Westbow Construction

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1 Westbow Construction New Home Manual QUALITY FOR GENERATIONS A complete guide for all you need to know about your new home

2 Table of Contents: Colour scheme information o Interior & exterior paint names/products o Countertops & cabinets o Flooring and tile o Doors and hardware o Trim, roofing, flashings & gutters Sub-trades & Supplier contact information Homeowner's Manual o Exterior components o Interior finishes o Countertops & cabinets Maintenance schedule o Monthly checklist o Season checklists Maintenance Sign-Off

3 7350 Barrow Road Chilliwack British Columbia V2R 4J8 Dear Homeowner, Congratulations on the purchase of your new home from Westbow Construction, we are excited about this developing community and are glad that you can share in that now too. This homeowner s manual is designed to answer any questions you may have and to give you a better understanding of your property. We have strived to provide the most accurate information possible to help you with this transition period. In the event that you should require any repairs or in case of an emergency, we have enclosed appropriate contact information. Instructions are enclosed to guide you through necessary maintenance procedures which can help to extend the life of many components of your new home and protect your investment. There is also an in-depth breakdown of the warranty information for you to familiarize yourself with. We wish you many years of enjoyment here in this new community. Sincerely, Westbow The Westbow Construction Team Westbow Construction Group Ltd 7350 Barrow Road, Chilliwack, British Columbia, V2R 4J8 Tel: Fax:

4 Westbow Homeowner s Manual Your new home is perhaps, the largest investment you will ever make. This manual is designed to help you care for your new home in the years ahead. We will include in it some general information and helpful tips on maintaining your home. Owner responsibilities - After settling in your new home, take time for complete inspection. See that everything has been completed as agreed upon. In case some items were not completed as expected, these items should be promptly called to the attention of the supervisor. We request to submit this type of information in writing as verbal statements can be forgotten and rough notes can go astray. - Take time to get acquainted with your new home. - Make sure you understand your warranty contracts. - It is the responsibility of the homeowner to make their home available when work is required to be done. Westbow s new home warranty walkthroughs are scheduled for 2 weeks, 6 months & 1 year after possession. If any of the first 2 dates are missed, Westbow will move those items to the next walkthrough date. If the 1 year list is not received prior to your anniversary date, any and all items on that list will be directed to Progressive Home Warranty, not to Westbow Construction. Builder - Westbow will provide a full orientation session prior to occupancy and will explain the warranty and various systems in your home. - We will address all responsible concerns and set up a procedure to deal with problems, should they arise, within a reasonable time frame. - We will provide you with a contact person and telephone numbers. Most of the problems you could encounter may be related to the fact that many parts of your new home are natural products which are not completely responsive to human control. It is important for all occupants of the home to be familiar with all shut-off locations in case of emergencies. During the orientation session, prior to occupancy of your new home, our representative will familiarize you with these. To protect the value of your new home, regular maintenance and checkups are required. Depending on the type of your new home (Single family versus multifamily dwellings) various aspects of the maintenance tasks may need to be performed by different parties. Thank you for choosing Westbow. Our best wishes for many years of enjoyment in your new home.

