Caring for your new home

We at Andrin Homes are delighted that you join us as one of our homeowners and we will continue to provide you with superior customer care on your new home.

At Andrin Homes, we are proud to back our homes with an outstanding warranty service program.  If there are defects in material and/or workmanship, Andrin Homes will arrange for the repair or replacement of the items, as outlined under the Tarion Warranty Corporation’s Construction Performance Guidelines.  In short, the Andrin Homes limited warranty is a commitment that all materials and workmanship are warranted for one year from the time of closing.  Some aspects such as heating, plumbing, air-conditioning, electrical and the “building envelope” are warranted for two years.  The structural elements of your home carry an additional seven-year warranty from the date you take possession of your home.

Please understand that all new homes go through a “settling” process, generally during the first year of occupancy.  Floor squeaks, drywall cracks and nail-pops are all products of the settling stage and will be dealt with during your first year of occupancy, as per Tarion’s guidelines.  Furthermore, many of the finished surfaces/items in your new home can be easily damaged during your move-in.  Subsequently, Andrin Homes will not be responsible for any damages not listed on your Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) form, such as damage to Glass & Mirrors, Counter Tops, Doors & Trim, Screens, Carpeting, Plumbing Fixtures, Sinks, Tubs & Showers, Electrical Fixtures, Cabinets, Drywall & Paint, Vinyl, Hardwood & Ceramic Flooring.

Some items in your home (i.e. shingles, windows) may have extended warranties provided by the manufacturers and they should be contacted directly using the information given to you at closing.

Quality as well as value has been built into each and every feature of your new home.  Each home is designed to combine traditional building methods, using modern materials.  That said, good old-fashioned maintenance is imperative to continue your enjoyment and comfortable living by you and your family in your new home. 

As you learn how your new home works, it is important to understand that your home is a complicated product, made up of many different materials and systems, some of which are natural products.  Homes are some of the few “hands-on” products left in the world today.  Although you have a quality built Andrin home, this does not mean it will be maintenance-free.

Andrin Homes’ Warranty Maintenance Manual is in no way meant to replace the guidelines provided by Tarion, nor the manufacturers or information manuals previously provided to you.  Andrin Homes staff and/or contractors are also unable to change, extend or modify the guidelines instilled by the Tarion Warranty Corporation in any way.

Requests for Service

We ask that any and all requests for service be submitted in writing.  Emergency or not, submitting written requests assist both Andrin Homes and you, the homeowner, when dealing with warranty limitations.  Furthermore, please submit all written requests to the Andrin Homes Customer Care Office; lists and requests will not be accepted by on-site staff or contractors.  Please note that although our personnel and contractors will do their best, we are unable to make repairs to items that were not listed on your Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Form.

Emergency service

As explained during your closing, emergencies are those deficiencies that deal with and include major mechanical breakdowns.  Plumbing issues and or leaks (excluding clogged toilets, pipes), problems with electrical wiring, failure of heating and/or cooling systems, roof collapse are examples of services to be dealt with as emergencies and corrected as soon as possible.  It is your responsibility to protect your home and personal property from possible damage in an emergency.  Example:  in the event of a burst pipe, your first step should be to turn off the water and then call the plumbing contractor.

In the Event of an Emergency

Please call the appropriate contractor from the list given to you at time of closing.  If an emergency happens after-hours and you cannot reach the corresponding contractor, please document the times, dates, phone numbers called, etc. and then feel free to contact a contractor of your choice to repair the deficiency and send us the bill. Please remember, this is in the case of emergencies only. Emergencies caused/created by homeowner negligence will not be covered by warranty and any costs will be billed to the homeowner.

REMEMBER:  Contractors are responsible for warrantable items only.

Warranties

Your home’s statutory warranty coverage begins on the date you take possession of your home. The Tarion Warranty Corporation enforces these warranties. There are three warranty periods that homeowners can follow:
One-Year:  provided by Andrin Homes, requiring that the home be constructed in a workmanlike manner and free from defects in material, fit for habitation, constructed in accordance with the Ontario Building Code and free of major structural defects.

Two-Year:  covers water penetration through the basement or foundation walls, defects in materials, including windows, doors and caulking, or defects in work that result in water penetration into the building envelope, defects in work or materials in the electrical, plumbing and heating delivery and distribution systems, defects in work or materials which result in the detachment, displacement or deterioration of exterior cladding (such as brickwork, aluminum or vinyl siding), violations of the Ontario Building Code affecting health and safety (including, but not limited to, violations relating to fire safety and the structural adequacy of the home) and major structural defects. (Major structural defects are specifically defined in the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act and discussed in more detail in the Seven-Year Warranty section.)

