Welcome to your happy new home.

Transcription

1 Welcome to your happy new home. This Home Care Guide is a reference to for all your warranty and home care needs. Thank you for placing your trust in us, as so many home buyers have since We wish you the best of luck in your new Orleans home for many, many years to come. HOME CARE GUIDE

2 Air Conditioning 1 Appliances 1 Caulking 1 Concrete Floors and Walls 1 Decks 2 Driveways, Porches, Steps, Walks 2 Efflorescence 2 Exterior Doors 3 Exterior Hose Faucets 3 Exterior Paint 3 Fireplaces 3 Floor Squeaks 3 Garbage Disposals 3 Gutters and Downspouts 4 Hardwood Flooring 4 Heating System 4 Interior Doors 4 Lawns and Landscaping 5 Plumbing 5 Roofing 5 Septic System 6 Shrinkage 6 Siding 6 Special Finishes 6 Stucco 7 Sump Pumps 7 Well Water 7 Windows 7 Homeowner Maintenance Tips 8

3 Air Conditioning Before operating your air conditioning system, be sure that the AC circuit breaker is in the ON position. The thermostat switch should be set to COOL. The fan switch should be set to AUTOMATIC with the temperature setting below room temperature. If the compressor does not come on, be sure that the exterior service disconnect is ON. Make sure the door to the furnace is on and closed tightly. Also check the red switch at the top of the basement steps is in the on position. Check the electrical panel for tripped circuit. The compressor will stop running once the home is cooled to the temperature set on the thermostat. To continually circulate air within the home, whether or not the compressor is running, the fan switch may be set to ON. The system may be balanced by adjusting individual room registers. For proper efficiency, registers should not be obstructed by furniture or window treatments. Air filters must be cleaned or changed regularly, particularly during the first few months of use. Do not switch the thermostat directly from air conditioning to heat or vice-versa. Appliances Please review the instruction manuals provided to you. For service, please contact the manufacturer s service center directly. Caulking Recaulking is a vital aspect of home ownership maintenance. All kitchen and bathroom caulking should be inspected periodically and replaced when necessary. Existing exterior caulking should be inspected yearly and recaulked when necessary. Silicone-based caulk is recommended Concrete Floor and Walls Shrinkage cracks are common and should be expected. Natural shrinkage occurs in concrete as it cures and additional expansion and contraction with the seasons may cause small cracks to appear which do not affect the integrity of floors and walls. Dampness and condensation are normal conditions and adequate ventilation and moisture control should be maintained. It is important to maintain a positive sloping grade away from your foundation as the ground tends to settle for several years after construction. Be sure to maintain mulch beds and the positioning of downspouts and splash blocks which direct water away from your foundation. A minimum of eight inches of foundation should be visible above mulch beds. 1

4 Decks For wood decks promptly apply a preservative sealer following the manufacturer s instructions. Twisting, warping or splitting of wood deck material is normal due to exposure to the elements. The Trex decks should be periodically cleaned to preserve the natural beauty of the product. Be aware that any outdoor surface can provide a breeding ground for either mold or mildew. They will feed on the debris, dirt, plant material or other food sources that remain on the deck. Periodically sweeping and hosing the deck assist in removing this food source. Driveway, Porches, Steps & Walks Promptly remove ice and snow from concrete and asphalt. Do not use chemical products or salt of any kind. Repeated thawing and freezing with chemicals and salt can damage concrete, asphalt, brick and mortar. Salt will kill grass, trees and shrubs. Cat litter or sand may be used for traction. Concrete and asphalt are composed of material which make it impossible to ensure against the cracking of surfaces. Expansion and contraction joints have been provided to anticipate stresses in concrete. Conditions such as severe frost or unequal sub grade settlement may cause unanticipated cracking. Hairline cracks in concrete are ordinary. Minor repairs using patching cement can be made by the homeowner. Concrete and asphalt driveways can be seriously damaged by heavy trucks. Turning the front wheels of your car while it is not in motion may damage asphalt. Sharp objects such as bicycle stands can indent asphalt. Avoid driving on the edges of asphalt and rotating parking positions is recommended during the first year. Asphalt driveways should be sealed after the top coat has been in place for one year. Thereafter, asphalt driveways should be re-sealed as necessary with the recommendation being every two to three years. Effloresence A natural attribute of masonry products is the result of minerals leaching from the masonry because of the absorption and evaporation of moisture. This powdery substance which sometimes appears on the surface of brick or masonry is known as efflorescence and it is not a warrantable defect. 2

