Learn all about caring for your new home with OPUS Homes’ Construction Manager, Alex Reid.
With more than 15 years of experience building homes, Alex knows how to keep your home looking great and operating at peak efficiency.
OPUS Homes Construction Manager, Alex Reid shares his basic summer home maintenance tips. This is information you’ll want after buying a new home, to keep it in tip-top shape.
Windows
Starting inside your home, check your windows. Look for any rips or tears in your screens. You can easily buy a patch kit at your local hardware store. While you’re doing this, loosen up any tight window cranks and latches with a little silicone spray, and visually inspect the caulking around your windows to ensure a tight seal.
Optimal Humidity Levels
Monitor your home’s humidity with a hygrometer, which can be purchased at your local hardware store. Run your de-humidifier or humidifier, if necessary Keeping your home dry is imperative to avoid moisture build up, mold, and mildew. Optimal humidity levels should be at 35-45% throughout the year.
Garage Doors
The summer is the perfect time to lubricate your garage door and garage door opener if required. This will help prevent undue wear and tear and annoying squeaks as well.
Air Conditioning
Outside your home, visually inspect and clean your A/C unit. Clear any dirt and debris that could cause it to have to work harder to cool your home, and in extreme cases, can even cause your compressor to quit.
Hose Bib
Check your hose bib vacuum breaker and replace if it is leaking, or making a high-pitched noise. This piece of equipment is now installed on most homes under 5 years old. It prevents back flow of dirty water from your hose into your potable water pipes. When working properly, it protects the integrity of your home’s drinking water.
Roof and Flashing
Inspect your home’s roof and flashing and note any areas where water could potentially penetrate. Promptly repair any leaks, before they cause damage to the interior of your home. Hiring a professional for this is a good idea, as they have the appropriate safety equipment and experience.
Trees and Landscaping
You’ll also want to trim back trees and remove any plants that are touching your home’s foundation or exterior cladding.
Grass
If you are just moving into your new home, it’s possible your grass hasn’t been installed yet. You’ll receive a notice from your builder advising a time frame for when your grass will be installed.
Grass is delivered in large rolls, and is laid out just like a thick green rug. To help the roots take hold, you’ll be asked to keep it moist. Your builder will ask you to ensure that your exterior hose bib is turned on and made ready to water your new grass. Take care to follow directions carefully, as watering incorrectly can cause the grass to burn and die in the hot summer sun.
Fencing
Once your grass goes in and is growing beautifully, resist the urge to install your fence. You’ll want to make sure your lot has been properly inspected and approved before doing so. Certain sections of fencing as outlined in the subdivision agreement will be fenced by the developer. All other fencing between lots is between you – and your neighbour.
Check Local Bylaws
And always remember: before any building project, check with your municipality to confirm if you need a permit or other approvals. Doing this can save you money and headaches down the road.
These few items cover the basics of what you need to know during the summer. In the fall, we’ll look at switching over from cooling to heating in detail, and ways to minimize the effects of a harsh winter.
Remember to relax and enjoy Canada’s shortest season! You can find complete seasonal checklists here, or stay tuned, as we will bring you fall maintenance tips in just a couple months.
