Maintaining Your New Home

Maintaining Your New Home

Taking Care of The Finishes in your Home

The newly installed finishes in your home are designed to look great for generations to come – but to help them stay looking new and in top condition, routine maintenance will be required. Here is our best advice for taking care of these finishes:

Laminate Flooring

Do:

  • Wipe down your floors with a damp cloth or soft mop to bring out the flooring’s sheen.
  • Use a microfiber dust mop to remove pet hair.
  • Always use felt pads or wide base casters under all furniture to avoid dents
  • Monitor humidity in your home, as excessive humidity can damage your laminate flooring. You can purchase a hygrometer at your local hardware store to monitor the humidity level, which should rest between 40 and 50%.

Don’t:

  • Avoid using soap-based detergent when cleaning a spill, and never use harsh chemical cleaners on your laminate floor; these cleaners may cloud or discolor the floor’s finish.
  • Never use steel wool, scouring pads or sandpaper on your laminate floors.
  • Do not use polish or wax on these floors; these products designed for other flooring surfaces will only diminish the beauty of your laminate.

Cabinetry

Do:

  • Clean both cabinet exteriors and interiors with a mild soap solution on a damp, clean cloth, and then wipe with a damp water cloth. Using gentle cleaners is key to maintaining the finishes on your cabinetry
  • Immediately buff the surface dry with a dry, clean cloth.
  • Periodically check hinge screws and tighten them if required as part of your regular homeowner maintenance.

Don’t:

  • Do not clean with abrasive cleansers, strong detergents, steel wool, or other abrasive items. These will scratch the topcoat layers of the finishing materials used on cabinet surfaces.
  • Do not allow water to contact cabinet surfaces for more than a few minutes, and make sure that steam from cooking pots is redirected from cabinet doors – Excess water can damage the finish of your cabinetry. Although shelves are treated with a water-resistant topcoat, water or other liquids allowed to sit on the surface for a prolonged period may cause staining and/or bubbling – so be sure to wipe spills promptly. Always use your hood fan when using your stove top to avoid potential damage.

Quartz Countertops

Do:

  • Clean the surface with a little soap and water or a touch of mild detergent – in most cases, that’s all you will need.
  • For tougher blemishes, use non-abrasive cleaner such as Method Daily Granite alcohol or a mild degreaser can go a long way. Stuck-on materials like food, gum or nail polish can be scraped away with a plastic putty knife and any marks left by the blade can be easily removed with Method Daily Granite.
  • Rinse with cold water to wash away residue, and your surface is as good as new.

Don’t:

  • Don’t use highly acidic or alkaline cleaners, like acetone, oven cleaner, or bleach, to clean your countertops as they can dull the natural shine of the material
  • Similarly, don’t use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers on your counters as they can scratch the surface.
  • Avoid setting hot pots and pans directly onto the surface of your countertops, as extreme heat can lead to discolouration. Instead, use a trivet to help protect the surface.

Tile

Do:

  • Simple washing or mopping with hot water and a mild household detergent should wipe away any dirt on your tile. The hot water helps loosen any dirt that collects in the spill, and the detergent lifts any oily substance on the floor.
  • If a “once-over” is not enough to remove the spill, try a second pass over the floor with a sponge or mop.
  • After washing a ceramic tile floor, be sure to thoroughly rinse the floor with clean water. This will remove any detergent residue and prevent it from attracting more dirt to your floor.

Don’t:

  • On stubborn spills you can use a soft brush or synthetic scouring pad to loosen the spot, but do not use steel wool or a metal brush, as they may scratch the surface of the tiles.

Adi Advice

Mildew

Even in the tidiest homes, mildew can appear, especially in bathrooms, spa areas and pool decks. If you find mildew on your ceramic tile, use a simple solution of equal parts water and ammonia to remove it. Use a soft brush to clean away the mildew so you do not damage the tile or grout, and rinse the area thoroughly with clean water after the mildew is removed. Be sure the area is well ventilated when using the ammonia solution.

