shrubbery which has been selected as being appropriate for this climate. You may decide to expand on the landscaping package which will be provided as part of Polycorp s package. When planning your landscaping, think of proportion, texture, colour, mature size, maintenance needs, soft and hard surfaces, lighting, fencing, edging and water requirements. A beautiful yard requires considerable planning and regular attention. Most homeowners take years to achieve the yard they want. Planning to install items in stages can spread the cost and work over several seasons. The basic components of your landscaping will be installed during the construction of your home as soon as weather permits. Well-designed landscaping prevents erosion and protects the foundation of your home. Additions Before installing patio additions or other permanent improvements, consider soil conditions in the design and engineering of your addition.

76 72 Backfill We construct the foundation of your home beginning with an excavation into the earth. When the foundation walls are complete, the area surrounding them is backfilled. Soil in this area is not as compact as undisturbed ground. Water can penetrate through the backfill area to the lower areas of your foundation. This can cause potentially severe problems such as wet basements, cracks in foundation walls and floor slab movement. Avoid this through proper installation of landscaping and good maintenance of drainage. Backfill areas will settle and require prompt attention in order to avoid damage to your home and voiding of the structural warranty. Keep downspout extensions in the down position to channel roof runoff away from the foundation area of your home. Routine inspection of downspouts, backfill areas, and other drainage components is an excellent maintenance habit. See also Grading and Drainage. Bark or Rock Beds Do not allow edging around decorative rock or bark beds to dam the free flow of water away from the home. You can use a nonwoven landscape fabric between the soil and rock or bark to restrict weed growth while still permitting normal evaporation of ground moisture. Erosion Until your yard is established and stable, erosion will be a potential concern. Heavy rains or roof runoff can erode soil. The sooner you restore the grade to its original condition, the less damage will occur. Erosion is of special concern in drainage swales. If swales become filled with soil runoff, they may not drain the rest of the yard, causing further problems. Correcting erosion is your responsibility. You may need to protect newly planted seed with erosion matting, or reseed to establish grass in swales. It can take several years to fully establish your lawn in such challenging areas. Flowerbeds When installing flowerbeds, be careful not to interfere with the drainage system. Ensure that flowerbeds are graded away from the foundation wall and that some clearance is maintained between the ground level and the bottom of the exterior wall cladding, windows, doors and other elements of the home. Never allow soil or gravel to come in contact with untreated wood

77 73 materials or your exterior finish. Hired Contractors You are responsible for changes to the drainage pattern made by any landscape, concrete, deck, or pool contractor. Discuss drainage with any company you hire to do an installation in your yard. Do not permit them to tie into existing drainage pipes without approval from Polycorp. Natural Areas During construction, we remove construction debris from natural areas. Subsequent to closing, removing dead wood, tree limbs, fallen trees, or other natural items is your responsibility. Planning Locate plants and irrigation heads out of the way of pedestrian or bicycle traffic and car bumpers. Groves of trees or single trees should be spaced to allow for efficient mowing and growth. Group together plants with similar water, sun and space requirements. Plant Selection Plant with regard to your local climate. Favour native over exotic species. Consider ultimate size, shape and growth of the species. See also Property Boundaries. Requirements Check with your local building department before designing, installing or changing landscaping for any regulations that they require you to follow. Sod Newly placed sod requires extra water for several weeks. Water in the cool part of the day (ideally just before sunrise) at regular intervals for the first three weeks. Be aware that new sod and the extra watering it requires can sometimes create drainage concerns (in your yard or your neighbour's) that will disappear when the yard is established and requires normal watering. Once the grass is established, weekly watering is adequate. This will promote a deep root system that will result in a healthier, more drought-resistant lawn. Frequent, light watering results in a shallow root system that causes the lawn to dry out and die in drought conditions. For the same reason, grass should not be cut shorter than two inches in height.

78 Some minor settlement will occur over some areas of new lawns or landscaping. These areas should be filled and re-seeded in order to maintain a level surface. Weeds Weeds will appear in your new lawn whether seed or sod is used. The best weed control is a healthy lawn, achieved through regular care and attention. Apply appropriate fertilizer and use other environmentally friendly weed control methods as needed for optimal growth. Fertilizing twice a year will help control weeds and will promote a healthy lawn. Consult your local home and garden centre for suitable products. Investigate organic compounds for additional protection of the environment. Soil Mix Provide good soil mixes with sufficient organic material. Use mulch at least 3 inches deep to hold soil moisture and to help prevent weeds and soil compaction. Stones The soil in your area may have stones and rocks. Removing these naturally occurring elements is a maintenance activity. When Polycorp installs sod, large rocks will be picked up and surface raking performed. You will need to provide continued attention to this condition as you care for your yard. Trees Polycorp values trees as one of the features that constitute an attractive community and add value to the homes we build. We have taken great care to protect and preserve existing trees in the area of your home. In spite of our efforts, existing trees located on construction sites can suffer damage from construction activities; such damage can manifest months after the completion of construction. Damage to existing trees can be caused by such things as compaction of soil in the root zone, changing patterns of water flow on the lot, disturbing the root system, and removing other trees to make room for the home. The newly exposed tree may react to conditions it is unaccustomed to. Caring for existing trees, including pruning dead branches or removing these trees altogether, is your responsibility. Remember to water trees during the summer. 74

79 75 Mulch around trees and avoid tilling or planting flower beds around trees. This is especially important while trees are recovering from the construction process. Plant new trees or shrubs away from the house. Deep rooted plants or trees could interfere with the performance of the perimeter drainage system of the house. Newly planted trees or shrubs require a shallow depression around their base. The depression should be worked periodically to loosen the soil to allow air and water to penetrate to the root system. Once the plant is established (approximately 2 years), the depression can be filled in; however, never raise the soil above the level of the base of the trunk as this will kill the tree. Trees and other plant materials that exist on the lot when construction begins and are not part of any landscaping installed by Polycorp are excluded from warranty coverage. Utility Lines A slight depression may develop in the front lawn along the line of the utility trench. To correct this, roll back the sod, spread topsoil underneath to level the area, and then replace the sod. Before any significant digging, check the location of buried service leads by calling the local utility locating service. In most cases, wires and pipes run in a straight line from the main service to the pubic supply. See also Easements. Polycorp Limited Warranty Landscape materials we install are warranted for one growing season. Maintaining landscaping is your responsibility. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Mildew Mildew is a fungus that spreads through the air in microscopic spores. They love moisture and feed on surfaces or dirt. On siding, they look like a layer of dirt. To determine whether you are dealing with mildew or dirt, wipe the surface with a cloth or sponge dampened with bleach. If the bleach causes the surface to lose its dark appearance, you are most likely seeing mildew.

80 Cleaning mildew from your home is your responsibility. Solutions that remove mildew are available from local paint or home improvement stores. Wear protective eyewear and rubber gloves for this task; the chemicals that remove mildew are unfriendly to humans. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines We will remove any mildew noted during the pre-closing inspection. Polycorp warranty excludes mildew. 76 Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Paint and Stain The interior drywall surfaces of your new home are finished with latex (water-based) paint. As a result of changes in the formula for paint (such as the elimination of lead to make paints safer), painted surfaces must be washed gently using mild soap and as little water as possible. Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or scrub brushes as these will remove the paint. Ceilings are painted with flat paint which shows washing marks more easily than gloss paints do and is therefore virtually non-cleanable. Often better results come from touching up or repainting rather than washing the paint. Colours Where applicable, your selection sheets are your record of the paint and stain colour names, numbers and brands used in your home. Exterior Regular attention will preserve the beauty and value of your home. Check the painted and stained surfaces of your home's exterior annually. Repaint before much chipping or wearing away of the original finish occurs; this will save the cost of extensive surface preparation. Plan on refinishing the painted exterior surfaces of your home approximately every two to three years or as often as your paint manufacturer suggests. Climatic conditions control the chemical structure of the paint used on the exterior. Over time, this finish will fade and dull a bit. Depending on the exposure to weather of each surface, the paint on some parts of your home may begin to show signs of deterioration sooner than others. When you repaint the exterior surfaces of your home, begin by resetting popped nails and removing blistered or peeling portions of paint with a wire brush or putty knife. Sand, spot with

81 primer, and then paint the entire area. Use a quality exterior paint formulated for local climate conditions. Avoid having sprinklers spray water on the painted exterior surfaces of your home. This will cause blistering, peeling, splintering, and other damage to the home. Severe Weather Hail and wind can cause a great deal of damage in a severe storm, so inspect the house after such weather. Promptly report damage caused by severe weather to your insurance company. Stain For minor interior stain touch-ups, a furniture-polish-and-stain treatment is inexpensive, easy to use, and will blend in with the wood grain. Follow directions on the bottle. Touch-Up When doing paint touch-ups, use a small brush or roller, applying paint only to the damaged spot. Touch-up may not match the surrounding area exactly, even if the same paint mix is used. When it is time to repaint a room, prepare the wall surfaces first by cleaning with a mild soap and water mixture or a reliable cleaning product. We leave cans containing unused portions of paint used on your home. Store these with the lids tightly in place and in a location where they are not subjected to extreme temperatures. If you plan to use this paint for touch-ups, take it to the paint store for shaking by machine before use. Even so, touch-ups may not match the surrounding area exactly. Wall Cracks We suggest that you wait until after the first heating season to repair drywall cracks or other separations due to shrinkage. See also Drywall. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines During your pre-closing inspection we will confirm that all painted or stained surfaces are in acceptable condition. Polycorp will touch up paint as indicated on the pre-closing inspection list. You are responsible for all subsequent touch-up, except painting we perform as part of another warranty repair. 77

82 78 Cracking As it ages, exterior wood trim will develop minor cracks and raised grain. Much of this will occur during the first year. Raised grain permits moisture to get under the paint and can result in peeling. This is not a defect in materials or workmanship. Paint maintenance of wood trim is your responsibility. Fading Expect fading of exterior paint or stain caused by the effects of sun and weather. Polycorp limited warranty excludes this occurrence. Touch-Up Visible Paint touch-up is visible under certain lighting conditions. Wood Grain Because of wood characteristics, colour variations will result when stain is applied to wood. This is natural and requires no repair. Today's water-base paints often make wood grain visible on painted trim. Polycorp does not provide corrections for this condition. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Pests and Wildlife Insects such as ants, spiders, wasps, and bees and animal life such as woodpeckers, squirrels, raccoons, mice, and snakes and pigeons may fail to recognize that your home belongs to you. Addressing concerns involving these pests and wildlife goes with being a homeowner. Informational resources include, among others, the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife Division, Animal Services - HRM, pest control professionals, the Internet and public library. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Phone and Communication Jacks Your home is equipped with telephone, data and cable jacks. Initiating phone and Internet service, additions to phone and Internet service, and moving phone and Internet outlets for decorating purposes or convenience are your responsibility.

