• Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems sometimes needs hours to heat or cool your home fully. Avoid adjusting thermostat levels more than a few degrees in either direction at a time. Extreme swings in the temperature setting make your system work longer and harder, and don’t hasten the heating or cooling process.
• Inspect your HVAC system twice a year, at the start of the heating season and again at the start of the cooling season. Use a professional service company.
• Most HVAC systems require you replace or clean the system’s air filters regularly (as often as monthly). Check your system’s operations manual or with your local Centex customer service representative about how frequently this needs to be done, the type of filters to use and the location of the filters in your home.
• Proper use of your HVAC system, especially during warmer months, helps maintain proper levels of humidity in your home. Indoor air humidity should never exceed 60 percent. Regularly high levels of humidity can negatively affect many of your home’s components and features.
• Balancing the temperature from room to room (or floor-to-floor if you have a multi-level home) depends on many factors – not just your HVAC system. Air flow between rooms, ceiling height, window coverings, exposure to sun, whether vents are open or closed and so on, all play a role. You may need to experiment with several factors to achieve the right balance and comfort level.
• Clean and remove debris that may collect on or inside the condenser unit located outdoors. Accumulations can affect the unit’s efficiency and longevity. Also, keep area immediately around the condenser unit free of grass, bushes and trees.
• Keep furniture, drapes and other obstructions at least three inches away from air supply registers and return air grills to maintain proper airflow for maximum system performance.
• Adjust thermostat settings to no more than 70 to 72 degrees in the winter and no less than 78 to 80 degrees in the summer. This will save you money and wear on your system.
• Close windows and exterior doors when heating/cooling system is working.

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Cooling:

• Your exterior air conditioning unit should never be moved or obstructed in any way (shrubs, trees,  leaves, etc.)
• Verify that the exterior condensation line remains open and free from obstruction at all times.
• In multi-floor homes, you may need to fully open upstairs vents while closing some downstairs vents to compensate for the fact that warm air rises.
• Avoid using the dryer, stove or oven during the middle of a hot day.
• Close drapes or curtains on hot days when the sun shines into your home.

Heating:

• During cold weather, keep the heat in your home above 55 degrees. Shutting the heat off could result in frozen or burst pipes.
• If you have a cut-off power switch near the furnace, always keep it in the "on" position.
• In multi-floor homes, you may need to fully open downstairs vents while closing some upstairs vents to compensate for the fact that warm air rises.
• On cold days, open the drapes or curtains to let the sun help heat your home.

Ventilation:

• Use any exhaust fans installed in your bathroom, laundry and kitchen to assist in removing excess humidity levels created by use of these facilities. For example, operating an exhaust fan throughout your bathing process, as well as 20 to 30 minutes after, should fully remove the added moisture.
• Periodically inspect any outside exhaust outlets to ensure that they are not blocked by any obstructions.

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Appliances

NOTE: The appliance manufacturer – not Centex – handles most warranty claims on appliances. Contact the appliance manufacturer for all warranty claims. Contact information should be in the manuals provided with the appliances or on the manufacturer’s Web site.

• Read and follow all manufacturers' directions about safe operation, care and maintenance of all appliances in your new home. Keep all appliance manuals in a handy place for future reference.
• Fill out and submit all warranty cards that come with appliances.
• If you suspect there may be a leak in any gas appliance, please turn off the main gas valve near your meter, IMMEDIATELY evacuate the home and call the gas company.
• If an electric appliance does not work, check that the appliance is securely plugged in and that no circuit breakers have been tripped.

Garbage disposals:

• NEVER put hands, bones or metal or plastic objects into the disposal.
• Always run cold water when using a garbage disposal.
• NEVER overload your garbage disposal. Excessive garbage, especially items like vegetable peelings, can clog the system.
• If the disposal is not working, press the reset button (usually on the underside of the disposal). If that fails, unplug the disposal and use the wench or key provided with the disposal to disengage the blades and dislodge blockages.
• Review the manufacturer’s literature or Web site about the need for periodic cleaning or blade sharpening.

Microwaves:

• NEVER turn on a microwave when it is empty nor use any type of metal or foil in it.

Range hoods:

• Range hood filters often need periodic changing or cleaning. Check your system’s operations manual or with your local Centex customer service representative about whether this should be done, how often and how.

