Viking Custom Homes constructed your home with quality materials and the labor of experienced sub-contractors.  Materials must meet our specifications for quality and durability and all work is performed under our supervision.

Although quality materials and workmanship have been used in your home, it is important to remember that homes are one of the last truly hand-built products in the world.  They require continual care and attention.  General homeowner maintenance is essential for the establishment of a quality home for life.  Periodic maintenance becomes necessary due to normal wear and tear, normal service required by mechanical systems, the inherent nature of homebuilding materials, and normal fluctuations in elements such as temperature and humidity.

The following is aimed at helping you identify many important details of good home care.

Air Conditioning
If a humidifier is installed on the furnace system, turn it off when you use the air conditioning.  Additional moisture generated by the humidifier can cause the cooling system to freeze-up.

Keep in mind that temperatures may vary from room to room and from floor to floor.  On extremely hot days, variables such as floor plan, type and use of window coverings, home orientation on a given lot, and traffic through the home can cause variations of up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Filters should be replaced or cleaned after your first month of occupancy since substantial amounts of dust will normally accumulate as a result of the new materials in your home.  After this initial replacement, change your filters as directed by manufacturer’s guidelines.  We recommend that you change them at least once every three months.

We recommend a trial run of your air conditioning system in the early spring to test performance.  It is better to discover that service is needed prior to the height of the cooling season.

Keep the outside unit clear of any materials (such as snow, ice, trash, leaves, etc.) that would interfere with air circulation across coils. 

Alarm System
If you have chosen to enlist the services of our alarm company partners, Vintage, then Viking Custom Homes has equipped your home with an alarm system pre-wire. Vintage, will connect and demonstrate the alarm system and instruct you in its use.  We recommend that you test the system monthly.

Appliances
Your Construction Manager will provide you with all the manufacturer use-and-care manuals and warranty information at your final walk-through.  Please thoroughly read and follow all manufacturer instructions for the utilization and maintenance of all the appliances in your home.  Keep them handy for reference and be certain to mail in all warranty registration cards.   

Asphalt
Asphalt, like many other surfaces in your new home, needs protection from things that can damage it. It is a flexible and specialized surface. Over time, the effects of weather and earth movement will cause minor settling and cracking. These are normal reactions to the elements and do not constitute improper installation or defective material.

The top coat of your driveway will be put down before settlement. Approximately 6 months after you move in, we will come back to put the final coat on the driveway.  This is to allow the first coat of the driveway to settle. 

We recommend that you avoid using your driveway for one week after it is installed. Keep vehicle, bicycle, and people traffic off of it as much as possible. 
Proper maintenance of the grade along the sides of your driveway will also go a long way in the prevention of settlement cracks. As soil settles, replace with topsoil to an optimum level of  ½” from the top of the driveway surface.

Brick
While brick is one of the most durable and lowest maintenance finishes for a home’s exterior, in some cases, a white powdery substance called efflorescence can accumulate on brick surfaces.  This is a natural phenomenon that cannot be prevented by anything we, or our bricklayers, do.  Should you see efflorescence on your brick façade, we recommend that you consult your home center or hardware store for commercial products to remove it.

Caulking
Time and weather will shrink and dry caulking so that it no longer provides an adequate seal.  As routine maintenance, check caulking and make needed repairs.  Caulk and dispensing guns are available at home centers and hardware stores.  Read manufacturer’s instructions carefully to be certain that you select the right caulk for your intended purpose.  Latex caulk should be used in areas that require painting (e.g. where wood trim meets the wall).  Silicone caulk works best where water is present but it will not accept paint.  Silicone caulk is most commonly utilized where a tub meets tile or a sink meets a countertop.

Concrete Flatwork
Concrete slabs, such as those laid in your basement, porch, patio, garage, or sidewalks, are floating – they are not attached to your home’s foundation walls.  As a result, movement of concrete slabs, and subsequent cracking is normal.  Cracking of concrete flatwork also results from temperature changes that cause expansion and contraction.  As cracks occur, seal them with a waterproof concrete caulk.

We also recommend that you do not permit heavy vehicles such as moving vans to drive on your concrete work.  It has been installed for residential use only. 

Damp-proofing
Your foundation walls were sprayed with a rubberized damp-proofing material almost immediately after they were poured or built.  We have made every effort to assure a dry basement, however, during times of excessive moisture, you may notice dampness.  Over time, the natural compaction of the soils backfilling the walls will usually eliminate this condition.  Careful maintenance of positive drainage will also protect your basement from this condition.

Drywall
Drywall cracks, nail pops, or visible seams may appear in walls and ceilings as a result of shrinkage of the wood and normal deflection of rafters to which the drywall is attached.