5 EXTERIOR COMPONENTS Basement (foundation walls, concrete basement and crawl space floors) All foundations of Westbow homes are constructed of concrete. It is important to understand that concrete shrinks as it cures. As a result, due to the released stresses in the curing process, minor cracks cannot be avoided. These cracks have no tangible effect on the structural integrity of the building for the most part. Occasionally however, these hairline cracks may allow the entry of water. Numerous concrete patching compounds are available commercially that can be applied to seal the cracks. The floors in the basement style homes will be cast-in-place concrete. Polyethylene vapour barrier is generally installed beneath the concrete floor to stop the migration of ground water through the concrete. Despite this vapour barrier, some moisture may still transmit through the concrete. Crawl space floors are usually skim coat of concrete installed over polyethylene vapour barrier as well. It will generally be lower strength concrete and will measure approximately (2 ) thick. It may be very roughly finished and is not intended as a finished floor. Drain tile and sump In accordance with the Building Code, perimeter drain tile system was installed below the level of the basement floor. This system is generally comprised of perforated pipes that are covered with gravel to allow water to seep into them. This drain tile carries the water away from the perimeter of the house to prevent it from accumulating against the foundation wall or the footing. The drain tile then carries the water to the sump or catch basin. The sump allows any sediment in the water to settle to the bottom of the sump. Sumps and catch basins should be cleaned every spring and every fall, as a minimum, to remove any excessive sediment. Side drainage and grading Soil adjacent to your new house was graded away to allow surface water to drain away from the foundation wall of your home. Window wells are a means of providing windows for below grade basements. Window wells must be kept free of ice, snow, leaves and other debris which may block the drainage system causing a potential flood risk to your home. Due to soil compaction following construction, depressions may occur adjacent to the foundation walls. These depressions should be filled and graded to direct surface water away from the walls to a distance of at least 6 (2 meters). At no time should water be allowed to pool against the foundation walls. During periods of excessive rainfall, standing water may occur due to soil saturation. Such conditions are beyond control of the builder. Frame (general) Structural lumber was used as a primary building material to frame your new home. Wood products used to construct your new home will shrink over time. This may create minor changes in the size and shape of the wood members which may cause changes in the finishes used throughout your new home. The most common results of this process are; nail pops, minor floor squeaks doors binding, minor joints open in door and window trims. Small gaps may show in stair moldings, baseboards and drywall corner cracks. Any necessary repairs in this regard should be postponed to the end of the first year to allow the majority of the wood shrinkage to occur. Insulation To meet building standards, all new homes are required to be insulated. Fiberglass insulation was used according to the building code specifications. Depending on the home location, design, variations of local temperatures and type of heating system installed, no house can be completely draft free. Windows Current building standards require the use of double glazed sealed units (exception - some of the skylights) mounted in thermally broken frames. The windows installed in your home may open indifferent fashions: they may slide horizontally or vertically, open outwards or tilt in the fashion of an awning. These types of

6 windows require minimal maintenance. Weep holes at the drainage track at the bottom of the window must be kept clean. A piece of wire can be used to remove dust, insects or debris to keep these holes open. Window hardware should be cleaned and lubricated annually. During very cold weather you may experience condensation on the inside of your windows due to the relatively high humidity level in your new home. This is a ventilation issue and not a fault with the window. Condensation between the layers of glass within the window frame indicates that the sealed unit has failed and needs to be replaced. If failure of the sealed unit occurs after the expiration of the first year of warranty coverage, contact your window supplier as the cost of the repair may partially be by the manufacturer. Doors In your home we used a variety of different doors. Exterior swing doors are generally made of solid wood, metal, wood over foam core or fiberglass. Sliding patio doors are usually constructed with metal or vinyl frames and are supplied by the window manufacturer. Interior doors are usually a wood veneer over a hollow core. All doors, especially exterior doors, are exposed to a variety of climatic conditions. These conditions may affect your doors in many different ways. Doors tend to swell in summer and shrink in winter. With certain types of wood doors, some warping is expected; variations are up to ¼ out of a plane in any direction of the door is considered normal. It is prudent to refrain from trimming a binding exterior door as the problem may rectify itself with change in climatic conditions. Interior doors are generally sized to allow a gap up to 3/4 at the bottom of the door between the door and the floor covering. This gap is provided to allow for circulation of air beneath the door. Weather- stripping Weather stripping is installed around the doors and windows to reduce air infiltration. It is the home owner s responsibility to check weather-stripping annually to ensure that the seal is adequate. Some weatherstripping is adjustable and the door should be slightly difficult to latch or lock. Storm Doors It is recommended that storm doors be installed where conventional swing doors are unsuitable for the weather conditions. This may not be determined until the first winter season. The need for a storm door is not a builder responsibility. Finish hardware The factory finish on exterior door handles will wear with normal use. This is especially evident with brass finishes. To restore this finish, remove the factory lacquer finish with scouring powder, then polish the hardware. When the uniform appearance is achieved, the surface can be sealed with a coat of clear lacquer. Interior door hardware can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Door hardware and locks can be lubricated with powdered graphite or light oil. Decking and hand rails All decks and hand rails are exposed to extreme weather conditions (rain, sun, snow and freezing temperatures). Cracking, warping and splitting of wooden deck material is normal and cannot be prevented. Painted surfaces will chip and peel and should be touched up annually. Open seams in wood should be sealed with a suitable caulking to prevent the entry of water. Care must be taken not to damage any deck membranes. Masonry Any bricks, cultured stone or the mortar are not entirely waterproof. Periodically, the mortar joints should be checked for shrinkage cracks. If the cracks are excessive, it is advisable to have them repaired to reduce the potential for moisture related problems. If your home has brick facing, the bottom course of brick