Grout Maintenance

If grout itself becomes stained or discolored overtime, it can be brightened by a good cleaning with diluted bleach (3 parts bleach to 1 part water). Use the edge of a sponge or a toothbrush for this job, and be careful to keep the bleach solution away from other surfaces. Alternatively, you can purchase a grout pen from most home improvement stores.

Mechanical Equipment

FOR TOWNHOMES:
Located in the unfinished basement area of your home, you will find your furnace, air handler, hot water tank, and sump pump. Your main water and gas shut-off valves are located in this area as well. You will also find your Air Conditioning condenser at the exterior of your new townhome. All of your mechanical equipment is covered under your statutory warranty, except for your Hot Water Tank – this is rented directly from EnerCare and is serviced directly by them. Call EnerCare toll-free at 1-855-642-8607.

FOR CONDOS:
All of the mechanical equipment servicing your unit is part of the main building mechanicals, and are maintained and serviced as part of your monthly maintenance fees. Each condo suite is outfitted with a fan coil, which brings warm or cool air into your suite from the main mechanical services in the building. Your fan coil has an air filter, which should be replaced regularly.

Your Appliances

Your appliance package includes a stainless-steel electric stove, range hood, fridge, and dishwasher in the kitchen, and a stacked washer and dryer in your laundry room. All the appliances in your home have a one-year warranty through Goemans Appliances. You also are entitled to extend the warranty with Goemans’ Performance Protection Plan at an exclusive price. You can contact builder.customerservice@goemans.com to learn more.

Safety Features in Your Home

Sprinklers in Your Unit

For your protection, in certain units there are sprinklers in the ceiling and walls. Some are covered with a white plate and some are exposed. There is a heat sensor on the tip of the sprinkler, which will trigger the sprinkler when it reaches a certain temperature. Be careful in brushing or dusting it, Be careful in dusting or potentially damaging the sprinkler in any way, as breaking the tip will set off the sprinkler. The sprinklers are localized, so that if one breaks, only that unit will be  set off. Please do not hide, cover or remove these, they are a vital safety system.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The in-unit smoke/carbon monoxide detector(s) is specific to your unit, and is not connected to the rest of the units in the condominium. If you encounter a fire, please call 911 and evacuate immediately.

Electrical

There is an independent breaker panel inside each unit. The panel provides power to your unit and is made up of several breakers. If you overload one of the outlets, the breaker will trip; however, unlike a fuse, you do not have to replace a breaker. If it trips, simply follow this simple procedure to restore power:

1. Unplug everything that was plugged into the outlets serviced by that breaker.

2. Locate the breaker that has tripped on the breaker panel. You’ll see that the breakers are a series of switches with ON and OFF positions. The tripped breaker will be set in the middle position between ON and OFF.

3. First turn the breaker to the OFF position and then turn it back ON. This will reset it and
power will be be restored to the outlets.

Note: Have a qualified electrician perform any electrical work. Installing any light fixture in your suite requires a licensed electrician. If electrical work is done by anyone other than a licensed electrician and there is any electrical damage or fire, you will deemed to be at fault and not covered under insurance.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

The electrical safety code requires GFCI outlets to be installed in all kitchens and bathrooms in new homes. In the event of an electrical short, the GFCI will stop flow of the electrical current through the circuit within fractions of a second to prevent further injury. If the GFCI trips when an appliance is used, the appliance may be defective and should be repaired and replaced. You should test the GFCI regularly to ensure that it is working properly by completing the following steps:

1. Make sure power is available as the circuit breaker must be ON in order to conduct the test. The reset button should always be pushed in.

2. To test the function of the reset button, push the test button and immediately, the reset button should pop up. If the reset button does not pop up, do not use the outlet and call an electrician to investigate further.

3. To restore power after a test – push reset button firmly into the device until an audible click is heard.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Electrical

No power to the outlet outside your unit – The GFCI receptacle may be tripped. The reset button is located on the receptacle itself. Otherwise, check the breaker on the main electrical panel.

No power to the kitchen or bathrooms – Reset the GFCI located on receptacles or check the breaker on main electrical panel.

Light fixture not working – If the light is on a 3-way switch, try both switches. Alternatively, check the breaker on the main electrical panel or if the light bulb needs replacing.

