
Care & Maintenance Tips
Your home has been constructed with quality materials and the labor of experienced contractors. Prior to our using any material, it must meet our specifications for quality and durability. All work is done under supervision to attain the best possible results.
A home is one of the last “hand built products” left in the world. Although quality materials and workmanship have been used in your home, this does not mean that it will not require care and maintenance. A home, like an automobile, requires care and attention from day one. General homeowner maintenance is essential to providing a quality home for a lifetime.
We are very proud of the homes we build and the neighborhoods we build in, and we strive to create long-lasting value. This cannot be achieved unless you, as the homeowner, properly maintain your home and all of its components. Periodic maintenance is necessary because of a number of factors, such as normal wear and tear, climatic conditions, the inherent characteristics of various materials used in your home (such as wood), and normal service required by the mechanical systems. Over time, natural variations in temperature and humidity also impact your home. Many times, a minor adjustment or repair done immediately saves a more serious, time consuming and sometimes-costly repair later. Note also that failure to perform routine maintenance can void applicable limited warranty coverage on all or part of your home.
We recognize that it is impossible to anticipate and describe every detail that may be needed for good home care; however, we have covered many important topics. In addition, be certain to read the literature provided by the manufacturers of consumer products included with your home. Although much of the information may be familiar to you, some points may be significantly different from homes you have had in the past. The information from the manufacturers of consumer products in your home is not repeated here. Activate specific manufacturer warranties by completing and mailing the registration cards included with their materials. In some cases, manufacturer warranties may extend beyond the first year; it is in your best interest to be apprised of such coverage.
By caring for your new home attentively, you insure your enjoyment of it for years. The attention provided by each homeowner contributes significantly to the overall desirability of the community.
Below you will find warranty information and maintenance tips to help ensure your home is maintained at its highest potential. Take time to read through these tips in order to gain a better understanding of the different components of your new home.

Warranty FAQ
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Manufacturer Warranty
Links to Register Warranties
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Air Conditioner
Operation & Maintenance Tips
READ MORE Air Conditioner Operation & MaintenanceManufacturer Directions: The air-conditioning system installed in your home will provide you with many years of comfort if given proper care and maintenance. Annual Inspection: Good maintenance of the cooling system can save energy dollars as well as prolong the life of the cooling system itself. Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s literature on use and care. The guidelines here only include general information. Furnished Homes: To keep your cooling system operating at maximum efficiency, you should have it checked and serviced by a professional serviceman at least twice a year. Thermostat: The cooling system design was planned with a furnished home in mind. If you move in during the warmer part of the year and have not yet acquired all of your window coverings and furnishings, the home may seem warmer to you than you would expect. Thermostats are calibrated to within plus or minus 5 degrees: Please review the thermostat manual for proper operation instructions. The cooling system will come on automatically when the temperature at the thermostat registers above the setting you have selected. Setting the thermostat to a lower temperature will not cool the home faster and the best performance will be realized when the thermostat is left at one setting around the clock. Fan switch left in the On position. Filter: Remember to change or clean the filters every 60 days. If you do not clean or replace your filters your furnace cannot breathe and it will become too hot and shut down. Although it takes less than one minute to change the filter, this is one of the most frequently overlooked details of normal furnace care. Vents: For maximum comfort and efficient energy use, do not place furniture and draperies over registers and cold air returns. Trial Run: Have a trial run early in the spring to test the cooling system. If service is needed, it is much more convenient to discover it prior to the cooling season. Caution: do not operate your air conditioner if the outside temperature has not been at least 60 degrees for 24 hours. Damage may result. Adjust Vents: You will find it advantageous to adjust the vents to direct airflow as desired. Partially closing vents in unoccupied areas will allow more air to flow to other areas. Temperature Variations: Normal temperatures can vary from floor to floor and room to room (depending on the style of the home). Variations between inside temperatures and the thermostat setting can be as much as 6 degrees or more. The furnace blower will typically run non-stop during severe hot spells. Ductwork Noise: Some popping or pinging sounds are the natural result of ductwork heating and cooling. Recommendations for optimum performanceThese recommendations become most important when outside temperatures reach into the mid-90’s and above. Taking these steps will “help” the system provide maximum comfort during these extreme temperature periods.
TroubleshootingIf the air conditioner is blowing warm air or not air at all:
If there is ice or frost at the air conditioner or indoor coil:
What to Expect: To fully and efficiently utilize your cooling system, you must understand that it is a total, whole-house system. The cooling system involves everything inside your home, including, for example, drapes and window coverings. The cooling system should be able to maintain a temperature of 78 degrees (measured 5 feet above the center of the floor at the T-stat). In the case of excessive outdoor temperatures (95 degrees or above), a 17-degree difference will be difficult to maintain. The Homeowner should make minor adjustments such as balancing dampers and registers. All rooms will may vary in temperature by as much as 6 degrees. This is acceptable. Furnace Sounds: Expansion and contraction of metal duct work will typically result in some ticking or popping sounds. It is not possible to eliminate these sounds. Registers: Register covers are removable and adjustable. The homeowner is responsible for adjusting the dampers in these covers to regulate the airflow within the home. In particular, attention is drawn to the fact that rooms farther away from the furnace will need to have vents opened more than rooms closer to the furnace. |