7 contains intentional openings (weep holes) which allow for the drainage of moisture from the cavity located behind the brick. These openings must be unobstructed at all times. White dust or staining on the masonry surface is referred to as efflorescence. It is the result of salt within the masonry or mortar that migrates to the surface of the brick with time. It can usually be controlled with water and a light scrubbing. More persistent occurrences can be washed off with muriatic acid or baking soda. Exterior cladding All vinyl, metal or composite siding materials generally do not require refinishing. Metal and composite siding can be re-painted, vinyl siding cannot. Due to their smooth surface, they can be kept clean by washing with a garden hose and mild detergent and some light scrubbing. Vinyl and metal siding materials are installed loosely to allow for expansion and contraction. Damaged or very loose siding should be replaced/refastened. Painted wood siding or shingles will generally require re-painting or staining within five years. This will vary depending on the exposure to the elements. Siding installed on the south and west elevations, especially dark and bright colours which fade rapidly, may require more frequent repainting or staining to maintain the original appearance. If the exterior of your new home is finished with stucco, hairline cracks may appear due to the drying and shrinking process. It is suggested this condition be left until all shrinkage has taken place and then, if desired, it can be corrected by having a brush coat applied. Please note that the repair of the crack is often more unsightly than the original crack. Cracks less than 2mm (1/16 ) in width do not require repair. Roof and gutters Most Westbow home roofs typically are surfaced with asphalt or fiberglass shingles. The typical life expectancy of these roof materials ranges from years. The life expectancy of the roof will depend on the product used and the care and maintenance provided. Loose, broken or missing shingles following windstorms should be repaired. Most manufacturers warranties for shingles do not cover wind damage in conditions exceeding 80kph. Storm related damage is not the builder s responsibility; therefore, maintenance repairs should be made as soon as possible after such occurrences to prevent leakage. It is recommended to check roof surfaces annually and clean from debris after every heavy windstorm. All forms of roofing are intended to shed water and prevent its entry into the residence. At the perimeter of the roof, gutters and downspouts are installed to control the runoff rain water. As with the roof, the gutters should be checked for obstructions at least twice a year and after every heavy windstorm or after prolonged periods of freezing and thawing. When cleaning out the gutters, do not allow the leaves and debris to clog the downspouts of your new home. Ice Dams Snow melting on the roof and freezing as it runs off at the un-insulated overhang or eave of the roof can cause ice damming. Ice dams can cause water to back up under the shingles which will result in a leak inside. This is a natural occurrence and generally is not due to a builder defect. When ice dame occur, the snow and ice should be removed from the roof at the eaves and valleys. Attic If your home was designed with an attic space, calculations were made to provide sufficient ventilation for air exchange. In winter time, in certain conditions, snow may be blown into the attic. We would also advise to check your attic after unusually heavy snowstorms. Should snow be present, it must be removed before melting occurs. Damage caused by this and other extreme weather is likely to be an insurance claim rather than a warranty claim.