Viking Custom Homes provides a 1-year walk-through at which time we will repair any of the aforementioned cracks or pops.  This timing allows for the first heating season to pass and separations due to shrinkage to occur.  Included in this repair, should the homeowner choose, is repainting the affected area.  Shade matching cannot be guaranteed, however.

With the exception of this one-time repair service, care of drywall is the homeowner’s responsibility.

Electrical Systems
Know the location of the breaker panel; it includes a main shut-off that controls all the electrical power to the home.  Individual breakers control the separate circuits.  Each breaker is marked to help you identify which breaker is connected to which major appliances, outlets, or other service.  Should a failure occur in any part of your home, always check the breakers in the main panel box.

Circuit breakers have three positions; on, off, and tripped.  When a circuit breaker trips, it must be turned off before it can be turned on.  Switching the breaker to the “on” position directly from the “tripped” position will not restore service.

GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters) have built-in elements that sense fluctuations in power.  Building codes require installation of these receptacles in bathrooms, the kitchen, outside, and in the garage areas.  Heavy appliances such as freezers or power tools will trip the GFCI breaker, therefore never plug a refrigerator or freezer into a GFCI outlet.

Each GFCI receptacle has a test and reset button.  Once each month, press the test button.  This will trip the circuit.  To return service, press the reset button.  If a GFCI breaker trips during normal use, it may indicate a faulty appliance.  Also remember that one GFCI receptacle can control up to three or four other outlets.

Electric/Gas Water Heater
Carefully read the manufacturer’s literature for your specific model of water heater.  This literature will explain specific features and provide operation instructions for your model.

Review and follow the manufacturer’s timetable and instructions for draining several gallons of water from the bottom of the water heater.  This reduces build-up of chemical deposits from the water, thereby prolonging the life of the tank as well as saving energy dollars.

The heating elements in the water heater will require periodic cleaning.  Again, refer to the manufacturer’s literature for step-by-step instructions.

Should you discover you have no hot water, check the breaker, the temperature setting, and the water-supply valve before calling for service.

At least once per year, manually operate the pressure relief valve.  Stay clear of the discharge line to avoid injury.

Fireplace (Wood-burning)
Creosote and other by-products of wood burning accumulate inside the flue over a period of time and create a fire hazard.  The frequency of flue cleaning required depends on the frequency of use and types of wood you burn.  When the time comes, hire a qualified chimney sweep for this cleaning.

Safe Usage Guidelines:

• Open the flue damper fully.
• Keep the air inlet channel free of obstructions.
• Periodically clean ashes from previous fires.
• Place crumpled newspapers under the grate or irons.
• Add kindling on top of newspapers.
• Use dry, seasoned hardwood.
• Position three logs in the form of a pyramid at the back of the firebox with air spaces between the logs.
• To preheat the flue, lay a piece of newspaper on the top of the logs and light.
• Ignite starter paper under kindling.
• Leave damper open and screen closed until fire is completely out.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Do not build extremely large fires.
• Never burn scrap lumber, pine branches, trash, plastic, flame colorants, or any type of chemical compound.
• Never dispose of ashes until they have adequate time to completely cool.

Fireplace (Gas)
If your home features a gas fireplace, it’s usage will be demonstrated by your Construction Manager at the Pre-Settlement Orientation.  Be sure to only run your gas fireplace with the flue damper in the fully opened position.

A slight delay between turning the switch on and flame ignition is normal.  The flames should ignite gently and silently.  Should you notice any variation from this and any gas smell, immediately shut off the main gas supply and report it to the gas company.

Please note that the exterior vent cover for a direct-vent gas fireplace becomes extremely hot when the fireplace is in operation.

Foundation
Despite the proper design and construction of your home’s foundation, surface cracks can still develop in the wall.  Surface cracks are not detrimental to the structural integrity of your home.

Gas Shut-offs
You will find gas shut-offs on gas lines near their connection to each item that operates on gas. In addition, there is a main shut-off at the meter. These shut-offs will be pointed out at your Pre-Settlement Orientation. If you suspect a gas leak, leave the home immediately and contact the local gas company for emergency service.

Grading and Drainage
The final grade around your home has been inspected and approved for proper drainage. Maintain the slopes around your home to permit water to drain away from the home as rapidly as possible.

Do not remove the splash blocks or downspout extensions from under the downspouts. Keep them in place at all times, sloped so the water drains quickly away from your home.

During the first year of occupancy, you can expect some soil settlement around the foundation walls and utility trenches. Settlement may interfere with the proper flow of water away from your home.  Minor corrections are a homeowner maintenance responsibility. Viking Custom Homes, however, will fill and reseed major areas of settlement that affect proper drainage, should they occur. This correction will be made at your 1-Year Inspection.

Due to weather conditions, especially during the winter and early spring, the final grade may not have been established at the time of closing. This will be documented at the time of delivery and when conditions permit, grading work will continue. Please confirm that we have completed your final grade before beginning any custom landscaping work.

