Welcoming families home for over 65 years.
NEW HOME WARRANTY GUIDE
WELCOME HOME!
Welcome home is a phrase that means so much, both to you and to us because everyone on the Ryan Homes team shares a commitment to customer satisfaction. We have no greater joy than seeing the smiles on our customers' faces as they settle on their new home and move in. We have been building high quality homes since 1948 and it is an honor to welcome you as one of the newest members of the Ryan Homes community. Your home
was built with experienced care and craftsmanship that has been perfected over the decades. So, with the proper care now and in the years to come, your home and its components will continue to function effectively and efficiently. Congratulations and Welcome Home!
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YOUR HOME MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
In this New Home Warranty Guide ("Guide"), we will explain your warranty and how to care for your new home. Your warranty coverage is based on the assumption that you will keep up with all preventative home care maintenance and take commonsense approaches to typical wear and tear on your new home. Like a regular health checkup, a home care schedule is also important. Look for regular emails from us reminding you about seasonal maintenance and important home care tips. As a Ryan Homes Homeowner, you have access to myryanhome.com where you can review Home Care Guides with tips and videos that walk you through common steps needed to care for your home. There is also an FAQ section where you can find answers to commonly asked questions. Please take time to become familiar with this Guide and read it in its entirety. If you are not able to find the answer to your question, you can always call and speak to one of our Customer Care Representatives or submit a warranty request online.
Care and Maintenance Tip
✔ Home Care Quick Links are available to you 24/7.
Click Here for More Tips
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NAVIGATING THE GUIDE
You can easily SEARCH the Guide by clicking the magnifying glass at the top righthand corner of the flippingbook and entering the text you are looking for.
To TURN THE PAGE , click the < or > arrows.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE TIPS takes you to the Customer Care Website.
To PRINT the Guide, click on the printer icon.
Click the RETURN TO INDEX button to go to the Warranty Items Index page in the Guide.
To DOWNLOAD the Guide, click on the download icon.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page # YourWarrantyDetails..................................6 WarrantyRequests....................................7 UnderstandingyourHomeWarranties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 WarrantyItemsIndex..................................9 WarrantyItems...................................10-35 ExamplesofWhatVoidsaWarranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 AdditionalCare&MaintenanceTips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Exclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-39 Substitutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Manufacturers’ Warranties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 HomeownerLimitedWarranty............................41-44 • MarylandStateSpecificProvisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45-47
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YOUR WARRANTY DETAILS
This Warranty and Home Care Guide is intended to review items that are covered by the Limited Warranty, as well as provide ways for you to care for your new home. If you find an item you feel needs to be addressed, this Guide will give you the specifics on what is covered. If an issue that results in damage to the home occurs, this Guide will be used to determine our responsibility under the Limited Warranty. If a specific item is not addressed in the Guide, one of the following standards will be used to determine our responsibility under this Limited Warranty:
a. Codes of the state in which the home is located; or
b. Locally adopted codes; or
c. Codes covering building, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems.
Coverage on certain items varies within the warranty period and some items rely on proper care and maintenance by you. We reserve the right to review each warranty request individually based upon the circumstances of the request. When warranty service is performed on an item during the warranty period, that item continues to be covered within the remaining original warranty period; however, there is not any extension to any warranty service on that item beyond the original warranty period. The Limited Warranty covers materials and workmanship that are either part of the structure or are elements of the home on the date of settlement. The existence of a defect does not constitute a breach of this Limited Warranty; however we will repair or replace the item, as explained in the Guide. This is not a maintenance agreement or insurance policy. This document details the scope of our Limited Warranty and defines our responsibilities to you and your responsibilities to your home.
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WARRANTY REQUESTS
Should you have a warranty claim, contact us with details of your concerns as soon as possible. Conditions that could cause additional damage, such as water leaks, should be reported immediately.
There are Two Convenient Ways to Reach Customer Care:
1. Visit the Customer Care Website: myryanhome.com and select Warranty Requests .
Completing the warranty request online allows us—and you—to keep track of the request and get a timely resolution. Once your request has been submitted, you will be given a ticket # for your reference.
