Homeowner Services

Air Conditioning

Have your forced air-system checked by a certified contractor every year before the heating season.
Replace the furnace filter every month during the year to provide clean air, improve airflow and reduce electricity cost.
Keep your unit free of debris and do not store cleaners or other toxic materials near heating vents or furnaces.
Properly set the thermostat and keep the temperature constant to reduce utility cost. When the system is on, keep all windows and doors closed.

Alarm system

Make sure your system is properly set and perform a regular monthly check to ensure secure work.

Appliances

Make sure to fill out and send all warranty cards.
Before using the appliances read the manuals and instructions and keep them available for references.
If any problems arise, please call the manufacturer directly and be prepared to provide him with the model and serial number of the appliance, and the closing date of your home.
Warranties are normally given for one year.
Keep the appliances clean to ensure smooth performance and safety.
If you smell a gas leak, turn off the main valve, open the windows and call the Gas Company.

Bricks

Bricks do not require regular maintenance, however, after several years tuck pointing is recommended. Tuck pointing is the repair of the mortar between the bricks. Be careful to not fill out the small holes in the mortar along the lower row of bricks even if weep ropes are not present, because they allow the accumulated moisture behind the bricks to escape.
You may also notice a white chalky essence that builds on the bricks. This is called efflorescence and it's a natural occurrence during the winter. It usually goes away in spring, or it can be power washed or removed with products available at hardware stores.

Cabinets

Keep the cabinets clean and use cleaning detergents appropriate for the finish.
Avoid exposing them to steam and promptly wipe off any water. Use soft materials to prevent damages and scratches.
Lubricate and adjust the hinges and the hardware.

Carpet

Place mats before the doors to prevent dirt getting into the carpet.
Vacuum the carpet twice a week to remove the grounded debris. When a spot occurs, promptly clean it using an appropriate carpet detergent, and follow the directions on the bottle.
Have your carpet professionally cleaned at least once a year.
Avoid allowing direct sunlight on your carpet as this may cause fading.

Caulking

In time and due to weather conditions and temperature variance in the home, the caulk will sometimes shrink, dry or peel.
Check the caulk annually and re-caulk where needed, especially if there are cracks in the connections between the shower walls and the tub or the toilet.
Check caulked areas in the kitchen and seal if necessary. Be sure to use the appropriate caulk.

Ceramic Tile

The tile may experience small cracks that can be filled with ready products available in the hardware stores.
When cleaning tile never use an abrasive cleaner, and try to keep the surface as dry as possible to prevent mildew buildup.

Chimney Caps

It is not uncommon to have rain drops inside the chimney flue under rainy and windy conditions.

Concrete

Because of fraction moves and differences in temperature during the year, the concrete foundation very often cracks. It is important to fill these cracks to prevent their further expansion, which may cause serious problems. To prevent the concrete from cracking try to keep the water draining away from the house. When cleaning try to sweep rather than to hose down. Make sure heavy vehicles that can cause damage to the foundation are not allowed in the property.
During the winter season try to remove any ice or snow as quickly as possible as it may damage the concrete slabs. Any chemical substances including but not limited to salt, de-icing agents, fertilizers, pet urine, etc. may destroy the concrete surface.

Condensation

Reduce indoor humidity and condensation with regular ventilation of the rooms.
Turn the humidifier on in the winter season only, and keep it at the proper setting as directed on the humidistat. Keep the humidifier off during summer.
Try to keep the bathrooms dry to prevent moisture. One way to do this is to open the window slightly while bathing or simply dry the condensation with a towel. Turning on the bathroom fan will also help to keep the bathroom free of condensation.

Countertops

Granite or marble counter tops must be resealed after certain period of time as recommended by manufacturer. Different surfaces have different maintenance and cleaning requirements. It is recommended to check maintenance information directly with the manufacturer.

Cracks

Cracks are a normal occurrence in new construction homes due to natural shrinkage, settlement and dryness of the building materials. These cracks are not part of the Builder's Warranty and it is recommended to wait several months before scheduling a repair.

Dehumidification

This is the part of your Air Conditioning system that filters the condensed water out of the house.
Check and maintain the whole system regularly to make sure it is working properly.

Doors and Windows

Due to the temperature changes, moisture level or extreme weather conditions, the doors and windows may experience some changes such as shrinkage and warpage.
Interior doors are influenced by the use of air furnaces, showers and dishwashers, which will cause them to change or loosen.
Regularly check the hinges and tighten them if they are loose.
Refinish the exterior wood doors at least once a year and treat them with wood preservers every 4 months to protect the wood and prevent cracking and drying.
Patio Doors should be caulked regularly to avoid moisture penetration and leaks of water.

Drains

Regularly check to make sure that outside drains are not clogged by flushing them with a garden hose.
You may experience a bad smell in the Laundry room caused by the drying off and evaporation of water from the floor drain. It is recommended that you pour soapy water down the drain and repeat the procedure every time you sense a bad odor.

Electrical

Test your GFCI every two months.
Do not overload a circuit by plugging in too many electrical systems into one outlet.
Always follow the manufacturer directions for voltage use on light fixtures.If you wish to make any changes to the original wiring, add or remove items, please contact the electrician who wired your home, as an additional work performed by other electrician will terminate the one year warranty with your builder. If you cannot find him, please call our main office.