Light switch to the living room or bedroom does not work – This switch may be intended to power one receptacle for a lamp. The switch operates either the top or bottom section of the electrical outlet.

Outlet and switches do not work – Inspect the breakers on the main electrical panel.

Complete power loss – Report to property manager.

Plumbing

Hammer sound occurs when shutting off the faucet – This is common on single lever faucets when the main control valve is depressed very quickly. To prevent, turn the faucet off slowly.

Toilet appears to not flush properly – To lower water consumption, lowflush toilets have been installed. A good tip is to hold down the lever for a few extra moments when flushing.

Toilet runs on – Lift the tank lid and inspect that the chain or cord to the valve flapper has not come loose. If it has, you will need to re-attach the chain in the tank.

Ticking sounds coming from the walls – This is created from copper water pipes, drainpipes or heating/ cooling ducts which expand and contract when heating up or cooling down. This is a common occurrence.

Home Maintenance Checklist

Tarion has also developed Home Maintenance Checklist. Each checklist includes a monthly breakdown of items for inspection, and is intended to assist homeowners to set up a regular schedule of check-ups and clean-ups. Following these guidelines will help you keep your home in top condition!

Summer

June

  • Check air conditioning to see if properly functioning
  • Check condition of roof flashing to see it is sealed properly
  • Check garage and garage door tracks for deterioration and lubricate bearings
  • Check sealing around windows and doors for air or water leaks
  • Inspect water heater for leaks
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

July

  • Clean air conditioner
  • Check or clean exhaust fans
  • Check water heater for leaks
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

August

  • Clean or replace air conditioner filter
  • Inspect doors and locks for proper closure and locking
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Fall

September

  • Check exterior finishes for signs of deterioration (peeling paint, loose siding, cracks)
  • Check garage door tracks and lubricate bearings
  • Check caulking around windows and doors for air and water leaks
  • Check basement or crawl spaces for leaks or moisture
  • Have furnace and heat recovery ventilator (HRV) serviced
  • Clean and test clothes dryer vent
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

October

  • Check windows and screens for cracks or separations
  • Drain exterior water lines
  • Check condition of roof flashing to see it is sealed properly
  • Check weather stripping for damage or wear
  • Check sealing around windows and doors for air or water leaks
  • Winterize landscaping and remove leaves
  • Clean or replace furnace filter
  • Shut off exterior water supply
  • Check eavestroughs and downspouts for debris
  • Clean humidifier and check for condensation and proper humidity levels
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

November

  • Check, basement and crawl spaces for leaks or moisture
  • Inspect floor drains to ensure trap is filled with water
  • Clean or replace furnace filter
  • Check and clean the heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash or replace the filter;
  • Check for condensation and humidity
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Winter

December

  • Check air ducts for debris and clean if necessary
  • Check for excessive snow on roof and arrange for removal if necessary
  • Clean or replace furnace filter
  • Check and clean the heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash or replace the filter;
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

January

  • Clean or replace furnace filter
  • Check water heater for leaks
  • Check or clean exhaust fans
  • Remove snow and ice from roof overhang/vents
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

February

  • Clean or replace furnace filter
  • Check and ensure air intakes and exhausts are clear of snow
  • Remove snow and ice from roof overhang/vents
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)

Spring

March

  • Clean or replace furnace filter
  • Check air ducts, remove covers and vacuum dust from vents;
  • Check attic, basement and crawl spaces for leaks or moisture
  • Remove snow and ice from overhang and vents
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

April

  • Check eavestroughs and downspouts for debris
  • Clean or replace furnace filter
  • Inspect basement or crawl spaces for leaks or moisture
  • Check driveways and walks for frost damage
  • Inspect water heater for leaks
  • Turn on exterior water supply
  • Plan landscaping to avoid soil settlement and water ponding
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

May

  • Inspect fences
  • Check caulking around windows and doors for air or water leaks
  • Lubricate weatherstripping
  • Check exterior finishes for signs of deterioration (peeling paint, loose siding, cracks)
  • Check windows and screens are operating properly
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors