Seasonal Checklist
Ashton Ridge Homes would like to inform you of some key warranty and maintenance items required throughout the year.
While all items that fall under the Tarion warranty requirements will be repaired by the builder it is important to understand the timelines for these repairs. Seasonal and Special Seasonal Warranty Items represent items on the exterior of or outside your home that can only be effectively repaired between the dates of May 1st to November 15th. As set out by Tarion’s warranty guidelines Seasonal items include:
- Exterior painting
- Exterior cement/concrete work
- Exterior mortar work
- Exterior stucco work/repairs
- Exterior Caulking
- In-ground support for decks
These items will be completed or repaired within the elected seasonal dates.
Special Seasonal Warranty Items include final grading, landscaping and the installation of driveways, patios and walkways if applicable.
If occupancy of your home takes place during a season in which we are unable to lay sod or seed, our grading crew will be in the area between the dates of May 1st and November 15th for completion. Bear in mind that while it is the responsibility of the builder to ensure that the final grading at your home is completed, the maintenance of the landscaping is the responsibility of the Homeowner. It is imperative that once the sod installed, it is watered every day for the first week, preferably in the morning or evening, and then every other day until a good root structure has been established. The builder will not return to repair sod that has died due to insufficient or excessive watering.
In an effort to prepare you for the years to come, Ashton Ridge Homes has attached a Home Maintenance Checklist. This list should be examined monthly to ensure that you are meeting the requirements for maintaining a new home.
One of the most important items in the maintenance of your home; however, is moisture control. It is imperative that you continue to properly ventilate your home to avoid excess moisture that could ultimately result in damage that is not covered under the statutory warranty program. As recommended by Tarion here are some helpful tips to avoid moisture damage to your home:
Exterior:
- Keep flowerbeds/landscaping at least 6 inches away from the top of the foundation.
- Never change the direction of the grading or slope of the ground away from the home.
- Clear eaves troughs regularly and extend downspouts to direct water away from the building.
- Inspect the caulking around windows and doors.
- Have your roof inspected on a regular basis.
Interior:
- Purchase a ‘hydrometer’ to monitor the relative humidity on a regular basis.
- When using a humidifier or dehumidifier be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. In the winter keep the relative humidity levels between 30-45%. Ashton Ridge Homes will provid a dehumidifier to assist with this.
- Continue to run the in-line fan system provided by Ashton Ridge Homes on least low position for at least one year after taking occupancy.
While Ashton Ridge Homes remains committed to the statutory warranty coverage as set forth by the Tarion Warranty Corporation, it is essential that homeowners conduct regular and proper maintenance on their home in all areas as to ensure their warranty rights are protected.
Spring and Summer Home Maintenance Schedule
March
Clean furnace filter and heat recovery ventilator (HRV)
Check attic
Check sump pump (if installed)
Clean humidifier
Remove snow and ice from overhang and vents
Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
April
Check eavestroughs and downspouts
Clean furnace filter and HRV
Clean humidifier
Inspect basement or crawl spaces
Check roof for loose or cracked shingles
Check driveways and walks for frost damage
Check water heater for leaks
Turn on exterior water supply
Plan landscaping to avoid soil settlement and water ponding
Check and reset GFCI
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
May
Inspect fences
Check caulking for air and water leaks
Lubricate weatherstripping
Check exterior finish
Check windows and screens are operating properly
Check septic system (if installed)
Check and reset GFCI
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
June
Inspect air conditioning
Check roof
Check sheds and garages
Check sealing around windows and doors
Check septic system and clean if necessary
Fertilize lawn
Check water heater
Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
July
Air out damp basements on dry, sunny day
Clean air conditioner
Check exhaust fans
Check water heater for leaks
Check and reset GFCI
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
August
Clean air conditioner filter
Air out damp basements on dry, sunny days
Inspect driveways and walks
Inspect doors and locks
Check and reset GFCI
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
Fall and Winter Home Maintenance Schedule
September
Check exterior finishes
Check garage door tracks and lubricate bearings
Check caulking for air and water leaks
Plant new lawn
Check fireplace and chimney
Check basement or crawl spaces
Have humidifier, furnace and HRV serviced
Check clothes dryer vent
Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI)Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
October
Check windows and screens
Drain exterior water lines
Check roof including shingles, flashing and vents
Check weatherstripping
Check sealing around windows and doors
Check septic system
Winterize landscaping and remove leaves
Clean furnace filter and HRV
Clean water heater
Shut off exterior water supply
Check eavestroughs and downspouts
Clean humidifier
Check and reset GFCI
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
November
Check attic
Inspect floor drains to ensure trap is filled with water
Clean furnace filter and HRV
Check for condensation and humidity
Check and reset GFCI
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
December
Check air ducts
Check for excessive snow on roof
Clean furnace filter and heat recovery ventilator (HRV)
Clean humidifier
Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
January
Clean furnace filter and HRV
Check furnace fan belt
Check water heater
Check exhaust fans
Clean humidifier
Remove snow and ice from roof overhang/vents
Check and reset GFCI
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
February
Clean furnace filter and HRV
Check inside surfaces
Remove snow and ice from roof overhang/ventsCheck and reset GFCI