Furnace
Maintenance & What to Expect
READ MORE Heating System MaintenanceThe heating system installed in your home will provide you with many years of comfort if given the proper care and maintenance. Manufacturer Directions: Good maintenance of the heating system can save energy dollars as well as prolong the life of the heating system itself. Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s literature on use and care. The guidelines here only include general information. Annual Inspection: To keep your heating system operating at maximum efficiency, you should have it checked and serviced by a professional serviceman at least twice a year. Thermostat: Please review the thermostat manual for proper operation instructions. The furnace will come on automatically when the temperature at the thermostat registers below the setting you have selected. Setting the thermostat to a higher temperature will not heat the home faster and the best performance will be realized when the thermostat is left at one setting around the clock. Fan switch left in the on position. Thermostats are calibrated to within plus or minus 5 degrees. Filter: Remember to change or clean the filters every 60 days. If you do not replace your filters, your furnace cannot breathe and it will become too hot and shut down. Although it takes less than one minute to change the filter, this is one of the most frequently overlooked details of normal furnace care. Ductwork Noise: Some popping or pinging sounds are the natural result of ductwork heating and cooling as air flows through the system. Temperature Variations: Normal temperatures can vary from floor to floor and room to room (depending on style of home). Variations between inside temperatures and the thermostat setting can be as much as 6 degrees. The furnace blower will typically cycle on and off more frequently and for shorter periods of time during severe cold spells. Trial Run: Have a trial run early in the fall to test the furnace. The same applies to A/C in the spring. If service is needed, it is much more convenient to discover it prior to the heating season. Do Not Overheat: Your new home should not be overheated. Overheating can cause excessive shrinkage in framing lumber and may materially damage the home. In the beginning, use as little heat as possible and increase it gradually. Odor: It is normal for the heating system to emit an odor for a few minutes when it is first turned on after an extended period of not being used (such as after the summer months if you do not use air conditioning). This is caused by dust that has settled in the ducts, and should pass very quickly. Gas Odor: If you smell gas, leave the house immediately and call the gas company Troubleshooting: The furnace may have an on/off power switch. This switch looks like a regular light switch and is located on or next to the furnace. The switch simply overrides all furnace commands and manually shuts off the power. This is usually only done when maintenance service is performed, however this switch can be inadvertently turned off and should be checked if the system is not working. In addition, check the circuit breaker in the electrical panel in your garage to see that the breaker is in the “on” position. Limited WarrantyEngineering: To fully and efficiently utilize your heating system, you must understand that it is a total, whole-house system. The heating system involves everything inside your home, including, for example, drapes and window coverings. The heating system should be able to maintain a temperature of 70 degrees (measured 5 feet above the center of the floor at the T-stat). The homeowner is responsible for minor adjustments such as balancing dampers and registers. All rooms may vary in temperature by as much as 6 degrees. This is acceptable. Furnace Sounds: Expansion and contraction of metal ductwork will typically result in some ticking or popping sounds. It is not possible to eliminate these sounds. Registers: Register covers are removable and adjustable. The homeowner is responsible for adjusting the dampers in these covers to regulate the airflow within the home. In particular, attention is drawn to the fact that rooms farther away from the furnace will need to have vents opened more than rooms closer to the furnace. |