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Asphalt: Driveways

• Avoid spilling gas, oil, antifreeze, turpentine or any petroleum products on the asphalt since these substances can cause the material to disintegrate.
• Clean up all such spills listed above immediately. Pour kitty litter, baking soda or cornstarch on the spill to soak up the excess, sweep up and dispose of properly when done.
• To remove stains on asphalt, use liquid dishwashing soap and a stiff brush to scrub the stain, then rinse or soak up with paper towels. Do NOT use commercial cleaners made for concrete surfaces.
• It is normal for some cracks to appear over time. When spotted, fill immediately with an asphalt crack sealer to prevent water seepage.
• Put a seal coat on an asphalt driveway every two to four years to protect it and extend its life. When the asphalt looks more gray than black, it is usually time to re-seal.
• Exercise care with bicycle kick stands, chairs, ladders, car jacks and tools as any sharp projection may cause indentations in the surface.
• Do not park excessively heavy vehicles, such as moving vans, on your driveway.

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Attics and Crawlspaces

• By intent, your attic and crawl space are supposed to replicate the outdoor temperatures. This ensures proper air circulation. Do not block vents, louvers or other devices meant to ensure adequate ventilation.
• Attics are NOT meant for storage. The weight of stored items could cause structural damage to your home. Stored items could also prevent adequate venting of your home and, in an emergency, prevent access to the systems in your attic.
• When you access your attic, take your time and use care. Do not step off the wood joists or maintenance platforms. If you do, you could damage the ceiling below and you may be injured.
• Avoid disturbing any insulation in your attic. Re-establish insulation levels that may become crushed from your foot traffic.
• Crawlspaces are NOT meant for storage. Disturbing this area could affect moisture control and other systems of your home. Only foundation and other construction professionals should access these areas when necessary.

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Bathtubs, Sinks and Showers (also see Plumbing)

• The simplest way to maintain showers and baths is not to allow soap scum, body oils and hard water deposits to build up. The best way to do this is to wipe down shower walls with a towel or squeegee after use.
• If you have a mildew problem, scrub with a commercial tile cleaner or fungicide. Special mildew stain removers are also available.
• Caulk and grout deteriorates over time. Check the caulk and grout on a regular basis. When deterioration is noticed, remove the old and loose caulk or grout with a sharp-point tool. Re-caulk or grout with a similar material specifically made for wet areas such as baths, sinks and showers.
• Abrasive cleaners are NOT needed or recommended on glass or metal surfaces.
• Use cleaners without ammonia to clean mirrored surfaces. Spray cleaner on a cloth and wipe as necessary. This prevents cleaner from collecting on bottom of mirror and discoloring the finished edge.
• Do NOT use rubber mats in showers or tubs. They cause surface blisters as well as trap fungus and mold.
• A jetted tub should be run with only clean, clear water. No bubble bath products, bath oils or soaps should be used in conjunction with the whirlpool motor.
• Bathtubs and sinks made of steel or vitreous china or porcelain on cast iron will chip or scratch. Do not drop heavy or sharp objects on them.

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Cabinets

• For everyday care, wipe surfaces with a clean, soft cloth, adding a mild oil-based soap and water only when necessary. Do not use water alone to clean cabinets. Never use abrasives, strong detergents, chemical cleaning agents or rags and sponges used for other chores.
• About every six months, consider applying a light coat of liquid polish or paste wax that does not contain cleaners or silicone to wood cabinet surfaces. Apply as directed by the polish/wax manufacturer.
• Wipe up all spills promptly. Moisture is the worst enemy of your new cabinets.
• Minor scratches and imperfections can be repaired or hidden by using matching wood tone filler. Such products are available in most hardware stores.
• Do not store heavy objects or stack excessive weight on the shelves, drawers, roll outs or Lazy Susans. Lazy Susans require even loading of materials to ensure proper operation.
• Do NOT store wet cloths or sponges in cabinets.

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Concrete: Patios, Driveways, Garage Floors, Walkways

• Do not use salt, commercial ice-melting products or any other minerals which may damage concrete surfaces. If traction is needed in icy conditions, use sand or kitty litter.
• Do not park excessively heavy vehicles, such as moving vans, on concrete driveway.
• It is normal for small cracks to appear in concrete surfaces over time. Immediately seal cracks with concrete caulk or patching compound (available in most hardware stores) to avoid water infiltration that could cause greater damage.
• To avoid excessive cracking in concrete surfaces, control joints (they look like channels) are often installed. Cracking may be expected in these joint channels. Keep expansion joints free of vegetation.
• Clean up all oil and gas spills immediately as they can damage the surface. Pour kitty litter, baking soda or cornstarch on the spill to soak up the excess, sweep up and dispose of properly when done. Use liquid dishwashing soap and a stiff brush to scrub the stain, then rinse or soak up with paper towels.
• Smooth finished concrete, as in garage floors, can be slick when wet; therefore, when washing autos, etc., take caution.

