Helpful Hints
Make sure you maintain proper drainage away from the house. This will keep water from filtering down and sitting around foundation which could create structural problems with the foundation. The house will not stabilize and may continue to move causing undue cracking to foundation and finishes of exterior and interior.
VEGITATION:
Make sure to not plant large trees and bushes to close to house due to the chance that the roots could create problems along the foundation. Also branches will rub on the roofs and wear the material down.
- Having proper chemical balance is critical.
- Having proper chemical balance is critical.
- Clean pool filters semi-annually.
- Net pools clean of any debris daily - keeps build-up of algae and other bacteria down.
- Check and add chemicals weekly.
- Vacuum after storms.
- Broom sides and bottom semi-monthly - helps loosen dirt stuck in cracks and joints.
- Drain pool minimum halfway down annually and just below bottom of skimmer when cleaning or changing filter system which will help reduce build-up of minerals etc.
SPAS:
- A making for a cleaner spa is having proper chemical balance.
- Clean filters semi-monthly or after heavy usage – at time of draining spa it is best to rinse, soak in muriatic acid and/or chlorine and rinse again before placing back.
- Check and add chemicals weekly.
- Dump spa water out quarterly and refill - cleaning everything thoroughly before refilling.
Structural/Exterior:
Check exterior caulking for cracking and voids around doors, windows and roof penetrations annually. – Remove old caulking when necessary and replace (Make sure using correct caulk for application.). On your roof, you might want to use roofing mastic in lieu of caulk.
Roofs should be inspected yearly for voids, cracking, wear and tear especially flat and asphalt type shingle roofs. Apply mastic where applicable, i.e., around penetrations. Avoid walking on concrete/clay tile roofs unless absolutely necessary - could crack or break tiles easily!
If concrete and/or stucco is cracking, it is usually due to one of the following conditions: shrinkage, thermal expansion and contraction (gaps in cracks will be consistent and/or uniform) and/or differential settlement or heaving (wider to narrow cracking). This is a normal condition for concrete/stucco and is usually due to movement and shifting of a house after being built or if unusual amounts of water are present. Cracking may warrant contacting a licensed structural or soils engineer if problem appears to be worsening.
Interior:
Check caulking and/or grout for cracks or voids at counter tops, floors in kitchens and bathrooms at shower, tubs and sinks. Redo with tub & tile caulk or grout (Make sure proper caulk is used for the application.) to prevent mold or mildew from occurring. When reworking grout in a shower area, make sure to seal after proper drying time.
HVAC:
Change your air filters every month when you receive your electric bill - it is an easy way to remember to change your filter on time each month. This will allow the unit to run more efficiently. Ffilters with a life expectancy of longer than one month must be changed or cleaned monthly during heavy use. Use caution on the type of filter you’re purchasing. Depending on sizing, flow of air and register output, it could restrict air moving and create a heavier load on the ac unit, therefore using more energy.
For better efficiency (heating/cooling) and to lower your electric bills I suggest insulating garage and/or patio ceilings with blown or batt insulation particularly if they are part of the house attic. Also, the thicker the insulation, the higher “r” rating factor you will get which provides less heat loss or gain.
It is good idea to inspect all duct work to make sure the duct is hung or placed in such a manner that there are no severe bends in it. This restricts air flow and causes your ac/heating unit to work harder. In addition, inspect connections at supply and return ducts for possible leaks and reseal using aluminum foil tape or a cloth with cementeous application for sealing.
Hose down your air conditioning unit to clean the coils semi-annually. When performing this procedure, be sure and shut off power to the unit. If unit is on the roof, check around the unit at the seams of the ductwork along with any mechanical connections for wear, deterioration and cracking. Caulk and/or apply roof mastic as required. Also, inspect seal tights (electric wiring), t-stat wiring and condensate lines for deterioration and wear. If a split unit is involved then it requires checking in the attic/closet at the heater/blower/air handler unit for leaks, etc. Theses notes are also applicable for heat pumps and evap coolers.
Plumbing/Gas:
Change water filters on RO system at minimum semi-annually or as required based on type of filter system installed. I recommend not to use paper filters. They are not as efficient.
