Homeowner Maintenance Items
Everything you need to know about maintaining your new Alturas Home.
The following list provides tips for maintaining the quality and beauty of your Alturas Home. While these items do not fall under our Limited Warranty, regular upkeep helps preserve the home’s condition. If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Care Department.
Air Filters
- Frequency: Replace monthly for the first 12 months, then every 2-3 months.
- Tip: Regular filter replacement promotes clean air circulation and extends the life of your heating/cooling system.
Caulking
- Frequency: Reapply caulking as needed around baseboards, tubs, showers, windows, and cabinets.
- Tip: Purchase caulk at local hardware stores for easy maintenance.
Ceramic Tile
- Frequency: Re-grout and re-caulk as necessary.
- Tip: Apply clear sealer to tiles for additional protection. Available at most hardware or tile stores.
Condensate Lines/Exterior Drain Tile
- Frequency: Keep exterior drain lines clear of debris.
- Tip: Pour a capful of bleach down the main condensate line once a year to prevent mildew buildup.
Driveway Maintenance
- Gravel Driveway: Rake out ruts after heavy rains.
- Paved Driveway: Avoid heavy vehicles on soft pavement, especially in the first few months or during hot weather.
Exterior Wood
- Frequency: Inspect and maintain wood railings, trim, and siding regularly.
- Tip: Re-paint every 2-3 years and check caulking every 6 months.
Floor Squeaks
- Tip: Squeaks are common in new homes and may resolve with time. Contact Customer Care if you need guidance.
Foundation Vents (Crawl Spaces)
- Winter Tip: Close foundation vents to prevent frozen pipes.
Frozen Pipes
- Winter Tip: Maintain heat at least 65°F to prevent frozen pipes. Open vanities and cupboards to allow heat to pipes. Let faucets drip to prevent freezing.
Gutters
- Frequency: Clean gutters regularly to prevent ice dams.
- Tip: Ice dams can cause leaks and are not covered by warranty.
Hose Bibs/Exterior Faucets
- Winterizing: Drain outside faucets to prevent freezing. Visit this article to learn more.
- Spring: Reverse the winterizing steps to restore faucets.
Lawn Care
- Tip: Regular watering, seeding, and fertilizing are essential to maintaining a healthy lawn. Lawn care damage is not covered under warranty.
Light Bulbs
- Tip: Replace bulbs regularly. They are inexpensive and available at local hardware stores.
Siding
- Frequency: Re-caulk siding regularly, especially after exposure to sun and weather changes.
Smoke Detectors
- Frequency: Test at least twice per year, replace batteries annually, and clean annually with a vacuum. Replace detectors every 5 years.
Trees
- Tip: Trees that die or become diseased after settlement are not covered by warranty.
Wear & Tear Items
- Not Covered:
- Tub chips and scratches
- Cuts or scratches on countertops
- Tears or cuts in vinyl flooring
- Scratches on hardwood floors
Windows
- Seasonal Maintenance: Lubricate and adjust windows for easy operation. Use a suitable lubricant (e.g., furniture polish) for smooth movement.
For more information or assistance, please reach out to our Customer Care Department.