Gutters and Downspouts
Check gutters periodically and remove leaves and other debris. Materials that accumulate in gutters can slow water drainage from the roof, cause overflows, and clog the downspouts.

Ensure that splash blocks are always in place at the outfall of all downspouts and that the grade falls away from the house with a good cover of grass adjacent to each splash block.

Should a joint between sections of a gutter leak, caulk the inside joint using a commercial gutter compound.

Clear excess snow and or ice from downspouts as soon as possible to prevent damage and allow the gutter to drain properly.

Hardwood Flooring
Preventative maintenance of hardwood flooring is the primary goal. Sweep on a daily basis or as needed. Never wet mop a hardwood floor as excessive water causes wood to expand and can damage the floor. When damp-mopping, remove all excess water from the mop and use a mixture of 50% water, 50% white vinegar.

Placing heavy furniture or dropping heavy or sharp objects on hardwood floors can result in dimples.

Excessive moisture from wet shoes or boots can result in a white filmy appearance.

Install floor protectors on furniture placed on hardwood floors.

Wood floors will respond noticeably to changes in humidity in your home. Especially during winter months, the individual planks or pieces expand and contract as water content changes. A humidifier helps but does not eliminate this reaction.

Use protective mats at exterior doors to help prevent dirt and sand from getting on the floor.

Do not set potted plants directly on hardwood flooring.

Expect some shrinkage around heat vents or during seasonal weather changes.

Heels that have lost their protective cap, thus exposing the fastening nail, will mark your hardwood floors.

Exposure to direct sunlight can cause irreparable damage to hardwood floors.  Install and use window coverings in these areas.

Never use floor wax.

Heating System
Some popping or pinging sounds are the natural result of ductwork heating and cooling in response to air flow as the system operates.

Remember to change or clean the heating system filter every three months.  A clogged filter can slow air flow and cause cold spots in your home.  Although it takes less than one minute to change the filter, it is the most frequently overlooked detail of normal furnace care.  If you have a permanent, washable filter, you need to clean this monthly.

A new heating system may emit an odor for a few moments when you first turn it on. An established system may emit an odor after being unused for an extended time.  This is the result of dust that has settled in the ducts and should pass quickly.

Have a trial run early in the fall to test the furnace. If service is needed, it is much better to discover that before the heating season.

Heat Pump
As with any system, read the manufacturer’s literature and follow all instructions for the efficient operation of your heat pump system. Clean or replace filters once per month. Arrange professional service for your system at least once every two years.

Keep the outside unit clear of any materials (such as snow, ice, trash, leaves, etc.) that would interfere with air circulation across coils. 

Humidifier
Operate a humidifier only with the furnace, not with the air conditioner. Should you notice condensation on windows, the humidifier should be adjusted to a lower setting. Clean the moisture pad according to the manufacturer’s instructions and suggested timetable.

Insulation
As the last step in any work done in your attic (e.g. the installation of a television antenna), you should confirm that any insulation lays smooth and even.
Electrical outlets on exterior walls may emit noticeable amounts of cold air when outside temperatures are low.

Landscaping
The fertilizer applied with the initial seeding of your lawn will help it through the early growth period.  Your newly seeded lawn should be re-fertilized six to seven weeks following installation.  We recommend a routine fall and spring fertilization program to obtain the best results.

Make sure your lawn mowing blades are sharp and that the ground is not soggy as you mow.  Set the mower height to 3” to 4”.  Avoid raking newly seeded lawns and cut them regularly.

Part of the final grading process includes the raking of your lawn by a tractor that will remove large rocks and construction debris.  It is likely, however, that additional items may surface in your new lawn over time.  This is inevitable and the removal of such is a homeowner maintenance responsibility.

Viking Custom Homes has provided a landscaping package with your home that was designed and installed by a professional, experienced landscape subcontractor. All new plants should be watered well – especially during dry periods. Trees should be watered at least every 12-14 days.  Use caution to avoid over-watering as too much water can be as detrimental to new plantings as not enough.

Paint and Stain
All painted surfaces must be washed gently using mild soap and as little water as possible.

Regular attention to any exterior paint on your home will preserve it’s beauty and value.  Avoid having sprinklers spray water on any exterior paint – this will cause blistering, peeling and splintering.

For minor interior stain touch-up, a furniture polish and stain treatment is an inexpensive and simple solution that will blend in with the wood grain.

Always store paint with the lids tightly in place and in a location where it is not subjected to extreme temperature.

Plumbing
Faucet aerators – small, round, screened attachments commonly found screwed to the mouth of kitchen and bathroom lavatory faucets, require regular removal and cleaning.  We recommend that you clean them once per month in the first three months of occupancy and every three to four months thereafter.

