AIR CONDITIONING

Homeowner Responsibility

            Air conditioning can add much to the comfort of your home; but, like the fireplace, can be used improperly or inefficiently, resulting in wasted energy and frustration.  These suggestions are provided to help you maximum your air conditioning system.

            To fully and efficiently utilize your air conditioning system, you must understand that it is a total, whole-house system.  The air conditioner unit is the mechanism in your home which produces cooler air.  The air conditioning system involves everything inside your home including, for example, drapes, windows and carpeting.

            Time is of paramount importance in your expectations of an air conditioning system.  Unlike a light bulb which reacts instantly when you turn on a switch, the air conditioning unit only begins a process when you set the thermostat.  For example, should you come home at 5:30 pm on a day when the temperature has reached 90 degrees and you set your thermostat to 75 degrees, the air conditioning unit will begin cooling; however, it will take much longer to reach the desired temperature.  During the daytime the sun has been heating not only the air in the house, but the walls, carpeting and furniture.  At 5:30 pm the air conditioning unit starts cooling the air, but the walls, carpeting and furniture release their heat and nullify this cooling.  By the time the air conditioning unit has cooled the walls, carpeting and furniture, you may well have lost patience.

            If evening cooling is the primary goal, you should set the air conditioner at a moderate temperature in the morning while the house is cooler, allowing the unit to maintain the colder temperature throughout the day.  This temperature setting may then be lowered slightly further when you arrive home, with better results.  Setting the thermostat at 60 degrees will NOT cool the home any faster and can result in the unit "freezing up" and not performing at all.  Extended use under these conditions can damage the unit

            A common cause of air conditioning trouble is turning it off at the thermostat and then turning it back on a short time later.  This can cause an overload of the compressor motor which in turn can trip the breaker.

            You will find it advantageous to adjust the cooling vents to maximize airflow to occupied parts of the home.

            Inspect the filter at least once every 30 days and change or clean as needed.  At your Homeowners Orientation, the various systems of your home will be explained to you and the location of the filter and how to change it will be explained.

            The compressor must be maintained in a level position at the original location.  The compressor should not be enclosed.  It is important to keep the area around the compressor clear of landscaping debris.  If good airflow is not available, the system will not function properly and damage to the mechanism can result.

            To avoid unnecessary expense, if the air conditioner is not working, check the same items as for the heating system as well as 220 switch prior to requesting service.  Refer to manufacturer's manual to additional hints.  Having a service technician out to turn a breaker back on is both embarrassing and expensive.  The disconnect switch is located outside the house by the air conditioning unit.

Performance Standards

            The air conditioning system should be capable of maintaining a temperature differential of 15 degrees from the outside temperature, measured in the center of each room at a height of five (5) feet above the floor.  Lower temperature settings are often possible but are not promised by the manufacturer or Adams & Marshall Homes.

            Systems are designed to meet outdoor design conditions of 2 degrees F. for winter, and90 degrees F. for summer.  Indoor design temperatures are 70 degrees F. for heating and 78 degrees F. for cooling.  It should be noted that a properly sized furnace, air conditioner or heat pump would run continuously during extreme temperatures.

            Lack of air conditioning service is NOT an emergency.  The air conditioning contractor handles service calls in the order in which they are received.  During the "busy" season, this could mean a wait of a week or more.

APPLIANCES

            Appliance manufacturers provide operating instructions and information on trouble-shooting appliance problems.  These instructions will provide you with valuable information on the safe operation and maintenance of your appliances.

            If you suspect a gas leak at the meter or any appliance, soapy water brushed on couplings or connections will produce bubbles indicating there is a gas leak.  DO NOT TAKE CHANCES.  CALL THE UTILITY COMPANY OR A SERVICE PERSON FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.

            Fans need to be checked regularly and cleaned by vacuuming air intake grills and washing filters with soapy water.  To function properly, all fans need to be kept free of obstacles, dust, dirt and lint.

CABINETS

Homeowner Responsibility

            Your new cabinets are just like fine furniture and should be treated as such.  Do not use cleaners that are intended for appliances, glass or countertops.  Water, other liquids and food spills should be wiped up immediately.

