Taking Care of Your New Home

Proper maintenance protects the value of your home, keeps it in great condition and means less work and fewer costly repairs in the long term.

• On the pre-possession inspection tour the builder will explain how to operate and maintain the heating, cooling, electrical and water systems. You will want to know basic procedures-how to turn the systems on and off and change the settings if required, when to schedule maintenance and who to contact. You also need information for "troubleshooting" before calling in service people. The builder will give you manufacturers' literature for reference, along with any warranty documents for specific equipment.
• Thanks to modern finishing products, today's new home owners face less maintenance and upkeep than ever before. Before establishing a regular housekeeping routine, take a few minutes to read through the product literature provided by your builder. Follow the directions from the manufacturers to preserve the beauty and quality of your home.
• A little common sense goes a long way when decorating your new home. Place furniture away from heating and cooling vents. Keep non-carpeted floors in great shape by using easy-to-apply protectors on the legs of chairs, tables and sofas. When hanging pictures or shelves, take care to make as few holes as possible in the walls.
• Today's low-maintenance siding, windows and trim have reduced or eliminated many of the traditional outside chores such as sanding, glazing and painting. However, you should do a visual inspection of the outside of your home from time to time to look for the effects of any settling or extreme temperature fluctuations.
• Clean the eavestroughs each fall to prevent a build-up of leaves and again in the spring to ensure proper waterflow. Rinsing the siding with water or washing gently with soap once a year will keep it looking great and in tiptop shape. Again, talk to your builder and refer to the manufacturers' literature.
• Well-planned landscaping enhances your enjoyment of your new home and can add value to your investment. Your builder can explain the ground rules of landscaping-how to avoid disturbing underground utility services, and the importance of maintaining the grading around the house to direct rain and melting snow away from the house to prevent moisture problems in the basement. You might also want to speak with your builder or a local nursery about the soil conditions on your property, and the kinds of plants that would grow best, and their recommended care.
• Many builders provide their customers with a complete information package or a home owner's manual to help them understand how their home works and how to maintain it in top condition. If you don't get one with your home, ask for it.

< Back >

Copyright © 2011 CHBA Saskatchewan.     Powered by Bongo4U