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Countertops

• Always use a cutting board. Do NOT cut directly on countertops. It could damage the surface.
• Clean up spills promptly. Use non-abrasive cleaners (liquid detergent and water, for example) when necessary.
• Do not set hot appliances or other hot items (coffeepots, baking dishes, pots, etc.) over countertop seams or directly on countertop surface. Use hot pads.
• Keep all countertop seams dry. Maintain caulking between wall and countertop backsplash to prevent moisture from accumulating behind cabinets.
• Marble Tops and Surfaces:
• Periodic applications of paste wax may help maintain a high gloss luster and make cleaning easier. Mild abrasives like automatic polishing compound or baking soda will usually remove simple scratches/stains.
• Fingernail polish remover can be extremely harmful to marble.

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Decks - Wood

• It is recommended that approximately six months after closing, when the deck is dry, that you seal your deck with a commercial water seal. This will promote the longevity of your deck. Periodically re-appeal seal according to manufacturer’s recommendation.
• Paints and full-cover stains are usually not recommended. Consult the wood manufacturer's warranty.
• Heavy loads, such as hot tubs, will need additional bracing or supports when on a deck. Hot tubs on a deck often void your structural warranty.
• Periodically check, and when necessary re-set, exposed nail heads and screws in a deck.

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Doors (exterior, interior, garage)

• Doors may operate differently from season to season. Temperature and humidity play a part in whether a door is “sticky” or “loose.” Maintaining consistent indoor temperatures and humidity levels helps mitigate this, especially for interior doors.
• Locksets and interior knobs may need to be tightened or adjusted periodically, especially when used regularly. Minor adjustments to the knob screws and strike plates are common and require little effort.

Exterior

• Use floor mats inside and outside of all exterior doors to absorb soil and moisture. Clean mats on a regular basis, especially during inclement weather.
• Do NOT use nails or tape to attach items to the front door. They could harm the finish.
• Exterior doors should be re-painted or re-varnished as needed, depending on weather and sun exposure.
• Thresholds, door sweeps and weather stripping need to be regularly checked to ensure a tight seal exists. A well-sealed door should be somewhat hard to open and close. A slight, visible air crack around the door, however, is normal.
• If you install a storm door, during periods of warm weather replace the glass pane with a screen. This limits heat build up that can distort or warp an entry door.
• Sliding doors may have exterior weep holes at the bottom to allow water to exit the doorframe. These need to remain unobstructed. Periodically inspect and clear the weep holes of debris.
• Periodically vacuum sliding door tracks then use silicone spray on the tracks to aid in the door’s movement.

Interior

• Periodically inspect all screws to ensure that they are not in need of adjustment for proper operation.
• Avoid using oil-based cleaners. These products may leave a film that may react with the oil on your skin and prematurely wear the finish.

Garage doors

• Garage doors are usually not weatherproof. Expect some air, dust, rain, snow and light to seep in. Sweep out any water or snow in the winter to keep the door from freezing shut.
• Every few months, visually inspect all the garage door’s moving parts, cables, door panels, tracks and the threshold. Address any issues immediately; continued operation could make a problem worse.
• Lubricate all moving parts on garage door every three months.
• Tighten bolts on garage door tracks annually.
• Expect the paint near the garage opening trim to chip or peel. This is normal as the two are in contact in order to have a tight fit when the door is closed.
• NEVER attempt to adjust the garage door spring in any way.
• If the opener does not work, check the sensors near the bottom of the door track. Make sure they are clean and lined up. Nothing should block the sensors.
   

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Electrical and Lighting Fixtures

The electrical wiring and equipment in your home are protected by circuit breakers. Think of them as safety valves for your home's electrical system. Circuit breakers may be reset by first switching the breaker completely over to OFF and then back to ON.

• Master circuit breaker: When this breaker is tripped, all the electricity in the house is cut. The break is in the electrical service panel box.

Power failure:

In case of complete power failure, first determine if your neighbors have power. If so, notify your electric company. If the power failure has occurred only in your home, check the master circuit breaker. If one breaker trips continuously, you may be overloading that circuit. When a circuit breaker trips, unplug all appliances on the same circuit prior to re-setting the breaker. Too many appliances or a faulty appliance within that circuit can cause the breaker to trip.

