At closing, you received a copy of the Homeowner’s Handbook.  This book is a guide to owning and maintaining your new home.  Below are some common tips for homeowners based on information in the Homeowner’s Handbook.  There is a page number after each tip that corresponds to a page in the Homeowner’s Handbook.  This is where more detailed information on the topic can be found. 

• Outside spigots, or hose bibs, are not freeze proof.  They have shut-off valves inside your home which should be turned off during cold weather after all water is drained.  If a hose is left attached, the water remaining in the hose may freeze, expanding back into the pipe and causing a break.  (Homeowner Handbook, page 77)
  
  
• Regular maintenance of caulking protects against moisture damage and seals against dust, dirt and insects. Check your home for any places that may need to be recaulked.  Generally, wherever two different building materials meet, an opening may occur that needs to be caulked periodically. Talk to a hardware professional to find out the best type of caulking for the area.   (Homeowner Handbook, page 27)
  
  
• Your home has GFCI receptacles in the kitchen, bathroom, garage and some outside areas.  These devices are designed to monitor electrical currents and sense fluctuations in power.  Be aware of all GFCI locations in your home and test the reset button once a month. (Homeowner Handbook, page 43)
  
  
• Know where the main shut offs are for power and water.  You must turn off the power or water in order to safely make plumbing or electrical repairs.
  
  
• Learn about your windows.  Window frames can be made of wood, metal, vinyl, fiberglass or a combination of materials.  Glass in windows can be single-pane or double-pane, clear or frosted.  Energy efficient windows can have invisible coatings, known as low emitting or “low-E,” that reflect heat and can save money on energy bills.  (Homeowner Handbook, page 40)
  
  
• The first few times you run the dishwasher, remain in the home throughout the complete cycle.
  
  
• Changing the air filters often in the HVAC unit during the first few months should help remove any construction dust or debris from the system.  After that, the filters should be inspected, cleaned and replaced regularly.  (Homeowner Handbook, page 59)
  
  
• Depending on the time of year you close on your home, it may be necessary to contact the HVAC contractor.  An AC start up on your system can not be completed in the colder months due to the temperature.  If your home was finished during the winter months, you will need to contact the subcontractor prior to running the AC system.
  
  
• Even though concrete is generally constructed with expansion and contraction joints, it may still develop cracks.  If you repair cracks in a timely fashion with a waterproof concrete caulk, it will prevent moisture from penetrating to the soil beneath.  (Homeowner Handbook, page 31)
  
  
• Wood floors will respond noticeably to changes in humidity levels in your home.  Seasonal changes will cause the wood to expand, contract or squeak. Gaps between wood floorboards should not exceed 1/8 inch in width.  Contact your builder if gaps exceed 1/8 inch – aside from normal seasonal fluctuation.  (Homeowner Handbook, page 56)