Everything you need to know about maintaining your new Alturas Home.
Homeowner Maintenance Items
The following is a list of tips that may assist homeowners on simple, but important maintenance matters regarding their new Alturas Home. Although these items do not fall under our Limited Warranty, by following the suggestions below homeowners are taking the proper steps in maintaining the quality and beauty of their home that we are so proud to offer. If ever you have any questions, please feel free to call our Customer Care Department.
Air Filters
It is important for the homeowner to inspect & replace (as necessary) air filters on a regular basis (at least once per month for the first 12 months and every 2-3 months thereafter) in order for clean air to circulate throughout the home. Changing air filters can also help extend the life of the heating and cooling system.
Caulking
It is the homeowner’s responsibility to caulk on a regular basis in areas where this water based material has dried out (around cabinets, baseboards, tubs, showers, outside surrounds and exterior of windows). Tubes of caulk can be purchased at most local hardware stores.
Ceramic Tile
Please refer to your Homeowner’s Manual. If your home has ceramic tile, you should expect to re-grout and re-caulk as necessary. Ceramic tile will require maintenance to keep it from leaking. We also recommend applying a clear sealer to the tile. This may be obtained from most hardware stores or any ceramic tile dealer.
Condensate Lines/Exterior Drain Tile
In order to remove additional moisture around the foundation or crawl space and unwanted condensation from the cooling unit, there are several pipes exiting the home or foundation. It is necessary for the homeowner to keep these outside lines free of any debris that may accumulate (grass clippings, dirt, mud, etc.) Additionally, it is appropriate to pour 1 capful of bleach down the main condensate line at its opening (located on the furnace) once per year to remove any mildew that might be on the inside of the pipe.
Driveway Maintenance
Homeowners with gravel driveways may find ruts in their driveway after long, hard rains. To maintain a proper driveway, it is up to the homeowner to rake out any ruts that may occur in the driveway. Homeowners with paved driveways need to be aware that the pavement will be soft for the first few months after moving in and on hot days thereafter. Large trucks, moving vans, and heavy machinery may cause depressions in the driveway.
Exterior Wood
Wood railings, wood trim, wood siding, etc., must be maintained on a regular basis. Caulking, painting, etc., are the responsibility of the homeowner. Wood will rot if not given proper care. Please contact our Customer Care Department if you have any questions about maintenance. TIP: Check paint and caulking every six months, and re-paint exterior painted areas every 2-3 years, at a minimum.
Floor Squeaks
With any new home, floor squeaks may appear over time. Although some floor squeaks are harder to repair than others, our Customer Care Department may be able to offer some suggestions as to how the homeowner may resolve these occurrences.
Foundation Vents (Crawl Spaces Only)
During winter months, closing foundation vents prevents frozen pipes.
Frozen Pipes
Your plumbing pipes may freeze if temperatures drop below normal temperatures. You should keep your heat set to at least 65°F even if you go away. If temperatures do drop below normal, you should open cupboards and vanities to allow heat to the pipes and let faucets drip to keep pipes from freezing.
Gutters
It is your responsibility to clean leaves and debris from your gutters to maintain proper drainage within the gutter system, and to prevent snow or ice from backing up under the shingles and causing leaks (aka “ice-damming”). While your home has been built with preventative measures in mind, roof leaks due to ice-damming are not covered under our warranty.
Hose Bibs/Exterior Faucets
Winterize your outside faucets (hose bibs) prior to winter. It is very important that the outside faucets be drained to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Frozen and/or burst pipes caused by freezing are not covered by warranty.
Each fall the outside faucets must be drained to prevent them from freezing. Shut off the outside faucet by turning off the inside shut off valves. Lift the ring on vacuum breakers on those hose bibs. Open the outside faucet – this can be left open to allow excess water to drain out. Bleed the lines – open the bleed valve (cap) that is located by the inside shut off valve to let the excess water drain out of the line.
In homes equipped with Frost-Free hose bibs, there is no vacuum breaker or plastic ring, simply remove any hose and shut off the hose bib at the exterior faucet and turn off the inside shut off valves.
In the spring, follow the procedure in reverse order to have your outside faucets operable.
Alturas Homes is not responsible for frozen and/or burst pipes as a result of freezing. You will be charged the current service rate for repairs and payment must be made at the time of the warranty/service call.
Lawn Care
As explained in our warranty agreement, damage to or loss of lawn, plants, shrubs, or trees due to improper maintenance (for example, over or underwatering) will not be covered under warranty. A new and healthy lawn takes a lot of work (continued watering, seeding & fertilizing). Once a healthy lawn is present, the homeowner will be less likely to find erosion and small stones throughout the lawn. More specific details on lawn care are included in your Homeowner Manual.
Light Bulbs
Though not warranted, replacement light bulbs are inexpensive and can be found at local hardware stores.
Siding
Your siding will need to be re-caulked on a regular basis. The timing will vary due to sun exposure, direction the house faces, weather, etc.
Smoke Detectors
Inspect & test regularly (at least twice per year.)
Replace batteries at least once per year.
Clean annually with a vacuum.
Check for replacement every 5 years.
Trees
The builder is not responsible for trees that may die or become diseased after settlement.
Wear & Tear Items
The following “wear & tear” items are not covered by the Limited Warranty:
- Tub chips & scratches
- Cuts or scratches on countertops
- Tears or cuts in resilient (vinyl) flooring
- Scratches on hardwood floors
Windows
During season changes, you will need to adjust and lubricate your windows for easy operation. Spray furniture polish (Pledge, for example), or other suitable lubricant recommended by the manufacturer. Slight adjustments can be made by tightening or loosening screws in the balances system, if necessary.