A home, like an automobile, requires care and attention from day one. There are many items in your home that require regular maintenance and/or inspection. The following table details many such items, and it is your responsibility as the homeowner to see that these tasks are performed. Failure to perform the tasks as indicated may void certain aspects of your home’s warranty.
| Item | Task | Frequency |
| Furnace filters | Clean or replace | Every 2-3 months |
| Water heater | Drain 5-10 gallons | Every 4 months |
| Crawlspace | Check entire area | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Water connections (dishwasher, toilets, sinks) | Check under and behind, retighten as necessary | Weekly for the 1st month, then twice a year |
| Sprinkler heads | Check & adjust | Weekly during watering season |
| Sprinkler main filter | Remove & clean | Start-up & mid-summer |
| Sprinkler system | Blow out water | October 1st |
| Smoke detectors | Replace batteries | Twice a year with daylight savings |
| Trees & shrubs | Deep water | Weekly for the 1st month, then twice a year (Nov & March) |
| Tree trunks |
Remove twine | 12-18 months after planting |
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Caring For Your Home
General homeowner maintenance is essential to providing a quality home that will last a lifetime.
Periodic maintenance is necessary because of several factors, such as normal wear and tear, climatic conditions, the inherent characteristics of various materials used in your home (such as wood), and normal service required by the mechanical systems. Over time, natural variations in temperature and humidity also impact your home. Many times, a minor adjustment or repair done immediately saves a more serious, time-consuming and potentially costly repair later. Note also that failure to perform routine maintenance can void applicable limited warranty coverage on all or part of your home.
We recognize that it is impossible to anticipate and describe every detail that may be needed for good home care, however we have covered many important topics. In addition, be certain to read the literature provided by the manufacturers of consumer products included with your home. That information is not repeated here and, although much of the information may be familiar to you, some points may be significantly different from homes you have had in the past. Activate specific manufacturer warranties by completing and mailing the registration cards included with their materials. In some cases, manufacturer warranties may extend beyond the first year; it is in your best interest to be apprised of such coverage.
By caring for your new home attentively, you insure your enjoyment of it for years. The attention provided by each homeowner contributes significantly to the overall desirability of the community.