877.550.7926 (MON–FRI 8AM–5PM EST)
HOME WARRANTIES WARRANTY REQUESTS
FAQ
HOME CARE
2. Call Ryan Homes Customer Care: 877-550-7926 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm EST).
A Customer Care Representative will answer your questions and assist in entering your warranty request.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY In an emergency situation (anything that may make the premises uninhabitable or cause permanent damage) utilize the emergency phone list received at your New Home Orientation and contact the appropriate company directly. In addition, you must also call or submit a warranty request to our Customer Care team so we are aware and can ensure your emergency is taken care of appropriately. Please take these actions immediately in response to an emergency. Additional resources can be found at: myryanhome.com/emergencies
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR HOME WARRANTIES
1 YEAR WARRANTY 2 YEAR WARRANTY
Materials and Workmanship
Covers workmanship and materials on a construction defect as stated in this Guide with certain exceptions including: • Landscaping • Chips, cracks, cuts, scrapes, stains or nicks • Sewer stoppage after 30 days
Installation of Mechanical Systems
Covers the installation of mechanical systems: • HVAC ductwork • Plumbing • Electrical • Other concealed systems (security, entertainment wiring, central vacuum, etc.) Please note: Most of the products installed in your home are also covered by Manufacturer Warranties.
10 YEAR WARRANTY
Structural Warranty
Covers major structural construction defects: • Footers/Foundation • Load bearing framing • Roof trusses
Please refer to the Limited Warranty on pages 41-47 for a more specific description on the scope of each of these Warranties.
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WARRANTY ITEMS INDEX
Warranty Term Page # Balcony&FlatRoofDecking . . . . . . . . . .1Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Basement&GarageFloors. . . . . . . . . . .1Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Cabinets..................1Year.................25 Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Caulking..................1Year.................24 CeramicTile.................1Year.................27 Countertops.................1Year.................26 Decking...................1Year.................15 Doors....................1Year.................20 Drainage..................1Year.................10 Driveway&ExteriorConcrete . . . . . . . . . 1Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Drywall...................1Year.................21 Electrical..................1Year/2Years.............34 ExteriorRails.................1Year.................19 FireSuppressionSystem . . . . . . . . . . . .2Years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Floors....................1Year.................23 FoundationWalls...............1Year.................12 GarageDoors................1Year.................19 Gutters&Downspouts............1Year.................16 HVAC(Heating&Cooling) . . . . . . . . . . .1Year/2Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Insulation..................1Year.................22 InteriorTrim.................1Year.................24 Irrigation..................1Year.................35 LuxuryVinylPlank(LVP)Floors. . . . . . . . . 1Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Paint....................1Year.................23 Plumbing(Mechanical)............2Years.................31 PlumbingSystemsandFixtures . . . . . . . . .1Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 RoofVentilation................1Year.................16 Roofing...................1Year.................14 Septic....................2Years.................33 Siding&ExteriorTrim.............1Year.................17 Stone&BrickVeneer.............1Year.................17 Structure..................10Years................35 Stucco...................1Year.................18 Walls&Ceilings................1Year.................22 WaterHeater.................1Year.................32 Well....................1Year.................28 WelledExits.................1Year.................13 Windows..................1Year.................20 WoodFloors.................1Year.................27
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DRAINAGE
Care and Maintenance Tip
What you can expect from your home The site plan for your home was approved with grading in mind in order to avoid standing water and allow proper drainage away from the home. Settling of the ground around the foundation walls should not interfere with water draining away from the home. Water should not stand or pool in one location for more than 48 hours after a rain event; except in swales which drain other areas. What your home can expect from you It is important to keep foundation drain
✔ Check your drain relief pipes to make sure water is able to flow freely. ✔ If you have one, your sump pump should be checked and flushed periodically to keep sediment from building up and making sure it is operating as designed. ✔ Power outages will effect the operation of the sump pump. Battery back-ups are available at local retail stores.
