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Learn all about caring for your new home with OPUS Homes’ Construction Manager, Alex Reid.<\/p>\n
With more than 15 years of experience building homes, Alex knows how to keep your home looking great and operating at peak efficiency.<\/p>\n
OPUS Homes Construction Manager, Alex Reid shares his basic summer home maintenance tips. This is information you\u2019ll want after buying a new home, to keep it in tip-top shape.<\/p>\n
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Windows<\/strong><\/p>\n Starting inside your home, check your windows. \u00a0Look for any rips or tears in your screens. You can easily buy a patch kit at your local hardware store. While you\u2019re 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. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_video link=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=NYt6Ys9xLJU” align=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Optimal Humidity Levels<\/strong><\/p>\n Monitor your home\u2019s humidity with a hygrometer, which can be purchased at your local hardware store. Run your de-humidifier or humidifier, if necessary \u00a0 Keeping your home dry is imperative to avoid moisture build up, mold, and\u00a0mildew.\u00a0 Optimal humidity levels should be at 35-45% throughout the year.<\/span><\/p>\n Garage Doors<\/strong><\/p>\n The summer is the perfect time to lubricate your garage door and garage door opener if required. \u00a0This will help prevent undue wear and tear and annoying squeaks as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Air Conditioning<\/strong><\/p>\n Outside your home, visually inspect and clean your A\/C unit.\u00a0 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. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Hose Bib<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 It prevents back flow of dirty water from your hose into your potable water pipes.\u00a0 When working properly, it protects the integrity of your home\u2019s drinking water. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Roof and Flashing<\/strong><\/p>\n Inspect your home\u2019s roof and flashing and note any areas where water could potentially penetrate.\u00a0 Promptly repair any leaks, before they cause damage to the interior of your home.\u00a0 Hiring a professional for this is a good idea, as they have the appropriate safety equipment and experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Trees and Landscaping<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019ll also want to trim back trees and remove any plants that are touching your home\u2019s foundation or exterior cladding. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Grass<\/strong><\/p>\n If you are just moving into your new home, it\u2019s possible your grass hasn\u2019t been installed yet. You\u2019ll receive a notice from your builder advising a time frame for when your grass will be installed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Grass is delivered in large rolls, and is laid out just like a thick green rug.\u00a0 To help the roots take hold, you\u2019ll be asked to keep it moist.\u00a0 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Fencing<\/strong><\/p>\n Once your grass goes in and is growing beautifully, resist the urge to install your fence.\u00a0 You\u2019ll want to make sure your lot has been properly inspected and approved before doing so.\u00a0 Certain sections of fencing as outlined in the subdivision agreement will be fenced by the developer.\u00a0 All other fencing between lots is between you – and your neighbour. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Check Local Bylaws<\/strong><\/p>\n And always remember: before any building project, check with your municipality to confirm if you need a permit or other approvals.\u00a0 Doing this can save you money and headaches down the road.<\/span><\/p>\n These few items cover the basics of what you need to know during the summer.\u00a0 In the fall, we\u2019ll look at switching over from cooling to heating in detail, and ways to minimize the effects of a harsh winter. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember to relax and enjoy Canada\u2019s shortest season!\u00a0 You can find complete seasonal checklists here<\/a>, or stay tuned, as we will bring you fall maintenance tips in just a couple months. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] 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 … <\/p>\n