8 The Garage Due to the nature of concrete it is not possible to prevent garage floors from cracking. Once the garage floor has cured you may wish to treat it with a concrete sealer, made specifically for this purpose. Driveways and Sidewalks It is strongly recommended to seal your driveway. Your new home warranty package is very clear about this and it not possible to forecast ground heaving or frost affecting your new driveway. It is not required that the builder rectify exterior concrete. INTERIOR FINISHES Drywall As it was mentioned, due to the drying out process, gypsum wallboard (dry wall) may develop some nail pops and cracks over the doors, windows and archways. Westbow will repair these items once, at your first year anniversary, with repainting being the homeowner s responsibility. Hardwood Kiln Dried material was used for the construction of your hardwood floor. However, these materials are susceptible to movement caused by variation in humidity levels in the living spaces. Low humidity levels will cause the wood to separate slightly at the seams of the flooring. High humidity levels will cause the wood to expand. These movements vary seasonally and can be somewhat controlled by monitoring the interior moisture level. The appearance of hardwood floor is easy to maintain and a damp mop is all that is required for cleaning. Refer to any hardwood floor supplier for specific instructions. Resilient Flooring Resilient flooring is susceptible to damage from indentations or scratches. The floor should be protected from such damage by using pads beneath heavy furniture legs. Resilient flooring should be cleaned with lukewarm water and vinegar, as harsh cleaners can cause fading or affect the composition of the flooring material making it hard and brittle. Movement of the floor structure due to shrinkage can affect the floor. While flooring installers apply filler at the seams of the wood underlay materials, it is not always possible to achieve and retain a perfectly level sub floor. This can result in minor ridges becoming visible beneath the floor under certain light. Generally, these are only cosmetic and do not require any action. Carpet Carpeting care basically consists of voiding spills, cleaning high traffic areas regularly, removing surface dirt and vacuuming the entire area weekly. Consult a flooring supplier for the specific maintenance requirements of the flooring products used in your home. Ceramic tiles Ceramic tile is very durable and it should be cleaned with mild detergent. Annual sealing of the grout joints with a clear liquid silicone should be carried out. Marble and Granite Although strong and attractive, spills can permanently stain these natural materials. All spills should be cleaned up immediately. Cleaning of these materials should be done with a clean, soft cloth and warm water. For specific cleaning instructions contact your marble or granite supplier. The manufactured marble products have specific cleaning requirements. The manufacturer of the product should be contacted for these instructions.

9 COUNTERTOPS AND CABINETS Plastic Laminates Laminated countertops require careful care to assure their long lasting beauty. If exposed to hot pots or heating elements they will delaminate or burn. Abrasive cleaners or steel wool should not be used as they will scratch the surface. Also, household bleach or solvents, if allowed to remain on the surface can stain or discolour the laminate. Water must not be allowed to remain on joints in the countertop as this will cause the substrate of the countertop to swell. The surface of the plastic laminate should be cleaned with a damp, soapy cloth. Cabinets Most cabinet surfaces can be cleaned using a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Vinyl surfaced cabinets are very susceptible to heat damage. If the kitchen is equipped with a self-cleaning oven, the cabinet drawers and cabinet doors adjoining the range should be kept open when the range is in self-cleaning mode to allow excess heat to the dissipate. This precaution should also be taken when the oven is used for prolonged periods of time at a high temperature. If heat is allowed to build up, the surface may delaminate. Paint The majority of the surfaces in your home are finished with water based paints (latex) and oil based stains. Maintenance of these surfaces can easily be carried out by gently washing them with a mild soap or detergent solution. Avoid abrasive solutions or over scrubbing as this will remove the paint. Electrical System (general) The electrical system in your home has been installed in accordance to the requirements of the provincial electrical code. The power supply is fed to the home via underground or overhead cable. With underground service cables, piping, gas lines, etc., care should be taken when digging on your property. Circuit protection will be via circuit breakers located in the electrical panel. The main power shut-off will be located inside the electrical panel or immediately adjacent to it. This panel and the location of the main breaker should be located upon moving in before any emergency occurs. All your light fixtures are marked by the manufacturer regarding the size of the bulbs, most of them call for no larger than 60 watts bulbs. G.F.C.I. Circuits A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (G.F.C.I.) is an additional electrical safety device. This device is a breaker that can be located in the main electrical panel or within specialty outlet receptacles and is designed to provide protection form the ground faults. This device is extremely sensitive and will trip if grounding of the electrical current is detected. If a breaker trips, unplug the source of the ground fault and reset the breaker either at the panel or at the outlet itself. G.F.C.I. outlet should be tested monthly to ensure their proper operation. Smoke and Fire Detector Smoke detectors have been installed in accordance with the requirements of the Building Code. They should be tested monthly to ensure their proper operation and should be cleaned twice a year with a vacuum. These devices are connected directly to the electrical system of the home and do not require batteries. However, they will not operate in a power outage unless the unit has a backup battery. Heating The operation of your specific system is best determined be reviewing the instructions provided to you by your installer. Heating systems can be noisy at times due to the expansion and contraction of the pipes and other metal components of the distribution system. These noises are particularly noticeable when starting up or cooling down.