relief pipes clear, so that the water flowing around the foundation is not blocked. Your sump pump (if your home is equipped with one) should be checked periodically, and if there is a float, check to see that it is operating freely. Gutters, downspouts and splash blocks should be kept unobstructed and maintained to divert water away from the foundation. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we will address or fill any settled areas that affect proper draining. This includes areas around water, electric, sewer and gas lines. We will restore, grade, seed and replace landscaping to meet the approved grading plan. Due to the timing of the repair during the various seasons, the replaced grass or sod may not match the existing yard. Examples of exclusions We will not replant, maintain or replace landscaping added by the Homeowner. Ponding or drainage caused by landscaping, raking, etc., initiated by the Homeowner or neighbors is not covered by the warranty. The possibility of standing water after an unusually heavy rainfall should be anticipated. No grading determination shall be made while there is frost or snow on the ground, or while the ground is saturated. Certain government restrictions, such as the conservation areas on the lot, the Chesapeake Bay Act and local environmental protection guidelines, may prohibit us from entering undisturbed areas of the lot and must therefore remain in their natural state regardless of possible positive drainage outcomes. Click Here for More Tips
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DRIVEWAY & EXTERIOR CONCRETE
What you can expect from your home Most exterior concrete cracking is caused by uneven subgrade settlement at sewers, drains and utility line crossings. Concrete surfaces should not degrade to the point that aggregate is exposed and loosened under normal conditions, weathering or use. A separation of up to ½ inch is permitted where an expansion joint has been installed. Minor cracks are a normal expectation and are best left alone. Moisture saturation and freezing may cause spalling during exceptionally cold conditions. Water should drain from outdoor stoops and steps. However, it is acceptable for some water to stand as it dissipates. What your home can expect from you We suggest that you apply a driveway sealer to help improve the durability and appearance of the driveway. Asphalt driveways may be damaged by gasoline or oil spills or by sharp items, such as outdoor furniture legs, bicycle kickstands, etc. Vehicles parked in one position over long periods of time may cause wheel depressions. Similar damage may also be made by turning the wheels of an automobile while it is standing still during hot weather. Low spots in concrete drives are normal. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we will provide a single service to patch or fill sunken spots due to settlement of 2 inches or greater on asphalt drives. On a stone driveway, we will supply extra stone for sunken utility line areas. If cracks exceeding established performance standards occur, we will inspect them. Cracks in excess of ¼ inch between sections in steps, lead walks and driveways will be addressed. Cracks in excess of ¼ inch in vertical displacement of structurally attached patios with footing or foundation systems, will be addressed. Stoops, steps, driveways and lead walks are not to settle or heave permanently in excess of 1 inch in relation to the home structure. Examples of exclusions
We will not address or repair ruts caused by vehicles. On driveways and garage slabs where fiber mesh concrete is used, fibers may be seen on the surface of the concrete and will not require any action. We are not responsible for deterioration caused by factors beyond our control, including salt, chemicals, moisture saturation, freezing and more. Concrete surfaces that are repaired may not always result in matching surface, color and finish.
Care and Maintenance Tip
✔ Avoid using de-icing products on concrete surfaces. ✔ Seal your asphalt driveway between 6-12 months after the top coat has been applied, then 1-2 years thereafter.
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FOUNDATION WALLS
What you can expect from your home Shrinkage cracks in the walls, veneer, brick steps or stoop of your home’s concrete foundation are not unusual. The grade adjacent to foundation walls has a tendency to settle and expose some portion of the wall. Minor cracks less than ¹⁄₈ inch in width normally require no action. In your home’s crawl space, a positive drain was installed through the foundation or into a sump crock to help evacuate the collection of the water within the crawl space. We also installed a polyethylene vapor barrier over the ground to help prevent the development of excessive humidity in the crawl space. What your home can expect from you Avoid planting shrubbery too close to your home’s foundation. Soil in shrub beds should be packed and banked so that the water will drain away from your home. However, please be sure not to raise your soil level above your waterproofing/damp proofing membrane. You should periodically inspect the positive drain in the crawl space for obstructions and debris. Do the same for the drain overflow and/or the sump pump. You should also inspect the vapor barrier in the crawl space to ensure it is not damaged. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we will take such action as necessary to correct basement and crawl space leaks. Conditions contributing to water penetration will be repaired. We will repair cracks greater than ¹⁄₈ inch in width by pointing, patching or other appropriate methods. Examples of exclusions Dampness of the walls or floors may occur in new construction and is not considered a deficiency. We are not responsible for leaks caused by improper landscaping or failure to maintain proper grades. We are not responsible for color variation between old and new mortar.
BASEMENT & GARAGE FLOORS
What you can expect from your home The basement and garage floors of your home are constructed with concrete slabs that are designed to move at the joints. Minor cracks in these floors are not unusual. Cracks or low spots will not affect the overall performance of the floor.
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What your home can expect from you You should be selective about what you store on the basement floor. Items that are vulnerable to moisture should not be stored on concrete floors. Also, dehumidifiers can help maintain moisture at the desired level. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we will repair cracks in a basement floor, home or garage slab that exceed ³⁄₁₆ inch in width or ¹⁄₈ inch in vertical displacement by surface patching or other methods. Unless a portion of your floor is designed specifically for drainage purposes, it should not have any pits, depressions or other uneven areas exceeding ¼ inch within a 32 inch measurement. Cracks which rupture the finish flooring material shall be repaired. We will, at our option, address, then reinstall or replace any finished flooring materials provided by us as necessary. Examples of exclusions We are only responsible for repairing materials originally used in the construction of the home. Any materials added by the Homeowner are not covered under the warranty. We cannot guarantee color matching of repaired areas.
WELLED EXITS
Care and Maintenance Tip
What you can expect from your home If your home is equipped with a sump pump, the welled exit drain will be connected to the floor crock.