• Higher amperage appliances, such as hair dryers, irons and power tools, may cause lights within the same circuit to dim slightly. This is normal.
• In cold weather, you may feel a slight draft from outlets and light switches on exterior walls. These “convective currents” occur as cooler air inside the exterior wall falls to the lower elevation electrical boxes. Do not place insulation inside the electrical box as this could cause a fire hazard.
• Limit the amount of plugs put in one outlet or power strip. Overloading your power outlets will cause your breaker switch to trip or, under continued abuse, may result in damage.
• Do not allow water or liquids to penetrate your plugs or switches.
• When young children are around, use childproof outlet plates or plug covers to prevent items from being inserted into power outlets.
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors monthly. Replace batteries as needed.
• Your home may have an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. These breakers cut the power when an appliance cord is underneath furniture or pinched. If this breaker trips, inspect all appliances in the affected area. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters require regular testing to ensure proper operation.

Ceiling fans:

• Before replacing an overhead fixture with a ceiling fan, consult with your local Centex service representative or a qualified electrical contractor about whether your overhead electrical boxes support a fan. Not all ceiling electrical boxes can hold the added weight of a fan.

Non-working outlets:

• Your home is equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, referred to as GFCI or GFI outlets. Typically, they have colored “test” and “reset” buttons on their face plate. These outlets are required in certain areas of your home by code. Moisture, such as steam, causes these circuits to trip. Check to see if your outlet has GFI breaker and, if so, try resetting it before calling for service on your home. NOTE: Sometimes one GFI outlet may control several nearby outlets in your home.
• Some outlets may be connected to a light switch in order for a lamp or other appliances to be operated by that switch. Please test all light switches in a room prior to calling for service.
• WARNING! Do not use a GFI outlet for an appliance that requires a continuous flow of electricity, such as a refrigerator or freezer. (NOTE: Garage circuits are typically GFI circuits. If you want to operate an appliance in the garage, it is recommended that you have a dedicated circuit installed for that appliance).

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Exterior Surfaces: Brick, Stone, Wood, Vinyl, etc.

• Make sure outdoor sprinklers do not water your siding. This will help prevent water infiltration behind siding and staining from minerals commonly found in water supplies.
• Regularly inspect your exterior surfaces for wear and tear issues. This includes checking the caulking every six months. If shrinking or deterioration is found, remove the old caulking and re-caulk. Failure to maintain exterior caulking properly may result in water seepage into your home.
• A white powdery substance, called efflorescence, may accumulate on your brick, stucco or stacked stone surfaces. These naturally occurring salt stains can’t be prevented. Generally, they disappear on their own after time. If efflorescence is an immediate concern, scrub using a stiff brush soaked in a small bucket of warm water mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar. Commercial products from your local hardware store may also help remove efflorescence.
• On brick surfaces, the lowest row of your bricks and over doors and windows will have small open joints called weep holes. These permit moisture to escape from your walls. Keep dirt and plants away from weep holes. Do not fill weep holes or cover them up. Also, you may see rope protruding out of the weep hole. Do not cut or remove this. It is intended to keep the weep hole open and allow water out.
• If your home is stucco, brick or stacked stone, hairline cracks may form on the surface of the stucco or in the mortar joints of the bricks and stones. Consult the Centex Construction Performance Standards you received about how these should be handled.
• On the bottom of exterior stucco and stone facades, you will find a metal finishing edge, called weep screed. Weep screed allows water to escape. Keep the weep screed uncovered, free from dirt and vegetation.
• You may notice occasional staining on stucco surfaces. This condition occurs when rain hits the ground, picks up particles of dirt, and then splashes onto your walls. We suggest that you hire a professional company to remove the staining.
• Inspect exterior wood surfaces every six months for issues, such as rot, cracking and splitting. Repair as necessary. Wood trim and siding will require regular maintenance and painting. Such maintenance is determined by variables such as sun exposure and other climatic conditions.
• Vinyl siding requires periodic power washing to remove dirt, mildew or pollen. Never place hot grills near vinyl siding.
• Cementatious siding requires regular maintenance and painting. Such maintenance is determined by many variables such as sun exposure and other climatic conditions.
• Consider hiring a qualified contractor to clean your home’s exterior on an annual, or as needed, basis.