Plumbing
Operation & Maintenance
READ MORE Plumbing Freezing Pipes: Provided the home is heated at a normal level, pipes should not freeze at temperatures above 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat should be set at 65 degrees if you are away during winter months and it is advisable to open cabinets, let water drip, and cover exterior faucets. Please take these same precautions if the temperature drops below 25 degrees. Garage doors should be kept closed as much as possible to protect plumbing lines, which may run through this area. In unusually frigid weather, or if you will be gone more than a day or two, open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. If your pipes should freeze, turn your water off. When pipes freeze, they usually burst. If pipes should thaw while the water is on, an enormous amount of damage to your home may result. An ordinary hair dryer can be used to thaw pipes that are frozen. Never use an open flame. Should you have a broken pipe as a result of a freeze, please contact your insurance carrier, as this is non-warrantable. It is a good idea to disconnect all outside water hoses after each use but especially during freezing weather as a small amount of water is held in the spigot and may freeze and cause the pipe to burst. Aerators: Even though your plumbing lines have been flushed out to remove dirt and foreign matter, there are usually small amounts of minerals that enter the line. Aerators on the faucets strain much of these minerals from your water. Aerators may need to be removed and cleaned from time to time. Fiberglass Tubs/Showers: Do not use abrasives to clean tubs and showers. Use non-abrasive cleaners designed for fiberglass. Care and Cleaning: Follow manufacturer’s directions for cleaning fixtures. A non-abrasive or liquid detergent is usually recommended. Porcelain: A sharp blow from a heavy object can damage porcelain enamel. It can also be scratched. If paint is splattered onto the porcelain enamel surfaces during redecorating, it should be wiped up immediately. If some spots have dried before being noticed, use a recommended solvent. Stainless Steel: Stainless steel sinks should be cleaned with soap and water to preserve their luster. Do not use abrasive cleaners; these will damage the finish. An occasional cleaning with a good stainless steel cleaner will enhance the finish. Care should be taken to avoid leaving produce on a stainless steel surface, since prolonged contact with produce can stain the finish. Fixtures: Clean plumbing fixtures with a soft sponge and soapy water, and then polish with a soft dry cloth. Drying with a soft cloth or towel will prevent water spots. When cleaning your toilet, wash with mild, soapy water, rinse thoroughly with clear water and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid detergents, disinfectants, or cleaning products in aerosol cans. Never use abrasive scouring powders or abrasive pads on your toilet seat. Some bathroom chemicals and cosmetics may damage the seat’s finish. Do not use in-tank cleaners. Products containing chlorine (calcium hypochlorite) can seriously damage fittings in the tank. This damage can cause leakage and property damage. Toilet Seat Cover: Do not stand on the toilet seat cover. It is not designed for this purpose and may crack. Tank Care: Similarly, avoid exposing the toilet to blows from sharp or heavy objects; this can cause chipping or cracking. Avoid abnormal pressures against the sides of the tank. It is possible to crack the tank at the points where it is attached to the bowl. Use of “in tank” cleaners containing calcium hypochlorite (chlorine) will damage parts in the tank. Low Pressure: It will occasionally be necessary to remove and clean the aerators on faucets to allow proper flow of water; normally, every three to four months is sufficient. Plumbing Leaks: If a major plumbing leak occurs, the first step is to turn off the supply of water to the area involved. This may mean shutting off the water to the entire home. Then contact the plumbing contractor listed on the emergency phone list provided on the contact page in your Homeowner Packet, which was provided to you during your final walk-though or located on the sticker on your water heater. If the carpet has become soaked, pull up the carpet from the tack strip and remove the wet portion of the pad. Use an oscillating fan to dry the carpet. Arrange the carpet to allow air to circulate around and through it. Running Toilet: Check the chain on the flush handle. If it is too tight it will prevent the rubber stopper at the bottom of the tank from sealing, resulting in running water. Also, avoid the use of in-tank cleaners. Products containing chlorine (calcium hypochlorite) can seriously damage fittings in the tank. This damage can cause leakage and property damage. Clogs: Many plumbing clogs are caused by improper garbage disposal use. Always use plenty of cold water when running the disposal. This applies to grease also. Supplied with a steady flow of cold water, the grease congeals and is cut up by the blades. If you use hot water, the grease remains a liquid, then cools and solidifies in the sewer line. Allow the water to run a minimum of 15 seconds after shutting off the disposal. Clogged traps can usually be cleared with a plumber’s helper (plunger). The use of chemical agents is not recommended. The main cause of toilet clogs are various domestic items such as paper diapers, excessive amounts of toilet paper or the wrong type of paper, sanitary supplies, Q-tips, dental floss, children’s toys, etc. Water Heater: Carefully read manufacturer’s literature for your specific model of water heater. Safety: The area around all water heaters should be vacuumed as needed. The top of all water heaters should never be used as a storage shelf. Do not store boxes, etc. within three feet of a water heater. Do not block outside air intakes. Temperature: Set the water heater thermostat at the recommended setting; higher settings waste energy and may cause bodily injury. The recommended thermostat setting for normal everyday use is “normal” on gas models. Limited WarrantyAll drains and sewer lines should operate freely. Obstructions resulting from construction debris will be corrected by RSI Construction, LLC. RSI Construction, LLC will correct clogged drains that occur during the first ninety (30) days after closing. Obstructions removed during this time period, which are shown to be the result of homeowner action, will be corrected at homeowner’s expense. Leaks: RSI Construction, LLC will repair warrantable leaks in the plumbing system. If a plumbing leak caused by a warranted item results in drywall or floor covering damage, RSI Construction, LLC will repair this. No adjustments will be made for incidental or consequential damages (wallpaper, drapes, personal belongings, etc.). Homeowner insurance should cover these items. Cosmetic Damage: Any fixture damage noted on the Pre-settlement List will be repaired. Chips, scratches, etc., reported subsequent to the Pre-settlement List will not be repaired. Homeowner is responsible for following manufacturer’s directions for caring for fiberglass products. Exterior Faucets: Outside faucets should be protected during periods of extreme cold. Hoses must be removed after each use. If a hose is left attached, the water that remains in the hose can freeze and expand back into the pipe, causing a break in the line. RSI Construction, LLC will repair any problems with these faucets noted on the Pre-settlement List. Shower Doors: Clean shower glass with a window squeegee to prevent water spotting. Some glass cleaners can damage metal shower doorframe finish. Check with manufacturer for specific recommendations. |