✔ Periodically check the drain of your welled exit to ensure that it’s clear of any debris to prevent flooding into your basement or foundation.
What your home can expect from you These areas must be kept clear of debris to avoid flooding into your basement. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, if the welled exit floods and it has been kept clear of debris, please contact Customer Care and we will inspect it. Examples of exclusions We are not responsible for flooding repairs if the area is not kept clear of debris. Any materials added by the Homeowner are not covered under the warranty. We cannot guarantee color matching of repaired areas. Click Here for More Tips
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ROOFING
What you can expect from your home Your home’s roof and flashing were constructed to minimize the chance of leaking under normally anticipated conditions. A properly pitched roof is designed to drain water. Flat roofs may retain a certain amount of water or experience minor ponding. What your home can expect from you It’s important that you check all roofing and flashing annually to maintain a good watertight condition. Take care when checking flashing and vents for cracked sealant, wind damage and protruding nails. Shingles should be checked for loose or damaged sections. It is especially important to maintain sealant where flashing meets the brick. Make sure to avoid damaging your roof when installing items like solar panels, satellite dishes or television or radio antennas, as these procedures may cause leaks and could also void your roof warranty. Excessive foot traffic on the roof can also cause damage. If shingles become loose, consult us or a reputable roofing contractor. Consult with a structural engineer prior to installing solar panels. Roof trusses are not designed as storage spaces. Extra weight, such as solar panels, added to the roof may impact the structural integrity of the truss support systems. The use of a structural engineer to determine if any additional support is needed, as well as the use of a reputable installer, are both recommended when adding extra weight to the roof system. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, excessive ponding of water, which causes roofing material to leak, is a deficiency. We will repair any verified roof or flashing leaks. We will also take corrective action to assure proper drainage of your roof and repair all leaks due to or caused by standing water. Examples of exclusions We are not responsible for leaks caused by excessive ice build-up caused by clogged gutters.
BALCONY & FLAT ROOF DECKING
What you can expect from your home If your home was built with a balcony or flat roof deck, it was installed in accordance with local code, and the material manufacturer's instructions.
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What your home can expect from you Your balcony or flat roof deck was constructed with roof drains or scuppers that should be kept free of debris. This allows proper water flow from the balcony or deck. After a rain, water may stand in small puddles for a short time before evaporating. This is to be expected of any flat surface and is normal. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we will address any workmanship, leaks or material deficiencies. Examples of exclusions We are not responsible for Homeowner neglect or damage to the flat roof membrane. Consult your Homeowners Association or licensed contractor, before you consider making any structural or cosmetic changes to the balcony or flat roof decking.
DECKING
What you can expect from your home If your home was built with a deck, it was installed per local code, and material manufacturer's instructions and constructed from either pressure treated lumber or composite decking. What your home can expect from you Pressure Treated Lumber: Will require periodic application of a sealer to maintain its durability. A local supply, home center or hardware store can recommend a proper sealant. Composite Decking: We recommend a routine cleaning of your decking every few months to clear away dirt, mud and soil that can accumulate and sit on your boards over the course of time. For a general clean – we recommend applying warm soapy water to the surface of the boards and cleaning with a soft bristled brush. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we will address any workmanship or material deficiencies. Examples of exclusions We are not responsible for knots, cupping, twisting or shrinkage gaps. Discoloration from aging and minor checking are normal, and removal of such imperfections are not covered by the warranty. Any pressure treated lumber or composite material replaced will not exactly match existing decking. Sealing and cleaning of the deck is the responsibility of the Homeowner.
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ROOF VENTILATION
What you can expect from your home Your home features ventilation as required by the approved building code. What your home can expect from you Soffit and ridge vents must be kept clear/open to minimize build-up of humidity in the attic spaces. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we shall provide for adequate ventilation. Examples of exclusions We will not be responsible for alterations to the original system.
GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS
What you can expect from your home Your home’s gutters and downspouts are installed to properly drain and are constructed not to leak, however they may overflow during heavy rains. What your home can expect from you We recommend inspecting your gutters and downspouts annually to clear debris and ensure that nothing is obstructed. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we will correct any installation irregularities and repair leaks. Examples of exclusions
We are not responsible for any damage to, or leaks in, gutters and downspouts caused by excessive debris or standing water.
Care and Maintenance Tip
✔ Keep your gutters clear.
A little preventative cleaning can help avoid ice buildup. Clear any debris from your gutters before wintertime.
