Home Maintenance Tips

You know how to recognize value, which is why it was wise on your part to buy a Green Star Energy Home.

We take great pride in each and every home we build, and with a little TLC from you, you will be able to enjoy your new home for many years to come.  For your convenience, we have listed a few basic guidelines to follow that will help protect and maintain your home throughout the years.

Roof: Do not walk on the roof, but rather inspect it from the edges.  If you must walk on the roof, do so very carefully. Ice or high winds can damage a roof. Every spring and after any severe weather you should check for water stains under the overhang and in the attic. Loose or damaged shingles should be replaced. Check the flashing around the chimney, in the roof valleys and against any walls to see that it is secure and watertight.

Gutters & Downspouts: It is very important that you provide or maintain splash blocks and downspout extensions so they are in a position to carry roof water a minimum of five (5) feet away from the foundation. Make sure the gutters are sloping properly, allowing water to flow freely to the downspout. Keep gutters and downspouts in good repair and clear of leaves and debris.

Floors: Wood floors should be regularly mopped or vacuumed. Debris can damage or scratch the surface.  It is recommended that you seal tile or slate to protect and prevent staining.  Use a diluted detergent or tile cleaner to clean. Carpeting should be vacuumed regularly and shampooed when needed.  Avoid excessive wetting when shampooing.

Windows: For lightly soiled windows, use a solution of one cup of vinegar to one gallon of warm water. For heavily soiled windows, use a solution of one tablespoon of household ammonia and three tablespoons of denatured alcohol or vinegar to one quart of warm water.

Doors: If you have a door that sticks, check to see if the hinges are aligned and tightly screwed to the frame and door.  If they still stick, wrap a piece of sandpaper around a block of wood and sand the edges that stick, then seal or repaint the sanded area.  This will prevent moisture, which can cause warping from being absorbed by the wood.  Tops and bottoms of doors should be sealed or painted. Inspect all exterior doors each spring and fall.  Check for wear and to see that weatherstripping is tight and free from defects.

Paint: Exterior paints can usually be used for interior areas, however, the opposite is not always true.  Do not use acrylic or latex paint over enamel or varnish, since it will not adhere.  Use a washable paint in the bathroom, kitchen or utility area. First clean the surface, then repair areas that need it, and finally, be sure the surface is dry before painting.

Cleaning Walls: Some painted surfaces may be cleaned with a mild solution of detergent and water.  If you are not sure about the wash-ability of the paint, try washing in an inconspicuous place. Glazed brick or tile should be washed with soap and water. Use a non-abrasive household cleaner to remove stains.

Drains: Never pour grease down your drains.  Keep hair and food out of the drain.  Do not use any kind of lye if you have a plastic pipe system. Periodically, it is a good idea to run hot water down the drain, add three tablespoons of baking soda with a little hot water and let stand for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

Garbage Disposal: Always use only cold water when the disposal is operating. Occasionally grind some ice cubes and lemon peels to clean and freshen the disposal. Always read the manufacturer's maintenance manual.

Cabinets: Do not clean with abrasive cleaners, use a "soft-scrub" type cleaner. Wood cabinets should be cleaned and waxed just like fine furniture. Painted cabinets may be cleaned with a detergent solution.

Counter Tops: Counter tops should be cleaned with a "soft-scrub" cleaner. Although most counter tops are heat and stain resistant, you should not place hot objects directly on the counter top. Always use a chopping block for cutting food on countertops.

Bathroom: Regular cleaning of fixtures prevents soap scum build-up. Never use a harsh cleaner. Use a glass cleaner for chrome or brass. Use a "soft-scrub" cleaner for marble and cultured marble. Use a stiff brush to clean grout.  For a heavy stain, use a commercial grout cleaner.  Re-grout if necessary to prevent water from seeping behind the tile and into the walls.

Heating & Cooling Systems: Set your thermostat at 78 degrees in the summer and at 68 degrees in the winter.  Constant changing of the thermostat wastes energy. Close registers and doors in rooms not normally used. Hot air rises and cold air falls. With this in mind, in the summer you should close some downstairs registers and open some upstairs registers, reverse the process in the winter. Keep registers and cold-air returns free from obstacles, such as drapes, furniture and other items. Check the filter in your heating system at least twice a year, it should be cleaned or changed.  The filter should be checked more often if there is a lot of traffic in and out of the house.

Landscaping: Be sure the ground slopes away from the foundation. Plant trees at least twelve (12) feet and shrubs at least four (4) feet away from the foundation. Be sure splash blocks and downspout extensions are in place and carry roof water away from the foundation at least five (5) feet. Do not allow sprinklers to hit the area within four (4) feet of your foundation. Do not allow puddles to form near the foundation.

Winterize: Check the furnace. Clean or replace filters and check for proper operation. Check the pumps and valves on a hot water/steam furnace. Drain water from outside faucets and put away the hose. Clean out gutters and downspouts, as clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water or ice damming, which can result in damage to the roof. Check and repair weather-stripping and caulking.

Foundation: Soil expands and shrinks when it becomes wet. It is critical to the success of the home's foundation to keep the soil around the foundation at a consistent moisture content level. We have provided your yard with a final grade, which is designed to drain your yard and keep excess water away from the foundation. When you landscape, you must maintain this grade. Do now allow sprinklers to wet the area within four (4) feet of your foundation or cause puddles near the foundation. Keep the watering of shrubbery and plants near the foundation to a minimum.  Keep in mind that under your warranty you are responsible for maintaining the proper grades that will help keep water away from the foundation.

Condensation: During the construction of your home, gallons of water were used in the foundation, paint and even in the bathroom grout. Daily use of the home also creates moisture, so dampness in a new home is unavoidable. Please allow one year for your home to cure. High temperatures of unnatural heating to help speed up curing can cause warping of wood products and other types of damage. Always use exhaust fans in the bathroom, kitchen and utility area.