Electrical
Care & Maintenance Tips
READ MORE Electrical Breaker Panel: The breaker panel that contains the electrical breakers for your home includes a “main” shut-off that controls all the electrical power to the home. In addition, individual breakers control the separate circuits. Be certain you are familiar with the location of the master breaker panel.
Electrical Service: The electrical service entrance, which provides power to the service panel, has been designated for the electrical needs of the house. Do not tamper with the cable. Outlets: If an outlet is not working, check first to see if it is one that is controlled by a wall switch or protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). Next, check the breaker. (See below.) Breaker Tripping: Plugging too many appliances into a circuit can often cause the breaker to trip. Also, a worn cord, defective item, operating an appliance with too high a voltage requirement, or starting an electric motor can trip a breaker. If any circuit trips repeatedly, unplug all items connected to it and reset. If it trips when nothing is connected to it, you need an electrician and the problem should be reported. If the circuit remains on, one of the items you unplugged may be defective and may require repair or replacement. GFCI: GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacles have a built-in element, which senses fluctuations in power. Quite simply, the GFCI is an indoor circuit breaker. Installation of these receptacles is required by building codes in bathrooms, the kitchen, exterior outlets, and in the garage (areas where an individual can come into contact with water while holding an electric appliance or tool). Heavy appliances such as freezers or power tools can trip the GFCI breaker. Do not plug a refrigerator or food freezer into a GFCI controlled outlet. The likelihood of the contents being ruined is very high, and any damage is NOT covered by the Limited Warranty and RSI Construction, LLC shall not be responsible. Each GFCI receptacle has a test and reset button. Once each month, the test button should be pressed. This will trip the circuit. To return service, press the reset button. If a GFCI breaker trips during normal use, it may be an indication of a faulty appliance and some investigation is in order. An important point to remember is that each GFCI breaker can service several outlets. Unused Outlets: If there are small children in the home, install safety plugs to cover unused baseboard outlets. This also minimizes air infiltration that can sometimes occur with these outlets. Teach children never to touch electrical outlets, sockets, or fixtures. Ground Wire: Your electrical system is a three-wire grounded system. Never remove the bare wire, which connects to the box or device. Buzzing: Fluorescent fixtures use transformer action to operate them. This action sometimes causes a buzzing. This is normal. Blinking/Dimming: Blinking or dimming lights are most likely due to a temporary drop in voltage, which is generally caused when a large appliance such as a refrigerator or air conditioning unit cycles on. This is a common occurrence and depends upon what the demand on the power company is at that time of day, and may be more noticeable in some neighborhoods. Irons and vacuum cleaners also draw large amounts of power and may cause dimming of lights. Underground Cables: Before digging or moving large amounts of soil in areas with underground utilities, check the location of buried service leads by calling Dig Line. In most cases, wires run in a straight line from the meter panel to the nearest public utility pad. Care should be taken to keep soil around the foundation from settling to protect this service; avoid large amounts of water at this point as well. Recessed Can Lights: All recessed can fixtures have a thermal cutoff switch internally wired. If too much heat from the lamp is trapped inside, it will automatically shut off to prevent a hazard. Modifications: Do not tamper with or add to your electrical system. For any modification that is needed, contact a qualified electrician. Electrical Shut-Off: Your main electrical shut-off is located in your breaker box. |

Expansion & Contraction
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READ MORE Countertops Granite: Granite countertops may need to be sealed once each year to provide maximum protection. (See Grout for maintenance hints for this condition).
Grout: Surface cracks and shrinkage is a normal occurrence as a result of changes in temperature and humidity. Grout will need to be maintained regularly. Separation: Separation of counter tops at walls and the back splash are the result of normal shrinkage of materials. To prevent warping, keep moisture away from the wood under the laminate. |

Concrete
Operation & Maintenance Tips
READ MORE Concrete Cleaning: Do not wash patios, porches, drives, etc. with cold water from an outside faucet when temperatures are extremely high and the hot sun has been shining on the concrete. The abrupt change in temperature can damage the surface bond of the concrete. Sweeping is the preferred method of keeping exterior concrete clean. If washing is necessary, do this when temperatures are moderate.
Cleaning of the garage floor by hosing can cause settling, fragmentation, and increase soil movement by allowing water to penetrate any existing cracks. Sweeping is the recommended method for keeping the garage clean. Be sure to sweep ice and salt out of the garage during the winter months. Leaving these elements in the garage can also cause fragmentation. Foundation: By maintaining good drainage away from your home, you are protecting your home's foundation. Maintenance of drainage away from all concrete will minimize cracking and other forms of movement. Expansion Joints: Expansion joints have been used to help control expansion; however, concrete is also susceptible to shrinking. If the concrete shrinks, moisture can penetrate under the concrete and lift the expansion joint. If this occurs, you can fill the gap created with a concrete sealant, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. Heavy Vehicles: Do not permit heavy vehicles such as moving vans or concrete trucks to drive on your concrete work. This concrete is not intended to bear the weight of these types of vehicles. |