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SIDING & EXTERIOR TRIM
What you can expect from your home Your home’s siding is made with a low maintenance material which reduces costly priming and painting. Over time, your siding may still bow. Siding is installed according to the materials manufacturer’s instructions. What your home can expect from you Exterior materials on your home require periodic maintenance. You may occasionally want to wash your siding. If you do, use a mild, non-bleach detergent and a soft brush or cloth. Some materials such as prefinished siding should be washed to maintain their appearance and remove airborne materials that can damage the finish. Maintaining these painted surfaces on your home can help prevent mildew. All wood and composite exterior materials should be periodically inspected for wear and maintained by the Homeowner. Exterior trim will require periodic maintenance including cleaning, caulking and painting. What is covered by the warranty If bowing exceeds ½ inch within a 32 inch measurement, it is deemed unacceptable. Your lap siding should not delaminate or deteriorate within those manufacturer specifications. Within the first year of home ownership, we will install additional nails in siding to meet nailing schedules which are standard in the industry and will replace any siding that does not meet that standard. We will also repair or replace siding that is damaged due to installation errors as needed. The repaired area should match as closely as possible in color and or texture. For surfaces that require paint, we will paint only new materials. Joints between exterior trim elements, including siding and masonry, should not result in open joints in excess of ³⁄₈ inch. We will repair open joints and touch up finish coatings where repaired to match existing as close as possible. Caulking is acceptable for joints less than ³⁄₈ inch in width. Examples of exclusions We will not be responsible for damage to the siding caused by high winds, severe storms or lack of maintenance. For surfaces requiring paint, we will paint only the new material.
STONE & BRICK VENEER
What you can expect from your home The veneer of your home was color coordinated with your exterior color scheme to seam- lessly integrate with your surrounding neighborhood. Small hairline cracks in the veneer are possible due to shrinkage and are common in mortar joints in masonry construction.
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What your home can expect from you Avoid planting ground cover or ivy, which could creep up the foundation wall, and as a result, affect the strength of the mortar and stone. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we will repair loose bricks and stones or cracks larger than ¹⁄₈ inch by touch up or patching. Examples of exclusions We will not be responsible for color variation between old and new bricks, stone or mortar. The Homeowner is responsible for the appearance of cracks resulting from vegetation, efflorescence (a white film which forms on brick and stone in cold weather and disappears as warm weather returns) or other Homeowner maintenance items.
STUCCO
Care and Maintenance Tip
What you can expect from your home Your home’s exterior stucco wall surfaces are constructed to prevent water from leaking through. Some cracks in the stucco are not unusual. What your home can expect from you It's important to check the exterior stucco of your home annually for any cracks or damage to the joints. Painting at regular intervals will maintain color and water permeability.
✔ Inspect the surface of stucco annually to look for dirt, mildew or cracks. ✔ Treat stucco cracks similar to windshield chips. Small problems can grow exponentially if not addressed.
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It is very important to clean your stucco. Use a garden hose on the lowest setting to saturate the stucco from bottom to top. Next, use a more focused setting to clean the stucco from top to bottom. If dirt persists, try scrubbing with a damp nylon brush. Do not apply too much pressure. Algae, mildew, efflorescence, and rust can be cleaned using specific cleaners for stucco. You can repair small cracks by using a stucco patch kit found at your local hardware stores. Do not caulk weepholes. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we will repair cracks that exceed ¹⁄₈ inch in width. We will also properly caulk joints and cracks in exterior wall surfaces. Examples of exclusions We will only make these repairs or corrections to your exterior wall stucco one time during the first year of home ownership.
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EXTERIOR RAILS
What you can expect from your home Ornamental iron rails, due to their location on your home, are often exposed to severe climate conditions which can cause rusting. What your home can expect from you Inspect your railings each spring to identify potential rust areas and repair them as necessary. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we will provide a one time repair to include spot sanding of unacceptable rust areas, sealing with red oxide metal primer, and painting to match. Examples of exclusions We are not responsible for any rust stains that appear after the one time repair service or after the first year of home ownership.
GARAGE DOORS
What you can expect from your home Your home’s garage doors are installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. They are designed to operate properly as long as they are maintained. What your home can expect from you The moving parts of your garage doors should be lubricated, and the torsion spring greased, annually. The screws that tighten the hardware to the door should be tightened about once a year, or as necessary. You should also regularly inspect the handles for possible jagged or sharp edges to avoid cuts and other injuries. It is recommended that you call a professional to adjust the torsion springs. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we will correct or adjust the garage doors as required to meet the manufacturer’s recommendations. Examples of exclusions Garage door openers added after closing may affect the operation of the garage door and may void the warranty.