            Products such as Liquid Gold, Old English Furniture Polish, and Scratch Cover are recommended for caring for cabinets.  Follow container directions.

            Take care not to overload drawers or shelves with heavy glassware, dishes, silverware, etc.  Distribute the weight as evenly as possible to prevent sagging.

Performance Standards

            Cabinets should operate properly under normal use.

            Doors, drawer fronts and handles should be level and even.

            Because wood is a product of nature there may be noticeable variations in wood grain and color.  This is not unusual and unless severely flawed, not a reason for replacement.  Only those chips, scratches and other flaws in surfaces, which are noted on the Homeowner Orientation List, will be repaired.

            Be sure to examine the cabinets carefully during orientation.

Kitchen

            Cabinetry includes kitchen cabinets, vanities, desks, bar cabinets and towel and linen closets.  Your cabinets have been finished for lasting appearance and value.  Cleaning of cabinet facings should be done with mild soap and water or special cleansers as recommended by the manufacturer.  Avoid abrasive cleaners.  For best results, select a commercial product intended for high quality cabinets when restoring or bringing back luster to original finish.  Over time, due to grease, dust and dirt accumulation, cabinets can appear dull or may have stains from moisture exposure.  Most cabinet manufacturers will recommend sponging off the cabinet face with ammonia water or using a product such as "Panel Magic" to restore full luster.

CONCRETE

Homeowner Responsibility

            Cracks in slabs should be sealed with a waterproof concrete caulk to prevent moisture from penetrating to the soil beneath.  Concrete caulk can be purchased at most hardware or home improvement centers.  Follow directions on the package for application.

            Do not permit heavy vehicles such as moving vans or concrete trucks to drive on your concrete flatwork.  It is not designed to bear the weight of this type of vehicle.

            When you move into your new home, the moving vans should park at the street so furniture and belongings can be carried from the curb into the home.  It may be an inconvenience at the time, but you'll be satisfied in the long run that care was taken to keep excess weight off the concrete.

            To protect the concrete surfaces of your home, avoid using any types of de-icing materials especially during the first 2 years.  The safest material to use is plain sand to give a skid resistant surface to concrete. 

            It is advisable to apply a sealer to the concrete in the fall to protect the driveway from road salts and other chemicals your car may drip onto the concrete.

            Most home improvement stores carry concrete sealers.  It is well worth a little prevention to protect your investment.

Foundations, Walks and Drives

            Concrete by its very nature develops cracks over time.  Even reinforced concrete floors, aprons, patios, steps, walks, driveways and porch slabs may develop cracks with age.  This condition is normal and can be expected despite all precautions taken during installation.

            Cracks in concrete can be repaired.  Simply choose an appropriate caulk or a  cement bond material that will adhere to concrete.

            Discoloration and stain can occur due to the different types of sand, aggregates, and drying agents as well as weather conditions.  Another frequent problem is pitting or flaking of concrete driveways and garage floors caused by melting snow mixed with salt from cars.  When possible, avoid parking salty, wet cards on driveways and concrete surfaces.  Never use salt base ice removers and seal concrete regularly.  Snow removal should also be done with care to prevent damage to walks. On concrete, asphalt or brick walks and driveways, use "kitty litter" or sand during winter conditions to avoid permanent damage to top surfaces.

Performance Standards

Foundation Walls

            Shrinkage cracks are normal in foundation walls.  During the first year, Adams & Marshall Homes will repair cracks which are in excess of 1/8", or any that permit water to enter, provided the Homeowner has complied with landscaping and home maintenance requirements.  Slight cosmetic imperfections in the foundation walls are normal and will not be repaired.

Flatwork

            Hairline cracks are normal and are to be expected in all concrete flatwork.  Concrete slabs, sidewalks, patios or driveways will not be replaced due to hairline cracking.

            The following applies to the first year of ownership only.  (See BAGI Standards confirmation)

                        1.  Cracks, which rupture or distort the finish flooring materials.

                        2.  Cracks in garage floors in excess of ¼" width or ¼" in vertical

     displacement.

                        3.  Cracks in basement floor slabs in excess of 3/16" in width or 1/8" in

                             vertical displacement.  Any repair provided can and will result in a

                             variation in color and texture of concrete.