Fireplace

Inspect the fireplace for any cracks or loose bricks. Before the winter season check the flue for soot buildup. If not using the fireplace, keep the damper closed as the inside heat can escape from the chimney. Do not burn any trash or easy flammable materials, as this may result in unwanted cracks.
When using a fireplace for first time make sure to open the windows so that any smoke that may occur will escape from the room. Always, make sure the damper is open when you use the fireplace. If a problem occurs,check the chimney for possible clogging from dirt or bird nests.

Gutters

Gutters are used to prevent the collection of water on the foundation. There are drains and downspouts used to carry the water away from the house for this purpose.
Make sure the downspouts are clean of leaves, debris and anything that could block the water flow.

Hardwood floors

Use mats before all exterior doors to prevent dirt and sand getting on the floor.
Place rugs on areas that are experiencing high traffic or spills. Immediately wipe out spills only with dry cloth.
Vacuum every day or when needed.
Put proper floor protectors on the legs of the furniture to protect the floor from scratching. Do not drag your furniture.
Avoid direct ultraviolet light by installing drapes or other window coverings.
When cleaning your hardwood floors, use proper materials that will not damage the finish or wood itself.
If the floor is waxed, renew the shine once a year by re waxing, which will also remove some scratches that may appear.
By maintaining a proper moisture level in your home you can slow the shrinkage effects that all wood goes through.

Humidifier

Keep the humidifier settings in accordance with the outside temperature, as too high or too low settings may cause excessive moisture, condensation or rapid drying of the building.

Interior Walls

Drywall is the most widely used type of walls. Drywall usually experiences two types of damage – hairline cracks and shrinkage nail pops, caused by temperature differences and gouges, caused by human mistakes.
Maintaining your walls requires filling the cracks with caulk. You can also use caulk to fill nail holes. Annually repainting the walls will make the room look shiny and give it a clean and fresh look.
If your paint is latex you can just wipe off the dirty spots with a wet cloth.

Interior Trim and Moulding

There are different types of trim and moulding. This type of hardware is exposed to rapid change, due to the weather conditions.
Periodically checking the trim and moulding is required to determine if it is loose, has moved or is damaged.
To avoid damage, wipe off the condensation from the windows with a dry cloth. If a crack occurs apply silicone to fix.

Landscaping

Your main concern in landscaping should be protecting the foundation.
Do not plant large plants within 6ft of the foundation.
Always make sure the downspouts and other drainage components are away from the house, are properly cleaned, and free of leaves and debris.
Do not place sprinklers within 1ft of your home.
Clean the sprinkler head if clogged.
Maintain a well designed landscape that will prevent erosion.
Make sure to water your garden at least twice a week.

Plumbing

Annually drain the water heater tank and refill again with clean water. Before starting to do so, turn off the appropriate electric power box and after finished, turn it on again.
Keep the setting on the water heater on 120 degrees.
Use the garbage disposal with cold water only and let it run for a minute after using the disposal.
During the winter, remove all hoses with outside connection to prevent from freezing and clogging the pipes.
If you determine any leaks, shut off the main valve and call a professional plumber.
To extend the life of the plumbing fixtures like sinks, faucets, toilets and tubs perform daily cleaning with proper detergents and materials.
Try not to scratch and damage the surface of the fixtures.

Roof

Like everything else in a home, cleaning the roof is an important part of its maintenance.
Keep the roof free of debris and leaves that will cause the roof to retain water.
Clean all vents, chimneys and rain gutters. Buildup of snow, ice or water can cause mold, rot and fungus growth. Regularly check for leaks around the vents, skylights, valleys or chimneys and caulk if necessary.
Replace any missing or damaged shingles/tiles.
Inspect your roof for damage after severe weather conditions.
Do not walk or stand on the roof.

Sewer, Drain and Septic

Do not put grease, hair,waste or any other materials into the sewer system, because it may cause slow or clogged drains and back up the waste into your home.
If you don not use some of the toilet fixtures, regularly run the water to keep the water barrier in tact.

Smoke Detectors

You should have smoke detectors in each level of your home and near sleeping areas.
There are two types of smoke alarms: battery and electrically operated(more dependable). The AC power alarms also have batteries, which continue to operate if the electricity goes off.
Test the batteries in the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure that they are properly working by pressing the test button. If the alarms are working properly, they will make a sound when the button is pressed. If not, the battery is dead and needs to be replaced.
Replace smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms at least once every 10 years.

Thermostat

Set the thermostat on the desired temperature. Frequently changing the setting will lead to low efficiency and higher cost of energy. Changing the temperature frequently and dramatically will use more energy.
In a new construction homes, it is recommended to keep the temperature lower than usual in the winter. High temperature will cause rapid drying of the building materials and shrinkage, which may result in cracks.
Make sure your humidistat is set to the correct setting. Most houses should register 35% to 50% humidity depending on the temperature.

Water Heater

Keep the setting on your water heater on 120 degrees or as recommended by Village or City Hall.
Annually drain the water heater tank and refill again with clean water.Before starting to do so, turn off the appropriate electric power box and when finished, turn it on again.