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Fireplaces and Chimneys

• Always open the damper before starting a fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended, especially when children and pets are around.
• Do NOT use any flammable liquids in fireplace.
• Optional fireplace fans should only be turned on after fireplace has been preheated for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Keep glass doors open during fireplace operation. Heat built up by closed doors could cause the glass to shatter.
• The fire screen should always be closed during fireplace operation.
• Slate or marble is a brittle, natural material and is subject to natural grains, textures and fracture lines. Care should be taken not to harm these surfaces with fireplace tools, logs or by walking on them.
• Do not stand on the hearth of your fireplace and avoid dropping any heavy objects, such as logs, onto the hearth. This may cause loosening of brick and cracking of mortar.
• Do not scrub your brick surface if soot develops on it. Mix baking soda and water in a spray bottle; spray on lightly, and pat with a sponge or clean rag. You may need to do this several times. If this does not remove all the soot, try a sodium phosphate mixture using the same method.
• Keep obstructions, such as tree branches, away from the exterior flue. This may inhibit fireplace operation or create a fire hazard.
• Wood-burning fireplaces only:
• Always light a piece or two of rolled-up newspaper in the fireplace to warm the flue and create an updraft in the chimney before starting the fire.
• Have your flue inspected and cleaned once a year by a qualified chimney sweep.
• Atmospheric conditions (such as wind), large trees and other obstructions may adversely affect fireplace smoke draw up the chimney.
• Use dry seasoned hardwood for firewood and do not use any flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Your firebox needs to be cleaned of ashes after every four or five fires. Make sure ashes are entirely extinguished prior to removal. Use a fireproof container to store ashes. Do not store ashes in the house or garage.

Gas-burning fireplaces:

• If you ever smell natural gas when the fireplace is not in use, make sure the valve to the fireplace is turned off. If it is off and the smell persists, evacuate your home IMMEDIATELY and call your gas company.
• When you use your gas fireplace for the first time, you’ll probably notice a slight burning smell. This is your fireplace burning away packaging grease in the vent pipes. It will go away after a few uses.

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Flooring (carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl)

Carpets

• Vacuuming is essential for good carpet care. Vacuum thoroughly and frequently, particularly in high traffic areas. Cross-pattern vacuuming (side-to-side and then back-and-forth) is necessary for good care. Walking on soiled carpet permits the soil particles to work their way below the surface of the pile where they are far more difficult to remove.
• No carpet is stain-proof. Stain resistant treatments improve your ability to remove – not prevent – stains. After a spill, absorb as much liquid as possible with paper towels, replacing them as they become saturated. Use a blotting action, never a scrubbing motion, to prevent “fuzzing” the carpet surface. Remove as much of the food spills as possible by gently scraping with a spoon or dull knife. Consult the carpet manufacturer’s warranty, care guide or Web site for the recommended method of stain removal.
• Before cleaning heavily soiled carpets or trying to remove stubborn stains, consult the carpet manufacturer’s warranty, care guide or Web site to find the recommended method of doing this.
• Shedding of carpet fibers is common in the first year a new carpet installed. Frequent vacuuming will help reduce shedding. You will also need to replace your vacuum bag more frequently during this time.
• Area rugs and furniture placed over carpets, may over time, cause a color variation on the carpet due to a lack of uniform light exposure.
• Protect your carpet from prolonged periods of direct sunlight with blinds, shades, etc., on your windows.
• If you use area rugs over your carpet, remove and clean them regularly.
• Move heavy furniture occasionally to avoid excessive pile crushing. When moving heavy, wheeled furniture (pianos, buffets, etc.), you should place heavy cardboard or plywood between the wheel and the carpet.
• Do NOT use chairs or appliances with rollers/casters on carpet.

Hardwood

• Always follow floor manufacturer guidelines for cleaning. It is recommended that you use cleaners designed for and/or by your wood manufacturer. Never clean your hardwood floors with water. Do not use any wax or oil-based cleaner that must be mixed with water as this may result in damage to the finish. Water can dull the finish and permanently damage the floor.
• For everyday cleaning of your wood floor, use a vacuum (without a beater bar) or an untreated dust mop. Sweep or vacuum your floor as often as required to remove loose dirt or grit before it can scratch the surface of the floor.
• Gaps between floorboards will expand and contract depending on temperature and humidity. This is normal.
• To prevent slippage of area rugs, use an approved vinyl rug underlay. Prolonged use of some rubber-backed throw rugs may alter the color tone of the wood and/or damage the wood finish.
• Wipe up spills immediately before they get sticky or dry. Remove dried spills with a dampened cloth.
• Sun exposure may change your wood floors’ appearance over time. Areas with rugs over the wood will change independently from the surrounding areas.
• Use floor protectors on the feet of furniture to avoid scratches. When moving heavy furniture or appliances, try slipping a blanket or scrap of carpet, face down, under each foot and sliding the furniture carefully.
• Certain types of furniture casters may damage hardwood flooring. Barrel-type caster wheels or wide flat glides are best for your hardwood floor. If your furniture does not have the right type of caster, change them.
• Spike or stiletto high heel shoes, especially those in poor repair, may cause denting and related damage to hardwood floors.
• A pet's nails may scratch and damage hardwood floors.

