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Maintenance Tips

Maintenance Tips

Standard Maintenance Tips for Your New Home

 

We know that home maintenance can be tricky, especially for our first-time homeowners. We hope these tips will keep you on track for the best "home sweet home" experience you can have.

Cabinets

FREQUENCY

As Needed

To clean cabinets wipe them down with regular soap and water. Do not use any abrasive cleaners. Adjust the doors and drawers for proper alignment as needed. 

Carpet

FREQUENCY

Weekly/Yearly

Vacuum at least once a week. Also have  a professional carpet cleaner clean them once a year. Do not use the rental carpet cleaners as they will set in stains. 

Concrete

FREQUENCY

Seasonally

When winter weather comes do not use ice melt on any concrete. The chemicals will eat away at the concrete and damage the finish. 

Countertop caulking

FREQUENCY

As Needed

Re-caulk any areas where adjacent surfaces are coming together in order to keep them sealed and avoid water damage. 

WATCH:

Caulking

Dishwasher

FREQUENCY

As Needed

Run dishwasher cleaner through a cycle every so often to clean the components inside. Also By using rinse aid it will dry the kitchen ware better and leave less water in the dishwasher after a cycle. 

Disposal

FREQUENCY

As Needed

To freshen up the disposal run lemon peels through it. Also to clean the blades run ice through it.  

Door locks

FREQUENCY

As Needed

Adjust locks as needed so they latch correctly. Tighten screws overtime they will loosen.

Dryer

FREQUENCY

Yearly

It is recommended to have the dryer vent cleaned as it can collect lint in the pipe and can be a potential fire hazard as well as decrease the drying efficiency of the dryer. 

Electric Glass Cooktop

FREQUENCY

As Needed

Clean the glass regularly but do not use anything abrasive to clean it. It will scratch the glass. 

Exterior Penetrations

FREQUENCY

Bi-Annually

Seal any penetrations

Exterior Siding

FREQUENCY

Yearly

Pressure wash the exterior siding to prevent the build up of mold and mildew. 

Fireplaces

FREQUENCY

As Needed

Over time moisture can build up inside the firebox. Turn on quarterly to ensure proper functionality and to help control the moisture in the firebox. Do not use any ammonia base products to clean the glass on the firebox. 

Floor Tile

FREQUENCY

Bi-Annually

To keep the grout lines clean use a grout sealer to seal them. 

Garage Door

FREQUENCY

As Needed

Keep the door and chain lubricated to avoid squeaky parts.

Gas cook top

FREQUENCY

As Needed

The grates on the cooktop are cast iron and should not be washed with soap. It will dry the oils out of the cast iron. As the cast iron gets older you can recondition the cast iron grates by lightly rubbing them with cooking oil and cooking it in the oven at 350ºF for and hour. 

Gas Oven

FREQUENCY

As Needed

The bottom of the oven should be cleaned often. Do not use foil on the bottom of the oven as the flame from the gas can melt the foil and damage the oven. 

Granite Countertops

FREQUENCY

Bi-Annually

Granite is porous and can be stained. Clean and seal the surface with a granite or stone sealer to protect it. 

Gutters

FREQUENCY

Bi-Annually

Clear your gutters of any collected debris or leaves to prevent water from creeping under the roof and ice damming in the winter.

Hardwood Floors

FREQUENCY

As Needed

Never use a wet mop to clean as the moisture will damage the floor. For scratches a furniture stain pen works great to hide them away. 

HVAC Filters

FREQUENCY

Monthly

Replace air filters every 2-3 months to keep the unit running efficiently and to prevent the unit from malfunctioning.

HVAC Unit

FREQUENCY

Bi-Annually

It is recommended to have an authorized HVAC technician inspect and service the unit twice a year. Once before the AC is turned on and once before the heat is turned on. 

Landscaping

FREQUENCY

Seasonally

Please reference the paperwork provided at closing 

Marble Countertops

FREQUENCY

As Needed

Always use non-abrasive cleaners to prevent scratching or damaging the surface. Do not set anything hot on the marble surface. High heat with burn and discolor marble. 

Microwave/Range Hood

FREQUENCY

Monthly

Clean or replace the filters as they can build up grease. 

Refrigerator

FREQUENCY

As Needed

Replace the water filter when noted to keep the water clean and the flow consistent. 

Roof

FREQUENCY

Every 3 Years

Have a roofing professional inspect the roof for damage or leaks. 

Septic Tank

FREQUENCY

Yearly

Depending on how big your home is and how many people live there dictates how often it needs to be pumped out. 

Shower Wall Tile

FREQUENCY

As Needed

Keep and eye on corners and edges in showers. If they become cracked or open re-seal them with a siliconized color matched caulk that matches the grout. 

Slate

FREQUENCY

As Needed

Over time slate will dry out to a dull grey color. Rub in linseed oil or baby oil to bring back the dark rich shine. 

Sliding Glass Door

FREQUENCY

As Needed

Keep the track of the door clean and clear of debris to ensure the door roles smoothly. 

Smoke Detectors

FREQUENCY

Yearly

Replace backup batteries once a year. Test the smoke detectors once a month to ensure proper functionality. 

Tile Backsplash

FREQUENCY

Bi-Annually

Seal the grout lines to keep them protected especially around the cooking surfaces.

Trim caulking

FREQUENCY

As Needed

As the trim expands and contracts with the humidity levels, the caulking is bound to crack. Re-caulk these areas to keep the trim looking fresh and new. 

Vinyl/LVP/EVP Flooring

FREQUENCY

Weekly

Sweep and vacuum as needed at least once a week. Do not use the beater bars on the vacuums as it could damage the floors. Use the flooring manufactures recommended product for washing the floors. 

Washer

FREQUENCY

Yearly

Keep an eye on the water lines feeding the washer. Over time they can start to go bad and start to leak. If they are showing signs of being bridle or cracking go ahead and replace them. 

Water Heater

FREQUENCY

Yearly

Contact a licensed plumber to drain the water heater once a year to prevent the build up of minerals in the bottom of the tank. This causes tanks to rust out and leak. 

Weather stripping

FREQUENCY

As Needed

Replace the weather stripping on any exterior door if it becomes damaged. This can prevent air leakage and help keep critters out. 

Windows

FREQUENCY

As Needed

Keep the windows locked not only for security reasons but it also creates a sound and moisture barrier.

Here at Eastwood Homes, we stand behind the workmanship of every home we build. We want you to be happy with your new Eastwood Home for many years to come!

Eastwood Homes