83 79 Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Polycorp will repair wiring that does not perform as intended from the telecommunications panel into the home. From the telecommunications panel outward, care of the wiring is the responsibility of the local communications service company. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Plumbing The plumbing in your new home consists of plastic piping for the supply of potable water throughout your home and ABS plastic piping for the waste disposal. Your plumbing system has many parts, most of which require little maintenance. Proper cleaning, occasional minor attention, and preventive care will assure many years of good service from this system. A main water supply shut-off has been provided, and can be used in the event of an emergency. It is often, but not always, located near the water meter. Additional shut-offs have been provided to the sink supply lines and toilets to allow for routine maintenance. Please become familiar with the locations of the water shut-offs in your home. P-traps are present at the outflow of all waste piping. These traps are designed to provide a barrier of water which prevents the entry of sewer gases into the home. Sinks or drains which are used infrequently may lose this water barrier due to evaporation. If sewer gases are detected, running water down the waste pipe will re-prime the trap and likely stop the odour. Aerators Even though your plumbing lines have been flushed to remove dirt and foreign matter, small amounts of minerals may enter the line. Aerators on the faucets strain much of this from your water. Minerals caught in these aerators may cause the faucets to drip because washers wear more rapidly when they come in contact with foreign matter. See also Dripping Faucet in this category. Basement Construction If you perform any construction in your basement, ensure that the plumbing lines in the basement are not isolated from the heating source without insulation being added.

84 80 Cleaning Follow manufacturer's directions for cleaning fixtures. Avoid abrasive cleansers as they remove the shiny finish and leave behind a dull and porous surface that is difficult to keep clean. Clean plumbing fixtures with a soft sponge and soapy water (a nonabrasive cleaner or a liquid detergent is usually recommended by manufacturers). Then polish the fixtures with a dry cloth to prevent water spots. Care for brass fixtures with a good-quality brass cleaner, available at most hardware stores. Refer to the manufacturer s recommended maintenance procedures for specific information relating to your fixtures. Special care must be given to acrylic and fiberglass fixtures. Clogs The main causes of toilet clogs are domestic items such as disposable diapers, excessive amounts of toilet paper, paper towels, sanitary supplies, Q-tips, dental floss and children's toys. Never dispose of these items, or hair, grease, lint or plastic in the toilet. New toilet designs use very little water per flush. This results in a lower volume of water carrying away waste. Sometimes more than one flush may be required. DO NOT use drain cleaner in the toilets as it may crack the fixture. Improper garbage disposal use also causes many plumbing clogs. Waste materials such as grease, fat and petroleum products should NOT be disposed of down any component of the plumbing system. These materials will accumulate in the piping, especially in the P-traps, and can significantly reduce the flow of water through the waste system. These substances are also very detrimental to the municipal sewage treatment systems. If you have installed a garbage disposal, always use plenty of cold water when running the disposal. This recommendation also applies to grease; supplied with a steady flow of cold water, the grease congeals and is cut up by the blades. If you use hot water, the grease remains a liquid, then cools and solidifies in the sewer line. Allow the water to run 10 to 15 seconds after shutting off the disposal. Hair build up in the tub and shower drain is the most common plumbing problem and can be dealt with by regular cleaning of the tub and shower drains. The use of plastic strainers over tub and shower drains are invaluable in preventing build-up of hair and other build-up. Clean a plunger drain stopper - usually found in bathroom sinks - by loosening the nut under the sink at the back, pulling out the rod attached to the plunger, and lifting the stopper. Clean and return the mechanism to its original position.

85 You can usually clear clogged traps either by removing debris from the trap or with a plumber's helper (plunger). Once partially cleared, very hot water may complete the job. A more severe blockage may require a plumber. If you use chemical agents, follow directions carefully to avoid personal injury or damage to the fixtures. Drain cleaner will remove finish from stainless sinks and potentially damage acrylic, fiberglass and porcelain surfaces; therefore they are not recommended. If a larger blockage occurs, the services of a plumber may be required. Dripping Faucet You can repair a dripping faucet by shutting off the water at the valve directly under the sink, then removing the faucet stem, changing the washer or cartridge and reinstalling the faucet stem. The shower head is repaired the same way. Replace the washer or cartridge with another of the same type and size. You can minimize the frequency of this repair by remembering not to turn faucets off with excessive force. (Please note that some manufacturers do not use rubber washers; instead they use one-piece cartridges.) Faucet Repair Faucets can generally be easily repaired by either replacing the damaged washer or the faucet cartridge itself. Basic home repair books describe how to repair typical faucets; however, due to variations in the methods of manufacturing, specific instructions may be required. Prior to beginning the repair, the water supply must be shut off at the shut-off valves provided. If such valves are not present, the entire water supply system will need to be shut off at the main shutoff valve. Contact a plumber if you are uncomfortable attempting this type of repair. Green staining of fixtures is a water-related issue due to the chemical compositions in the water and is not a builder defect. Fiberglass & Acrylic Fixtures For normal cleaning use a nonabrasive bathroom cleanser and sponge or nylon cleaning pad. Avoid steel wool, scrapers, and scouring pads. Auto wax can provide a shine and restore an attractive appearance. Freezing Pipes Provided the home is heated at a normal level, pipes should not freeze. Set the heat at a minimum of 55 F (13 C) if you are away during winter months. Keep garage doors closed to protect plumbing lines running through this area. 81

86 82 Use an ordinary hair dryer to thaw pipes that are frozen. Never use an open flame. Gold or Brass Finish Avoid using any abrasive cleaners on gold or antique brass fixtures. Use only mild detergent and water or a cleaning product recommended by the manufacturer. Jetted Tubs If your home includes a jetted tub follow manufacturer directions for its use and care. Never operate the jets unless the water level is at least one inch above the jets. Be cautious about using the tub if you are pregnant or have heart disease or high blood pressure; discuss the use of the tub with your doctor. Tie or pin long hair to keep it from away from the jets where it might become tangled - a potentially dangerous event. Auto wax will help seal and preserve your tub's surface. Avoid abrasive cleansers. Laundry Tub If you have a laundry room tub, the faucet does not have an aerator. This is to allow the laundry tub faucet to accept a hose connection. Leaks If a major plumbing leak occurs, the first step is to turn off the supply of water to the area involved. This may mean shutting off the water to the entire home. Then contact the appropriate contractor. Low flow toilets We have installed 6 litre, low flow toilets in your home. Flushing twice is occasionally necessary to completely empty the toilet bowl. Even though you flush twice on occasion, rest assured that overall you are saving water. Similarly, flow restrictors are manufactured into most standard faucets and shower heads and cannot be removed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Low Pressure Occasional cleaning of the aerators on your faucets (normally every three to four months) will allow proper flow of water. The water department controls the overall water pressure provided in the municipal water mains. Typically, there is a pressure reducing valve (PRV) installed in

87 83 Ravenscraig homes adjacent to the water meter. Do not attempt to adjust the PRV without consulting a plumber. Main Shut-Off The water supply to your home can be shut-off entirely in two locations. The first is at the street and the second is at the meter. Outside Faucets Outside faucets are freeze-proof, but in order for this feature to be effective, you must remove hoses during cold weather, even if the faucet is located in your garage. If a hose is left attached, the water that remains in the hose can freeze and expand back into the pipe, causing a break in the line. The hose also prevents the freeze-proof faucet from draining properly and can cause the faucet to freeze and rupture. Repair of a broken line that feeds an exterior faucet is a maintenance item. Note that Polycorp does not warrant outside faucets against freezing. Porcelain and Ceramics You can damage porcelain or ceramic enamel with a sharp blow from a heavy object or by scratching. Do not stand in the bathtub wearing shoes unless you have placed a protective layer of material over the bottom of the tub. If you splatter paint onto the porcelain or ceramic enamel surfaces during redecorating, wipe it up immediately. If a spot dries before you notice it, use a recommended solvent. Running Toilet To stop running water, check the shut-off float in the tank. You will most likely find it has lifted too high in the tank, preventing the valve from shutting off completely. In this case, gently bend the float rod down until it stops the water at the correct level. The float should be free and not rub the side of the tank or any other parts. Also check the flush handle. If it is too tight, it will prevent the rubber stopper at the bottom of the tank from sealing, resulting in running water. Shut-Offs Your main water shut-off is located near your water meter. You use this shut-off for major water emergencies such as a water line break or when you install a sprinkler system or build an addition to your home. Each toilet has a shut-off on the water line under the tank. Hot and cold shut-offs for each sink are on the water lines under the sink.

