Air Conditioning/Heating Thermostats Register Filters Inspection Gas Furnace Heat Pumps Appliances Attic Ventilation Bathtubs, Sinks and Showers Tile and Porcelain Enamel Acrylic Fiberglass Tubs and Showers Cabinets Carpeting Caulking Ceramic Tile Counter Tops Disposals

Doors Drains Driveways, Walkways and Patios Electrical Receptacles Electrical Service Entrance Electrical Troubleshooting Fireplaces Floor Tile Hardwood Floors Keys and Locks Landscaping Plumbing Roofs Screens Smoke Detectors Toilets Walls and Ceilings Water Heater Windows

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

Thermostats — The thermostat allows you to pick and chose the temperature which you are comfortable at and helps to keep your home evenly heated and cooled. Individual room temperature may vary and can be regulated by adjusting the registers in the various rooms. The temperature may also vary between floors as warm air rises. A second floor is likely to be warmer than a lower level, at the same time a basement is likely to be the coolest level in the home. If your home is heated by a heat pump your thermostat also may contain controls for converting from the cooling system to the heating system as well as the furnace setting. When the heat pump is being used it is not abnormal for the air coming out of the registers to be cool, it is still warming the home even if the air is cool to the touch. A heat pump should be set at a comfortable level and left there to increase its efficiency and ability to heat the home. The ASHRAE standard for heating states that the system shall be capable of producing an inside temperature of 70 degrees (heating) or 78 degrees (cooling) as measured in the center of each room at a height of 5 feet above the floor. If the outside temperature should be greater than 95 degrees, the cooling system may only be able to obtain a differentiation in temperature of 15 degrees.

Register — The registers regulate the flow of air and desired temperature within the home. Adjusting the opening of these registers or dampers (usually located next to the furnace unit) will determine how much air is let into the room, therefore determining the desired temperature. A combination of the thermostat, damper, and register settings will allow you to maintain your desired temperature. Your home is also equipped with air intakes (returns), it is important that these are kept clean and that nothing blocks the flow of air into them. We recommend that you never completely close a register when the furnace is on, this will cause the metal to oil can and create a possible popping noise.

Filters — Your air conditioning system is equipped with an air filter which helps to keep the air in your home clean. In some cases maintaining a clean filter can be the most important thing you do when maintaining your HVAC system. Air filters should be checked and changed regularly. Industry standards recommend that your filter be changed every 30-calendar days. Your filter is located on the furnace unit and is typically made of a paper type of cartridge, which can be purchased at your local home improvement store.

Inspection — Your HVAC system should be checked and maintained regularly. Many local companies offer a maintenance program which can both prolong the life of your equipment as well as decrease your heating and cooling costs. Our installer Prairie Center HVAC, (913) 829-6263, has an excellent program available and it is very affordable. Prairie Center also sells 3rd party warranty programs for your HVAC system which can give you up to 10years parts and labor.

Gas Furnace — Gas Furnaces have been in use for years, they are a wonderful way to heat your home. With a gas furnace you need to be aware of the danger of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a deadly colorless and odorless gas. Your furnace should be inspected yearly and properly maintained in order to minimize your exposure to carbon monoxide gas. Industry experts recommend the use of a carbon monoxide detector in your home when your gas furnace is in operation. Our installer Prairie Center HVAC, (913) 829-6263, has an excellent inspection program available and it is very affordable.

Heat Pumps — Heat Pumps work to efficiently heat your home by removing the warmth of the outside air and using it to warm the air inside your home. As a result, the warm air that comes out of your registers is often cool to the touch. Your home has been equipped with an electrical furnace as a back-up system. This should only be operated in extremely cold weather, roughly below 20 degrees. Heat Pumps can often times ice up or frost over in extremely cold conditions, there is no need to be alarmed with this condition, as the Heat Pump will defrost itself during its regularly scheduled defrost cycle.

APPLIANCES

Your appliances are accompanied by instruction manuals and registration cards. Read through them carefully. It is important that you fill out and mail all registration cards to ensure that you are eligible for any warranty repairs that may be needed in the future. If you should have a problem with one of your appliances be sure to do the following: Ensure that gas and/or electric service has not been interrupted, contact the appliance manufacturer with the provided phone numbers in the instruction manuals. American Dream Homes Inc. is not responsible for the service of your appliances unless they were improperly installed. Please do not contact American Dream Homes without first contacting the appliance manufacturer directly.