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DOORS
What you can expect from your home Your new home is equipped with a variety of door types which should open, close and lock appropriately. Exterior doors should seal against air leaks. What your home can expect from you Doors will need adjusting from time to time and the weather-stripping and sweep at the bottom of the exterior doors may require periodic adjustment or replacement as the material wears. Sliding glass doors will require periodic cleaning of the bottom track to allow the panels to move freely and drain holes will need to remain clear so that rainwater can flow out of the track. Bi-fold doors will need to be adjusted from time to time. Tracks, pivots and guides will need to be kept free of paint and dirt and a little silicone spray may need to be applied to the edge of the tracks to allow the doors to operate smoothly. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, doors that are warped greater than ¼ inch and doors that stick or bind will be corrected. Examples of exclusions Doors that stick or bind will be reset one time only during the first year of home ownership.
WINDOWS
WARNING
What you can expect from your home Your home’s windows were installed to prevent water or any significant amount of outdoor air from entering. What your home can expect from you Windows should be maintained by keeping the sill and side tracks clean and spraying any side track with silicone spray. Keep the windows locked when
✔ The screen system will not prevent children or pets from falling through an open window to the ground below. Be careful to prevent children and pets from leaning against the screens.
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not in use and keep the weep holes clean and open to prevent air from entering and lowering the relative humidity. Increased humidity could cause condensation to form on the window glass. Vinyl liners and jambs should not be painted.
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What is covered by the warranty Condensation between the glass panes of your windows should not occur within the manufacturer’s warranty. Within the first year of home ownership, we will replace the glass if deemed necessary. Water leaks that result in actual trickling of water will be repaired. Examples of exclusions After the first year, the Homeowner is responsible for replacing any glass and must contact the manufacturer to obtain the replacement glass as allowed within the product warranty.
DRYWALL
Care and Maintenance Tip
What you can expect from your home The interior walls of your home are covered in drywall that is attached to the structure/frame. Hairline cracks in your home’s drywall are not unusual in the interior walls and ceiling surfaces. Slight imperfections such as nail pops and cracks are common in drywall installations. What your home can expect from you New homes will have drywall curing and settlement. We recommend waiting to install custom paint colors or hanging wallpaper until after one year. What is covered by the warranty The drywall installed in your home should not show imperfections under normal lighting conditions viewed 4 feet from the surface. Slight imperfections, such as nail pops and hairline/stress cracks, and exposed corner bead areas will be repaired one time only during the first year of home ownership. Examples of exclusions Drywall repairs must be initiated by the Homeowner and any repairs completed will be painted back to the original paint color at settlement. We will not be responsible for repairs beyond the one time visit within the first year. ✔ Drywall can take the normal wear of family life, but if damage occurs it can easily be repaired with spackling compound, fine sandpaper and paint. Click Here for More Tips
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INSULATION
What you can expect from your home Your home’s insulation has been installed to meet or exceed applicable energy and building code requirements. What your home can expect from you You should not compress insulation. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we will install insulation in sufficient amounts to meet the performance standards. Examples of exclusions We will not replace compressed insulation caused by the Homeowner.
WALLS & CEILINGS
What you can expect from your home All of your home’s interior and exterior walls and ceilings have slight variations on their finished surfaces. Bowing of walls and ceilings should not be visible so as to detract from the finished surfaces. What your home can expect from you Help protect your walls and ceilings by keeping the humidity inside your home consistent, so that excessive moisture does not cause bowing and/or shrinkage. What is covered by the warranty Walls and ceilings bowed or out of plumb more than ¼ inch within any 32 inch horizontal or vertical measurement is a deficiency. We will repair the bowed area to meet performance standards, within the first year of home ownership. Examples of exclusions We will not be responsible for damage to the walls and ceilings caused by anything other than construction deficiencies.
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FLOORS
What you can expect from your home Your new home has been built with quality lumber which has been dried in a kiln to help minimize the wood's movement, however like all building materials, wood is affected by heat, cold and humidity. Some shrinkage and swelling is unavoidable. What your home can expect from you Keep the humidity in your home consistent to limit shrinkage and/or swelling of the lumber. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we will correct floor squeaks or loose subfloor if caused by a construction defect. Where necessary, at our discretion, we will remove the finished floor materials to make the repair and reinstall or replace if damaged. If floors are more than a ¼ inch ridge or depression within any 32 inch measurement, we will correct or repair to meet performance standards. No point on the surface of a floor shall be more than ½ inch higher or lower than any other point on the surface within 20 feet, or proportional multiples of the preceding dimensions. We will make the necessary modifications to any floor which does not comply with the performance standard for levelness. Examples of exclusions Floor squeaks or loose subfloor are often temporary conditions common to new home construction, and a squeak-proof floor cannot be guaranteed. Where a load bearing beam or a cantilever is used, this standard may not be met. Excessive loads added by the Homeowner are not covered by the warranty.