If gas is supplied to the house for any appliances that have pilot lights, the heat exchangers, connections and burners need to be inspected and cleaned yearly by a qualified contractor and/or your local gas company. The gas company may charge small fee.
Water heaters should be drained and flushed once a year to clean the mineral deposit build-up at the bottom which will also help to extend the life of the elements in addition to making them more efficient.
Electrical:
Install safety caps in all outlets if children are present in the house.
Protect your high tech gadgets/equipment with the proper surge protectors: UL rated, lower clamping voltage (min. 330 v.), energy absorption/dissipation (600 joules or higher), response time of less than one nanosecond, indicator light.
Life Safety:
Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors should be monitored, tested and the batteries changed out semi/annually. If battery is not changed out on a regular basis and you hear a strange high short beeping noise emitting from detector that is a signal telling you the battery is no longer functioning. in addition, don’t forget about battery back ups for time clocks in irrigation & thermostat controls, etc. which need to be changed out so the programming is not lost if electricity goes out.
Put protective latches on cabinets and/or secure poisons and harmful materials in a safe place away from your children.
Watch your child around water, i.e., pools, tubs, water buckets, etc. It only takes two seconds. Make sure pool gates latch properly and all entrances from the house to the yard are secured and/or alarmed.
Keep a fire extinguisher (FE) (ABC) in the kitchen and garage in case of fires. FE ABC can be used on any type of fires.
If your house is a two story, I would strongly recommend some means of emergency exit from the second floor in case the stairs or exit is blocked. A rope ladder that hooks over the window sill or balcony rail is one good means for escape.
If bars or security guards are installed on windows or doors of bedrooms, you must have the means to open the device from inside of the room in case an emergency develops. If there is a key involved, make sure it is close to lock or latch. Remember, you are under duress and may forget where key is located if not within view or reach of the exit.
Miscellaneous:
Maintain a file of service books for appliances and household items for ease of reference when replacing parts. Along with maintaining a file on any appliance, you should perform cleaning, and up keep of the equipment which will keep your repair costs to a minimum and increase longevity of the equipment.
Keep a notebook or binder with receipts of your home repairs. It’s helpful for tax purposes as well as replacing parts. In addition, it is a good way to have proper backup for record of purchase during your warranty period.
Reverse ceiling fan (up in winter; down in summer) blades for proper airflow. It will help decrease your electric bill for heating and cooling.
When performing additions or remodeling work, make sure your contractor is licensed and bonded. When work is completed have the contractor give you a lien wavier before final payment for the work which protects your property having a lien placed on it. Lien wavers need to state that the contractor paid all subcontractors performing work and for all materials used on your project.
Fruit trees should be deep soaked semi-monthly for a sweeter fruit. You are also promoting a healthier growth with this rinsing action to remove the salts and alkaline from the roots.
Clothes dryer venting should not have any severe bends in the flexible vent piping. This restricts airflow and the dryer does not work as efficiently. Some lint gets through the screen. Every year the vent pipe and screen should be pulled off and vacuumed
Clean any dust/lint build-up around the motor or coils on your refrigerator and freezer.
Change out batteries in clocks, detectors, etc. annually. Pick a time such as first of the year, Daylight Savings Time change, etc. for ease of remembering.
Make sure any appliances purchased have the Energy Star rating. For additional help or information, visit http://www.energystar.gov/
AC units should at minimum have a 12 seer rating for better efficiency.
Homes older than 10 years can also be energy efficient. Your current status can be checked by having an energy audit done. Once completed and any deficiencies are corrected, the energy savings should be greater then the cost of repairs.
If you or someone in your family are having problems with sneezing, coughing, running nose or throat, eye and nose irritation you may want to do a simple test of your home for leaden indoor allergen irritants. Visit http://www.nationaljewish.org/familyaircare/index.aspx
Check with Registrar of Contractors on status of contractor’s license, complaints, etc. Minimum workmanship standards for licensed contractors may be reviewed at the Registrar of Contractors web site www.rc.state.az.us
For clarification and definition of construction defects, go to www.mpgroup.com The site offers articles, books, seminars and “law talk.” Also read “What are construction defects?”