Stone, Brick & Stucco
Maintenance Tips
READ MORE Stone, Brick & Stucco Maintenance: All building materials are subject to expansion and contraction caused by changes in substrate, temperature and humidity. This movement can result in separation between materials, particularly dissimilar ones. When this happens it can cause cracks in the exterior finishes, particularly those that have no flexion. This can be alarming to an uninformed homeowner but, in fact, it is very normal. It will be most noticeable during the first year, but may continue beyond that time. In most cases, paint and caulking are all that is needed to conceal this minor evidence of a very natural occurrence. Properly installed caulking will shrink and must be maintained by the Homeowner. |

Ceramic Tile
Care & Maintenance Tips
READ MORE Ceramic Tile Cleaning: The ceramic tile installed on walls or counter tops in your home may be washed with any non-abrasive soap or detergent; abrasive cleaners will dull the finish. This includes mild abrasive liquid cleaners.
Maintenance: Tile around bathtubs or counter tops may appear to be pulling up after time. This is caused by normal shrinkage of grout or silicone. If this occurs, a new bead of silicone will need to be applied to these areas. This maintenance is important to protect the underlying surface from water damage. |

Countertops
Maintenance & What to Expect
READ MORE Countertops Granite: Granite countertops may need to be sealed once each year to provide maximum protection. (See Grout for maintenance hints for this condition).
Grout: Surface cracks and shrinkage is a normal occurrence as a result of changes in temperature and humidity. Grout will need to be maintained regularly. Separation: Separation of counter tops at walls and the back splash are the result of normal shrinkage of materials. To prevent warping, keep moisture away from the wood under the laminate. |

Caulking
Operation & Maintenance Directions
READ MORE Caulking Maintenance: Time and weather will shrink caulking and dry it out so that it no longer provides a good seal against moisture and air infiltration. Caulking may need to be touched up by the homeowner once each year.
Silicone Caulk: Caulking that contains silicone will not accept paint but works best where water is present (for example, where tub meets tile or a sink meets a counter top). Acrylic/Latex Caulk: Acrylic/latex caulking is appropriate for an area that requires painting. (For example, around the windows or along baseboards.) |

Ceiling Fans
Care & Maintenance Tips
READ MORE Ceiling Fans Maintenance: Ceiling fans will give you extended, trouble free service if a small amount of maintenance is performed. During normal use, the screws in the fan can become loose resulting in excessive wobbling and/or ticking. It is recommended to check and tighten all visible screws every six months. Be careful not to hold onto the blades when performing this maintenance or when cleaning as the blade arms can bend easily and will cause the fan to wobble. Ceiling fans are warranted directly to you by their manufacturer. |

Paint & Stain
Care & Maintenance Tips
READ MORE Paint & Stain Interior: The interior woodwork has been painted with enamel paint. These areas may be wiped down with a soft sponge and soapy water. The walls are painted with latex wall paint and should be touched up with matching paint rather than wiped with a wet sponge. DO NOT scrub the walls in your home, as this will remove both the texture and paint. Spackle may be used to cover any small defects prior to paint touch-up. Do not use soaps, abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or brushes for maintenance. Touch-Ups: When doing paint touch-up, use a small brush, applying paint only to the damaged spot. Touch-up may not match the surrounding area exactly, even if the same paint mix is used. Repainting: When it is time to repaint a room, prepare the wall surfaces first by gently cleaning with a mild soap and water mixture or a reliable cleaning product. Applying excessive amounts of water to flat latex walls can remove texture. Stain: For interior stain touch-ups, Old English Furniture Polish and Scratch Cover is inexpensive, easy to use, and blends in with the wood grain. Follow directions on the bottle. Exterior: Regular painting and repair will preserve the beauty of and add value to your home. Check the painted/stained surfaces of your home’s exterior annually. If you repaint before there is much chipping or wearing away of the original finish, you will save the cost of extensive surface preparation. The chemical structure of the paint used on the exterior is affected by the climatic conditions. Over a period of time, this finish will fade and dull a bit. RSI Construction, LLC is not responsible for mildew, mold, or fading. When you wish to repaint the exterior woodwork on your home, nails should be reset and the blistered or peeling portions should be wired-brushed or scraped with a putty knife, sanded, and spotted with primer. Then the entire area can be painted. Be certain to apply a top quality exterior paint that has been formulated for local climate conditions. Do not allow sprinklers to spray water on the exterior walls of your home. This will cause blistering, peeling, splintering, and other damage to the home. Trim painted white or light colors will more readily show grain and cracks and therefore requires additional maintenance. Severe Weather Damage: Hail and wind can cause a great deal of damage in a severe storm and the home should be inspected after such weather. Damage caused by severe weather should be reported to your insurance company promptly. |