PAINT
What you can expect from your home Your home has been painted using quality paints. Paint should not peel during the first year, however, fading is normal and the degree is dependent on climate conditions. What your home can expect from you You may have to paint or stain to extend the life of the painted components on the exterior of the home.
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What is covered by the warranty If paint, varnish or lacquer finish is defective, within the first year of home ownership, we will refinish affected areas, matching color as close as possible. Painting required as a result of other work under this Limited Warranty will be refinished to match surrounding areas as closely as possible. Examples of exclusions Only the repaired area will be repainted which may not include an entire wall. We do not guarantee any color match. Mildew or fungus formation because of excessive exposure to moisture is a condition we cannot control and is a Homeowner maintenance item.
CAULKING
What you can expect from your home Caulking is applied in areas where needed and to reduce air or water transition. What your home can expect from you Caulking around all exterior openings should be inspected by the Homeowner every spring and fall. What is covered by the warranty Possible consequences of wood shrinkage and swelling due to the settlement of the home may be seen as gaps around doors or windows, countertops, interior and exterior trim. Within the first year of home ownership, we will caulk separated joints. Examples of exclusions We will only caulk separated joints one time within the first year of home ownership.
INTERIOR TRIM
What you can expect from your home Your new home has been built with quality lumber, which has been dried in a kiln to help restrict the wood’s movement. However, some shrinkage and swelling is unavoidable. Possible consequences of wood shrinkage and swelling due to the settlement of the home may be seen in slight cracks around doors or windows and nail pops around baseboards and on outside corners.
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What your home can expect from you Help protect your home’s trim by keeping the humidity inside consistent so that excessive moisture does not cause swelling and/or shrinkage beyond what is considered normal with the settlement of your home. Interior trim will require periodic maintenance including caulking and painting. What is covered by the warranty Joints in your home's moldings or surfaces should not have gaps exceeding ¹⁄₈ inch in width. Within the first year of home ownership, we will repair separated joints. Caulking separated joints is an acceptable practice. Examples of exclusions We will only repair separated joints one time within the first year of home ownership.
CABINETS
What you can expect from your home Slight shrinkage or door displacement of your cabinets over time is not uncommon due to regular use and wear. What your home can expect from you Keep the humidity in your home consistent to prevent any cracks or warpage in your cabinets. It is the Homeowner's responsibility to touchup and maintain unpainted surfaces. What is covered by the warranty Your cabinets should not warp more than ¼ inch as measured from the face frame to the door or drawer when closed. If necessary, we will replace the door or drawer front, within the first year of home ownership. Any gaps between your cabinets, ceilings and walls should not exceed ¼ inch in width. Within the first year of home ownership, we will correct any excessive gap by installing a trim piece. Examples of exclusions Variations of grain pattern and color are normal in wood veneer and solid wood cabinets and doors.
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COUNTERTOPS
Care and Maintenance Tip
What you can expect from your home Countertops come in a wide array of colors, patterns and materials to complement your home. What your home can expect from you
✔ Countertops should be sealed per manufacturer's specifications.
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All laminated countertops, cultured marble vanity tops, quartz and granite tops should be wiped down with non-abrasive cleaner and polish recommended by the manufacturer. Do not let water stand in the seams of your countertops. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we will replace delaminated or cracked countertops if the countertop is defective or was damaged before settlement. Examples of exclusions We will not be responsible for delamination from water, which causes swelling of the base material. Cultured materials are cut from natural stone and as such may have color variances between pieces.
LUXURY VINYL PLANK (LVP) FLOORS
What you can expect from your home Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is a popular material because it has the look of real wood but is very durable, easy to clean and maintain. What your home can expect from you It is recommended to sweep daily, and to damp mop weekly with mild detergent and mop, or with cleaning pads. LVP flooring should never be steam-cleaned since the pressure of the steam cleaner can potentially drive moisture down through the seams to the wooden subfloor. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, any readily apparent depressions or ridges that exceed ¹⁄₈ inch will be repaired. The ridge or depression measurement is taken at the gap created at one end of a six-inch straightedge placed over the depression or ridge with three inches of the straightedge on one side of the defect, held tightly. Examples of exclusions For warrantable repairs, we will repair or replace with similar color, pattern and quality for either the defective area or the replacement of the floor at our discretion.