Laminate

• Laminate floors require specific cleaning procedures. Always defer to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Avoid wet mopping as water can enter the laminate seams and permanently damage the surface.

Vinyl

• Most flooring manufacturer's make specific cleaning products for their floors. While they are commonly more expensive, they are also more effective and designed for your floor.
• Avoid sliding objects on vinyl flooring as it may permanently damage the surface.
• Avoid placing rubber-backed rugs or rubber-based slip resistant liners on your vinyl floor. The oil-based rubber can chemically discolor your vinyl floor surface.
• Heat can discolor and permanently damage the surface of your vinyl flooring.

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Gutters, Downspouts and Exterior Drains

• The extent of nearby trees will determine how often you need to clean the inside of your gutters. At a minimum, it is recommended to clean gutters at least twice a year – once in the spring and again in the fall.
• If your gutters and downspouts drain to an underground pipe receptacle, verify that nothing other than storm water enters this underground pipe system. Otherwise, drain blockage may occur, causing back ups, and requiring an expensive repair.
• Never let chemicals, oils, sewage, debris, dirt or other materials other than storm water and other acceptable water runoff enter drainage systems or else you may be violating environmental laws.

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Hardware (cabinet/door handles, hinges, etc.)

• Use only a soft, damp cloth for cleaning locksets and other hardware. Abrasive cleaning agents can ruin the finish on your hardware.
• Silicone spray can be used on hinges to help eliminate squeaks.

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Landscaping

• Your yard has been graded to direct water AWAY from your home. Take extreme care when altering the landscape (adding/removing/relocating plants, trees, flowerbeds, walkway, patio, pools). Such changes could affect your home’s drainage flow, causing serious problems with your yard, foundation, concrete work, retaining walls and even your neighbors’ homes.
• Avoid planting shrubs or flowers close to your foundation. Excessive watering could affect your soil and then harm your foundation.

Lawn/sod

• Most new lawns generally require 1 to 3 inches of water per week depending on weather conditions, soil type and type of grasses. Consult a professional lawn service, landscaper or your local garden center for assistance in establishing a new lawn.
• Do not bank soil over the siding of your home. In most areas, maintain a 6-inch separation of the grading and siding.

Trees/shrubs

• Consult a professional tree service, landscaper or your local garden center for guidance on what trees and shrubs are best for your area of the country, and how you can best fertilize, water and maintain those you already have or add to your yard.
• New trees will generally need deep, thorough watering for at least two growing seasons. Consult a professional tree service, landscaper or your local garden center for guidance.
• Keep the surface of the planted root ball free of weeds, grass or sod by applying three inches of wood chips or ornamental stone around the tree base. Do NOT apply weed or grass killer products, including “weed and feed” lawn fertilizers in this area as they could harm your tree.
• Do not plant flowers immediately around a tree, especially a new planting, as the watering and fertilizing needs for trees and flowers are different.
• Avoid planting larger trees within a few feet of your home. The root system could harm the foundation when the tree grows. Excessive watering could affect your soil and then harm your foundation.

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Paint

Exterior

• Inspect painted wood and concrete siding surface every six months; repaint as necessary. Prior to painting, ensure that the surfaces are clean, dry and free from loose layers of old paint.
• Consider hiring a qualified contractor to clean your home’s exterior on an annual or as needed basis.

Interior

• Interior walls are often painted with latex paint and are not washable. Touch-up paint is required to keep walls looking clean. When touching up your walls with paint, use a blotting action with a brush to re-create a rolled look.
• Interior doors and trim are often painted with an alkyd (oil-based) enamel paint that provides a hard, durable and washable finish. Such paint can be washed with water to remove dirt.
• Some yellowing will occur with all alkyd or oil-based enamels. Re-paint as necessary.