Doors & Locks
Maintenance & What to Expect
READ MORE Doors & The interior doors installed in your home are hollow-core wood products and subject to the natural characteristics of wood such as shrinkage and warping. Due to humidity changes and the use of forced air furnaces, showers, dishwashers, etc., interior doors may require minor adjustments. Sticking: The most common cause of a sticking door is the natural expansion of lumber due to changes in humidity. When sticking is due to swelling during the damp season, do not attempt any adjustment or repair to the door unless it continues to stick after the weather changes. Use sandpaper to smooth the door. Be certain to repaint the area of the door where it was sanded to seal against moisture. Hinges: A squeaky door hinge can be remedied by removing the hinge pin and rubbing a lead pencil or graphite lubricant on it. Do not use oil or WD40, as it can gum up. Failure to Latch: If a door will not latch due to minor settling, you can raise or lower the plate accordingly. Bi-Fold Doors: Interior bi-folds will sometimes stick or warp due to weather conditions. Applying a wax such as paraffin to the tracks can minimize this inconvenience. Slamming: Slamming doors can damage both doors and jambs, and can even cause cracking in walls. Do not hang on the doorknob and swing back and forth. This can work hardware loose and cause the door to sag. Door Trim: Putty, caulk, or filler can be used to fill any minor separations that may develop at mitered joints in door trim. Follow with painting Locks: Lubricate door locks with graphite or other waterproof lubricant. Avoid oil and WD40, as it can gum up. Keys: Keep a duplicate “privacy lock” key where children cannot reach it in the event a youngster locks his/herself in a room. Some types of privacy locks can be opened with a small screwdriver or similarly shaped device. Doors that warp in excess of 1/4″ will be repaired or replaced at RSI Construction, LLC’s discretion during the first year after closing. |

Sprinklers
Operation & Maintenance Tips
READ MORE Sprinklers Fall Blow-Out: t will be necessary to have your sprinkler system pipes blown out in the fall each year, prior to the first hard freeze. This will help avoid cracked or damaged pipes. We recommend that you use a professional in the field to ensure that it is done properly. Filters: The in-line filter located at the main waterline connection will need to be inspected and cleaned bi-annually, once in the spring shortly after the water is turned on and once mid season. There are also small filters in many of the sprinkler heads themselves. For pop-up heads, the filter is located in the shaft of the pop-up and can be accessed by removing the shaft cap, or head. A clogged filter is usually the cause for a pop-up head that doesn’t work or has diminished output, and cleaning these filters may be necessary several times throughout the season. As the temperatures change and modifications to the schedule are needed, the general philosophy is that it’s better to increase the number of times an area waters, rather than just increasing the duration. For example, two 5-minute sessions is better than one 10-minute session. The most common cause of damaged landscaping and water under homes is over-watering; therefore, it is critical to effectively manage this operation. Test Cycle: Once each week of operation, it is advisable to run a test cycle or observe the cycle you have set to make sure all the heads are functioning properly, that none have been damaged or “moved” during lawn maintenance or mowing, and that individual unit filters are not clogged. In looking at the spray pattern of your sprinkler heads, do not allow irrigation water to regularly hit your home as it will damage the siding and paint. |