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WOOD FLOORS
What you can expect from your home Because of the natural characteristics of wood products, some squeaks in the flooring area can be expected. Minor separations between boards may occur due to shrinkage of the material which is a common occurrence and will vary with temperature and humidity levels. Fading or irregularities may occur due to exposure to sunlight. What your home can expect from you Even though your home has been built with quality lumber, floor squeaks are often temporary conditions common to new home construction. Help protect your floors by keeping the humidity inside your home low, so that excessive moisture does not damage your floors. Hardwood surfaces can be scratched. Care must be taken to protect surfaces, especially in high traffic areas. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we will repair gaps exceeding ¹⁄₈ inch in width by filling or replacing. We will work to match the existing floor as closely as possible. Examples of exclusions We are not responsible for discontinued flooring or different graining or color variations in the wood.
CERAMIC TILE
What you can expect from your home Your home’s ceramic tile or installed accessories should not crack or become loose. Cracks in grouting or ceramic tile joints are common due to shrinking conditions, however, no gap should be visible. What your home can expect from you Keep your ceramic tile and grouted surface clean and free of film accumulations by using a nonabrasive cleaner. We recommend installing a ceramic seal and finish product immediately after moving into your home, and a minimum every two years thereafter, to reduce stains and discoloration of the grouting. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we will replace and resecure tiles that become cracked or loose due to construction imperfections. We will also correct the cause of the loose or cracking tile condition.
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Examples of exclusions We will not be responsible for discontinued patterns or color variations in ceramic tile or grouting but will match as closely as possible. These repairs will only be made one time during the first year of home ownership.
CARPET
What you can expect from your home Carpets were selected for their ability to withstand normal wear and tear with minimum care. Seams and color variations may be evident depending on the style of carpeting and the pile fiber you have chosen, however, no gap should be visible. What your home can expect from you General carpet care includes regular vacuuming, quick action when spills occur, and an annual professional carpet cleaning. Some color fading may occur due to overexposure to direct sunlight. Close your window treatments during certain times of the day to help prevent this fading. What is covered by the warranty We will restretch and resecure carpeting as needed one time only during the first year of home ownership. Examples of exclusions Some color fading may occur due to constant exposure to direct sunlight. We are not responsible for carpets that are damaged due to tears caused by wear or Homeowner neglect.
WELL
What you can expect from your home Your well water system has been designed and installed in accordance with all applicable building, plumbing and health codes set by the local jurisdiction. What your home can expect from you Protect your well head from cars, mowers or other traffic which may damage it, and avoid storing toxic or hazardous substances near the well. To assure that your well is properly protected, have it inspected and sampled regularly by your local health department or qualified independent lab, especially after any repairs are made or if you notice a change in the taste or color of your well water.
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Your well water system utilizes groundwater contained in soil and rock pores and is susceptible to pollution from contaminants that move through the soil and filter down to the groundwater. You should not overuse pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Do not flush toxic or hazardous substances down the toilet or pour such substances into home drains, storm drains or onto the ground surface. What is covered by the warranty Within the first year of home ownership, we will repair your well water system during the warranty period to restore its functionality to all approved building, plumbing and health codes. This warranty does not cover potability or quantity of well water provided the well water complies with all applicable permitting requirements at time of settlement. Examples of exclusions We are not responsible for well water system failure unless it is the result of defective workmanship or materials.
HVAC (HEATING & COOLING)
What you can expect from your home Your home’s mechanical system has been designed, sized, selected, installed, and independently verified for performance within industry standards and guidelines in accordance with the building codes at the time the building permit was issued. Your home’s system should be able to produce code required thermal conditions (temperature, relative humidity and other related conditions) in the center of an empty room at approximately shoulder height, with all occupant-controlled openings in their closed position. These thermal conditions are projected to be 72° and 75° respectively for the heating and cooling seasons, within standard local design conditions. Under standard local design conditions the mechanical system thermostat(s) should indicate a temperature within +/- 3° of the setpoint temperature. What your home can expect from you HVAC systems require that you operate and maintain all system components following the provided manufacturer’s guidelines. This includes, but is not limited to, fans, filters, coils, condensate systems, indoor and outdoor equipment. Keep plantings, fences, and leaves and snow away from outdoor HVAC units, and keep them level for maximum efficiency. Annual cleanings and inspections by qualified professionals to clean the mildew off the evaporator and condenser coils are recommended. You should also regularly check the heat exchange for damage or defects. Outdoor thermal conditions that fall outside of the standard local design conditions will affect the ability of the mechanical systems to maintain projected indoor thermal conditions. Under extreme outdoor heat days we recommend that you maintain your mechanical system thermostat(s) at a setpoint no greater than 15° below the outdoor temperature.
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