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Plumbing (also see Bathtubs, Sinks and Showers)

• Physically inspect all visible water lines and drains regularly for leaks.
• Each member of your household should know where the main water shut-off valve is. It will need to be accessed in the event of emergency.
• Use a non-abrasive cleaner and sponge to clean all plumbing fixtures.
• Sink traps are finger-tightened so that clogs or items dropped down the sink can be remedied without a plumber's assistance.
• Alterations, modifications or improvements to plumbing should be done by a licensed plumber.
• On the end of many faucets, you’ll find an aerator. These screens help remove minerals from the water delivered to your home. Aerators require periodic cleaning to ensure proper water flow and pressure. Simply unscrew the aerator, clean debris from the screen and then screw the aerator back on.Your toilets are low-flow models required by federal standards to conserve water. They may clog more easily than older toilets that use more water.
• Do not pour grease down drain or disposal. Use cold water to flush any incidental grease from drains.
• Loose handles on sink and tub faucets often can be corrected by removing the hot/cold indicator button and tightening the screw. Remember to replace the indicator button.
• Toilet seats often can be corrected by lifting up the cover to the hinge and tightening the screw. Snap the hinge cover back into place when finished.

Cold weather precautions:

• Always remove hoses and other attachments from hose bibs during cold weather. Otherwise, water in the hose may come back into the bib, freeze and cause the bib to shatter.
• Open vanity base cabinet doors on exterior walls during extreme cold weather to allow warm air to enter.
• Keep all exterior wall faucets dripping inside the home overnight to keep water lines from freezing. Moving water is less prone to freeze.
• Should a pipe freeze, use a hair dryer or small lamp to thaw the pipe before it bursts. Do NOT attempt to thaw the pipe with a torch or open flame. Always open faucets when thawing pipes. If you must leave your home when a pipe is frozen, turn off the main water valve and open all faucets.

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Roofs

• Avoid climbing onto and walking on your roof when possible. Roof shingles and tiles are normally not designed to withstand such pressure, and they may crack or tear, leading to leaks in your roof. Consult with a roofing professional for your needs.
• Perform periodic visual inspections of your roof. It is especially important to inspect your roof for loose shingles after inclement weather events. Consult with a roofing professional for your needs.
• In cold climates, removal of snow may be required if there are concerns of excess weight on your roof system and potential for ice-dams to develop. Use a broom, never a shovel or snow blower, to remove snow from your roof. Never attempt to break ice off your roof with any tools

Sump Pumps

Your home may have a sump pump to remove excessive water from the basement walls and floor drainage system. This is normal in some areas of the country, especially where excessive groundwater is present. For safety reasons, make sure that the sump basket lid is always properly secured, and that the pump is always plugged into an outlet.On occasion, you may test or disinfect the sump basket. Consult the pump manufacturer’s operation and maintenance materials for instructions.

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Tile - Ceramic

• When re-grouting, be sure to remove all old grout in the affected area. New grout does not adhere to old grout.The use of felt pads beneath chairs and tables can minimize any unwanted scratches in the tile.
• Do not use steel wool to clean ceramic tile as it may damage the surface.
• Most all-purpose cleansers may be used for cleaning ceramic tile. Scouring powders that have bleaching agents may be useful in removing stains from grout joints.
• Do not use a cleaning agent that contains color; it may stain a relatively porous grout joint.
• It is a good idea to test any cleaning agent in an out-of-the-way corner.

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Walls - Interior

• Hairline cracking in sheetrock is normal over time. The most common locations for these cracks to appear are the corners of the room, near windows and in the ceiling. Homeowners can make most minor drywall repairs easily by using spackling or joint compound, sanding and painting.
• Nail and screw pops are common occurrences in new drywall. They do not alter the strength of the wall. To repair, simply re-set the nail or screw, re-spackle and re-paint. To attach mirrors, pictures, or any decorative items to drywall, use the appropriate fastener for the object’s weight. Also, take caution to avoid internal mechanical systems and pipes when installing fasteners.
• Keep doorstops adjusted properly to eliminate doorknobs hitting the drywall.

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Water Heaters

• Your hot water heater should be drained or flushed every six to 12 months. This removes small quantities of scale and dirty water that these heaters accumulate over time. Consult the heater manufacturer's operation and maintenance materials to learn how to do this.
• Every six months, check the temperature and pressure relief valve on your hot water heater to be certain the lever works properly. If the thermostat should fail to operate properly, this valve prevents a dangerous increase in water temperature and pressure. Consult the heater manufacturer's operation and maintenance materials for more detailed information.
• Your hot water heater is equipped with a thermostat that allows you to set the temperature of water supplied to your household. Avoid setting the temperature so high that it could scald as it comes out of the faucet. See the heater manufacturer's operation and maintenance materials to understand how to select the proper temperature on your particular model. It may be economically feasible to set your thermostat on a low or "vacation" setting whenever leaving the home for an extended period.
• Do not place any combustible material on or near your hot water heater.