10 With forced air systems, the heat outlets and cold air returns must be kept free of any furniture or floor coverings which can block the free flow of air. In addition, the filters must be cleaned or replaced once a month, in the first year to allow unobstructed flow of air through the furnace. The quality of the replacement filter dramatically affects the air quality within the home. In years 2 and on you can use a wide range of filters. Ventilation, Condensation and Relative Humidity The optimum year round humidity level to be maintained within the residence is between 25% and 50% depending on the outside temperature. Warm air has the ability to hold more than cold air. Daily activities within your new home such as showering, boiling water and even respiration create moisture in the form of water vapour. With four occupants, this can create 7-9 liters (½ - 2 gallons) of moisture per day. The warm air holds this water in suspension and as this moisture-laden air comes in contact with a cold surface it will condense and water will form. Condensation will fuel the creation of mold and mildew. The key to controlling humidity levels within the home and avoiding condensation is adequate ventilation. The chart below provides a rough guideline as to the relative humidity levels that can be sustained within the house as the outside temperature drops. Celsius Outside temperature (Fahrenheit) Desirable max inside relative humidity(%) at an indoor temp 21C Celsius Outside temperature (Fahrenheit) Desirable max inside relative humidity(%) at an indoor temp 21 o C -29 o C -20 o F 20% -24 o C -10 o F 25% -18 o C 0 o F 30% -12 o C 10 o F 35% -7 o C 20 o F 40% Windows or the tank of the toilet used more frequently can be used as a guide to determine whether or not the proper relative humidity is being maintained. As soon as condensation occurs on inside window surfaces or on the tank of the toilet, steps should be taken to reduce the relative humidity by controlling the moisture sources and/or by increasing ventilation. Windows are an effective means of ventilation and depending on weather conditions, opening a window near the source of moisture while the exhaust fan is in operation will allow for cross ventilation and more effective moisture and odour removal. Appliances If appliances are included with the purchase of your new home, they have been checked to ensure their proper operation. Appliances generally come with instructions. These instructions must be followed in order to maintain the manufacturer s warranty. With dryers, check and clean the exterior vents on a monthly basis as they commonly become plugged with lint which reduces the efficiency of the dryer and can be a fire hazard. Range Hoods and Exhaust Fans Range hoods and exhaust fans are provided to reduce or eliminate odours and excess moisture. For efficient operation and to reduce potential fire hazards created by grease accumulation, filters should be washed in mild detergent. Not all range hoods vent directly outdoors. Range hoods that are not venting outdoors are usually provided with charcoal filter the helps remove grease and odours. These filters should be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer s recommendations. Plumbing The plumbing in your new home will likely consist of plastic or copper piping. A main water supply shut off has been provided which can be used in the event of an emergency and should be located upon

