There is a good reason that Starward Homes provides its new home owners with a manual. Taking on the responsibility of maintaining a brand new home involves learning what it needs and when. Throughout the building process the home buyer has been involved in choosing finishes and design features. Now that everything is in place, and the home owner has moved in, the business of running the home begins.
Dan Thomson of Starward Homes points out some important areas that need a homeowner’s attention on an ongoing basis. The first is the sump pump.
“It’s such an important piece of equipment,” explains Thomson, adding that if the sump pump motor were to fail, your basement could be flooded.
He recommends cleaning around the sump pump, which is located in a space under the basement floor, every six months. It is important to remove debris that could be sucked into the pump and burn out the motor. The sump pump is there to prevent water damage by pumping out any water that leaks into the home or accumulates as a result of a leaky water heater tank for example.
Humidity should also be of concern to homeowners, says Thomson. Starward provides its residents with a hydrometer that measures the humidity level in a home. That level should be 35 to 40 per cent. A home that is too humid could have issues with condensation and mold. If a home is too dry, wood can shrink and crack, Thomson explains.
A common mistake homeowners make is ignoring the furnace filter. Thomson suggests the filter be changed every three months but for the first three months of occupying a newly built home, it should be changed every month as dust from the construction moves through the ducts.
Homeowners will learn a lot from reading their manual, Thomson advises. They’ll learn deal with routine maintenance and to solve minor problems on their own but Starward service is always available to address any issues for homeowners.
According to Thomson, it’s a good idea to take an annual walk around the home to check that the caulking is still in place. Fall is a good time to do this inspection and to turn off the outdoor water supply so the pipes don’t freeze.
The advice homeowners receive when they are handed the keys to a brand new home will help them to enjoy the home and to protect their investment.
To find out more about Starward Homes communities, go to the website at
www.starwardhomes.com.