Seven-Year:  During the first two years of possession of your home, the seven year Major Structural Defects (MSD) warranty is provided by Andrin Homes. After that, during years three through seven, the warranty is provided directly by Tarion.  A major structural defect is defined in the The Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act as any defect in work or materials that results in the failure of a load-bearing part of the home’s structure or materially and adversely affects its load-bearing function, or any defect in work or materials that materially and adversely affects the use of the building as a home.

The seven-year MSD warranty includes significant damage due to soil movement, major cracks in basement walls, collapse or serious distortion of joints or roof structure and chemical failure of materials.

Non-Warrantable Items

Damage resulting from improper maintenance, such as dampness or condensation caused by the homeowner’s failure to maintain proper ventilation levels or improper operation of a humidifier, hot tub or any other moisture-producing device, etc.

Alterations, deletions or additions made by the homeowner (such as changes to the direction of the grading or the slope of the ground away from the house).

Defects in materials, design and work supplied or installed by the homeowner/purchaser.

Secondary damage caused by defects under warranty. While the defects themselves are covered, the personal or property damage they cause is not. However, your homeowner insurance may cover secondary damage.

Normal wear and tear, such as scuffs and scratches to floor and wall surfaces caused by homeowners moving, decorating, and/or day-to-day use of the home.

Normal shrinkage of materials that dry out after construction (such as nail “pops” or minor concrete cracking). Drywall cracks and nail-pops will be dealt with as a courtesy during your Year-End appointment.

Settling soil around the house or along utility lines.

Damage from floods, “acts of God”, wars, riots, or vandalism.

Damage from insects or rodents, unless it is the result of construction that does not meet the Ontario Building Code.

Damage caused by municipal services or other utilities.

Surface defects in work and materials noted and accepted in writing by the homeowner at the time of possession.

Damage caused by the homeowner or visitors.

Contractual warranties, which lie outside the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act. You may have recourse for these warranties under your purchase agreement.

Home Maintenance

Exterior
Bricks – mortar repair or “tuck-pointing” may be needed after several years. Otherwise, no regular maintenance is required.

Eaves troughs and Downspouts – considered normal homeowner maintenance, keep the gutters clear of debris that may clog spouts and cause water to spill out, which may cause possible issues with roofing or siding.  Do not lean ladders against eaves troughs, as they will bend and dent.  Eventually, downspouts and eaves troughs may develop gaps which may result in leaks.  You can either adjust or caulk the inside joint, using gutter caulk you can purchase from most home improvement stores.

Pre-Cast Concrete Stairs – sweep corrosive chemicals such as salt and de-icers from pre-cast concrete stairs as soon as possible. These and other chemicals can cause damage to the concrete if left unattended.  Calcium is a good alternative to salt and can be found at most home improvement stores.

Landscaping – remember to water your lawn on occasion, being careful not to over water.  Once the sod is installed, remember to water for 3 hours a day for the first week in the morning or evening and then every other day until a good root structure has been established.

REMEMBER:  Watering sodded areas is your responsibility as a homeowner.

Roof – If you MUST, please keep walking on your roof to a minimum.  This will loosen and sometimes break shingles and roof-ply boards underneath and in turn may cause leaks.

Storms sometimes occur and often are severe enough to cause some flooding and damage to trees and roofs to homes.

In the event of a major storm, it is suggested that you promptly inspect your property and report any damage you find to your homeowner's insurance company. Look for pieces of shingles in your yard or gutters, broken tree limbs, damaged fencing, or other effects of the storm.

Photographs help document such damage and may support your claim. Although storm damage is excluded from limited warranty coverage, if you need information on how to prevent additional damage while you await an inspection and response from your insurance company, ask your insurance company if they have any future preventative suggestions.

Weep Holes - You may notice small holes in the mortar along the lower row of bricks.    These holes allow moisture that has accumulated behind the brick to escape.  Do not fill these weep holes or permit landscaping materials to cover them.

Interior
Cabinets – different cabinet materials will require different cleaning procedures - follow cabinet directions (where applicable).  Lemon oil or furniture polishes are generally recommended to care for wooden cabinets and follow the product instructions carefully.  As for hinges, inspect every so often to make sure hinges are working properly and drawers aren’t catching.  Slight lubrication may be needed.

Carpets – vacuuming daily in high-traffic areas will not only keep these areas clean, but will also aid in maintaining the correct position of the nap.  Stains/spills should be treated immediately.

Caulking – in time, caulking will dry out and will no longer provide a good seal against air, moisture, etc.  It is a good idea to complete routine maintenance checks all around your home.  Caulking and caulking dispensers can be found at home improvement stores.  This is a homeowner maintenance responsibility.

Ceramic Tiles (walls) – ceramic tile installed in your home should be washed with any non-abrasive cleaner, soap or detergent.  Abrasive (including mildly-abrasive) cleaners can scratch, strip or dull the finish.

Ceramic Tiles (floors) – vacuum or sweep and use warm water to mop.  If you feel the need to use a cleaner, try dishwasher crystals, as this is easier to rinse.

Countertops – countertops are not impervious to water.  Wipe up any excess water from countertops immediately, specifically round sinks and joints.  Water-damaged countertops are not warranted.  Also, avoid excessive heat; any items that are too hot for your hands to touch should not be placed on or near countertops.  Furthermore, make sure gas ranges and stovetops are positioned above counters on either side, as heat may damage the gable (side) and top of countertop as well.

Climate Control System – Proper maintenance of your furnace and a/c unit will save you precious energy and in turn, money.  It will also prolong the life of each unit as well.  Carefully read & follow the guidelines you received with your furnace and/or a/c unit.  Professional service personnel should inspect both systems at least once a year.

Furnace Filter maintenance – In the first year of new homeownership, please remember to inspect and change your furnace filters as soon as they are dirty.  Clogged filters slow airflow, causing cold spots in your home and force the furnace to work harder.  Remember to change or clean your furnace filter frequently – at least every three (3) months; preferably once a month.  Recyclable filters are available from home improvement stores where you can clean and re-use them many times.

Grout Discolouration – grout that has become dirty or stained can be cleaned with a cleanser, brush and good old elbow grease.  Home improvement stores also carry grout-specific cleaners and sealants that may reduce future maintenance.

Hardwood Floors – will swell and contract noticeably with changes in humidity within the home throughout the year.  Andrin Homes recommends a de/humidifier in your home to keep humidity levels within the suggested range so as to avoid gapping and “cupping”.  Warping will occur if hardwood is repeatedly wet from snowy shoes/boots and mopping. Shoes worn with dirty soles or damaged high heels will mark and scratch your floors as well.  DO NOT MOP WITH WATER – sweep on a daily basis or as needed.  Excessive floor squeaks will be repaired at year-end.

Hardwood Stairs – the same rules apply to hardwood stairs as they do hardwood floors.  There will often be a small amount of shrinkage where the stairs meet the wall (due to the drying out process of the wood used).  A thin line or “bead” of caulking will cover this gap.  Excessive stair squeaks will be repaired at year-end.

Marble – a natural product, which is very fragile and is also porous. Clean with plain water.  Do not use as a cutting board, as scratches, chips and breakage can occur.  Consider having the marble refinished every 2 or 3 years.

Paint - baseboards and door trim have been painted with oil semi-gloss paint and they may be wiped down with a damp sponge and soapy water.  The walls in rooms excluding the kitchen and bathrooms are painted using flat latex paint and should be touched up with matching paint, rather than wiped down with a wet sponge.

- Kitchen and bathrooms are painted using semi-gloss latex and can be wiped down with a damp sponge.  It is recommended that you wait a minimum of thirty days before washing any painted surface.  Soaps, abrasive cleaners, scrubbing pads or brushes should not be used for day-to-day maintenance.

- Eventually when you decide to re-paint, be sure to prepare wall surfaces beforehand, by cleaning with a mild soap & water mixture.

Plumbing - Unless a plumbing issue is caused by construction debris, clogs in sinks and toilets are the homeowners’ responsibility.  All other plumbing issues such as leaks are covered by warranty for a period of two years beginning on your closing day.  Plumbing drains are tested for proper operation before occupancy. Any stoppage undiscovered by testing will not be our responsibility unless reported to us in writing within fifteen (15) days after you take possession of your home.

- Hose Bib Shut-off - Remember to bleed your hose bib lines before the first frost. To do this, you must first turn off the hose bibs inside your home and then turn on the faucets outside the home and allow the water to drain.  If you do not turn the hose bibs off in time, lines can freeze, expand and break water lines inside the home and cause leaks.  These leaks would not be covered under warranty.

- Freezing pipes – your home should be kept at a normal heating level to ensure that plumbing pipes do not freeze in the winter.  If you are going to be away from your home for extended periods of time in the winter, we recommend that you either have someone check on the home on a daily basis, or turn the water off at the shut off valve to avoid any pipe bursts.

- Showers – make sure shower doors/curtains keep water inside the shower area. Bathroom floors are not waterproof and may leak to the room below if water is left on the floor.

Smoke Detectors – smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year.  These units are usually wired to the electrical panel, but please check the battery back-up once a month to make sure everything is in working order.

Toilets– your home has been equipped with low-flow toilets, as per the Ontario Building Code and the Province of Ontario’s mandate to conserve water.  On occasion, you may have to flush more than once to empty the bowl.  Because of the smaller-capacity toilet tanks, we recommend you keep a plunger readily available.  Cleaning pucks and chemicals that sit within the tank may help keep the toilet clean, however some products actually weaken seals, rubber and plastic components inside the tank, causing malfunctions and leaks.  Please read instructions carefully when choosing these products, as this type of deficiency is not considered warrantable.

Remember:  Plumbing emergencies exist if your home is completely without water or if all toilets are clogged.  Plumbing warranties on clogs last a period of two weeks after initial occupancy closing.

Windows & Condensation - Condensation occurs when water vapour in indoor air contacts cool surfaces, such as window glass. Condensation on interior window surfaces is common during cold seasons. When outdoor temperatures are well below freezing, ice may form at the bottom of the window. Since it is important for homeowners to maintain proper humidity levels within the home to prevent damage to other components such as hardwood flooring and for physical health, some condensation on windows may be expected. Indoor humidity levels may be controlled by dehumidification, ventilation or air conditioning. Interior air moving over the windows can help control condensation. Heavy draperies or window coverings that cover windows and block heat diffusers can prevent airflow and worsen condensation. Running the furnace fan continuously can also help to control condensation on windows.

Window tracks should be cleaned using warm water.  Use a silicone lubricant (i.e. white grease) to stop any windows from sticking. Cleaning of window trakes is the homeowners’ responsibility.

Broken glass – unless broken glass is noted on your PDI Form, it is not considered warrantable.  Once broken glass or a broken window has been found, please contact the original contractor (or any contractor of your choice) to repair or replace the broken item.

Water Heater Maintenance

Please read the manufacturer’s documentation regarding maintenance of your water heater.  If you do have any questions or concerns, the contact information you need is in the paper work you received at closing and/or on the side of the water heater itself.

Keep the area surrounding your water heater clean and free of debris (i.e. vacuum periodically), keeping boxes, rags, etc. off the top of the water heater and a 3-foot area clear surrounding the unit.

Changing the water temperature from the recommended settings can result in higher energy costs and if set too high, may cause injury.  Please refer to the manuals or contact the water heater contractor should you have any questions.

Andrin Homes Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

 

Winter
Check attic for leaks, insulation that has moved from wind gusts, blocked vents
Replace furnace filter
Clean and test smoke alarms
Test GFIs (Ground Fault Interrupters) and breakers.
Remove ice and snow from porches and pre-cast concrete stairs as soon as possible
On pleasant days, open windows to allow house to “breathe”.
Avoid overloading circuits with light decorations during the holidays.

Spring
Clean and test smoke alarms
Test and reset GFIs
Change/clean furnace filter
Test A/C unit and contact contractor for service/maintenance
Adjust registers (vents) and make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, drapes, etc.
Be ready to turn humidifier off
Clean gutters and make sure downspouts and splash pads still drain away from foundation
Inspect caulking inside and out and touch up where needed
Clean windows, window tracks and make sure weep holes are not blocked (including sliding doors)
Remember to turn on the interior hose bib to use exterior faucets!

Summer
Clean and remove debris from gutters, eaves troughs, etc.
Examine window and door trim and repair where necessary.  This will cut down on energy costs.
Adjust registers (vents) for use of A/C unit
Examine and repair grout in bathrooms to prevent moisture damage
Check cabinets, drawers and hinges to make sure they are properly aligned
Inspect and lubricate garage door roller shafts
Lubricate locks on doors and windows
Check gutters, eaves troughs and downspouts for leaks, debris, nests, etc.

Fall
Check windows and doors on exterior for possible leaks
Inspect caulking around windows for cracks, leaks
Check roof for loose shingles and roof vents.  Check that roof vents are not blocked w/ debris
If you have large trees close to the home, make sure they are trimmed well back to avoid branches damaging the exterior of the home, shingles, etc.
Check for debris in gutters and eaves troughs
Have heating systems inspected by a professional
Clean out forced air registers (vents) and ductwork in your home
Remember to turn interior hose bibs off and drain exterior faucets of excess water before winter!