11 occupancy for future reference. The waste lines have been provided with clean outs throughout the residence. These may be located within cabinets, inside closets or clearly visible on wall surface. These clean outs must remain accessible. Any waste materials, including grease, fat and petroleum products, should not be disposed of down the plumbing system. These materials will accumulate in the piping, especially in the P-traps, and can significantly reduce the flow of water through the waste system. Hot Water Tank An average setting for the water temperature is 140F (60C) which is enough for most uses but will not cause scalding or burns. If hotter water is needed for special purpose, the thermostat on the tank can be set to a higher temperature; however, the thermostat must be reset to a normal setting when finished. It is advisable to turn the water temperature down or switch off the tank or the breaker panel before going on vacation. Every hot water tank is equipped with a pressure relief valve at the top of the tank. This is a safety device that will open and relieve water pressure if tank exceeds its rated working pressure. It should not be tampered with. Periodic draining of water from the tank will remove sediment from the base of the tank and prolong its life. Prior to the draining, the power supply or fuel source must be turned off. Do not restore power to the tank until it has been refilled as it may explode due to excessive pressure caused by heating of the air instead of water. Draining of the tank can only be accomplished by gravity feed; therefore, the outflow of the drain used must be lower than the base of the tank. Hose Bibs Garden hose connections (hose bibs) often have a valve inside the house that can be shut off to allow the hose connection to be drained from the inside before winter to prevent freezing and possible bursting of the exterior section of the piping. Westbow homes most of the time are supplied with frost free bibs which means that the valve is connected to a long stem that allows the water to be shut off inside the wall in the warm environment. The outer portion of the piping drains freely. Garden hoses should not be left connected to the hose bibs during freezing weather as neither can drain. Ice forming in the hose due to undrained water can break the hose or the hose bib and cause the supply pipe to freeze. Floor Drains Many municipalities require a floor drain primer which automatically provides water for the P-trap located below floor surface. This P-trap is similar to those used under sinks and when full of water; it will form a seal against gases entering from the sewer system. As this water will evaporate with time, the seal must be maintained by pouring a litre of water down the drain every two to three months if an automatic primer is not present. Faucet repair Most common problems are leaking or noisy faucets. Turning the fixture off with too much force can damage washers and as a result create the problems mentioned above. Faucet handles should be turned no further than the point at which they stop the flow of water. If attempting to do the repair yourself by replacing the damaged washer or the faucet cartridge, the water supply must simply be shut off. Basic home repair books describe how to repair typical faucets; however, due to variations in the methods of manufacturer, specific instructions may be required. Green staining of fixtures is usually a water related issue due to the chemical compositions in the water and is not a builder defect. We hope this information has been helpful to you. Thank you again for purchasing a Westbow home.

12 Seasonal Maintenance Calendar Maintenance Activity Notes January - February Clean or replace furnace filter Check/clean heat recovery ventilator; wash or replace filter Ensure that air intakes, exhausts and meters are clear of snow Clean humidifier Clean range hood filter Check basement floor drain March - April Clean or replace furnace filter Check/clean heat recovery ventilator; wash or replace filter. Clean humidifier Check Sump Pump Check gutters and downspouts and clean if needed Inspect air conditioning; service as needed (usually every 2 or 3 years) Inspect basement or crawl space or signs of leakage/ seepage Ensure that ground slopes away from the foundation wall May - June Open outside hose connection Clean windows screens and hardware; install screens Check that air intake and exhausts are clear of debris, nests, etc. Clean range hood filter Undertake spring landscape maintenance; fertilize young trees

13 Seasonal Maintenance Calendar Maintenance Activity Notes July - August Air out damp basements on DRY DAYS or use dehumidifier For central air conditioning, clean filter in air handling unit. Check exterior finishes Check Exterior wood for deterioration Check caulking and weather stripping, including around entry door from garage and house Check basement floor drain trap ; replenish if needed Have furnace/heating system serviced (every 2 years for an electric furnace) September - October Check fireplace and chimney; service or clean if needed Clean range hood filter Clean leaves out of eaves troughs Check roofing and flashing for signs of wear or damage Close outside hose connection Close windows. skylights Winterize landscaping November - December Clean up or replace furnace filter Check or clean heat recovery ventilator Clean Humidifier Check exhaust fans

14 Seasonal Maintenance Calendar Maintenance Activity Notes Annually Dust or vacuum electric base boards Vacuum Ducts behind warm air and return air grilles Test plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they are working. Test pressure relief valve on hot water tank; drain some water from tank. Do safety checks; smoke alarm, fire escape routes, fire extinguisher, door and window locks Check and, if needed, oil door hinges Lubricate garage door motor, chain. Etc. Check attic for signs of moisture Check septic system; clean if needed (usually about every three years) Other (fill in) Every 2 to 5 years Resurface asphalt driveway Check the chimney cap and caulking between the cap and chimney Re-caulk as necessary Refinish wood surfaces, including window frames and doors Have ducts cleaned if needed (5 years) Other (fill in)

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16 MAINTENANCE MANUAL SIGN-OFF As a requirement of the Homeowner Protection Act, your builder is required to provide you with maintenance requirements for your new home and its components. Checked off below are the specific component manuals that have been provided to you for your new home in addition to this maintenance manual. PRODUCT SPECIFIC MAINTENANCE/OPERATING MANUALS 1. Concrete 27. Pressure Reducing Valve 2. Siding: Type 28. Sump Pump 3. Other Cladding: Type 29. Septic System 4. Windows 30. GFCI Breaker/outlet 5. Skylights 31. Electrical Fixtures 6. Doors 32. Ceiling fans 7. Door Hardware 33. Alarm System 8. Garage Doors 34. Smoke Detector 9. Garage Door Opener(s) 35. Range Hood 10. Deck Membranes: Type 36. Furnace 11. Exterior railings 37. Heat Pump 12. Roofing: Type 38. Heat recovery Ventilators 13. Gutters & Downspouts 39. Air Conditioning 14. Flooring 40. Gas Fireplace a. Hardwood 41.Built-in Vacuum System b. Resilient Flooring 42. Dishwasher c. Carpet 43. Stove d. Tile 44. Wall Oven e. Marble 45. Refrigerator 15. Counter Tops 46. Microwave Oven 16. Cabinets 47. Washer 17. Mirrors 48. Dryer 18. Drapes/Window Coverings Plumbing Fixtures/ Faucets Tub/Shower Enclosure Toilets Sinks 23. Garburator 24. Hot water tank 25. Boiler 26. Sprinkler System Exterior/Interior I/We,, on this day of, 20 Confirm that I/we have received above noted manuals for my/our new home located at From my/our builder I/We also acknowledge it is my/our responsibility to familiarize myself/ourselves with the contents of these manuals and undertake any maintenance requirements explained therein Owner(s) (signature) Builder (signature)

17 HOME MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE QUARTERLY Date last completed Plumbing Description Date Date2 Date3 Faucets and shower heads Check interior and exterior faucets for leaks. Clean aerators as required. Replace washers if necessary. Drains Service drains. Pour water down any unused drains. Pipes Inspect visible pipes for tight fit and leaks. Kitchen and bathroom cabinets Check under and around cabinets for leaks. Check and adjust hinges as required. Toilets Check for stability and leaks. Water heater Check area around water heater for leaks. Interior Description Date Date2 Date3 Wood cabinets and trim Apply a wood protectant. (Be sure to follow warranty limitations on any wood products) Interior doors Lubricate hinges. Garage door Lubricate hardware. Inspect mechanism for free travel. Window and door tracks Check for unobstructed and clean weeping holes. Clean out dirt and dust. Lubricate rollers and latches. Basement or crawl space Check for cracks and or any sign of dampness or leaks. Check for any evidence of rodents or wood-eating insects. Ceramic tile Check and clean grout. Electrical and Appliances Description Date Date2 Date3 Heating and cooling systems Clean and replace filters if necessary. Kitchen exhaust fan Remove and clean the filter. Clean accumulated grease deposits from the fan housing. Refrigerator Clean refrigerator drain pan. Clean and defrost freezer if necessary. Dishwasher Check for leaks including under the appliance. Wiring, electrical cords, and plugs Check for wear or damage. Replace if necessary. Smoke and CO detectors Test for proper operation and replace batteries if necessary. GFI outlets Test for proper operation. Exterior Description Date Date2 Date3 Foundation Inspect visible areas, vents, and ducts for cracks, leaks, or blockages. Landscaping Check for proper drainage. Maintain grading. Concrete and asphalt Clean oil and grease. FALL Date last completed Plumbing Description Date Date2 Date3 Plumbing shut-off valves Inspect for proper operation. Outside faucets Drain. Unhook hoses and attachments. Frost free faucets do not need to be drained. Water heater Flush out to remove accumulated sediment. Faucet aerators Check and clean the aerator screens, replace washers as Interior Description Date Date2 Date3

