Tips & Frequently Asked Questions Answered Here Proper preventative maintenance of your home will help to ensure it’s longevity. Look to your Homeowner Maintenance Manual and Maintenance Manual Schedules for what to do and when to do it. Below are just a couple of tips for keeping your home in good condition. A complete list of tips can be found throughout your Homeowners Maintenance Manual. If you ever encounter a life threatening emergency, get out of your home and dial 911. Know where your homes water shutoff valve and circuit box are as well as the location of emergency systems such as fire extinguishers and all smoke alarms. Check your plumbing systems every six (6) months and maintain drains monthly. This will help avoid costly problems in the future. Make sure you sprinklers are not spraying onto the side of your home. This can cause a breakdown of both paint and the stucco or wood. This can cause severe problems in the future and should be avoided at all costs. Make sure you clean your air filters at least every 12 months. This helps keep air quality in your home clean and healthy. Never overload circuits by plugging more plugs into a circuit than it was designed for. Overloading circuits could result in an electrical fire. Never alter the grade of your lot. It has been designed for optimal drainage. Altering this drainage path could divert water back towards your home and cause water damage; which can be both dangerous and expensive. Inspect any exposed wood surfaces regularly. Any splits and cracks should be sealed and repainted immediately. Keep all rain gutters and downspouts clean and clear of debris. Clogged rain gutters cannot perform as designed and could result in water and roof damage. Always be on the lookout for signs of termite damage. If you believe you have termites, employ the services of a professional fumigation firm to eradicate them as soon as possible. Make sure you repaint the exterior of your home per the Homeowner Maintenance Schedules. This will help to protect the walls of your home and mitigate the chances of any water damage. Inspect the moving parts and seals of all windows and doors in your home every 6 months. Replace or repair as needed. Flooring/carpet that is exposed to direct sunlight can/will fade over time. You can help prolong it’s life by closing blinds/drapes as often as practical. Slamming cabinet doors can cause excessive wear and tear on the entire cabinet system. Avoid slamming cabinet doors. Keep cabinet hinges and slides well lubricated. Avoid using abrasive cleaners on your countertops, especially if you have natural stone material. Make sure the seals between your sink and countertop are intact. If they are not, reseal with silicone sealer.