5 Exterior Doors Wooden door frames absorb moisture and swell. Particularly after heavy rains, doors may not operate as smoothly as in dry weather. After a drying-out process, doors will djust. Thresholds should be checked and adjusted as necessary with the change of seasons. Sliding door tracks and weep holes must be cleared of debris. Tracks should be treated with a wax based furniture polish periodically. Sliding screen doors have top and bottom rollers which need adjusting if the door tends to come off the track or sticks. Garage door pulleys and rollers should be lubricated each season. The lock bar guide and rollers may also be adjusted. Exterior Drains It is important to keep all exterior drains, including yard inlets clear from leaves and debris to allow proper drainage Exterior Hose Faucets Prior to the temperature falling below freezing, exterior hose faucets must be winterized, or drained, to prevent the freezing and bursting of water lines. Shut-off valves for exterior hose faucets, which are located inside the home, must be turned off. Garden hoses must be removed from exterior faucets with those valves left open for drainage. The builder cannot be responsible for damages resulting from the homeowner s failure to winterize exterior hose faucets. Exterior Paint Exterior paint should be checked every two years. When necessary, new paint should be applied to enhance the aesthetics of your home. Fireplaces For all fireplaces, follow the manufacturer s instructions for operation. Interior drafts resulting from excessive winds are common Floor Squeaks A squeak proof floor cannot be guaranteed. Lumber shrinkage as well as temperature and humidity changes may cause squeaks which cannot be eliminated. Garbage DIsposals Cold water should be used while operating the garbage disposal. Occasionally, disposing a halved lemon will eliminate odors and ice cubes will help sharpen blades. Other than obvious items such as peach pits, stringy foods (such as celery), should not be placed in the disposal. 3

6 Gutters and Downspouts Gutters and downspouts must be kept clear of leaves and debris. During heavy rain, gutters may overflow before water reaches the downspouts which cannot be eliminated. The builder cannot be responsible for damages resulting from ice damming. Hardwood Flooring Please read the manufacturer s recommendations for the care of your hardwood flooring. It is normal for hardwood flooring to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. Water spills should be removed immediately and water should never be used to clean hardwood flooring. Where there is an extensive amount of hardwood installed, the installation of a humidifier/de-humidifier system is recommended. Heating System If you experience heating loss in your home: Make sure the thermostat is in the heat and auto selection position. Make sure the temperature selection that you have selected is not below the temperature reading. Make sure the red switch at the top of the basement steps in the on position? Make sure the door to the furnace is on and closed tightly. Make sure the circuit breaker in the electrical panel is switched to the on position. Filters must be cleaned or changed once a month for the first six months and seasonally thereafter. Register adjustments may be necessary Interior Doors Interior doors expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity and may stick. The edge that sticks may be sanded or planed and then repainted. Loose hinge screws should be adjusted. 4

7 Lawns & Landscaping New lawns must be watered every day, preferably in the early morning for water penetration rather than evaporation. With the exception of condominiums, and some common areas in townhome communities, maintaining lawns, shrubbery, trees, mulch beds, existing natural trees and established grades and swales are the home owner s responsibility. To minimize erosion, washout areas should be restored promptly as a homeowner maintenance responsibility. During the first year, lawn care should focus on fertilization as opposed to weed control. Once sod has been installed, it must be watered every day for approximately three to four weeks (during the hot weather months). Sprinklers should be used and all areas should be soaked by the sprinkler. It is preferable that the watering be done in the morning hours; however, if morning watering is not practical, then a thorough soaking should be administered in the evening hours. Running a garden hose over the sod for short periods will damage the sod by causing the sod to burn. It is imperative that the sod be thoroughly soaked in all areas to the point that you cannot walk on it without sinking. The ground around the foundation must be kept graded so that it slopes away from the home maintaining a positive drainage condition. It is important not to create low spots while planting near foundation. Reasonable care has been taken not to remove natural wooded areas which the builder does not maintain. Future removal of dead trees is the homeowner s responsibility. Plumbing In the event of a major plumbing leak, immediately shut off the main water supply valve. Individual shut off valves should be used for repairs to the hot water heater or fixtures throughout the home. Please refer to the instructions on the hot water heater when adjusting the temperature, as the temperature setting is a safety device to prevent scalding. Setting the temperature too high may cause the pressure relief valve to release water. The builder is not responsible for subsequent water damage. The temperature setting should be lowered prior to extended vacations as the lack of use can cause buildup of pressure which may cause a release. Do not use abrasive cleaners on faucets or fixtures. Roofing Sealants and flashing should be checked periodically and repaired when necessary. Anyone needing to work on the roof must do so carefully to prevent damage to shingles and flashing. Never allow any installation that punctures the roof. It is the owner s responsibility to keep existing vents clear of obstructions to promote air flow for ventilation. 5