                        4.  Settling or heaving of stoops, porches, steps and patios in excess of 1",

                             will be repaired to within standard.  However, if Homeowner changes

                             in grading, drainage, landscape design or failure to perform needed

                             maintenance have caused the damage, corrective measures will be

                             suggested, but Homeowner will be responsible for their

                             implementation.

            The aforementioned will be repaired by a method deemed appropriate.

            Concrete surfaces shall not disintegrate to the extent that the aggregate is exposed or loosened under normal conditions, weathering and use.

            Adams & Marshall Homes, Inc. is not responsible for deterioration caused by salt, chemicals, mechanical implements or other factors beyond its control.

COUNTERTOPS

Homeowner Responsibility

Laminated Countertops

            Always use a cutting board when cutting, chopping, etc.  Protect the counter from extremely hot pans (anything over 250 degrees) and avoid abrasive cleaners that will damage the luster of the surface and inhibit its resistance to stains.  Rubbing lightly with a foaming cleanser or alcohol will remove stains without harming the surface.  For an extra sheen, use a clean-and polish wax.

            Rubber drain mats can trap moisture beneath them causing the laminated plastic to warp and blister.  Lift the mat and dry the surface as needed.

            Selection of a shiny laminate surface requires extra care to protect the surface from scratching.  Moving a dish, cup or other items across the surface will cause scratches more easily seen than on a matte surface.  If you choose a shiny laminate, take extra care to protect its surface.

Simulated Marble

            Even though the surface of cultured or simulated marble is very hard, it can be scratched.  Use caution with sharp objects such as knives, scissors, or the bottoms of containers.

            Some cosmetics and shampoos can stain these tops if not wiped up immediately after spilling.  A coat of good automotive paste wax or specialty products for these tops will enhance their beauty and improve their resistance to stains.

Performance Standards

            Separations of countertops at walls and where the backsplash meets the counter are the result of normal shrinkage of materials.  Caulking can repair separation at the wall or at the counter.  Thereafter it is a Homeowners maintenance responsibility.  It is important to keep moisture from reaching the wood under the finish material to prevent warping.

Keep Seam Areas Dry

            Laminated countertops typically will have one or more discernible seams.  Excessive water standing in the area of a seam may cause glue failure.  Damage caused by excessive water in seam area is not warranted by manufacturer. 

DOORS

Homeowner Responsibility

            Weather stripping and/or any threshold supplied with exterior doors will occasionally require adjustment by the Homeowner.

            Lubricate door locks with WD-40 or other waterproof lubricant.  Avoid using oil as it will gum up.

            The most common cause of a sticking door is the natural expansion and contraction of lumber due to changes in humidity.  When sticking occurs due to swelling during a damp season, do not plane the door unless it continues to stick after the weather changes, then use sandpaper to smooth the door.  Be certain to repaint the area of the door when it was sanded to seal against moisture.

            Putty or filler can be used to fill any minor separations that may develop at mitered joints in door trim.  Follow with painting.

Performance Standards

            Interior doors should operate with reasonable ease as designed.  As the home dries, slight separation of joints in molding, or joints between molding and adjacent surfaces may result.  Interior doors should not warp in excess of ¼ inch measured diagonally from corner to corner.  Adams & Marshall Homes, Inc. will correct defective doors to match existing doors as closely as possible during the first year of the warranty period.

            Due to normal seasoning of the home, doors may require adjustment for proper fit.  The Builder will make these adjustments during the first year of ownership.  Chips or other damage in the finish, noted on the Homeowner Orientation List, will be repaired.

            Panels may shrink and expand in some wood doors.  This is normal, and no repair or re-staining will be provided.

            Insulated steel entry doors are more stable and are the standard door for all communities.  If your steel front door gets dented, it can be repaired by filling the dent with an auto body bonding material, letting it dry, then sanding and re-painting.  Check the can of auto bond and follow the directions exactly.

  DOORS AND WINDOWS

            Doors and windows have changed dramatically over the past decades.  Instead of wood and putty construction, it is now most common to have self-sealing vinyl or rubber gaskets sealing in the windowpanes.  These extrusions require little or no maintenance.  Check all glazed openings for proper seals, broken glass or damaged screens.  Once a year clean screens and lubricate moving parts.  Check weather stripping for damage and tightness each fall.  Tracks of sliding doors and windows should be cleaned at least annually and lubricated as recommended by the manufacturer.  Check caulking at doors, windows and all other openings and joints between dissimilar materials, e.g. wood/masonry.  Door closures, locksets and thresholds should be checked and adjusted as needed.