Cabinets
Operation & Maintenance Directions
READ MORE Cabinets Maintaining your new kitchen not only will increase the useful life of cabinets, appliances, and floor and wall coverings; regular maintenance also will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the space. Cabinet Care With proper care, your cabinetry should provide a lifetime of use and satisfaction. Proper care involves attentive cleaning, polishing and careful avoidance of damaging household cleaners. The beauty of wood is in the variation in grain and hue. Because wood is a natural product, it has inherent variation. This variation includes many natural characteristics as a result of tree growth patterns, as well as differences in wood color and grain due to variations in forest growing conditions. We apply and then hand wipe our stains to bring out the natural character and sheen of the wood. Upon Installation
Basic Cleaning Grease and grime buildup can damage cabinets and destroy the look and feel of a new kitchen. To remove buildup wipe down cabinets using a soft cloth dampened with warm water and do so at least once every two weeks or more often depending on the amount of activity that takes place in the kitchen. If water alone does not clean cabinets completely, mix a little mild dishwasher soap with the water. Wipe down wood cabinets in the direction of the grain. Use a soft cloth to remove any residual moisture that may be left on the cabinets. If routine cleaning does not remove stains or built up grime, create a paste by mixing baking soda with water. Place the paste on a sponge and scrub the stain until it disappears. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth. A mix of vinegar and water is another option for removing sticky grime or film from kitchen cabinets. The following products and ingredients can damage cabinets so avoid using them or any product that contains them:
Repairing Nicks and Scratches We typically provide a touch-up kit to our clients so they can maintain the beauty of their kitchen. If you have recently updated your kitchen and did not receive a touch-up kit, ask the showroom to obtain one on your behalf. Wipe Spills Promptly
Avoid Excessive Moisture
Avoid Temperature And Humidity Extremes
Avoid Light Damage Direct exposure to sunlight can have a damaging effect on your cabinets especially those made from natural wood. Painted wood cabinets and laminated or Thermofoil surfaces also are susceptible to fading from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Use window coverings to help reduce or eliminate damage caused by exposure to direct sunlight. Avoid Exposure To Harsh Cleaners
Avoid Exposure To Waxes
Guard Against Scratching And Abrasion Clean with a soft, damp cloth when necessary. Avoid using scouring pads and abrasive cleaners as they may dull fine finishes.
Always use a soft cloth when cleaning laminate surfaces. Never use a laminate countertop as a cutting surface. Use a chopping block when cutting to avoid chipping and scratching. Fine scratches may be covered with a light spray furniture polish. Maintenance Tips For Laminate Products With proper care, our laminate products will last a lifetime. Generally, a damp sponge is all you need for everyday maintenance of laminate surfaces. Basic Cleaning
Stubborn Spots and Stains
Tips For Maple Chopping Block Basic Cleaning
Periodically Reseal The Surface
How Humidity and Temperature Affect Your Cabinetry in Colorado With proper care, Crystal cabinetry will provide a lifetime of use and satisfaction. Proper care includes providing a wood-friendly environment. Many of the internal environmental issues that affect human comfort also contribute to a wood healthy environment. Specifically, controlled temperature and humidity with minimal changes from day to day and season to season will ensure your comfort and they will ensure the stability and life of your wood cabinetry. Moisture
Humidity
Humidity Continued (Dryness) While most focus is on too wet (damp) or too humid conditions, too dry conditions can be equally damaging to cabinetry.
Temperature
Remediation
Remember: Properly controlling temperature and humidity inside the house is healthier for the inhabitants as well as for the cabinetry and furniture within. These basic maintenance tips help our clients enjoy their new kitchens for many years. Do you have a kitchen maintenance question? Give us a call or visit one of our showrooms, our kitchen experts are happy to help. |

Flooring
Care & Maintenance Information
READ MORE Flooring Refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for additional information on the care of all floor-covering products.
Carpet: Vacuuming high traffic areas daily will not only keep them clean but will help to maintain the upright position of the nap. Spills should be wiped up and stains spot-cleaned immediately. Always dab at the stain, never rub it. Stain removers should be tested first on an out-of-the-way area of the carpet, such as in a closet, to check for any undesirable effects. Professional cleaning should be performed regularly, usually annually. Resilient Flooring: Although resilient floors are designed for minimum care, they do vary in maintenance needs. All resilient floors require some regular application of a good floor finish. This assures retaining a high gloss. No Wax: The resilient flooring installed in your home is the “no wax” type. “no-wax” means it is coated with a clear, tough coating which provides both a shiny appearance and a wearing surface. Even this surface will scuff or mark. Follow any manufacturer’s specific recommendations for care and cleaning of all your hard surface floors. Scrubbing/Buffing: Frequent scrubbing or electric buffing is harder on floors than regular foot traffic and is not recommended for any floor surface. Moving Furniture: Use extreme caution when moving appliances across resilient floor covering. Tears and wrinkles can result. Put the furniture on pads, coasters or another soft surface when moving so that it doesn't cause scratching. Seam Lifting: Flooring of any type will shrink and seams may actually separate slightly due to this shrinkage. Minor gaps and separations not exceeding 1/8″ are common and should be expected. Seams can lift or curl if excessive moisture is allowed on the floor. A special caulking can be used at tub or floor joints to seal seams at those locations. Excessive Water: It is never a good idea to let the floor stay wet for any extended period of time. It will damage sub-floors Hardwood: Wood floors will respond noticeably to changes in the humidity level in the home, especially in winter. A humidifier will help but will not completely eliminate this reaction. Fading of the floor color will occur on wood floors that are in direct sunlight. Wood floors will exhibit the following traits: when new, small splinters of wood may appear; dimples or scratches can be caused by moving furniture, dropping heavy or sharp objects, etc. Some shrinkage or warping can be expected, especially around heat vents or any heat-producing appliances. Warping will occur if the floor becomes wet repeatedly or is thoroughly soaked even one time. A dulling of the finish in heavy traffic areas is likely; a white, filmy appearance is caused by moisture (often from wet shoes or boots). Your hardwood floors have a polyurethane finish. An oil-based or wax product (i.e., Murphy’s Oil Soap) should not be used to clean the hardwood. In daily care of hardwood floors, preventive maintenance is the primary goal. Spills: Food spills should be cleaned up as quickly as possible using a very dry cloth. Shoes & Dogs: High heeled shoes and the nails on large dogs can scratch wood floors. Mats: Use protective mats outside the exterior doors to help prevent sand and grit from getting on the floor. Gritty sand is wood flooring’s worst enemy. Avoid mats with rubber backing, these can hold in moisture causing warping and sometimes have chemicals in them that will cause discoloration. Furniture Legs: Install proper floor protectors on furniture used on hardwood floors. Protectors will allow chairs to move easily over the floor without scuffing. Clean the protectors on a regular basis to remove any grit that may accumulate. |

