New homes built today reflect the highest construction standards and incorporate the latest building materials. All the components of new condominiums or houses are new, from the chimneys and furnaces down to the tiniest nails, so homeowners don’t usually have to worry about repairs or replacements for years to come.
You will, however, have to do some minor maintenance chores once in a while, just to keep everything looking as wonderful as it did on the day you moved in. Here are helpful tips recommended by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Some of the materials used in the construction of your new home contain high moisture levels, especially the concrete and framing lumber, and will spend a year or so “drying out.” As a result, you’ll see more condensation than normal on windows and walls, meaning you should run your ventilation and circulation fans quite often whenever your windows are closed. And don’t forget to check on the ventilation system itself now and then to ensure its efficient operation. The grills and filters will need regular cleaning.
As your new home settles and moisture evaporates, the interior wood trim will shrink a little and you may notice some joints at the corners of windows, doors and baseboards opening slightly. Plastic wood or putty are simple remedies. You might also need drywall compound to repair minor cracks which may appear on walls and ceilings as the wood behind the drywall shrinks as well. Many builders will repair cracks, open joints or nail pops that occur during the first year of ownership, but they will not repaint. It’s a good idea, therefore, to put off decorating plans for 12 months or so.
New carpeting should last for over 10 years, but it’s important to keep it clean. Mop up spills immediately and be sure to vacuum weekly. It’s also a good idea to steam clean once a year to remove deep-down dirt and oily residues.
Some of the exterior components of your home will be exposed to a lot of wear and tear from the summer sun and bitter winter weather. Doors, window frames, decks and wood trim will need to be repainted or stained every few years to remain clean and to be protected from moisture damage.
Exterior caulking is also susceptible to deterioration so be sure to check it annually and recaulk if necessary.
With regular maintenance the roof on your new home should last for many years; up to 20 for asphalt shingles and up to forty for wood shakes. After a heavy storm, however, it’s a good idea to check for loose, broken or missing shingles (it’s easiest to do this from the ground with a pair of binoculars). Have any damaged areas repaired right away so that potential leaks don’t have a chance to cause serious damage to other parts of the house.
Water damage can also be avoided with a twice-yearly cleaning of eavestroughs and downspouts. Removing obstructions such as leaves and twigs every spring and autumn will prevent rainwater from seeping down the walls of the house. The water should flow freely through the gutters and be directed a sufficient distance away from the building.
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation publishes helpful booklets on buying a home and a variety of other housing issues.
New Homes & Condos Magazine is an excellent source of housing information for those looking for information on new homes in Ontario, Canada. We offer the most up-to-date information on new communities across the Greater Toronto Area.
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Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information – 416-388-1960