            Inspect exterior doors each spring and fall for wear to see that weather stripping is tight and that vinyl/rubber stripping is glued or fastened tightly.  For your own protection, we do not retain keys for your home after you move in.  As a consequence, make sure you have sufficient keys cut for your family's needs and if you do lock yourself out of your home, you may have to call a qualified locksmith.

            Do not install mini-blinds, shades, drapes or hardware on the inside casings that trim your windows.  Doing so voids the manufacturer's warranty of the windows.

            Some shrinkage and warping due to moisture/humidity changes is normal in doors and other wood parts.  Typically, warped doors will return to normal as the season changes and often after the first year the problem will be minimal.  During the hot summer months, remove the glass panels from storm windows and doors to avoid warping not covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

            Garage doors and openers should be kept in good working order.  For safety purposes, check all fittings, re-tighten if necessary, and oil the drive and mounting track for smooth operation.  Cold weather may result in the garage door operator sticking or only partially closing/opening during the process.  Do not use the manual release on the garage door until a check is made and there are no obvious obstructions.

            Follow the manufacturer's instructions to make any adjustment to door operators.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADJUST OVERHEAD DOOR COIL SPRING TENSION.  TENSION BAR SPRING ASSEMBLIES ARE UNDER EXTREME TENSION AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS.  Only professionals must make adjustments.  Adams & Marshall Homes does not perform adjustments or provide warranty coverage on any garage door openers not supplied as part of the original house purchase.

ELECTRICAL

Homeowner Responsibility

Electrical Supply

            The main control panel is located in the garage of your home.  This panel contains electrical breakers that control all of the electrical power to your home.  The breakers in this panel are labeled to indicate the area they control.

            In the event of a total loss of power, check the main breaker in the main control power.  Next check with your local utility company to see if power is out in your area.  Both of these sources should be checked prior to calling for service.

Circuit Breaker Operation

            Circuit breakers have three positions:  On, Off, and Tripped.  When a circuit breaker trips it must first be turned "off" before it can be turned back "on".  Switching the breaker directly from "tripped" to "on" will not restore service.  If you turn a circuit off to work on it for any reason, always test it first to make sure the power is off before proceeding.

Repeated Tripping of Circuits

            If any circuit trips repeatedly, unplug all items connected to it and reset the breaker.  If it trips when nothing is connected to it, you will need an electrician and the problem should be reported.  If the circuit remains on, either the circuit was overloaded or one of the items you unplugged was defective.  Worn electrical cords frequently trip breakers.

Wall Switches

            If a wall outlet is not working, first check to see if it is controlled by a wall switch, or if a light bulb is burned out or loose, and follow by checking the breaker.

            In the bedrooms and living room, the wall switch may control one or more of the electrical outlets.  Generally, only the switch controls the top portion of the outlet; the bottom portion always remains "on".  If an outlet does not appear to work, try the switch.

Ground Fault Interrupter Circuits

            GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) receptacles have a built-in element which senses fluctuations in the power.  Building codes for bath, kitchen, exterior and garage outlets require installation of these receptacles.  Heavy appliances such as freezers or power tools can trip the GFI breaker.  Do not plug a refrigerator or food freezer into a GFI controlled outlet.  The test/reset buttons (on one of the outlets on each GFI circuit) control the entire system.  A refrigerator or freezer in the garage should have its own dedicated circuit from the main control box.  Excessive moisture (as during periods of prolonged, heavy rains or after long, hot shower) can cause GFI's to trip.

            GFI circuits have a test and reset button.  These are pointed out during the Homeowner Orientation.  If a GFI breaker trips during normal use it may be an indication of a faulty appliance and some investigation is in order.  Always check the GFI breaker before calling for service.  The electrical contractor may charge you for resetting a tripped breaker.  If you have a question or are unsure about how to check a breaker you can phone the electrical contractor for advice.

            Power surges are the result of local conditions and can result in burned out bulbs, appliance and equipment damage.  The warranty does not cover damage that may result from such occurrences.  Many homeowners' insurance policies have coverage for this misfortune.

Lighting

            If a light fails to come on, check the bulbs to be sure they are the correct wattage for the fixture, excessive wattage can cause damage to said fixture.  You will also need to check the breakers.  All fixtures are installed with a 60-watt light bulb or specified decorator bulbs.  Homeowner is responsible for replacing burned out bulbs other than those noted during the Homeowner Orientation.

Dishwasher/Disposal Outlets

            Under the kitchen sink you will find an electrical outlet for the dishwasher and disposal.  One half of this outlet is controlled by the wall switch and is used for the disposal; the other half is for the dishwasher.  An "allen" wrench is provided with the disposal to aid in loosening in the event of a jam-up.  Follow the instructions provided with the disposal for proper use.

Ceiling Fans

            DO NOT hang a ceiling fan from an existing ceiling light box without adding additional support to carry the extra weight.  If you know you'll want ceiling fans later but don't want them immediately, the pre-wiring can be done during construction and covered with a plate to be removed when you are ready for the fan to be installed.  This is advisable as the proper support and wiring will be done.

Performance Standards

            If electrical outlets, wall switches or fixtures do not function as intended, service will be needed.  For the first 2 years any electrical wiring that fails to carry its designed load will be repaired to meet specifications, during the first 2 years.

            Where 3-way switches are used, it is possible for one switch to be in the "off" position when the light is on, and vice versa.

            Electrical boxes on exterior walls may permit airflow through the outlet.  This is normal and no corrective action is required.

            The location of outlets, switches and fixtures may vary slightly from those shown on the models.  Adams & Marshall Homes will not move them unless specified at the time of Purchase Agreement signing and they are noted on the plans and specifications.  Any change in location must conform to code.

WOOD, VINYL & ALUMINUM

Homeowner Responsibility

            All building materials are subject to expansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature and humidity.  This applies to everything in your home, even including the concrete.  Dissimilar materials expand or contract at different rates.  This results in separation between materials.

            The effects of this expansion and contraction can be seen in such things as small cracks in the foundation, drywall, paint-especially where moldings meet drywall, at mitered corners, where tile grout meets tub or sink, etc.  This can be alarming to an uninformed homeowner; but, in fact, it is very normal.

            Shrinkage of wood on your home is inevitable.  This will occur in your home.  It will be most noticeable during the first year, but typically continues into the second year.  In most cases, caulking and paint is all that is needed to repair this minor evidence of a very natural phenomenon.  Even properly installed, caulking will shrink and must be maintained on a regular, seasonal basis.

            An afternoon inspecting the exterior can save costly hours and materials.  Please make it a part of your routine to examine carefully the outside of your home in the spring and again in the fall.  You'll be glad you took the time.

            Because of the effects of weather on natural wood, some raised grain should be expected to develop in some of the boards used in trimming the home.  This is normal and not a defect in the wood or paint.  Wood trim painted white or light colors will more readily show the grain and minor cracking and will therefore require additional maintenance by the Homeowner.

            Homeowner is responsible for applying sealants to decks, if desired.  The decision to proceed with such treatment commits the Homeowner to regular maintenance of the sealant.

Performance Standards

            Damaged trim boards and/or shutters noted during the Homeowner Orientation will be corrected.

            Caulking will repair separations or cracks in excess of 3/8" or other methods deemed appropriate by the Company during the first year of ownership.  Exterior beams and posts used in construction may warp, twist, and develop cracks.  Unless these conditions affect the structural integrity of the home, no repair is provided.

FLOOR COVERINGS

Homeowner Responsibility

            Color selection sheets provide a record of the brand, style and color of floor coverings in the home.  The Homeowners Manual provides a location for your copy.  Please retain this information for future reference. 

Carpet

            Refer to manufacturer's recommendations of carpet care for additional information.  Regular vacuuming and immediate treatment of stains will prolong the beauty and life of your carpeting.

Resilient Flooring

            Although resilient floors are designed for minimum care, they do vary in maintenance needs.  All resilient floors require some regular application of a good floor finish.  This assures you of retaining a high gloss.