ATTIC VENTILATION

Your home has been designed with several different types of attic ventilation systems. On top of the roof you may find several different types of venting systems, make sure that these are always free of debris. The space under your roof, referred to as the soffit also contains vents that need to be free of debris. It is important that all of your attic vents are clean to ensure efficient heating and cooling as well as proper ventilation of your home.

BATHTUBS, SINKS AND SHOWERS

Tile and Porcelain Enamel — This type of surface is hard and smooth, it is also very delicate. Accidents or improper cleaning can easily cause scratches or chips in the surface. A blow from a heavy or sharp object will chip the surface. Shiny new fixtures can also be dulled or stained within a short time through improper or excessive use of strong abrasive cleaners. Be sure to check the instructions on the back of all cleaning chemicals to ensure they are safe for use on your fixtures.

Acrylic — Many of our homes are equipped with acrylic kitchen sinks which are resistant to chipping and scratching which is a problem associated with porcelain or cast iron sinks. Acrylic sinks, however, harder to chip have potential problems of their own. Make sure that warm water is run in the sink bowl before straining pasta or other items with boiling water as it can damage the surface. Never place a hot pan or pot directly in the sink without rinsing it off first with cool water, this can alter the surface of the sink dramatically and permanently damage it.

Fiberglass Tubs and Showers — It is recommended to never use powdered cleansers or any type of abrasive on fiberglass tubs and showers. Special fiberglass cleaners are available at most supermarkets. Dropping heavy or sharp objects on your fiberglass enclosures can damage the surface. Fiberglass repair kits are available at your local home improvement center and can easily be applied to most types of enclosures.

CABINETS

Kitchen and bathroom cabinets should never be cleaned with harsh abrasives. Wood cabinets may be cleaned like any other wood furniture item in your home. An excellent product for hiding minor nicks and scratches that occur over time in wood cabinetry is the Zenith Furniture Touch Up Stick. Occasional use of silicone spray lubricant on drawers and hinges is a good idea as well.

CARPETING

Your carpet should be vacuumed at least once a week using a powerful upright vacuum cleaner. The carpet in your home has been designed with some form of stain fighter, however all stains should be blotted up immediately. Many good quality stain and spot removers are available; however, it is suggested that you speak with a carpeting professional before using any cleaning chemical on your carpet.

CAULKING

Interior/Exterior caulking will separate and deteriorate as your home settles and dries out from the construction process. This is a situation that needs to be addressed immediately and monitored on a regular basis. Places of concern include areas around windows, doors and exterior trim, inside the home it includes areas around showers, tubs, and sinks. Moisture can work its way behind just about anything and cause serious problems. Be proactive as opposed to reactive, check areas in need of caulking regularly as the seasons change.

CERAMIC TILE

Ceramic tile floors can easily be maintained with damp mops. Many cleaning chemicals are available, however be sure they are safe on your particular type of tile. The grout used between ceramic tiles can be cleaned using a brush and a mild cleanser. It is highly recommended that you seal your grout to minimize the effects of staining and mildewing. Sealers are available to make the grout more resistant to stains and can be purchased at your local home improvement center.

COUNTER TOPS

The majority of the kitchen counter tops in our new homes are constructed of laminate materials. These products are sheet based and often times have a seam. This seam should not be disturbed as liquids can work themselves between the laminate and wood base damaging the counter top. Never place any hot pots or pans directly on the counter top. Tips to prolong the life of your counter tops:

1. Most spots, glass rings, etc. will usually wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. For more stubborn stains, we recommend Formica brand spray cleaner.
2. Never cut items directly on the counter top. They will scratch and knife marks can become unsightly hiding places for dirt. Use a cutting board when using any sharp objects on laminate counter tops.
3. Counter tops are not constructed for sitting. Excessive weight can cause warping, drawer malfunction and even cause the top to pull away from the wall.

To prevent leaks, be certain to monitor the condition of all caulking at countertops and repair immediately if separation or shrinkage should occur. If you have a ceramic tile countertop, see “Ceramic Tile” for care information. If you have a Corian® Countertop, please refer to the manufacturer’s care and maintenance information. Your bath vanity tops, and perhaps your bath sinks, are made of a cultured marble product. These products will scratch and burn if mistreated, so treat them gently. Always be especially careful with razor blades, manicure equipment and bathroom appliances. Care for your cultured marble with any good quality, non-abrasive bathroom cleaner. If hard water minerals collect, they may be removed with a mild ammonia solution of one tablespoon to each quart of water. Caulking of the vanity tops is an important part of homeowner maintenance, and should be monitored.

DISPOSALS (FOOD WASTE)

Food should not be deposited into an inactivated disposal and the unit then turned on. The disposal will provide more effective disposing action if cold water is running and the unit is turned on prior to depositing food into it. When the unit is running, cold water should be used. On occasion a medium amount of ice cubes can be deposited into the disposal and chopped up. This has a cleaning action on the blades and exit areas of the disposal. If the disposal is jammed:

1. Turn off the switch for the disposal before trying to unclog. (Unplug)
2. Use the allen wrench provided. (If it is equipped with one)
3. Remove whatever has jammed the disposal.
4. Press the reset button which is located on the bottom of the disposal (if it is equipped with one), and the unit should be ready to function again.

DOORS

Doors can cause minor problems. However, most door problems can be handled with minimum skill. Sticking caused by shrinkage and swelling is the most common problem with doors, and it is a common characteristic in new homes. If the sticking is caused by swelling in damp weather, use sandpaper to sand the edge that binds. If the sticking is the result of uneven alignment, which can occur as your home settles, check to see that the hinge screws are tight and holding properly. If they are tight and the door is still out of alignment, sand or plane the edge that binds. Always paint or varnish any areas that have been sanded or planed to protect those areas from moisture and further swelling. Exterior doors should be painted or varnished whenever the house is painted. Always keep the tracks clean of debris. A very small amount of oil is also recommended on a periodic basis, at both the bottom of the door and the lock mechanism. Silicone lubricant is good for the tracks. Bi-fold and by-pass closet doors and “pocket” doors have more complicated mechanics than a hinged door. Gentleness is the key when operating each type. No up or down pressure should be applied. In the case of bi-fold doors, pull toward you when opening and let the door open itself. With sliding “pocket” doors, gently pushing in the direction the door moves is all that is necessary. Bi-fold and by-pass closet doors have adjustment areas should they become difficult to operate or jump from their tracks. These are easily found on the rear side of the doors. Also, these types of doors are installed in matched sets. If you should remove the doors for any reason, be sure to put each section back in its original position.

The moving parts of garage doors should be oiled about every three months. The screws and bolts that fasten the hardware to any wood areas should be tightened in about a year because the wood shrinks a little as it ages and dries out.

DRAINS

Each plumbing fixture in your home has a drain trap, a J-shaped piece of pipe designed to provide a water barrier between your home and the danger of sewer gas. The trap holds water, which prevents sewer gas from entering the house. If any fixture is used infrequently, it should be turned on occasionally to replace water that has evaporated.

Traps, because of their shapes, are also the point at which drains are most likely to become clogged. When the drain pipe from a sink, shower, or tub stops up, first use a plunger. Working the plunger up and down 10 to 20 times will build up pressure in the pipe and should clear the clogged area. Be sure to plug the overflow outlet, if there is one, with a piece of old cloth, and close the other drain when working on a double sink. If the plunger doesn’t work, try using a plumber’s snake, which can be rented or purchased at a home improvement store. If the drain can be partly opened with the plunger or snake, boiling hot water (no hotter than 140 degrees for plastic pipe) may finish the job. If not, you can open the trap under the fixture. Put a bucket or pan under it to catch water. A piece of wire may help dislodge the blockage. The snake can also be run in at this point.

WARNING: We do not recommend the use of chemical drain cleaners of any kind. Please contact a Professional Plumber if you are unable to mechanically clear the drain.

PREVENTION: To avoid stopped up drains, a cardinal rule is never to pour grease into a drain or toilet. Ordinary washing soda (not baking soda) added to a drain on a regular basis will help keep it clear of grease from soap and cooking utensils. Run hot water through the drain, turn off the water, add 3 tablespoons of washing soda, and follow it with just enough hot water to wash it down the drain opening. Let it set for 15 minutes and run more hot water.

SPECIAL NOTE: Your food waste disposal has special instructions to avoid stoppage, blockage and heavy grease buildup. Refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual for details. (See “Plumbing” and “Toilets.”)

DRIVEWAYS, WALKS AND PATIOS

All driveways, walks and patios in American Dream Homes are constructed of concrete. We have provided contraction and expansion control joints to minimize cracking; however, cracking is one of the characteristics of concrete and entirely eliminating cracks is next to impossible. Unanticipated cracking sometimes occurs from unforeseeable conditions, such as severe frost or changes in homesite grade which prevents proper runoff from rain or watering. Ordinarily, the cracks are of no serious consequence. Minor repairs can be made by following these steps:

1. Roughen the edges of the crack if they are smooth.
2. Clean out loose material and dirt.
3. Fill the crack with patching cement slightly higher than the crack to allow for shrinkage.
4. When the cement has partly set, remove excess cement with a wire brush. At this stage the surface of the cement appears sandy. You should consider sealing your concrete surfaces with a good quality sealer. This will protect the surface and the finish from water, road salt, or oil stains.

WARNING: You should never apply salt/ice melt to concrete, as all ice melts will deteriorate the surface of concrete. We recommend the use of sand to help provide additional traction and slip prevention.

ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLES

The wiring in every American Dream Home meets the code requirements and safety standards for the normal use of electrical appliances. Normally, small appliances, may be plugged into any electrical receptacle without overloading a circuit. However, the use of large appliances, or of many small appliances on the same circuit, may cause an overload of the circuit and trip a breaker. This is especially true of electric space heaters. If this happens frequently, contact a reliable electrical contractor to learn whether additional wiring is needed to meet your requirements.

Most municipal electrical codes now require bathroom and exterior outlets, as well as those in unfinished portions of the basement, to be wired to breakers, which utilize Ground Fault Interrupter Circuits (GFI). These circuits are very sensitive and any undue resistance or overload will trip the breakers. Do not use heavy appliances or more than one appliance at a time on these circuits. We never recommend that any appliance which stores spoilable food to be plugged into a GFI circuit. Never plug refrigerators or freezers into a GFI outlet (See “ Electrical Service Entrance” and “ Electrical Troubleshooting.”)

ELECTRICAL SERVICE ENTRANCE

All electrical wiring and equipment is protected by circuit breakers. They are the safety devices of your electrical system. The electrical service entrance, which provides power to the service panel, has been designed for the electrical needs of your home. Do not tamper with this cable. Every home has a master circuit breaker located in the service panel box along with smaller circuit breakers. When the master breaker is tripped the electricity in your home is cut off. Circuit breakers may be reset by first switching the breaker to FULL OFF and then back to FULL ON, waiting a second between the two.

ELECTRICAL TROUBLESHOOTING

Refer to the following checklist BEFORE reporting electrical problems:

1. If receptacles won’t work, check to be certain the circuit breaker has not been tripped. If so, reset it.
2. If individual ceiling lights or lamps do not come on, check the bulb in another fixture. If the bulb is good, check the circuit breaker to see if it is tripped and reset if necessary. Also, check for wall switches that may be turned off.
3. If your disposal or dishwasher won’t operate; first, for the disposal, push the reset button located on the disposal. Second, if your appliances are designed to be plugged in (some are directly wired), check to be sure both appliances are plugged into the proper receptacle. The duplex receptacle under your sink is specially wired with one outlet for the dishwasher and one for the disposal (connected to a wall switch). Also check the circuit breaker.
4. If an electric water heater won’t function, check the circuit breaker. If that’s no help, turn the power off and push the reset button located under the water heater access cover.
5. If your oven won’t heat, refer to the manufacturer’s manual to be certain you are properly operating the time controls. Sometimes this can be tricky. Also check the circuit breaker.
6. If an outlet sparks when plugged into, be certain the appliance is off before plugging in. If it still sparks, try another outlet. If you get sparks from a second outlet the problem is normally in the appliance cord. If you do not get sparks, have the receptacle inspected. Also, sparks from wall switches should be checked by an electrician.
7. If a wall switch or receptacle is hot to the touch, you should immediately trip the circuit breaker serving that fixture and contact an electrician. (See “Electrical Receptacles” and “Electric Service Entrance.”

FIREPLACES

The majority of our homes feature direct vent gas fireplaces. These fireplaces do put off a heat which can be used to help heat the home, however it is relatively expensive to heat using the fireplace. The flame and intensity of the flame is typically controlled under the fireplace by switches or valves. It is not uncommon for the fireplace to smoke or put of odor during the first few hours of operation, this problem is not harmful and is typical of new fireplaces.

FLOOR TILE

Your home may contain a vinyl sheet flooring that we call resilient flooring. Regular care to resilient floors is necessary in order to remove loose dirt with a broom, dust mop, or vacuum. Wipe up spills immediately, but, if a spill dries, remove it with a damp sponge, cloth or mop.

To clean resilient floors, use a good detergent diluted as recommended by the manufacturer. Use just enough mechanical action with a mop, cloth or floor scrubber to loosen dirt. Then take up the cleaning solution, rinse the floor and let it dry.

NOTE: High heel shoes or furniture legs without floor protectors will cause damage to any floor covering, especially resilient. Most scuff marks can easily be removed, however, caution is needed to prevent small rocks and debris from being ground into the floor.

HARDWOOD FLOORS

If you have hardwood floors in your home, you should consult your Manufacturer/Installers guide for care tips. Wood will expand and contract as weather changes, and it may shrink under extreme dryness or swell under extreme humidity. Take precaution when cleaning these floors making sure to use the manufacturers recommended solutions.

KEYS AND LOCKS

No key used during the course of construction of your new home will operate the locks after you have taken possession. Most exterior hardware comes finished with a sealant. Often times this sealant can wear, and tarnishing will occur. To minimize this condition a regular cleaning and clear lacquer application will prolong the look of the hardware. Passage door hardware in any home can work loose through use. In the event a doorknob or privacy lock should become inoperative, it is usually because looseness has allowed the interior mechanism to slip out of place. Removal and reinstallation of the fixture (a simple process) will usually correct the problem. Doors with key-type hardware are more complicated and usually require the services of a locksmith. Periodic application of powdered graphite or silicone spray to keyholes and lock mechanisms can help to keep them operating smoothly.

LANDSCAPING

The grade of your lot was established by professional engineers and city staff to provide drainage away from the home (and, in some areas, a certain amount of water retention on the lot). Should you wish to change the drainage pattern, as part of a landscape arrangement, be sure a proper drainage slope is maintained. When adding fill dirt, do not fill above the top of the foundation and always allow a 6 inch minimum between the dirt and any siding; otherwise, water may enter the joint between the footing and the wall material or cause decay of wood. When watering your lawn, do not allow sprinklers to spray against the exterior walls of your home. Remember that proper care of the sod or seeded areas of your lawn are essential to ensure adequate health and growth.

PLUMBING

Your plumbing has been installed by a professional and generally should need only minimum maintenance for a number of years if you care for it properly. If any problem does arise, tend to it promptly to prevent a bigger, and often more costly problem.

Your home has been equipped with various water supply shutoff valves in your plumbing system, be sure to know how to locate them. The main shutoff valve is normally located in the basement where the copper pipe comes through the foundation wall.

Faucets, like all plumbing fixtures with moving parts, are apt to require more repair than non-moving fixtures. The less strain you put on your faucets, the less frequently they need repair.

Cleaning the aerators will be the most frequent task in maintaining your faucets. This attachment to the faucet adds air to the water as its leaves the faucet, reduces splashing, and provides some savings because less water is used. To clean an aerator, unscrew it from the mouth of the faucet, remove any debris, remove and rinse the washer and screens, replace them in their original order, and replace the unit on the faucet mouth. These should be cleaned every three or four months.

Leaking faucets generally can be fixed by replacing the faucet’s washer or washers. Plumbing pipes can and will make noises at times. It is not unusual to hear water running through the drain pipes between your walls. Expansion and contraction of the water supply lines can make a clicking noise. A loud banging noise when the water pipes are in use is a situation that would require the attention of a professional plumber.