18 Shower doors/tub enclosures Weather stripping Sectional garage doors Fireplace Inspect for proper fit. Adjust if necessary. Inspect caulking and recaulk if necessary. Check caulking around windows and doors. Check window and door screens. Adjust or replace if necessary. Have them inspected by the original installer so as not to void warranties. Inspect flues. Clean if necessary. Inspect fireplace brick and mortar for cracks or damage. Electrical and appliances Description Date Date2 Date3 Heating system Service heating system and heat pump. Cooling system Remove debris from around units and clean with garden hose. Remove window air conditioner or protect with weatherproof cover. Clean and replace filters if necessary. Refrigerator coils Clean. Combustible appliances Inspect and service if necessary. Exterior Description Date Date2 Date3 Roof Check for leaks. Check for damaged, loose, or missing shingles. Check vents and louvers for birds, nests, squirrels, and insects. Check flashing around roof stacks, vents, and skylights for leaks. Chimney Clean and check for deteriorating bricks and mortar. Check for leaks. Check for birds, nests, squirrels, and insects. Gutters and downspouts Clean and check for leaks, misalignment, or damage. Clean out all leaves and debris. Exterior walls Check for deteriorating bricks and mortar. Check siding for damage or rot. Check painted surfaces for flaking. Landscaping Trim shrubbery around walls. Remove tree limbs, branches, or debris that can attract insects (no wood or shrubbery should be closer than 3 inches to your house). Maintain grading. Concrete and asphalt Check for cracks or deterioration. Reseal or repair if necessary. Lawn and patio furniture Clean and store or cover with weatherproof material. SPRING Date last completed Plumbing Description Date Date2 Date3 Water heater Flush out hot water to remove accumulated sediment. Interior Description Date Date2 Date3 Attic Examine for evidence of any leaks. Check insulation and remove or add if necessary. Check for evidence of birds, squirrels, raccoons, etc. Check for proper ventilation. Countertops Inspect for separations at sinks and backsplash. Recaulk where required. Tiled areas Inspect for loose or missing grout or caulking. Regrout or recaulk if necessary. Shower doors/tub enclosures Inspect for proper fit. Adjust if necessary. Inspect caulking and recaulk if necessary. Weather stripping Check caulking around windows and doors. Check window and door screens. Adjust or replace if necessary. Electrical and appliances Description Date Date2 Date3 Date4 Heating and cooling system General furnace inspection: Look for rust, scaling on heat exchanger, and proper flame color; note odd sounds or smells; and check condition of venting. Remove debris around units. This should be a regular service performed by a certified person. Circuit breakers Exercise. Refrigerator Clean coils. Exterior Description Date Date2 Date3 Decks Scrub mildewed areas and treat for water stains, mildew, and fungus. Roof Clean. Check for leaks. Check for damaged, loose or missing shingles. Check vents and louvers for birds, nests, squirrels, and insects. Check flashing around roof stacks, vents, and skylights for leaks. Chimney Clean and check for deteriorating bricks and mortar. Check for leaks. Check for birds, nests, squirrels, and insects. Page 2 of 3

19 Gutters and downspouts Windows Exterior walls Landscaping Concrete and asphalt Clean and check for leaks, misalignment, or damage. Clean. Check for deteriorating bricks and mortar. Check siding for damage or rot. Check painted surfaces for flaking. Trim shrubbery around walls. Remove tree limbs, branches, or debris that can attract insects (no wood or shrubbery should be closer than 3 inches to your house). Maintain grading. Check for cracks or deterioration. Reseal or repair if necessary. Page 3 of 3

20 Warranty item Y/N Westbow One Year Walkthrough Interior of House Issue Date completed Exterior of House Other Issues At the anniversary of owning your home for one year, there will be an opportunity to do a walkthrough inspection with our Customer Service Representative. As you notice anything you d like to go over, please use the space above to make a note of any issues. By signing below I agree that all these issues have been addressed or answered to my satisfaction. Name: Date: Address: Signature: