Now that you are enjoying your new Tim Lewis Communities home we want to help you maintain your investment so it lasts a lifetime. Preventative maintenance can prevent repairs reduce costs extend the life expectancy of many components and in some cases reduce energy consumption.
To keep your home in top condition you should follow a regular maintenance schedule. A small investment in time will help keep your home systems operating at top efficiency. For your convenience we’ve provided a list of items below to help you maintain protect and care for your new home.
Brick/Stone Veneer
Once a year inspect for cracks in mortar and reseal as needed. Clean when required (do not use acid, products containing acid, or a pressure washer). Clear any weep holes in area as needed (prior to rainy season).
Bathroom Caulking
Seal joints (tub to tile, floor to shower pan) twice each year.
Backsplash Caulking
Seal gap between counter and wall twice a year.
Carpet Cleaning
Refer to Manufacturer’s recommendations.
Ceramic Tile Grout
Seal with silicone based sealer once a year.
Chimney Cleaning
Remove build up of tar and residue once a year before using the fireplace. We recommend contacting a professional.
Doors
At least three times during the year, it is recommended to vacuum tracks (sliding glass door), silicone spray hinges and latches (do not use WD40).
Drainage / Erosion Control
Always keep area drains free of debris / silt & maintain ditches / swales (particularly if yard is not landscaped). It also helps to flush yard drains a couple times a year.
Drywall
Once a year, re-set nails, caulk and paint (re-caulk) corners & sills.
Electrical (GFI Testing)
Test GFI circuits throughout home (reset outlets; typically located in kitchen, baths and garages) at least three times a year.
Fencing
All types of fencing should be sealed/painted (all sides) twice a year. It is also recommended to keep yard sprinklers from spraying directly on fence and check soil around posts.
For wood fences, loose nails and posts should be checked and secured twice a year. Block type fencing should be checked twice a year as well and clear weep holes as needed.
Garage Door
Lubrication extends system’s life. We recommend lubricating twice a year, but you should also refer to manufacturer’s instructions.
Garbage Disposal
Depending on use, we recommend filling the disposal once a month and running. This cleans and sharpens blades.
Grounds
Once a year, inspect for dry rot on wood decks, pavement heaving and / or cracks caused from tree roots.
Gutters & Downspouts
Keep gutters free of debris and downspouts secure. The downspout drains should be flushed prior to the rainy season.
Heating and Air Conditioning
Start unit BEFORE the season change of summer and winter. After the second year, you should have the unit inspected by licensed technician every year.
Change filters monthly, if using a washable filter do not reinstall until it’s completely dry. Normally filter is located at the air return intake, removed pollen / dust helps system run correctly and efficiently (some homes may have more than one filter).
Insect Control
If found, treat monthly.
Irrigation Sprinklers
Direct sprinkler spray away from house and fence to prevent damage. Always adjust sprinklers for season change to avoid over watering and wasting water.
Fertilize
Two to four times a year, consider fertilizing your lawn, trees and outdoor plans. Check with your local nursery for the best fertilizing scheduled for your landscape.
Natural Stone
If you have granite, travertine or other natural stone, it should be dusted regularly to avoid any scratches to the surfaces. Spills should be cleaned immediately to avoid staining the surface. It is best to reseal natural stone once a year. **Before applying any wax or polish, consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
Painting (exterior)
Once a year, inspect home’s exterior for cracks in the stucco, chips in paint, or separations in the wood joints. These should be filled and touched up with paint as needed. Every three to five years, prep and repaint the entire exterior.
Sinks
Check all connections for leaks twice a year and tighten as needed.
Aerators
Remove aerators and rinse any debris every three to four months.
Angle Stops / Joints / Connections
Inspect all angle stops and joints for possible leak and tighten as needed; but do not over tighten as it may crack the pipe.
Repair dripping faucets immediately.
For other plumbing issues consult plumbing section of maintenance manual.
Roof Inspection
Once a year it is important to inspect the roof with a ladder or observe from a safe, high vantage point. DO NOT WALK ON ROOF. Never let tree branches touch the roof, remove any fallen leaves that may build up, it may cause your roof to leak. Do NOT allow birds to next on roof. Every three to five years have a professional roof inspection completed.
Smoke Detectors
Change batteries once a year. After changing the batteries push the “Test” button to confirm the detector is working.
Once a month vacuum smoke detectors because regular cleaning can help prevent a false alarm.
Trees and other Landscaping
Inspect trees and other landscaping on your and adjacent lots regularly to ensure branches are not hanging onto, or over, your roof. Inspect roots to make sure they are running away from flatwork, irrigation lines and foundation.
For questions regarding landscaping contact a licensed landscaper or arborist. For communities with a Homeowner’s Association consult your CC&R’s for regulations regarding landscaping.
Trim & Siding (Exterior)
Caulking and painting reduces chances of mold and mildew. Check and repair once a year.
Water Heater (Draining)
Water heater should be drained once a year. Refer to manufacturer’s guide for draining instructions.
Windows (Tracks & Weep Holes)
Avoid standing water in the tracks. Twice a year, remove any debris in track or blocking weep holes. If window is difficult to open apply silicone spray on the tracks only.
Windows (seal failure)
Inspect once a year for broken seals and if foggy, replace as necessary.