ROOFS

Your roof will give years of service if it is properly maintained. Flashings seal places where the roof abuts walls, chimneys, valleys or where two roof slopes meet. If a leak should occur, call a qualified roofer to make the repairs. If it is repaired as soon as the roofing material has dried, the cost will be far less than if the job is postponed.

SCREENS

The window screens in your home are constructed of fiberglass. They require minimal maintenance, however, a gentle washing and hosing about once a year is recommended.

SMOKE DETECTORS

Check your smoke detectors every 30 days for proper operation. The alarm should sound when you push and hold the test button. The smoke detector is hard wired to your electrical system and also includes a nine volt battery backup. Make sure the battery is changed in all smoke detectors every 6 months (or when the time changes) In the event the electricity is cut off, your system will still be in use. The smoke detector will sound off to inform you that battery replacement is necessary.

TOILETS

Never flush hair, grease, lint, diapers, rubbish, facial tissues, etc. down the toilet drain. Such waste stops up the toilet and sanitary sewer lines. A variety of commercial cleaners are made especially for the toilet. If the water tank appears to leak, it may only be condensation forming on the outside of the tank and dripping to the floor.

WALLS AND CEILINGS

The interior walls of your home are constructed of gypsum wallboard, sometimes known as drywall. They will last without undue maintenance for the life of your home. As new homes go through a normal shrinkage process, minor cracks will appear in the drywall. No repairs should be attempted until the room is ready to be repainted. At that time, fill the cracks with spackling compound (available from any paint or hardware store), smooth it out with fine sandpaper, and then repaint the entire surface.

This normal shrinking will also cause nail or screw pops. The framing studs and the wallboard shrink away from the nail or screw and leave it sticking out beyond the surface of the wallboard. Popped nails do not alter the strength of the wall. The nail should simply be reset, and the resulting dimple respackled and repainted.

The interior walls and ceilings of your home have been decorated with quality paint products. They should give you long service if properly cared for. The painted walls are not meant to be scrubbed. Gentle cleaning with a mild soap should remove most spots. If you have acoustical ceilings they can be gently vacuumed to remove collected dust. They may even be repainted if absolutely necessary, although it is very messy job and should be avoided if possible. The best insurance against repainting is to keep your furnace and air conditioning filters clean, to use the exhaust fans over your range and in the bathrooms, and to quickly vacuum dust as it collects.

A word of caution: Be very careful to locate a ceiling joist in which to attach hardware for heavy hanging plants, and lamps. The drywall used in your ceiling is not designed to support any weight.

WATER HEATER

Water heaters normally collect small quantities of hard water deposits and dirty water. This can easily be removed by opening the valve at the bottom of the heater and allowing the tank to drain itself clean, be sure to turn off the power to your water heater first. Once you have drained the heater, you should refill and drain again. The rushing water which refills the tank will dislodge any particles clinging to the side of the tank and then you can flush them out.

All water heaters, whether gas or electric, have a control mechanism to govern water temperature. The dial should be set at l30 degrees for an electric heater and on NORMAL for a gas heater. This is especially important for the proper operation of your dishwasher. Too little heat will cause your dishes to not get clean; too much heat will “bake” dirt to the dishes. Every three or four months you should check the temperature and pressure relief valve on your water heater to be sure the lever works properly. If the thermostat should fail to work, this valve would prevent a dangerous increase in water temperature and pressure.

WINDOWS

Your home has been built with high quality vinyl windows. Vinyl windows are low maintenance and have long life extended warranties. It is important to check the caulking around trim around windows on a seasonal basis as well as the caulking seal around the glass of the window frame. This simple task will help prevent water leaks. The vinyl frame of the window can easily be cleaned with a mild soap and water, as well as the glass. It is very important to keep the drains on your windows clean of dirt and debris. Seasonally you should check these small slits in the window frame and make sure that they are clear and that water can easily run through them. A small wire or pipe cleaner can help dislodge debris in these drains.

To lubricate, use a silicone lubricant available in aerosol form at any hardware store. Depending on the temperature and humidity extremes, vinyl windows will characteristically sweat or form condensation inside the home. This is a normal condition and can usually be regulated by the amount of humidity present in your home.