Condensation
Maintenance & What to Expect
READ MORE Condensation Condensation can be very damaging to many of the products used in construction your home. It is recommended that you keep the humidity in your home between 40% and 60%. Condensation on interior surfaces such as windows and frames is the result of high humidity within the home and low outside temperatures and/or inadequate ventilation. These conditions are significantly influenced by family lifestyle. If your home includes a humidifier, closely observe manufactures directions, especially during periods of cooler temperatures. In order to reduce humidity levels in the house, be sure to use the vent fans in the kitchen and bathrooms when bathing, open windows, stop using humidifiers. If condensation persists, seek professional guidance. |

Garage Doors
Care & Maintenance Information
READ MORE Garage Doors Since the garage door is a large, moving object, periodic maintenance along with following the manufacturers instructions will insure safe and reliable operation.
Safety: Do not allow anyone near the door when it is in motion. Keep hands and fingers away from all parts of the door except the handle. Do not allow children to play with, or around the door. Adjustments: For your safety, have any needed adjustments made by a qualified specialist. The door springs are under a considerable amount of tension and require special tools and knowledge for accurate and safe servicing. Have the door inspected by a professional garage door technician after any significant impact to the door. Lubrication: You may want to lubricate the center of the rollers in the vertical tracks and the top of the rail on an annual basis or if your door starts making any noises when in motion. Waxing: Paraffin wax, rubbed on the side jambs, will help the door operate smoothly. Opener: If an electric door operator is installed, be sure the door is completely unlocked and the pull-down rope has been removed before using the operator. Painting: The garage door should be repainted when the home is repainted or more often if needed to maintain a satisfactory appearance. Locking: If the lock becomes stiff, a graphite lubricant will make it work more easily. Do not use oil on a lock as it will stiffen in winter and make the lock difficult to operate. Light Visible: Garage overhead doors cannot be airtight and typically light will be visible around the edges and across the top of the door. Severe weather conditions may result in some precipitation entering around the door. This should be expected. |

Gutters & Downspouts
Care and Maintenance
READ MORE Gutters & Downspouts Cleaning: As part of normal maintenance, the Homeowner should keep gutters clear of debris. Leaves are most common, but any debris could clog the gutters and cause them to overflow. Homeowner should check gutters periodically to insure proper functioning; excess snow should be brushed off downspouts with a broom as soon as possible. Severe ice or snow build-up can damage gutters.
Ladders: Do not lean ladders against gutters. Leaks: If a joint between sections of gutter drips, caulk the inside joint using a gutter caulking compound available at hardware stores. Overflow: Gutters may overflow during periods of excessively heavy rain. It is expected that water will stand for short periods of time in gutters immediately after rain. No correction is required for these conditions. |

Grading & Drainage
Maintenance Information
READ MORE Grading & Drainage The final grade is established to insure adequate drainage away from the home. It isn’t designed to shed water completely off of the home site, and that isn’t a reasonable expectation. Typical rainfall may result in ponding in the yard, but it shouldn’t be next to the foundation.
Changes to the final grade, such as the addition of berms, can trap water either in the yard or close to the home. For this reason, RSI Construction, LLC advises homeowners against making changes to the grade without accommodating the needs for drainage. It is possible for the ground to settle in the backfilled areas around the foundation. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to watch for excessive settling to ensure that positive slope is maintained. Over watering of the landscaping is the most common cause of drainage issues and can easily result in water in your crawlspace. Monitoring and controlling the amount of water applied to the landscaping is the most important maintenance item when it comes to the issue of drainage. |

Grout
Maintenance and Repair Information
READ MORE Grout Maintenance: Expansion and contraction of your home is a normal occurrence and may eventually cause grout joints to crack, split, or even become crushed. Cracks in wet areas (kitchen back splashes, tub & shower joints) eventually lead to water damage. Don't wait until it's too late and avoid expensive repairs, inspect your joints regularly. If water seeps under the tile and it can rot the supporting wall or sub-floor. |

Doors & Windows
Manufacturers Warranty Info
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