88 84 Stainless Steel Clean stainless steel sinks with soap and water to preserve their luster. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool pads; these will damage the finish. Prevent bleach from coming into prolonged contact with the sink as it can pit the surface. An occasional cleaning with a good stainless steel cleaner will enhance the finish. Rub in the direction of the polish or grain lines and dry the sink to prevent water spots. Avoid leaving produce on a stainless steel surface, since prolonged contact with produce can stain the finish. Also avoid using the sink as a cutting board; sharp knives will gouge the finish. Local water conditions affect the appearance of stainless steel. A white film can develop on the sink if you have over-softened water or water with a high concentration of minerals. In hard water areas, a brown surface stain can form appearing like rust. Toilet Tank Care Avoid exposing the toilet to blows from sharp or heavy objects, which can cause chipping or cracking. Avoid abnormal pressures against the sides of the tank. It is possible to crack the tank at the points where it is attached to the bowl. Tub and Shower Enclosures A shower curtain will prevent water from running onto the bathroom floor while the shower is in use. To prevent damage to the flooring or walls, any spills or puddles of water should be cleaned up immediately. Caulking is used to seal seams and prevent water from entering behind the enclosure. If a separation occurs around your bathtub between the tub and the wall tiles or between the wall and the enclosure itself, it should be filled immediately with a tub sealer or caulking compound available at any home supply centre. Leaving the gap unsealed could cause water damage to adjacent materials. Some tub enclosures have specific cleaning requirements. Generally, abrasive cleaners are not recommended and harsh chemical cleaners should be avoided entirely. Follow the manufacturer s recommendations for maintenance. Also, you should never step into a bathtub with shoes on as trapped grit and dirt can damage the tub surface. Water Filter or Softener If you install either a water filter or a water softener, carefully read the manufacturer's literature and warranty for your specific model.

89 85 Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines During the pre-closing inspection we will confirm that all plumbing fixtures are in acceptable condition and are functioning properly, and that all faucets and drains operate freely. Clogged Drain Polycorp will correct clogged drains that occur during the first 30 days after closing. If a household item or excessive hair is removed from a clogged drain during this time, we will bill you for the drain service. After the first 30 days, you are responsible for correcting clogged drains. Cosmetic Damage Polycorp will correct any fixture damage noted on the pre-closing inspection list. Repairing chips, scratches, or other surface damage noted subsequent to the pre-closing inspection list is your responsibility. Exterior Faucets Polycorp will repair leaks at exterior faucets noted on the pre-closing inspection list. Subsequent to pre-closing inspection, repair of a broken line to an exterior faucet is your responsibility. Leaks Polycorp will repair leaks in the plumbing system. If a plumbing leak caused by a warranted item results in drywall or floor covering damage, Polycorp will repair or replace items that were part of the home as originally purchased. We do not make adjustments for secondary damages (for example, damage to wallpaper, drapes, and personal belongings). Homeowner insurance should cover these items. Noise Changes in temperature or the flow of the water itself will cause some noise in the pipes. This is normal and requires no repair. Expect temperatures to vary if water is used in more than one location in the home at the exact same time. Supply Polycorp will correct construction conditions that disrupt the supply of water to your home if they involve service from the main water supply to your home, provided actions of yours have

90 not caused the problem. Disruption of service due to failure of the water department system is the responsibility of the water department to correct. 86 Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Property Boundaries A copy of the survey plan for the subdivision is available on request from Polycorp, your lawyer or the Land Registry Information Service (LRIS). A copy of the location certificate for your home should be available from your lawyer or the LRIS. During construction, some of the monuments that mark the lot corners may be affected or covered up by grading, excavation, installation of utility lines and other typical construction activities. If you wish to install a fence, swimming pool, add a deck or patio to your home or otherwise establish a permanent structure, we advise that you have professional surveyors locate and mark property boundaries to be certain they are accurate and you have found all corners. See also Easements. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Railings Stained or wood railings in your home require little maintenance beyond occasional dusting or polishing. Protect railings from sharp objects or moisture. Cover them during move-in so large pieces of furniture do not cause dents or scratches. Stained railings will show variation in the way the wood grain took the stain. Some designs show seams where pieces of wood came together to form the railing. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines During the pre-closing inspection we will confirm that all railings are in good condition. Polycorp installs railings in positions and locations to comply with applicable building codes. Railings should remain securely attached with normal use.

91 87 Roof Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines The roof of your new home is surfaced with 30 year laminated fiberglass shingles. The life expectancy of the roof will depend on the product used and the care and maintenance provided. The shingles on your roof do not require any treatment or sealer. The less activity your roof experiences, the less likely it is that problems will occur. Deflection of the roof sheathing or the lifting of the shingles due to expansion can cause variations in the roof surface which may be noticeable during different lighting situations when viewed from some angles. This is normal and requires no special attention. Clean Gutters Maintain the gutters and downspouts so that they are free of debris such as leaves, tree needles and moss so. This maintains their ability to quickly drain precipitation from the roof. Washed down by rain, particles from asphalt shingles can settle in the gutters and reduce their efficiency. As with the roof, the gutters should be checked for obstructions at least twice a year, and after every heavy windstorm or after prolonged periods of freezing and thawing. When cleaning out the gutters, do not allow the leaves and debris to clog the down pipes of your home. Ice Dam The roof and ancillary flashings must be kept free of debris and build up of ice or snow. On occasion, depending on conditions and exposure, as rising heat from inside your home melts snow on the roof, the water runs down and when it reaches the cold eaves, it may freeze. An accumulation of this type of ice dams the subsequent runoff and the water begins to back up, sometimes working its way up and under shingles, ultimately leading into your home through windows or ceilings. When ice dams occur, the snow and ice should be removed from the roof at the eaves and valleys. If your home design or orientation makes it vulnerable to this occurrence, you may want to install an electric gutter heater strip in the susceptible areas. Leaks If a leak occurs, try to detect the exact location. This will greatly simplify finding the area that requires repair when the roof is dry.

92 88 Limit Walking Limit walking on your roof. Your weight and movement can loosen the roofing material and in turn result in leaks. Never walk on the roof of your home when the shingles are wet - they are slippery. Severe Weather While cleaning the roof annually is recommended, the roof surface should also be checked for excess debris after every heavy windstorm. This is especially true if trees surround the home. Please note that coniferous trees will also deposit debris in sufficient quantities to impede the free flow of water. Loose, broken or missing shingles following heavy wind storms should be repaired or replaced. It should be noted that most manufacturer s warranties for shingles do not cover wind damage in conditions exceeding 80 km (50 mph) unless otherwise specified. Storm related damage is not the builder s responsibility; maintenance repairs should be made as soon as possible after such occurrences to prevent leakage. Leakage can cause serious damage to the interior of your new home or further damage to the remainder of the roof. After severe storms, do a visual inspection of the roof for damages. Notify your insurance company if you find pieces of shingle in the yard or shingle edges lifted on the roof. Skylights, Vents, etc. All penetrations through the roof, such as skylights, plumbing stacks, vents, etc., need to be checked annually and re-sealed as necessary. Venting Regardless of the type of roof material used, the area beneath the roof surface will be vented to the outdoors. Sloped roofs generally have an attic which is vented at the perimeter (eaves), gables or at the ridge of the roof. This unobstructed ventilation is crucial to the longevity of the roof and roofing material. At no time should you allow this venting to become blocked. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Polycorp will repair roof leaks other than those caused by severe weather, such as hail damage, or some action you have taken, such as walking on the roof. Roof repairs are made only when the roof is dry. Ice Dam An ice build-up (ice dam) may develop in the eaves during extended periods of cold and snow. This is a natural occurrence and generally is not the result of a builder defect. Your homeowner

93 89 insurance may cover this damage which is excluded from warranty. Inclement Weather Storm damage is excluded from warranty coverage. Notify your homeowner insurance company if storm damage is discovered. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Rough Carpentry Some floor and stair squeaks are unavoidable. Although Polycorp does not warrant against floor squeaks, a reasonable effort will be made to correct them. Floor Deflection Floors will deflect (bend), vibrate and bounce when walked on in accordance with building code and engineering design guidelines. This will be more noticeable next to hutches, bookcases, pianos, chairs, and other heavy furniture. This is not a structural deficiency and Polycorp will take no action for this occurrence unless the floor deflection exceeds 1/360th of the joist span. Floor Level Floors will be level to +/- 1/4 inch within any 32-inch distance as measured perpendicular to any ridge or indentation. Plumb Walls Polycorp will correct walls that are out of plumb more than 3/4 inch in an 8-foot distance or walls that are bowed more than 1/4 inch in any 32-inch measurement. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Sewage Ejector Pump A submersible sewage ejector pump system is used to pump sewage to the municipal sewage lines in the street in some houses at Ravenscraig where it was not possible to have the sewage flow by gravity to the sewer mains. The requirement for the pump is a function of the relative elevations of the house, the basement floor level, the street finished grade, the elevation of the sewer main lines and the length of pipe between the house and the street.

