Home Care & Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance will keep your home looking it best. We have put together a few common maintenance items below. A fully detailed list of maintenance items entitled "Maintenance Manual" can be found in the warranty package you received with your sales documents.

• Caulking
  Check for cracks in caulking monthly and replace it as needed. Silicone caulking is best
  for areas exposed to water (baths, showers, and sinks) and latex caulking is best for
  painted areas (baseboards, windows, etc.).
  
  
• Flooring
  Vacuum your carpet daily and have carpets steam cleaned twice a year to keep it in
  good condition. Clean your hard surface flooring weekly using products specific for the
  type of flooring installed. More frequent cleaning may be needed for high traffic areas.
  Check for manufacturer's recommendations in the flooring literature given to you at your
  flooring selection appointment.
  
  
• Filters
  Change your furnace filter every 1-3 months (each month under heavy usage and every
  three months for lighter usage). Check and clean or replace your hood vent filter twice
  a year or as needed.
  
  
• Smoke Detectors
  Change smoke detector batteries at least twice a year or any time a detector is "chirping".
  Some batteries will need changing more often than others. If a detector is beeping
  intermittently, the battery needs to be changed.
  
  
• Outlets
  Check your GFCI outlets every month (locations shown on your Walk Through Orientation)
  to be sure they are operating properly. This is done by pressing the test button and then
  the reset button.
  
  
• Gutters
  Clean roof gutters and downspouts at the end of summer, each week when leaves are
  falling, in the middle of winter, and at the end of winter. Remember, even gutters with
  installed gutter guards are not maintenance free.
  
  
• Drainage and Grading
  Keep your yard drains free from dirt and debris and maintain grading so that the ground
  around your home slopes away from the house and away from your neighbor's yards. More information on this can be found in your sales documents under "Drainage Restrictions".
  
  
• Natural Stone Care
  Natural stone products (granite, marble, and stone) should be cared for using only products
  and cleaners specifically designed to be used on the type of stone you are cleaning. Be
  cautious to read product labels and if available, manufacturer's care instructions & product recommendations.
  
  
• Roof
  Only allow licensed roofers to walk on your roof. Have your roof cleaned as often as
  necessary to keep clear of leaves, pine needles or other debris. Debris can cause water
  to travel backwards and may cause a leak. Do not install seasonal decorations on your roof.
  Only hire licensed installers for satellite TV dishes, solar products, and any other penetrating
  installed product. Have your roof inspected at least every five years to check for damage
  from severe weather.
  
  
• Be Observant
  Look around every time it rains for evidence of water intrusion (wet spots). The earlier a
  leak is caught, the lesser the damage to your home. Pay attention to every surface you come
  across in your daily routine and look for a potential maintenance issue. DON'T WAIT! Report
  builder repair issues as soon as you notice them to reduce potential damage and health issues.