Alturas Homes Landscaping, Drainage, and Irrigation Policies
Understanding Your Responsibilities and Warranty Coverage
- What is Alturas’ warranty policy regarding trees, sod, and plants?
- What are Alturas’ policies regarding standing water and drainage?
- Is there a drain on my lot?
- My sprinkler system was installed in winter. When will it be activated?
Trees, Sod, and Plants
Alturas Homes does not cover damage or loss of trees, shrubs, sod, or plants due to improper maintenance, such as overwatering or underwatering. Unless noted during the New Home Orientation, these items are not warranted after closing. However, the irrigation clock is covered under the Alturas Homes One-Year Structural Warranty.
Standing Water and Drainage
Lot grading is carefully designed to meet local municipal standards and direct drainage away from the home. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining the established grade to prevent water accumulation and potential damage. In instances of rainfall, temporary pooling or ponding may occur, particularly after irrigation. Water should generally drain off within 24 hours after normal rain, or 48 hours in swales, though longer drainage times may occur after heavy rain. Homeowners are responsible for adjusting watering patterns to prevent ponding. Alturas Homes is not responsible for landscaping maintenance or standing water issues.
Drain Installation
In some cases, a pit drain may be installed on the lot to help collect water from rainfall or heavy irrigation. The drain is designed to assist with landscape upkeep but does not eliminate all standing water.
Sprinkler System Activation
If your sprinkler system was installed in winter, it will be activated once water is available in the community, typically around mid-April. A contracted landscaper will begin adjusting nozzles, spray heads, and programming the irrigation clock within two weeks of water availability. Homeowners will be notified, but if missed, please contact us through the Homeowner Portal. Until activation, homeowners are responsible for maintaining and hand-watering the landscaping.