94 Sewage ejector pumps are powerful enough to pump sewage solids from a specially designed sump pit/ cistern to the sewer. The sewage pump tank is buried in the ground under the level of the basement floor of the house in the mechanical room. The waste is received into the sewage pump tank on a side inlet and there is a waste level float sensor that activates the pump once the sewage reaches a certain level. The ejector pump is inside the tank itself and is run by electricity. There is a discharge pipe that connects to the public sewer line and there is a check valve that prevents the backup of waste coming from the main sewer line into the house. There are two different pump configurations at Ravenscraig: 1. Whole House Pump System The entire house sewage is directed to a two tank system located in the mechanical room. A whole house pump system appears as shown in Appendix D and is distinguishable from a Basement Level System by the presence of two tanks in the basement floor. One of the pumps operates in one tank to remove the sewage to the sewer main. The other tank (with a separate pump) is a back-up pump that will only start to work if the main pump fails or is plugged. 2. Basement Level Pump System In a Basement Level System, there is only one sewage pump tank, as shown in Appendix D. The sewage pump tank system services only the basement level bathroom of the home. Tank Alarm System There is a separate alarm system on each sewage pump tank. A sensor will detect if the sewage tank exceeds a certain level. If the tank reaches this level, the alarm will ring. The alarm system is shown in Appendix D and is mounted on the wall in close proximity to the pump tank. If the tank alarm sounds, immediately cease the use of all water in the house that runs into the affected tank until you are able to establish the source of the problem. In a whole house pump system, the back-up pump will start working to provide ongoing sewage disposal until the first pump is unplugged or, if appropriate, replaced. Tank Capacity It is important to remember that the total capacity of a sewage tank is approximately 113 litres. The alarm will sound when the tank is reaching capacity. A typical bathtub holds many times the amount of sewage capacity left in the tank after the alarm sounds. Even flushing a toilet after the alarm sounds may fill the tank. The seal on the top of the tank is typically not 100% watertight. All plumbing fixtures are at a higher elevation than the sewage pump tank so that the continued discharge of water to the 90

95 tank will create pressure on the tank top interface. You should assume that the seal is NOT watertight and that some amount of leakage will occur onto the floor adjacent the tank. This is why it is imperative that water use be stopped immediately until the situation is reviewed. Important Pump Obstructions The most common cause for a pump to stop working is that someone has flushed a material other than toilet paper down the toilet. Any material other than toilet paper placed into the toilet could cause the pump to become plugged, so it is important that residents and guests to homes with sewage ejector pumps closely control the materials that are disposed via toilets. Small children are known to attempt to flush toys and other materials in toilets, which will plug sewage ejector pumps. Important Electrical Outages The sewage pump systems will not work during electrical outages. During electrical outages, homeowners must minimize water use that is directed to pumped systems. In whole house pump systems, this means absolutely minimizing the number of toilet flushes, etc. as the main tank and backup tank will otherwise quickly become full. Sewage water could then enter your basement by leaking out around the top of the pump tank or backing up from low level fixtures and drains. In basement level systems, homeowners should stop using the lower level bathroom altogether until the electricity service is restored. Homeowner insurance does not usually cover damage to your property from this source; you may want to obtain a rider to cover this. Important - Routine Testing In the case of a whole house pump system, homeowners should routinely check the back-up pump to ensure that it is working properly, and to make certain that the alarm sensors are working. This can be done as follows: Turn on a cold water tap in the basement level bathroom and flush the toilet a few times. This will fill the sewage tank. Make note of which pump runs this is the main pump tank system. Trace the electrical cord to the wall outlet and unplug the pump. As the water level in the tank rises from the tap continuing to run, the alarm should ring. You can unplug the alarm to silence it. When the main tank gets full, the water will overflow into the second tank. When the second tank reaches the level to operate the second pump, the second pump should operate. If the alarm sounds on the second tank before the second pump engages, there is a problem with the second pump that needs to be investigated. In order to test a pump and alarm in a basement level pump system, the same type of procedure as above can be used to test the pump and alarm sensor. After completion of the test, be sure to plug the pump and alarm back in. 91

96 92 Read and follow the manufacturer's directions for use and care of your sump pump. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines During your pre-closing inspection we will discuss the sewage ejector pump and confirm it is operational. The pump is classified as an appliance and is warranted by the manufacturer. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Shower Doors or Tub Enclosures Shower doors and tub enclosures require minimal care. Using a squeegee to remove water after a bath or shower will keep mineral residue and soap film to a minimum. A coating of wax can also help prevent build up of minerals and soap. Use cleaning products suggested by the manufacturer to avoid any damage to the trim and hardware. Avoid hanging wet towels on corners of doors; the weight can pull the door out of alignment and cause it to leak. Check and touch-up caulking on an as needed basis. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines During your pre-closing inspection we will confirm the good condition of all shower doors and tub enclosures. Polycorp warrants that shower doors and tub enclosures will function according to manufacturer specifications. Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Siding - Vinyl Siding expands and contracts in response to changes in humidity and temperature. Slight waves are visible in siding under moist weather conditions; shrinkage and separations will be more noticeable under dry conditions. These behaviors cannot be entirely eliminated. Wood and Wood Products Wood or wood-product siding will require routine refinishing. The timing will vary with climatic conditions. Maintain caulking to minimize moisture entry into the siding. Note that some paint colours will require more maintenance than others and some sides of the home may show signs

97 of wear sooner based on their exposure to the elements. Some wood siding, such as cedar, is subject to more cracking and will require more maintenance attention. Vinyl Vinyl siding, like paint, will inevitably fade over time, however the fade rate is somewhat slower with vinyl, and with any house cladding (e.g. vinyl, paint or others) the intensity of the color is in direct correlation to the rate of fade. Most manufacturers will warrant its vinyl siding products against excess fade beyond normal weathering see the manufacturer s warranty for more information and reporting provisions if you suspect excess fading. Generally, vinyl siding materials will not require refinishing. Vinyl siding will occasionally require cleaning. Due to the smooth surface, vinyl can be kept very clean by washing with a garden hose and mild detergent and some light scrubbing. Start at the top to avoid streaking. Extreme care should be taken when using a pressure washer to clean the exterior cladding. Excessive water pressure can cause damage to the surface of the cladding and/or force water into the wall cavity. Vinyl siding materials are installed loosely to allow for expansion and contraction due to the variations in the outside temperature. Damaged or very loose siding should be replaced or refastened to prevent further damage to the siding and to prevent the entry of water into the wall cavity. See also Paint and Wood and MDF Trim. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Polycorp warrants all siding to be free of defects in material and workmanship. We will confirm the good condition of the siding during your pre-closing inspection. Subsequent damage to the siding will by your responsibility to repair. Polycorp will caulk and apply touch-up paint to cracks that exceed 3/16 inch. We provide this repair as a one-time repair only near the end of the first year. Paint or stain touch-up may not match due to aging. We will correct any separation at joints or where siding meets another material if the separation allows water to enter the home. Polycorp will correct delaminating siding. 93 Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have been installed in accordance with the requirements of the

98 Building Code that was in effect at the time that a building permit was issued by the municipality. Read the manufacturer's manual for detailed information on the care of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. They should be tested monthly to ensure their proper operation. Please note that these devices are connected directly to the electrical system of your home and require batteries for backup in case of a power failure. Battery If a smoke and carbon monoxide detector makes a chirping sound that is a sign that the battery needs to be replaced. Follow manufacturer instructions for installing a new battery. Most smoke and carbon monoxide detectors use a 9 volt battery. Cleaning For your safety, clean each smoke and carbon monoxide detector twice a year with a vacuum to prevent a false alarm or lack of response in a fire. After cleaning, push the test button to confirm the alarm is working. Fire extinguishers It is highly recommended that owners purchase at least one fire extinguisher to be kept in a central location in the home. Locations Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed in accordance with building codes, which dictate locations. Polycorp cannot omit any smoke and carbon monoxide detector if requested by homeowners and homeowners should not remove or disable any smoke and carbon monoxide detector. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Polycorp does not represent that the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will provide the protection for which they are installed or intended. Prior to the pre-closing inspection, the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were tested to confirm that they are working. Homeowners are responsible for obtaining fire insurance. 94

99 95 Stairs Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines No known method of installation prevents all vibration or squeaks in a staircase. A shrinkage crack will develop where the stairs meet the wall. When this occurs, apply a thin bead of latex caulk and, when dry, touch up with paint. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Although Polycorp does not warrant against stair vibration and squeaks, a reasonable effort will be made to correct them. Ventilation Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Homes today are built more tightly than ever. This saves energy dollars but creates a potential concern. Condensation, cooking odors, indoor pollutants, radon and carbon monoxide may all accumulate. We provide mechanical and passive methods for ventilating homes. Your attention to ventilation is important to health and safety. Building codes require attic and crawl space vents to minimize accumulation of moisture. Attic Vents Attic ventilation occurs through vents in the soffit (the underside of the overhangs) or on gable ends. Driving rain or snow sometimes enters the attic through these vents. Do not cover them to prevent this. Instead, cover the insulation in front of the vent. When you do this, precipitation that blows in safely evaporates and ventilation can still occur. Daily Habits Your daily habits can help keep your home well ventilated: Develop the habit of running the hood fan when you are cooking. Use the bath fans when bathrooms are in use. Air your house by opening windows for a time when weather permits. Proper ventilation will prevent excessive moisture from forming on the inside of the windows. This helps reduce cleaning chores considerably.

100 96 See also Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) and Condensation. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines Polycorp warranty guidelines for active components (for example, exhaust fans) are discussed under the appropriate headings such as electrical systems, heating system and so on. Water Heater: Electric Homeowner Care and Maintenance Hot Water Tank Hot water for your home is provided by a 60 gallon hot water tank located in the mechanical room. The hot water tank is controlled by an Aube Model T1040 which has been programmed in conjunction with NS Power s Time-of-Day program. For more information on programming the Aube timer, see Heating System and Timers as well Appendix E at the end of the manual. The water temperature of the hot water tank can be adjusted on the thermostats located on the tank, and is easily adjustable. Carefully read the manufacturer's literature and warranty for your specific model of water heater. See also Heating System and Timers. Drain Tank Review and follow the manufacturer's timetable and instructions for draining several gallons of water from the bottom of the water heater. This reduces build-up of chemical deposits from the water, thereby prolonging the life of the tank as well as saving energy dollars. Also drain the tank if it is being shut down during periods of freezing temperatures. Carefully follow the instructions in the manufacturer's literature. Element Cleaning or Replacement The heating elements in the water heater will require periodic cleaning. The frequency is determined in part by the quality of the water in your area. Again, refer to the manufacturer s literature for step-by-step instructions and drawings, or contact an authorized service company.

101 97 Pressure Relief Valve Stay clear of the discharge line to avoid injury. See manufacturer's literature for diagrams and detailed instructions. Safety Keep the area around a water heater clear of stored household items. Never use the top of the water heater as a storage shelf. Temperature Temperature settings on an electric water heater are set by the manufacturer. Settings are a matter of personal preference and can be easily adjusted. Higher settings can waste energy dollars and increase the danger of injury from scalding. Hot water will take longer to arrive at sinks, tubs and showers that are farther from the water heater. Timer It is important that you are aware that your hot water tank (which heats water for domestic use) is on an Aube timer, the purpose of which is to shift demand to the off peak periods and allow you to save on your power bills. The Aube timer is located in the mechanical room. Some homes have two Aube timers, one for the heating system and one for the hot water tank. See Heating System and Timers to determine which system is in your home. See Appendix D for a photo of an Aube timer. See the Aube Thermostat User Guide in Appendix E for easy reference to operating the Aube timer. Please note that if all of the hot water in the tank is used early in the day, the water will not reheat until the heater comes on at 11 p.m. that night, unless you change the programming of the timer. When you take possession of your home, The Aube timer controlling the hot water tank will have been programmed by the electrician to be shut off during the 7 a.m. 11 p.m. period Monday to Friday. As the homeowner, it is your responsibility to check the timer and verify its settings immediately upon taking occupancy of the home. The builder is not responsible for the homeowner incurring electricity costs at above optimal rates if the timer is not programmed properly after

102 98 the homeowner takes possession of the home. Polycorp Limited Warranty Refer to the manufacturer's limited warranty for complete information regarding warranty coverage on your water heater. Windows, Screens, and Sliding Glass Doors Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Window glazing is typically made of glass. Current building standards require the use of double-glazed sealed units mounted in thermally broken frames. There is a wide assortment of frame types and the material used can vary widely. Contact a glass company or the window manufacturer for re-glazing of any windows that break. Glass is difficult to install without special tools. Windows may open in different fashions; they may slide horizontally or vertically, open outwards like a door or tilt open in the fashion of an awning. Typical windows require minimal maintenance. Window hardware should be cleaned and lubricated annually. Any accumulated grime or debris (both interior and exterior) should be removed from between the window and the frame. Most window designs incorporate a drainage track at the bottom of the window to collect any condensation that runs off of the glazing. These tracks will have weep holes to the outside to drain this moisture. These holes must be kept clean and can be maintained with a short piece of wire or a cotton swab. Condensation Condensation or frost on interior surfaces of the window and frame is the result of high humidity within the home and low outside temperatures. This is a ventilation issue and is not a fault with the window. Your family s lifestyle controls the humidity level within your home. Your home includes a Heat Recovery Ventilation unit (HRV); closely observe the manufacturer's directions for its use. Condensation can result in the growth of mold on the window frame that can be controlled with a mild solution of bleach and water.

103 99 Screen Storage and Maintenance Many homeowners remove and store screens for the winter to allow more light into the home and to allow for better air flow which reduces condensation. To make re-installation more convenient, label each screen as you remove it. Use caution: screens perforate easily and the frames bend if they are not handled with care. Prior to re-installing the screen, clean them with a hose and gentle spray of water. Sills Window sills in your home are made of MDF. The most common maintenance activity is dusting. Twice a year, check caulking and touch-up as needed. Protect MDF sills from moisture. If you arrange plants on a sill, include a plastic tray under the pot. Sliding Glass Doors Sliding glass doors are made with tempered glass which is more difficult to break than ordinary glass. If broken, tempered glass breaks into small circular pieces rather than large splinters which can easily cause injury. Keep sliding door tracks clean for smooth operation and to prevent damage to the door frame. Silicone lubricants work well for these tracks. Acquaint yourself with the operation of sliding door hardware for maximum security. Under certain lighting conditions, door glass may be hard to see. If you keep the screen fully closed when the glass door is open, your family will be accustomed to opening something before going through. You may want to apply a decal to the glass door to make it readily visible. Sticking Windows If sticking occurs or excessive pressure is required to open or close a window, apply a silicone lubricant. This is available at hardware stores. Avoid petroleum-based products. Tinting Applying tinting or foil lining to dual pane windows can result in broken windows due to heat build-up. Some manufacturers void their warranty on the windows if you apply tinting or foil lining. Contact the manufacturer to check on their current policy before you apply such coatings.

104 100 Weep Holes In heavy rains, water may collect in the bottom channel of window frames. Weep holes are provided to allow excess water to escape to the outside. Keep the bottom window channels and weep holes free of dirt and debris for proper operation. Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines We will confirm that all windows, screens, and sliding glass doors are in acceptable condition during the pre-closing inspection. Polycorp will repair or replace broken windows or damaged screens noted on the pre-closing inspection list. Windows should operate with reasonable ease and locks should perform as designed. If they do not, Polycorp will provide adjustments. Condensation Condensation on interior surfaces of the window and frame is the result of high humidity within the home and low outside temperatures. You influence the humidity level within your home; refer to the section of the manual related to the HRV, page 63. Condensation that accumulates between the panes of glass in dual-glazed windows indicates that the sealed unit has failed. The glazing unit will require replacement as there is not a method of repairing sealed units. Polycorp will replace the window if this occurs during the warranty period. If failure of the sealed unit occurs after the expiry of the first year of warranty coverage, contact the window manufacturer. Infiltration Some air and dust will infiltrate around windows, especially before the installation of landscaping in the general area. Polycorp warranty excludes this occurrence. Scratches Polycorp confirms that all window glass is in acceptable condition at the pre-closing inspection. Minor scratches on windows can result from delivery, handling and other construction activities. Polycorp will replace window glass that has scratches readily visible from a distance of 4 feet. Polycorp does not replace windows that have scratches visible only under certain lighting conditions. Tinting If you add tinting to dual-glazed windows, all warranties are voided. Damage can result from condensation or excessive heat build-up between the panes of glass. Refer to the manufacturer s literature for additional information.

105 101 See also Ventilation, Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) and Condensation Wood and MDF Trim Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines Shrinkage of MDF and wood trim occurs during the first two years or longer, depending on temperature and humidity. All lumber and MDF is more vulnerable to shrinkage during the heating season. Maintaining a moderate and stable temperature helps to minimize the effects of shrinkage. Wood will shrink less lengthwise than across the grain. Wood and MDF shrinkage can result in separation at joints of trim pieces. It is not uncommon for 8 foot lengths of wood or MDF trim materials to shrink by as much as ¼ inch, leaving sizeable cracks visible. You can usually correct this with caulking and touch-up painting. Shrinkage may also cause a piece of trim to pull away from the wall. If this occurs, drive in another nail close to, but not exactly in, the existing nail hole. Fill the old nail hole with putty and touch up with paint as needed. If the base shoe (small trim between base molding and the floor) appears to be lifting from the floor, this is probably due to slight shrinkage of the floor joists below. See also Expansion and Contraction Polycorp Limited Warranty Guidelines During the pre-closing inspection we will confirm that the trim is in acceptable condition. Minor imperfections in wood materials will be visible and will require no action. Polycorp will correct readily noticeable construction damage such as chips and gouges listed during the pre-closing inspection. Exterior Polycorp will caulk and apply touch-up paint to cracks in exterior trim components that exceed 3/16 inch. We provide this one-time repair only near the end of the first year. Paint or stain touch-up will not match. We will correct any separation at joints that allows water to enter the home. Raised Grain Because of the effects of weather on natural wood, you should expect raised grain to develop. This is normal and not a defect in the wood or paint. Warranty coverage excludes this condition.

106 102 APPENDICES Appendix A: Troubleshooting Tips 103 Electrical 103 Heating 103 Hot Water 104 Plumbing 104 Roof 105 Appendix B: Maintenance Schedule 107 Appendix C: NSP Time of Day Chart 108 Appendix D: Photos of Electrical, Plumbing & Ventilation Equipment 109 Appendix E: Timer & Thermostat User Guides 111 Appendix F: Wacky s Floor Care Brochure 126

107 103 APPENDIX A TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS ELECTRICAL No Electrical Service Anywhere in the Home Before calling for service, check to confirm that the: Service is not out in the entire area. If so, contact the utility company. Main breaker and individual breakers are all in the on position. No Electrical to One or More Outlets Before calling for service, check to confirm that the: Main breaker and individual breakers are all in the on position. Applicable wall switch is on GFCI is set (see details on GFCIs, Electrical System, page 46) Check arc fault breakers in electrical panel Item you want to use is plugged in Item you want to use works in other outlets Bulb in the lamp is good Even if the troubleshooting tips do not identify a solution, the information you gather will be useful to the service provider you call. HEATING No Heat Before calling for service, check to confirm that the: Thermostat is set to "heat" and the temperature is set above the room temperature. Breaker on the main electrical panel is on. There is a breaker for the electric boilers and a breaker for the circulating pump and zone valves. (Remember, if a breaker trips you must turn it from the tripped position to the off position before you can turn it back on.) Check Aube timer (Group 1 type installation only see page 111). Even if the troubleshooting tips do not identify a solution, the information you gather will be useful to the service provider you call.

108 104 HOT WATER No Hot Water Before calling for service, check to confirm that the Water heater breaker on your main electric panel is in the on position. (Remember if a breaker trips you must turn it from the tripped position to the off position before you can turn it back on.) Aube Timer is properly programmed. Temperature setting is on vacation or too low. Water supply valve is open. Refer to the manufacturer's literature for specific locations of these items and possibly other troubleshooting tips. Even if the trouble shooting tips do not identify a solution, the information you gather will be useful to the service provider you call. PLUMBING No Water Anywhere in the Home Before calling for service, check to confirm that the: Main shut off on the meter inside your home is open (See Appendix D, page 110 for photo) Main shut off at the street is open. Individual shut-offs for each water-using item are open. No Hot Water See Water Heater Leak Involving Sink, Tub, or Toilet Check caulking and grout. Confirm shower door or tub enclosure was properly closed. Turn water supply off to that fixture. Use other facilities in your home and report problem on next business day to your plumber.

109 105 Leak Involving a Main Line Turn water off at the meter in your home. Call emergency number for service. Back Up at One Toilet If only one toilet is affected, contact a plumber during normal business hours. Shut off the water supply to the toilet involved. Use a plunger to clear the blockage. Use a snake to clear the blockage. If you've been in your home fewer than 30 days, contact Polycorp or the plumber listed on your Emergency Phone Numbers sheet. If you've been in your home over 30 days, contact a router service or plumber. Sewer Back Up Affecting Entire Home If you've been in your home fewer than 30 days, contact Polycorp or the plumber listed on your Emergency Phone Numbers sheet. If you've been in your home over 30 days, contact a router service or plumber. Remove personal belongings to a safe location. If items are soiled, contact your homeowner insurance company. Even if the troubleshooting tips do not identify a solution, the information you gather will be useful to the service provider you call. ROOF Roof Leak Please keep in mind that roof leaks cannot be repaired while the roof is wet. If you experience a roof leak during the first year, please call the office. Confirm the source of the water is the roof rather than from any of the following: Plumbing leak Open window on a higher floor Ice dam Clogged gutter or downspout Blowing rain or snow coming in through building code required roof vents Gap in caulking

110 Where practical, place a container under dripping water. If a ceiling is involved, use a screwdriver to poke a small hole in the drywall to release the water. Even if the troubleshooting tips do not identify a solution, the information you gather will be useful to the service provider you call. Remove personal belongings to prevent damage to them. If damage occurs, contact your homeowner insurance company to submit a claim. Report the leak to Polycorp during first available business hours. 106

111 107 APPENDIX B Maintenance Schedule Begin care of your home with organized records, including information about all of its components and your furnishings. This information will make caring for your home easier, the records may be useful in completing tax returns, and will be valuable when you sell your home. Another worthwhile step is to inventory all equipment, appliances, furnishings, and personal belongings. A photo album containing pictures of each room is an excellent supplemental item. In addition to normal daily and weekly care, develop a schedule of preventative routines based on the information in this manual and the manufacturer literature you receive. A change of season creates special maintenance needs so plan for preparing your home for winter and summer. Task/Notes Frequency J F M A M J J A S O N D

112 APPENDIX C 108

113 109 APPENDIX D PHOTOS OF ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING & VENTILATION EQUIPMENT electrical panel communication panel hot water tank Honeywell Pro 2000 thermostat TH thermostat HRV unit HRV control boilers temperature/pressure gauge for boilers circulator pump

114 110 APPENDIX D PHOTOS OF ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING & VENTILATION EQUIPMENT heating zones circulator pump switch pressure tank Aube timer closed view Aube timer open view main water shut-off valve basement level sewage whole home sewage sewage ejector pump tank ejector pump ejector pump alarm

115 111 APPENDIX E AUBE TIMER MODEL T1040 PROGRAMMING GUIDE Programming Timers Program # 1 On Mon Sun Off Mon Sun 7.00 a.m. Program # 2 On Mon Sun p.m. Off Mon Sun Program # 3 On Saturday 7.00 a.m. Off Saturday Select Saturday Program # 4 On Saturday Off Saturday Program # 5 On Sunday 7.00 a.m. Off Sunday Select Sunday Program # 6 On Sunday Off Sunday 22.59

116 TI040 Installation and User Guide Industrial Indoor / Outdoor Timer Applications 1. Power-On 3. Load type Maximum load Examples Resistive load Inductive load Motor 30 A 10 A VAC VAC incandescent lights halogen lights block heater fluorescent lights compact fluorescent lights (CFL) sodium lamps electronic ballasts pool filter pumps fans Mode display On/Off display Briefly press the button to turn the load On or Off. Press the button for 3 seconds to switch between Automatic mode and Manual mode. Installation 2. Program number Single-pole switch (for 3-way installation) Line voltage selector switch Power supply (120/208/ 240 VAC) Motor Lighting Cut power at the circuit breaker to avoid electric shock. Perform the connections as shown on the wiring diagram. NOTE: For a 3-way installation, connect a standard single-pole switch to the 3-way terminals of the timer as shown on the wiring diagram. Select the proper operating voltage. Apply power at the circuit breaker. At power-on, 0:00 will flash. Otherwise, press reset using a paper clip. If the display is blank, verify the power supply. Setting the Clock NOTE: The switch displays the time in 24-hour format by default or following a reset. To change to 12-hour format (or vice versa), proceed as follows: a) Press the MODE button to ensure the MAN or AUTO indicator is displayed. b) Press the MIN and HOUR buttons simultaneously and briefly (0:00 display = 24-hour, 12:00 display = 12-hour). Set the time using the HOUR and MIN buttons. If you have selected the 12-hour format, ensure that PM appears on the screen when an afternoon time is displayed. Set the day by using the DAY button. Press the MODE button to return to normal operation. Selecting the Operating Mode The programmable switch has 2 operating modes: manual (MAN) and automatic (AUTO). To switch mode, press the MODE button for 3 seconds. Manual Mode In Manual mode, the timer operates like a regular switch. Briefly press the MODE button to activate or deactivate the load. (If you have connected a remote switch to the timer for a 3-way installation, the switch can also be used to activate or deactivate the load.) The mode indicator (MAN) and the state (ON or OFF) are displayed Automatic Mode In Automatic mode, the timer follows the programmed schedule (see section 6). The mode indicator (AUTO), the state (ON or OFF) and the current program number are displayed. To temporarily override the programmed schedule, press the MODE button or use the 3-way installation switch (if connected). The new TI A 15/1/07 1/2

117 state indicator will flash to show that this state is temporary. The override remains in effect until you press the MODE button (or use the remote switch) or until the beginning of the next program. Programming 6. You can set up to 7 programs. To set a program, you need to enter its start time (ON) and its end time (OFF). Press the PGM button to display a program and its On or Off time. For example, when you first press PGM, program number 1 (P1) and its On time (ON) will appear. -:-- will appear instead of the time if the program is not set (inactive). Press the DAY button to select the day to which you want to apply the program. NOTE: If you want to apply the same program to each day of the week, press DAY until all the days are displayed. (This still counts as 1 program, not 7.) Press the HOUR and MIN buttons to set the ON time (time when you want the lights to turn on). If you have selected the 12-hour format, ensure that PM appears on the screen when an afternoon time is displayed. After you have programmed the ON time, press the PGM button to display the OFF time (time when you want the lights to turn off). Repeat steps 3 through 5 to program the OFF time. NOTE: If you have used only one program to set the ON time for all 7 days, the OFF time of that program will automatically apply to all 7 days. To set another program, repeat steps 2 through 6. Programs that are not set will remain inactive. Press the MODE button to return to normal operation. Clearing a Program Press the PGM button until the desired program is selected. Hold the PGM button for 3 seconds. - :-- appears when the program is erased. Technical Specifications Supply: 120/208/240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz Maximum load: See section 1 3-way input: Requires a dry contact Operating temperature range: -40 C to 50 C (-40 F to 122 F) Enclosure type: 3R Certifications: CSA & UL Power outage: The programs are protected by a rechargeable battery. The screen is blank during the power outage. 7. Warranty AUBE warrants this product, excluding battery, to be free from defects in the workmanship or materials, under normal use and service, for a period of three (3) years from the date of purchase by the consumer. If at any time during the warranty period the product is determined to be defective or malfunctions, AUBE shall repair or replace it (at AUBE's option). If the product is defective, (i) return it, with a bill of sale or other dated proof of purchase, to (ii) the place from which you purchased it, or contact AUBE. AUBE will make the determination whether the product should be returned, or whether a replacement product can be sent to you. This warranty does not cover removal or reinstallation costs. This warranty shall not apply if it is shown by AUBE that the defect or malfunction was caused by damage which occurred while the product was in the possession of a consumer. AUBE's sole responsibility shall be to repair or replace the product within the terms stated above. AUBE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING ANY INCI- DENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM ANY BREACH OF ANY WAR- RANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OR ANY OTHER FAILURE OF THIS PRODUCT. Some provinces, states or regions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this limitation may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS WARRANTY AUBE MAKES ON THIS PRODUCT. THE DURATION OF ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT- ABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, IS HEREBY LIMITED TO THE THREE-YEAR DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY. Some provinces, states or regions do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from one province, state or region to another. Customer Assistance If you have any questions on the product installation or operation, contact us at: 705 Montrichard Avenue Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec J2X 5K8 Canada Tel.: (450) Toll-free: AUBE Fax: (450) aube.service@honeywell.com For more information on our products, go to TI A 15/1/07 2/2

118 TH Installation and User Guide Electronic Programmable Thermostat Installation 1.1 Guidelines TURN OFF POWER TO THE HEATING SYSTEM AT THE MAIN POWER PANEL TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK. Installation should be carried out by an electrician. For a new installation, choose a location about 5 ft. (1.5 m) above the floor. The thermostat must be installed facing the heating system and on an inside wall. Avoid locations where there are air drafts (top of staircase, air outlet), dead air spots (behind a door), direct sunlight or concealed chimneys or stove pipes Thermostat Wiring NORTH AMERICA LOW VOLTAGE < 30 V: no polarity Relay 120/240 V 24 V transformer Connection to a circulator through a 24 V relay Relay Furnace Connection to the thermostat terminals of a furnace LINE VOLTAGE 120 to 240 VAC Must be installed onto a certified electrical box. 2 A maximum load Power supply 120/240 V Loosen the captive screw holding the faceplate to the mounting plate. Pull the lower part of the faceplate to remove it from the mounting plate. Loosen the screw (captive) holding the wire cover and remove the wire cover. Pull wires through the hole in the mounting plate and secure the mounting plate to the wall (or onto an electrical box for line voltage wiring) using the enclosed wall anchors and screws. Wire the thermostat to the heating system (see section 1.2) and, if necessary, connect the remote input (see section 1.3). Once wiring is complete, re-install the wire cover. Use the switches located at the back of the faceplate to configure your thermostat (see section 1.4) according to your application. Install the batteries (see section 1.5). Mount the faceplate on the mounting plate and tighten the screw. Connection to a circulator (pump) of a water heating system EUROPE For a 2-wire connection: no polarity Relay 240 V Furnace For a 3-wire connection: observe the polarity Load Provided wires Direct wiring to the circulator Connection to the thermostat terminals of a furnace 240 V Wiring to a power-operated mixing control valve TH C /4

119 1.3 Remote Input Wiring The TH140 is equipped with a remote input which allows connection of a telephone controller (optional Aube CT240), a home automation system or any other remote control system. When a signal is received through this input, the TH140 will automatically switch from normal operating mode to Vacation mode, or vice versa when the signal is removed Connection to the CT240 Connect CT240 terminals A and C to TH140 terminals X and C. You must respect the polarity. For details on operating the telephone controller, refer to the instruction manual Connection to a home automation system Connect the TH140 to the home automation system as displayed in the wiring diagram. 1.4 Configure the Thermostat The switches are located on the back of the faceplate. Default settings are highlighted. Switch Description UP DOWN 1 & 2 Cycles (proportional) 15 min (see 1.4.1) Span (conventional) 0.5 C (0.9 F) (see 1.4.2) 3 Clock display 12H 24H 4 Temperature display 1 F C 5 Temperature control mode 6 Pump protection 2 Proportional (see 1.4.1) Deactivate Home automation system Conventional (see 1.4.2) Activate 1. If you change from C to F (or vice versa), you will need to reprogram your Comfort, Economy and Vacation settings. 2. For hot water installations, it is recommended to enable this option to activate the pump for one minute every 24 hours to prevent pump seizure Proportional Adaptive Mode (switch #5) This mode analyzes previous cycles to define the the next duty cycle. This control mode guarantees optimal temperature control based on the system s capacity. To extend the life of the system, a minimum On/Off time of 10% of the cycle has been implemented. For example with a 15-minute cycle, the system would not start or stop for less than 1.5 minutes. Ideal for: Radiant or convection electrical heating system Circulator control in a hot water system Electrical hot-air furnace Conventional gas or fuel hot-air furnace Not recommended for: Gas or fuel furnace or boiler with a wall chimney having a 30-second or higher combustion gas purging cycle. To figure out the gas purging cycle of your system, count the time between the heating command sent by the thermostat and the moment when the burner actually goes on. Multi-zone systems, where several thermostats command a single heating unit. Note: In these last two cases, conventional mode with anticipation is recommended. Heating Cycle Selection (switches #1 and #2) Select the cycle using switches #1 and #2. Short cycles help eliminate temperature variations, thus increasing user comfort. Since shorter cycles can lead to premature system wear, it is important to select the temperature control cycles appropriate to your heating system. In general, the bigger your heating unit is, the longer the cycles should be. Cycles EUROPE AMERICA Position 5 minutes 10 minutes 15 minutes Not recommended for furnaces Gas or electric wall furnace Fuel or gas floor furnace, forced air heating 20 minutes Commercial unit Not recommended for central units Radiant or convection electric heating Central heating Conventional mode with anticipation (switch #5) This mode is compatible with all heating systems. Programmable Span Selection (switches #1 and #2) Select the span using switches #1 and #2. The default temperature span is 0.5 C (0.9 F). For example, if the temperature setpoint is 20 C (68 F), the heating system will turn on at 19.5 C (67.1 F) and turn off at 20.5 C (68.9 F). Span Hot Water Heating Forced Air Heating Position 0,3 C (0,5 F) 0,4 C (0,7 F) 0,5 C (0,9 F) 0,6 C (1,1 F) Not recommended for furnaces Gas or electric wall furnace Fuel or gas floor furnace Commercial unit Not recommended for central units Radiant or convection electric heating 1 Central heating volt heating with relay (baseboard, convector, radiant ceiling, etc.) TH C /4

120 1.5 Install the Batteries When you first install the batteries, the unit runs a sequence of tests and a complete reset to zero. The screen should display 0:00 MO and the ambient temperature. The current setpoint is 20 C. The ambient temperature could be higher if you are holding the TH140 in your hands. It will return to normal about one hour after installation Replacing the batteries The TH140 will display an icon indicating that the batteries must be replaced. This icon will be displayed for 60 days; after this delay, the TH140 will shut down the heating unit. The time and programming are saved for 15 seconds when replacing the batteries. Basic Configuration Note: You may program the thermostat while holding it in your hands or when it is mounted on the mounting plate. 2.1 Set the Time and Day Set the time, using the Hour and Minute buttons. Set the day, using the Day button. 2.2 Configure the Setpoints Comfort and Economy These setpoints are associated to the schedule s programs and are pre-programmed as follows: Comfort 20 C (68 F) Programs 1 and 3 Economy 18 C (64 F) Programs 2 and Vacation This pre-programmed setpoint is used when the Vacation mode is activated. Vacation 10 C (50 F) To Modify a Setpoint Set the temperature using. Press and hold one of the setpoint buttons ( or or ) until the icon is displayed on the screen (approx. 3 seconds). 2.3 View the Current Setpoint To view the current setpoint, quickly press once one of the arrow buttons. The screen displays the setpoint; the arrow indicates a setpoint. 2. The TH140 offers three operating modes: 3.1 Automatic This mode executes the schedule. To activate: Press Manual/Auto until is displayed. The program setpoint icon is displayed Temporary Bypass When in Automatic mode, you can temporarily bypass the current program setpoint until the beginning of the next program. To bypass: Set the desired temperature OR quickly press or to use a pre-defined setpoint. 3.2 Manual This mode allows you to maintain a constant temperature. To activate this mode: Press Manual/Auto until is displayed. Set temperature OR quickly press or to use a pre-defined setpoint. 3.3 Vacation Maintains a specific temperature when away for a prolonged absence (e.g. vacation). From the TH140, quickly press to activate. Can also be activated remotely (CT240, home automation system or any other system) if the remote input is connected to one of these systems. Note: When the Vacation mode is activated remotely, it can only be deactivated remotely. Note: For details on how to activate the Vacation mode using a telephone, refer to the CT240 Instruction Manual. Select the Operating Mode Program Your Schedule The TH140 allows four setting changes for each day of the week. There are no pre-set programs. Your heating system switches betwwen the Comfort setpoint and the Economy setpoint according to the times you would have set. For example, enter each day the time at which you wake up (PROG 1), the time you leave for work (PROG 2), the time you return home (PROG 3) and the time you go to bed (PROG 4): Programs Associated Setpoint Time PROG 1 (Comfort) Wake-up PROG 2 (Economy) Leave PROG 3 (Comfort) Return PROG 4 (Economy) Sleep Note: For temperature increases (PROG 1 and 3), allow at least 15 minutes per 1 C (2 F). For example, if you have lowered the temperature by 3 C (6 F) while you sleep and you wake up at 7 a.m., change the setting at 6:15 a.m. TH C /4

121 4.1 Set or Modify the Programs After 60 seconds of inactivity, the thermostat will automatically exit programming mode. It is sometimes faster to program the same schedule for the entire week and then modify the exception days. Press Program. The screen displays MO and PROG 1. Press Day to select the day (hold for 3 seconds to select all days of the week). Press Hour and Minute to set the start time. To clear an entry, press Clear, the time zone displays --:-- when the program is inactive. Press Program to select the program number (2, 3 or 4). Repeat steps 3 and 4 for remaining programs. Press Manual/Auto to exit Programming Example Comfort (programs 1 and 3): Monday to Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and between 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Economy (programs 2 and 4): Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. PROG MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 1 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 2 8:30 8:30 8:30 8:30 8:30 --:-- --:-- 3 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 --:-- --:-- 4 PM 11:00 PM 11:00 PM 11:00 PM 11:00 PM 11:00 PM 11:00 PM 11:00 To program this schedule: Press Program. The screen displays MO and PROG 1. Press and hold Day for 3 seconds to select all days of the week (MOTUWETHFRSASU). Set the time (6:00) for the first program (PROG 1) using the Hour and Minute buttons. Press Program to select PROG 2. Set the time (8:30) using the Hour and Minute buttons. Press Program to select PROG 3. Set the time (4:00 p.m.) using the Hour and Minute buttons. Press Program to select PROG 4. Set the time (11:00 p.m.) using the Hour and Minute buttons. Press Manual/Auto to exit. To erase programs 2 and 3 for Saturday and Sunday: Press Program to access programming mode. Press Program until PROG 2 is selected. Press Day to select SAturday (SA). Press Clear to erase the time (--:--). Press Day to select SUnday (SU). Press Clear to erase the time (--:--). Repeat steps 2 to 5 for PROG 3. Press Manual/Auto to exit. Power supply: 2 AA or LR6 alkaline batteries 1.5 V Max. resistive load: VAC / 5 30 VDC Max. inductive load: VAC / 2 30 VDC (P.F. = 0.4) Remote input: 12 VDC, ± 10%, 2.5 ma Certifications: CE, c UL us Control device: Electronic Automatic action: Type 1 B Number of programs: 4 programs / day, total of 28 programs Storage temperature: -20 C to 50 C (-4 F to 122 F) Operating temperature: 0 C to 50 C (32 F to 122 F), 95% R.H. Temperature setting range: 5 C to 30 C (40 F to 85 F) Temperature display resolution: 0.1 degree Temperature reading accuracy: ± 0.5 C (± 0.9 F) Software: Class A Protection class: II Protection degree: IP 40 The terminals are designed to handle a cross-section of wire measuring up to 2.5 mm 2 (14 AWG). Aube warrants this product, excluding battery (if applicable), to be free from defects in the workmanship or materials, under normal use and service, for a period of three (3) years from the date of purchase by the consumer. If at any time during the warranty period the product is determined to be defective or malfunctions, Aube shall repair or replace it (at Aube's option). If the product is defective, (i) return it, with a bill of sale or other dated proof of purchase, to the place from which (ii) Technical Specifications Warranty you purchased it, or contact Aube. Aube will make the determination whether the product should be returned, or whether a replacement product can be sent to you. This warranty does not cover removal or reinstallation costs. This warranty shall not apply if it is shown by Aube that the defect or malfunction was caused by damage which occurred while the product was in the possession of a consumer. Aube's sole responsibility shall be to repair or replace the product within the terms stated above. AUBE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM ANY BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OR ANY OTHER FAILURE OF THIS PRODUCT. Some provinces and states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this limitation may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS WARRANTY AUBE MAKES ON THIS PRODUCT. THE DURATION OF ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE WAR- RANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, IS HEREBY LIMITED TO THE THREE-YEAR DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY. Some provinces and states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from province or state to another. Technical Assistance 705 Montrichard Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Québec, Canada J2X 5K8 Tel. : (450) AUBE Fax : (450) aube.service@honeywell.com 10 rue Ampère Gonesse France 33 (0) (0) advaube@comintes.com For more information on our products, visit us at TH C /4

122 APPENDIX E HONEYWELL MODEL THEMOSTAT PRO 2000 PROGRAMMING STEP BY STEP Preamble Typically your home will have 5 thermostats, one for each heating zone (i.e. one for each level, as well as one for the Master Bedroom and Garage). If you added extra heating zones, or for some of the largest homes, you may have more. Each thermostat will need to be programmed for the temperature that you feel will be most comfortable for that zone. In general you should program each thermostat to take advantage of the Time-of-Day metering with Nova Scotia Power, so that, on weekdays, the system will begin drawing power at 11 p.m. and stop at 7 a.m. Having said that, the thermostats are made to allow for four (4) time segments on weekdays in order to allow for a boost in the afternoon, which you may or may not need. When the house is turned over to you, thermostats will be set up not to boost, but if you find, during the coldest months, that the house is chilly, by following the steps below, you can reprogram the system yourself to allow for the boost. The schedule below is completed according to the schedule to which all of your thermostats are programmed when you take possession of the house. Instructions Note: The thermostat is set up to have four (4) time segments for the 24 hour period. The time segments are as follows: Wake, Leave, Return and Sleep. The best way to understand these instructions is to stand in front of the thermostat and work through the steps. Normally the thermostat displays the current status, time and ambient temperature. 1. First, make sure the system switch is set to heat (see operating manual to assist with locating the switch). 2. Next you want to make sure that the thermostat is set to the current time and day. Press set and the time will appear. If the time is set correctly, press set again to move to the next step. Otherwise, use the up or down arrow keys to get to the desired time. Make sure you get it right in terms of am versus pm. The digits delineating am and pm are located just to the upper left of the time display and are very small and hard to read. Note that the am displays to the left, and the pm to the right. 3. Once you have the time set correctly, press set and the day (i.e. Mon., Tues., etc.) will display just below where the time is displayed. Again, use the arrow keys until the correct day appears. 4. Now you are ready to program the heating schedule for weekdays. - Press set and the system will now be showing Mon/Tu/Wed/Th/Fri. - Using the arrow keys, the time should say 12:00 a.m. If not, use the up or down arrow keys to adjust. The tiny display at the bottom of the screen will say Wake - this means the system in that zone will come on at midnight. - Press set again and the temperature will flash. Polycorp will have set the temperature to 70 degrees F, so if you want it higher or lower, use the arrow keys until you get to the desired temperature. - Press set again and, time should show 7:00 a.m. If not, use the arrow keys to adjust. The tiny display at the bottom of the screen will say Leave this means that

123 the system will go off at 7:00 a.m. - Press set again, and the temperature will flash. This time Polycorp will have set the temperature to 65 degrees F. This temperature designates the temperature below which the zone will not be allowed to drop during the time covered by this segment. So, even during peak times, if the temperature in the zone drops below, in this example 65 degrees F, the system will come back on and draw power in order to maintain a temperature of 65 degrees F. So again, if you want this temperature higher or lower than 65 degrees, use the arrow keys until you get to the desired temperature. - Press set again and ensure the time is set to 11:00 p.m. At the bottom of the screen the word Return will display - this means that the system will come on at 11:00 p.m. NOTE: This is where, if you wanted an afternoon boost, you would set the time for 12 pm. - Press set again, and set the desired on temperature (in our example, 70 degrees F). - Press set again and ensure the time is set to 11:45 p.m. At the bottom of the screen the word Sleep will display this means that the system will go off at 11:45 p.m. This is where, if you were programming for an afternoon boost, you would set the time for the system to go off at 4 p.m. - Press set again and set the off temperature. If you are programming for a boost, the temperature should be lower (in this example 65 degrees F). But if you are not, leave the temperature for this segment at, in this example, 70 degrees F. Now the 24 hour cycle for weekdays is complete At 12 a.m. the system will come on again (Wake) as programmed in the first step. 5. Now you are ready to program the heating schedule for weekends. Because on weekends, the N S Power rate is off-peak all weekend, we will only need to program two (2) segments for the 24 hour period. - Press set and the system will now be showing Sat/Sun. - Ensure the time is set to 12:00 a.m. If not, using the arrow keys, adjust the time to 12:00 a.m. Wake will display - this means the system in that zone will come on at midnight. - Press set again and set the temperature to, say, 70 degrees F. - Press set and set again to bypass the two mid-day time segments which are not required. - Press set again and ensure the time is set to 11:45 p.m. Sleep will display, which means that the system will go off at 11:45 p.m. - Press set again and set the temperature to, in this example, 70 degrees F. - Press set to end. Display returns to current status, time and ambient temperature. Other points to note: - HOLD - Beneath the set button is a hold button, the function of which is to override the regular schedule (see the Honeywell Pro 2000 instructions for more detail). - RUN - Beneath the hold button is a run button, the function of which is to remove the override as set above (see the Honeywell Pro 2000 instructions for more detail). It can also

124 be used to exit/escape from the programming cycle. The concrete encapsulates the heating lines that store the heat as a large radiator. The heat is radiated to the home while the boiler is running and well after the thermostat turns the heat off during daytime period (7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Friday). The thermal mass of this gypsum concrete requires several hours to come up to a temperature and then cool off. In other words, turning your thermostat up (or down) will result in the home having a temperature change over an extended period that may take many hours to feel or notice. As well, the floor is warmed by a series of pipes that run through it in loops. The heat will be distributed in slightly different proportions in different areas depending on the exact layout of the pipes in your home. This will inevitably result in floor temperatures that vary. This will be most noticeable in the ceramic tile areas as the ceramic tile transfers the heat directly to foot traffic. The heat will not be distributed exactly evenly and you will find warm and cold spots in the ceramic tile (and other areas). As a result of your home being very well insulated by the ICF (insulating concrete forms) exterior walls and the Low-E and Argon filled energy efficient windows, the amount of heat that is actually required to heat your home is relatively small. This should result in the heating system not needing to work overly hard to keep your home warm. The good thing about this is that it will translate into very reasonable, individually controlled heating costs. However, the floor will only feel warm when the heat has been running. Once your thermostat senses that the room is up to the set temperature, the heat will turn off. Please note that while the in-floor heating system allows your home to qualify for the Time-of-Day meters, the Time-of-Day electrical meter applies to all aspects of electrical consumption in your home. In other words, using your clothes dryer or oven at 9 a.m. on a Monday morning in December will attract the highest peak rate, while using it in the off-peak periods will attract the discounted rate. You will maximize your savings by shifting your electricity demand to the off-peak periods. Consider using the delay function on your washer and dishwasher to take advantage of the off-peak rate. Closely review the NS Power Time of Day Chart so that you fully understand the electricity rate structure. NOTE: It is important also that you are aware that your hot water tank (which heats water for domestic use) is on an Aube timer, again, the purpose being to shift demand to the off peak periods and allow you to save on your power bills. You can take showers at anytime during the day and, the 60 gallon tank should provide plenty of hot water unless the demand is extremely high. However, if all of the hot water in the tank is used during the 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. period, the water will not re-heat until the heater comes on at 11 p.m. that night.

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