Gas water heaters only

• If at anytime you should smell natural gas fumes, turn off the gas supply valve on your hot water heater. If it is off and the smell persists, evacuate your home IMMEDIATELY and call your gas company.
• Lighting and turning off the pilot on your hot water heater can be accomplished by explicitly following the manufacturer's directions. These are usually listed on the side of the hot water heater tank.

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Windows

• Do not apply pressure on windows when cleaning.
• Use silicone spray on window tracks to aid in the easy movement of sashes.
• Do not lean ladders against windows.
• Your windows or screens may have exterior weep holes at the bottom to allow water to exit the frame. Periodically inspect and keep them clear of debris.
• Condensation that develops on the interior side of your windows is generally an indication of excessively high of indoor humidity or poor air circulation around the window itself.
• When a drastic difference between the interior temperature of the home and the exterior air temperature is present, it is common to experience some "sweating", or condensation, to be present on the window frame. Wipe it off with a clean, soft cloth.
• To clean exterior windows, use a commercial glass cleaning solution with crumpled newspaper as the rag. If you need to scrape paint or a similar substance off the glass, use a sharp razor blade flat against the glass. Be careful not to damage the glass.
• Most screens are installed from the inside of the home. Several small (sometimes spring loaded) catches hold them in place. To remove, pull outward on the catch and remove the screen. CAUTION: Most screens are made using a fiberglass mesh that can be torn easily if struck by a sharp object.
• WARNING! Window screens are not designed as a safety feature and will dislodge or tear when pressure is applied. Make sure windows are closed and locked around young children.

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO BASIC MAINTENANCE OF YOUR NEW HOME

This checklist covers some basic, necessary maintenance items for most homes. It is by no means all-inclusive. Some items may not be applicable for the type of home and home features you have. Consult all guides, warranties, literature and Web sites provided by your builder and by the manufacturers of your home’s various appliances and components for full details.

MONTHLY

• Test and clean/dust smoke detectors.
• Test GFCI/GFI receptacle/breaker and outlets.
• Replace/clean HVAC air return filters.
• Check grout/caulking in tile and marble in wet areas (showers, sinks, etc.); repair as needed.
• QUARTERLY
• Check range hood charcoal filter; replace/clean as necessary; repair as needed.
• Check caulk seals between countertops and walls and on any laminated surfaces; repair as needed.
• Check, and adjust as necessary, thresholds, door sweeps and weather stripping on exterior doors to maintain air tightness.
• Oil all moving parts on garage doors and tracks.
• Remove leaves, debris and snow from window wells.

TWICE A YEAR

• Clean gutters, downspouts and roof eaves to remove leaves and debris (spring/fall).
• Check dryer vent exhaust for lint blockage; clean as needed.
• Check connection between dryer and vent exhaust; repair as needed.
• Check washing machine hoses and connections for cracks and leaks; repair as needed.
• Have an HVAC professional inspect and calibrate your heating and cooling system (start of heating and cooling season).
• Vacuum/clean window and sliding door tracks; lubricate with silicone spray.
• Assess all exterior paint and caulk; repair as needed.
• Check exterior caulk seals around windows, doors, etc.; repair as needed.
• Drain and flush out hot water heater, and verify that pressure relief value is working.
• Inspect and maintain the flow of all swales (land contours), culvert and drainage inlets and outlets.
• Verify that there is no standing water in crawl spaces, all insulation intact and heating/cooling supply lines are secure.

ANNUALLY

• Power wash exterior vinyl siding.
• Verify main water cut off valve is accessible and functioning properly.
• Have professional chimney sweep inspect and clean fireplace flue/chimney; check caulk sill around fireplace facing and repair as needed.
• Tighten all nuts/bolts in/on garage door and track.
• Apply water-seal treatment to all outdoor exposed wood (spring); power-washing wood first may be necessary.
• Clear/clean weep holes in brick siding.

WINTER MAINTENANCE (where applicable)

• Disconnect exterior hoses and devices from hose bibs; if possible, shut off water to bib and drain.
• Remove ice buildup, snow or any debris from roof when needed to prevent possible home water intrusion.
• Foundation vents should remain open except in event of extreme cold.
• During extreme cold, leave indoor faucets located on exterior walls dripping to prevent pipe freezing.

SUMMER MAINTENANCE (where applicable)

• Verify HVAC condensate drain is flowing freely while air conditioning is running.

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