8 On-Lot Septic System (not a public system) Septic systems require cleaning every three (3) to five (5) years depending on usage. We recommend that a bacteria (Rid-X) be added to the system to help break down sewage. We strongly advise not to plant trees over or near septic tanks, as well as over disposal bed, as tree roots could damage the system. Additional structures (driveway, sidewalk, etc.) can also cause damage. Check township regulations regarding septic systems. We recommend that you use a septic safe toilet paper and never dispose of other objects,(i.e. sanitary napkins, paper towels) in your toilet. Garbage disposals installed after settlement will not be warranted. Shrinkage It is normal for wood moldings to change in positioning. Maintaining an even interior temperature and humidity level during the first year and avoiding overheating in winter can help minimize shrinkage. A common area for shrinkage is where stair trim meets drywall. This gap can be eliminated with caulk as well as the gaps appearing in the mitered joints of door casings. Sidings Siding can expand and contract with temperature changes or direct sunlight during warmer months which will cause wavy and fading effects and is to be expected. Mildew and fungus on siding are caused by climatic conditions and are considered routine maintenance. Do not use barbecue grills near vinyl siding. This could cause the siding to MELT. Hardi Plank Siding will require minor touch ups and caulking every three (3) to five (5) years. After five (5) to ten (10) years, a total repainting may be necessary to maintain the aesthetic beauty. Special Finishes After settlement, nicks, dents, chips, and scratches, not noted on the final Homeowner s Orientation Action List, on surfaces such as counter tops, cabinets, vanity tops, mirrors,tile, fixtures, appliances, hearths and floors, are the homeowner s responsibility to repair. Do not use abrasive cleaners on these surfaces. Cultured marble vanity tops may be shined and protected by applying automotive paste wax. For the cleaning of certain counter tops such as granite, follow the manufacturer s recommendations. 6

9 Well Water Prior to purchasing your home, water tests are performed to ensure safe drinking water. However, we cannot guarantee the source of your water. Occasionally from time to time, small amounts of sediment may enter the well and be pumped into your house. Although this is not normally a health problem, the sediment may block screens in your washers and faucets. We recommend that these screens are checked and cleaned periodically. Additionally, an in-line filter can be installed to minimize this impact. Windows Exterior caulking and weather stripping of window trim may be necessary to prevent leaks. Weep holes must be checked and cleared of debris regularly. Operational windows are not air tight. During heavy storms, wind and/or rain can be blown through operational panels. To help prevent this, keep windows locked when closed. Keep in mind that temperature differences and high levels of humidity along with individual living habits will cause condensation to form on glass surfaces. 7

10 MAINTENANCE TIPS Winter Remove any ice and snow buildup on roof and gutters to prevent ice damming. Change filter on heater. Keep window weep holes clear of dirt and debris and lubricate as needed. Lubricate garage door pulleys and rollers Keep drains/inlets clear from debris and leaves.. Spring In early spring, weed and feed lawns with a pre-emergent mix. Open hose bib lines when all danger of freezing temperatures are gone. Change filter on heater. When temperature is warm enough, run air conditioner to make sure it s functioning properly. Check condensate pump line to make sure that it s cleaned out and connected and that pump is plugged in. Keep window weep holes clear of dirt and debris and lubricate as needed. Keep sliding door tracks clean of dirt and debris and treated with a wax based furniture polish Lubricate garage door pulleys and rollers. Check and clean smoke detector and carbon monoxide batteries Summer Re-install screens if they were removed. Water lawns in accordance with township watering ordinances Change filter on air handler (heater). Make sure gutters and drains/inlets are clear of any leaves and debris. Keep window weep holes clear of dirt and debris and lubricate as needed. Lubricate garage door pulleys and rollers. Fertilize with drought resistant mix with grub inhibitors. 8

11 MAINTENANCE TIPS Fall Remove and store all screens. Change filter on heater. Winterize hose bib lines removing hoses from the faucets. Keep window weep holes clear of dirt and debris and lubricate as needed. Make sure gutters and drains/inlets are clear of any leaves and debris. Keep sliding door tracks clean of dirt and debris and treated with a wax based furniture polish. Winterize irrigation systems, where applicable. Lubricate garage door pulleys and rollers. Check and clean smoke detector and carbon monoxide batteries. Fertilize lawn with a wintered mix. Annual Maintenance - Fall Disconnect dryer hose and vacuum out the hose and into the wall vent as far as possible. Maintain caulking and grouting in all areas to avoid water damage, ie.: windows, tubs, toilets, sinks, etc. Clean condensate pump and drain line to keep from clogging,located by the air handler unit. Check roofing to make sure sealants and flashings are intact. Establish a weeding and feeding lawn routine. Check foundation perimeter for low spots in grade and fill in to ensure proper drainage away from home. Clean faucet aerator screens. Check all appliance manuals for manufacturer s scheduled maintenance. Have heating and air conditioning systems serviced. Drain and flush water heater. Two-Year Maintenance Check exterior areas for proper paint coverage. Apply sealer to asphalt driveways, as applicable. 9