Re-caulking and re-grouting will become necessary homeowner maintenance tasks based on the normal high moisture content found in bathrooms, the settling of your home over time, and the normal expansion and contraction of building materials. 

Never leave your home without heat during cold weather.

Be sure to cut off water supply lines to outside hose bibs during cold weather months. Drain these lines before cold weather and disconnect all hoses.

If a major plumbing leak occurs, the first step is to turn off the supply of water to the area involved.  Then, contact the appropriate trade contractor.

To stop running water in your toilet, check the shut-off float inside the tank.  Most likely, you will find it has lifted too high and has prevented the valve from shutting off completely.  In this case, gently bend the float rod down until it stops the water. 

Recommended maintenance should include replacing the flapper valve in the bottom of the tank annually.

If your home is equipped with a septic system, solids need to be periodically pumped out by a professional service – approximately every three years.

The use of white bathroom tissue is recommended for septic systems as dyes in colored tissue may not be fully biodegradable.
It is important that you understand the location of your septic field (see your plot plan) and never re-grade, plant trees or shrubs, drive or park heavy equipment near the system.

Your main water shut-off is usually located where the main water service pipe enters your home.  Use this shut-off for water emergencies such as a water line break.  Each toilet has a shut-off valve under the tank.

Roof
Occasionally, severe winds may lift shingles, but rarely will any permanent damage be done. In cold weather, the shingles may remain standing, but when the weather is warm, they often return to their normal positions. The roofing materials installed on your home are virtually maintenance free and should last for many years.

Limit walking on your roof as your weight and movement can loosen the roofing material and in turn result in leaks.
After severe storms, do a visual inspection of the roof for damages.  Notify your insurance company if you find pieces of shingle in the yard or shingle edges lifted on the roof.

Rough Carpentry
Some floor and stair squeaks are unavoidable and are caused by such contributing factors as humidity and furniture placement. Although we cannot warrant against floor squeaks, within the first year of occupancy a reasonable effort will be made to identify their cause and correct them.

Floors will deflect or bend when walked on. This will be more noticeable next to large pieces of furniture such as hutches or bookcases. This deflection is not a structural deficiency.                                       

Siding
Most homes feature some covering of vinyl siding. This siding expands and contracts in response to changes in humidity and temperature. Slight waves may become visible in siding and cannot be entirely eliminated.

Never clean vinyl siding with chemicals, steel wool, or wire brushes.

Smoke Detectors
For your safety, clean each detector monthly as directed by the manufacturer to prevent a false alarm or lack of response in a fire. 
Regularly push the test button to confirm the alarm is working.

If a low-volume, single beep occurs on occasion, the 9-volt battery back-up in your detector may require replacement.  Do not rely solely on your home’s electrical system to operate your smoke detectors – have fresh batteries in your detectors at all times.

Stairs
Vibrations and squeaks can occur in a staircase, regardless of the quality installation process used.  A shrinkage crack may also appear where the stair meets the wall. When this occurs, simply apply a thin bead of latex caulk and touch up the paint when dry.

We cannot warrant against stair vibration and squeaks, however, during the first year of occupancy, every effort will be made to identify their cause and correct them.

Ventilation
Daily habits can help to keep your home well-ventilated.

Do not cover or interfere in any way with the fresh air supply to your furnace.

Develop a habit of running the hood fan when you are cooking and change filters regularly.

Always use bath fans when bathrooms are in use.

Air your house by opening windows for a time when weather permits.

Inspect and replace filters regularly.

Wells
Your well has been tested by an independent, certified laboratory to be free of bacteria, nitrates, and turbidity. Other elements in the water such as iron or factors such as acidity or hardness may be present. You may desire to have an independent lab or outside company test your water should you feel the need after you move in.

Do not open your well cap for any reason.

We recommend that, as a precaution, you re-test your well for bacteria and nitrates once every two years.
Every well is embedded in rock that will sometimes emit sediment.  If, after 3-4 months, you are still noticing sediment in your toilet bowls, sink faucet aerators, and/or washing machine filters, you may wish to inquire about a filtration system.

Windows, Screens, and Patio Doors
In heavy rains, water may collect in the bottom channel of window frames.  Weep holes are provided there to allow excess water to escape to the outside.  Keep the bottom window channels and weep holes free of dirt and debris to ensure proper operation.

If a window sticks or excessive pressure is required to open or close it, apply a silicone lubricant such as those available at home centers or hardware stores.

Wood Trim
Shrinkage of wood trim occurs most commonly during the first two years of occupancy. Maintaining a moderate and stable temperature inside your home will help to minimize the effects of shrinkage.  Correction can usually be made with caulk and touch-up paint.

During your final walk-through we will confirm that wood trim is in acceptable condition. Viking Custom Homes will correct readily noticeable construction damage such as chips and gouges noted at this time.

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