I. MASONRY AND CONCRETE
|
| POTENTIAL PROBLEM |
  |
COMMENTS |
  |
BUILDER'S OBLIGATION |
A) Concrete foundation wall cracks
|
  |
Shrinkage or settlement cracks are common and should be expected within
certain tolerances.
|
  |
Any cracks greater than 1/8 inch in width will be repaired by surface patching
or epoxy injection at Builder's discretion; Builder is not responsible for color
variations.
|
B) Cracks in block or veneer walls (blocks, bricks, and mortar
joints)
|
  |
Settlement cracks are common and should be expected within certain
tolerances.
|
  |
Any Cracks greater than 3/8 inch in width will be repaired by surface patching
or pointing at Builder's discretion; Builder will not be responsible for color
variations.
|
C) Cracks in concrete basement floors
|
  |
Shrinkage (hairline) cracks are common and should be expected within certain
tolerances.
|
  |
Any cracks greater than 1/4 inch in width or 1/8 inch vertical displacement
will be repaired by surface patching other remedies.
|
D) Vertical or horizontal movement of concrete slabs at joints
|
  |
Concrete slabs are engineered to move at expansion and contraction
joints.
|
  |
None.
|
E) Cracks in attached garage slab
|
  |
Shrinkage cracks are common and should be expected within certain
tolerances.
|
  |
Cracks exceeding 1/4 inch in width or 1/4 inch in vertical displacement will
be repaired by patching or other remedies
|
F) Concrete floors in rooms designed for living having pits, depressions or
unevenness
|
  |
Slopes purposefully created for drainage are not covered.
|
  |
If the unevenness exceeds 1/4 inch in a 32 inch measurement, it will be
corrected.
|
G) Concrete slab cracks which cause finished floor coverings to
rupture
|
  |
  |
  |
The problem will be corrected so that the defect is not readily
noticeable.
|
H) Powdering, scaling or pitting of concrete (aggregate showing or
loose)
|
  |
If the problem is caused by erosion due to salt, chemicals or unusual weather,
the Builder is not responsible.
|
  |
If the deterioration occurs under normal use and conditions, the Builder will
repair it.
|
I) Settling, heaving, or separating of stoops, steps or garage
floors
|
  |
Stoops, steps or garage floors shall not settle, heave or separate in
excess of 1 inch from the house structures.
|
  |
Builder will take whatever corrective action is required to meet these
standards.
|
J) Standing water on stoops
|
  |
Water should drain from outdoor stoops and steps. The possibility of minor
water standing on stoops for a short period after rain can be anticipated.
|
  |
Builder shall take corrective action to assure drainage of steps and
stoops.
|
II. LOT GRADING AND DRAINAGE
|
A) Ground settlement around foundation and utility trenches
|
  |
Ground settlement may occur but should not disrupt water drainage from the
house. In all cases, the Purchaser is responsible for the removal and
replacement of shrubs, grass, etc.
|
  |
If the final grading was performed by the Builder, he will replace fill in
excessively settled areas only once.
|
B) Lot drainage not functioning properly
|
  |
Water should no stand in yard for 24 hours nor in swales for 48 hours
after the introduction of water to the area (i.e., from rainfall, sump pump
discharge, sprinklers). No decision regarding coverage will be made while
frost or snow exists on the ground or while the ground is saturated.
|
  |
The Builder is responsible for establishing the proper grades and swales;
after that, the Purchaser is responsible for maintaining them.
|
III. FOUNDATION AND WATERPROOFING
|
A) Water leaking into basement
|
  |
Dampness of floors and walls is common and not covered by this warranty.
The Builder will not be responsible if the cause is improper landscaping,
maintenance or negligence by the Purchaser.
|
  |
Actual leakage of water (actual flow and accumulation) into the basement
will be corrected.
|
IV. CARPENTRY (ROUGH-IN)
|
A) Walls which bulge, bow or are out-of-plumb
|
  |
All interior and exterior walls have minor differences.
|
  |
Walls bowing more than 1/4 inch within any 32 inch horizontal or
vertical measurement will be repaired.
|
V. INSULATION
|
A) Insufficient insulation
|
  |
Insulation shall be installed in accordance with applicable energy and
Builder's code requirements.
|
  |
Builder will install insulation to meet this standard.
|
VI. ROOFING
|
A) Roof leaking
|
  |
The rook should not leak and no leaks should arise from flashing, except
where snow and ice are allowed to build up. Prevention of snow and ice
buildup is the Purchaser's responsibility.
|
  |
All roof and flashing leaks not caused by snow and ice buildup or other
neglect by the Purchaser will be repaired. The Builder is not responsible
for color variations.
|
B) Leaks in gutters and downspout leaders
|
  |
Gutters and leaders should not leak. However, during heavy rains,
overflow should be expected. The Purchaser is responsible for keeping
gutters and leaders open and free from debris.
|
  |
Leaks not caused by Purchaser's neglect will be repaired.
|
C) Water stays in gutters
|
  |
Purchaser is responsible for keeping gutters and leaders open and free from
debris.
|
  |
Builder will repair so that if free from debris, the standing water depth
will not exceed 1 inch.
|
D) Insufficient attic or roof ventilation
|
  |
The applicable building codes will control.
|
  |
Builder will correct to meet the applicable code requirements.
|
VII. SIDING AND CAULKING
|
A) Faulty workmanship trim.
|
  |
Separation between siding, masonry, and trim should not exceed 3/8 inch.
In all cases, siding, trim, and masonry should be capable of performing its
function to exclude the elements.
|
  |
Builder will repair by caulking or other methods.
|
B) Leakage of elements through attic louvers, vents and ridge or soffit
vents
|
  |
Even if vents are installed according to building codes, driving snow or rain
may enter. This is not a defect.
|
  |
Builder will correct to meet the applicable code requirements.
|
C) Wall leaks due to caulking shrinkage
|
  |
All caulking shrinks and replacement is a Purchaser's maintenance
item.
|
  |
Any junctions and separations of wall surfaces that cause water
leakage will be recaulked once to correct water leakage.
|
D) Delamination of veneer siding or joint separation
|
  |
All siding shall be installed according to the manufacturer's and industry's
accepted standards. Separations and delaminations shall be repaired or
replaced.
|
  |
Builder will repair or replace siding as needed unless caused by Homeowner's
neglect to maintain siding properly. Repaired area may not match in color
and/or texture. For surfaces requiring paint, Builder will paint only the new
materials. The Homeowner can expect the newly painted surface will not match
the original color.
|
VIII. PAINTING
|
A) Exterior paint or stain peels, deteriorates or fades
|
  |
Exterior paints or stains should not fail during the first year of the Limited
Warranty period. However, fading is normal and the degree is dependent on
climate conditions.
|
  |
If paint or stain is defected, Builder will properly prepare and refinish
affected areas, matching color as closely as possible. Where finish
deterioration affects the majority of the wall area, the whole area
will be refinished.
|
B) Painting required as corollary repair because of other work
|
  |
Repairs required under this Limited Warranty shall be finished to match
surrounding areas as closely as practicable.
|
  |
Builder will finish repair areas as indicated.
|
C) Deterioration of varnish or lacquer finishes
|
  |
Natural finishes on interior shall not deteriorate during the first year of
the Limited Warranty period. However, varnish type finishes used on the
exterior will deteriorate rapidly and are not covered by the Limited
Warranty.
|
  |
Builder will retouch affected areas of natural finish interior woodwork,
matching the color as closely as possible.
|
D) Mildew or fungus on painted surfaces
|
  |
Mildew or fungus will form on a painted surface if the structure is
subject to abnormal exposures (i.e., rainfall, lake, or riverfront).
|
  |
Mildew or fungus formation is a condition the Builder cannot control and is
a Homeowner maintenance item.
|
IX. CHIMNEYS AND FIREPLACES
|
A) Not enough draw or down draft
|
  |
Trees too close to the chimney or high winds can cause down drafts. Some homes
are extremely air-tight and a window may have to be opened slightly in order
to create an effective draft.
|
  |
If the problem is caused by improper construction or design, it will be
corrected.
|
B) Chimney separated from structure
|
  |
Some minor separation is normal and should be expected within certain
tolerances.
|
  |
Separation in excess of 1/2 inch in any 10 foot measurement will be corrected
by caulking or other measures.
|
C) Cracking of firebrick
|
  |
It is expected that heart from fires will cause cracking
|
  |
Cracks in brick veneer greater than 1/4 inch in width will be repaired by
pointing or patching.
|
D) Fireplace brick veneer cracking
|
  |
Some cracking is common and should be expected with certain
tolerances.
|
  |
Cracks in brick veneer greater than 1/4 inch in width will be repaired by
pointing or patching.
|
E) Creosote or resin build-up or creosote seepage through chimney
|
  |
Creosote seepage is caused by the build-up of creosote in the chimney flue
which is the direct result of the materials and manner in which the fireplace
or stove is utilized. Burning of non-seasoned wood or improper operation will
greatly enhance this situation. Chimney flues should be cleaned
regularly.
|
  |
Builder is responsible for constructing the chimney to meet code requirements.
Since the Builder does not have control of the materials and methods used in
operating, he is not responsible for any defects caused by anything other
than a code violation in construction.
|
X. WINDOWS AND DOORS
|
A) Warpage of doors-passage and closet
|
  |
Some warping, especially of exterior doors is normal and is caused by surface
temperature changes. Such warping, however, should not cause the doors to
become unusable or allow entrance of the elements, and should not exceed
National Woodwork Manufacturers Association Standards (i.e., 1/4 inch measured
corner to corner diagonally).
|
  |
Defective doors will be repaired or replaced and the finish matched as closely
as possible.
|
B) Shrinkage of door panels
|
  |
Expansion and contraction is normal and may cause unfinished surfaces to
appear.
|
  |
None.
|
C) Door panel splits
|
  |
Expansion and contraction is normal and may cause unfinished surfaces to
appear.
|
  |
If the split allows the entrance of light, it will be repaired. The Builder
will match the finish as closely as possible.
|
D) Glass breakage
|
  |
This is not covered by your warranty. You should inspect your property and
bring any glass breakage to the Builder's attention prior to
occupancy.
|
  |
None.
|
E) Garage door malfunctions
|
  |
Maintenance is Purchaser's responsibility.
|
  |
The door will be repaired and adjusted to function as designed, except
where cause of malfunction is determined to be Homeowner action or
negligence.
|
F) Rain or snow enters through garage door
|
  |
Some entrance of the elements should be expected.
|
  |
The door will be adjusted to meet the manufacturer's specifications.
|
G) Malfunction of windows
|
  |
Windows shall operate with reasonable ease, as designed.
|
  |
Builder will correct or repair as required.
|
H) Condensation and/or frost on windows
|
  |
Windows will collect condensation on interior surfaces when extreme temperature
differences and high humidity levels are present. Condensation is usually the
result of climatic/humidity conditions, created by the Homeowner.
|
  |
Unless directly attributed to faulty installation, window condensation is a
result of conditions beyond the Builder's control. No corrective action
required.
|
I) Air infiltration around doors and windows
|
  |
Some infiltration is normally noticeable around doors and windows, especially
during high winds. Poorly fitted weatherstripping shall be adjusted or
replaced. It may be necessary for the Homeowner to have storm doors and
windows installed to provide satisfactory solutions in high-wind
areas.
|
  |
Builder will adjust or correct poorly fitted doors, windows and poorly fitted
weatherstripping.
|
XI. INTERIOR WALLS AND TRIM
|
A) Faulty workmanship trim
|
  |
Some separations in moldings between moldings and adjacent surfaces (including
casement, base, etc.) is normal and should be expected within certain
tolerances.
|
  |
Separation in excess of 1/4 inch will be repaired by caulking or other
methods.
|
B) Walls or ceiling cracks
|
  |
Hairline cracks and seams or tape cracks, along with other slight imperfections
are normal and should be expected within certain tolerances. Nail pops are
common and are due to contraction and expansion of lumber products. They are
beyond the Builder's control and are not covered by this warranty.
|
  |
Cracks exceeding 1/8 inch in width will be repaired once. The Builder is
responsible for repainting only the affected area attempting to closely match
the existing paint. Entire walls or ceilings will not be repainted. (Homeowner
should save the touch-up paint provided at closing).
|
C) Cracking of ceramic tile
|
  |
Cracking of grout joints is common and is a home maintenance item.
|
  |
Broken tiles will be replaced and excessive cracking of grout joints will be
repaired once. Builder is not responsible for discontinued patterns or
colors or for variations in color.
|
XII. FLOORING AND COVERING
|
A) Floor squeaks or subfloor appears loose
|
  |
Floor squeaks and loose subfloor are often temporary conditions common to new
construction, and a squeak-proof floor cannot be guaranteed.
|
  |
Builder will correct the problem only if caused by an underlying construction
defect.
|
B) Uneven wood floors
|
  |
Floors shall not have more than 1/4 inch ridge or depression within any 32 inch
measurement when measured parallel to the joists. Allowable floor and ceiling
joist deflections are governed by the applicable building code.
|
  |
Builder will correct or repair to meet applicable building code.
|
C) Separations between finished floor boards
|
  |
Some separation is normal and should be expected within certain
tolerances.
|
  |
Separations exceeding 1/4 inch in width will be repaired by filling or
repairing.
|
D) Nail popping through resilient flooring
|
  |
Only nails which have broken through the floor covering will be
repaired.
|
  |
The nail pops will be repaired and the covering repaired or replaced in the
area damaged. Builder is not responsible for discontinued patterns or
colors or for variations in color.
|
E) Subfloor imperfections causing ridges
|
  |
Minor ridges or indentations are common and should be expected within certain
tolerances.
|
  |
Ridges or indentations in excess of 1/8 inch (measured with a straight edge
perpendicularly over the ridge and the deflection measured no more than 3
inches from the ridge) will be repaired and affected floor covering will be
repaired or replaced. Builder is not responsible for discontinued patterns
or colors or for variations in color.
|
F) Resilient flooring becomes loose or bubbles
|
  |
  |
  |
The affected area will be repaired or replaced. Builder is not responsible for
discontinued patterns or colors or for variations in color.
|
G) Seam or shrinkage gaps show at resilient flooring joints
|
  |
Gaps shall not exceed 1/16 inch in width in resilient floor covering joints.
Where dissimilar materials abut, a gap not to exceed 1/8 inch is
permissible.
|
  |
Builder will repair or replace at Builder's sole option, the affected resilient
flooring as required. Builder will not be responsible for discontinued patterns
or color variation of floor covering, or for problems caused by Homeowner
neglect or abuse.
|
H) Open carpet seams
|
  |
Carpet seams will show. However, no visible gap is acceptable.
|
  |
Builder will correct.
|
I) Carpeting becomes loose, seams separate or stretching occurs
|
  |
Wall to wall carpeting, installed as the primary floor covering, when stretched
and secured properly shall not come up, become loose, or separate from its
point of attachment.
|
  |
Builder will restretch or re-secure carpeting as needed, if original
installation was performed by Builder.
|
J) Spots on carpet, minor fading
|
  |
Exposure to light may cause spots/minor fading on carpet.
|
  |
None.
|
XIII. CABINETS AND COUNTER TOPS
|
A) Vanity or kitchen counter tops or cabinets chip, crack or
delaminate
|
  |
Cracks or chips, including porcelain and fiberglass fixtures, not reported to
the Builder prior to occupancy will not be covered by this warranty.
|
  |
Builder will repair or replace delaminated covering to meet specified
criteria.
|
B) Cabinet doors or drawers warp
|
  |
Minor warpage is common and should be expected within certain
tolerances.
|
  |
Warpage in excess of 1/4 inch (from the face of frame to the point of the
further- most warpage with the door or drawer in closed position) will be
repaired or the doors or drawers replaced.
|
C) Cabinet separates from wall or ceiling
|
  |
Some separation is common and should be expected within certain
tolerances.
|
  |
Separation in excess of 1/4 inch will be repaired or the cabinet
replaced.
|
XIV. COOLING - HEATING
|
A)Insufficient cooling
|
  |
Where applicable, the cooling cooling system should be able to maintain a
temperature of 78 degrees (measured 5 feet above the center of the floor)
under local outdoor ASHRAE specifications. In the case of excessive outdoor
temperature, a 15 degree difference is acceptable.
Purchaser is responsible for minor adjustments such as balancing dampers and
registers. All rooms will vary in temperature by 3 or 4 degrees. This is
acceptable.
|
  |
The Builder will repair the system so that it will perform as
described.
|
B) Insufficient heating
|
  |
The heating system should be able to maintain a temperature of 72 degrees
(measured 5 feet above the center of the floor) under local outdoor. ASHRAE
specifications.
Purchaser is responsible for minor adjustments such as balancing dampers and
registers.
On extremely cold days, a 5 to 6 degree difference between the actual inside
temperature and the thermostat setting is acceptable. All rooms will vary in
temperature by 3 or 4 degrees. This is acceptable.
|
  |
The Builder will repair the system so that it will perform as
described.
|
C) Ductwork noisy
|
  |
When metal ducts heat and cool, some noise will result. Very loud noise known
as oil canning is not acceptable.
|
  |
Builder will correct the oil canning noise only.
|
XV. PLUMBING
|
A)Plumbing pipes freeze and burst
|
  |
Drain, waste and vent, and water pipes shall be adequately protected, as
required by applicable code, during normally anticipated cold weather, and
as defined in accordance with ASHRAE design temperatures, to prevent freezing.
During excessive and constant low temperatures, some freezing is to be
expected.
|
  |
Builder will correct the situation not meeting the code. It is the Homeowner's
responsibility to drain or otherwise protect lines and exterior faucets exposed
to freezing temperatures.
|
B) Plumbing fixtures, appliances and trim fittings, leaks or
malfunctions
|
  |
  |
  |
Leaks or malfunction in faucets, valves, appliances and trim fittings caused
by defects in materials or workmanship will be corrected.
|
C) Pipes noisy
|
  |
Expansion and contraction caused by water flow will cause some noise which
is to be expected.
|
  |
Loud, hammering noises in pipes will be corrected.
|
D)Scratches, cracks or chips in porcelain, fiberglass or stainless
steel
|
  |
Scratches, chips and cracks on surfaces of bathtubs and sinks can occur when
surfaces are hit with sharp or heavy objects.
|
  |
The Builder will repair or replace these items only if reported prior
to occupancy.
|
XVI. ELECTRICAL
|
A)Consistently blown fuses or circuit breakers kick off
|
  |
Builder will not be responsible if caused by overloads in the system.
|
  |
Builder will inspect and repair any defects caused by noncompliance with
applicable building and electrical codes.
|
B) Drafts from electrical outlets
|
  |
Electrical junction boxes on exterior walls may produce air flow whereby the
cold air can be drawn through the outlet into a room. The problem is normal
in new home construction.
|
  |
None.
|
C) Malfunction of electrical outlets, switches or fixtures
|
  |
All switches, fixtures and outlets shall operate as intended.
|
  |
Builder will repair or replace defective switches, fixtures and
outlets.
|
D) Ground fault interrupter trips frequently
|
  |
Ground fault interrupters are sensitive safety devices installed into the
electrical system to provide protection against electrical shock. These
sensitive devices can be tripped very easily.
|
  |
Builder shall install ground fault interrupter in accordance with approved
electrical code. Tripping is to be expected and is not covered, unless due to
a construction defect.
|
STANDARDS APPLICABLE DURING YEARS ONE AND TWO
|
I. Water supply stops
|
  |
Drought or causes other than defective workmanship and materials will not be
covered by this warranty.
|
  |
Builder will repair or replace faulty workmanship and materials only.
|
II. Septic System fails
|
  |
Freezing, soil saturation, underground springs, water run off, excessive use
and increase in the water table are among the causes not covered by this
warranty.
|
  |
Builder will repair or replace faulty workmanship and materials and
conform with the Sewage Enforcement Officer's instructions as per design
and installation only.
|
III. Pipe leaks
|
  |
Condensation on pipes is normal and is not covered by this warranty.
|
  |
Leaks will be repaired.
|
IV. Clogged drain and sewers
|
  |
This is a Purchaser's sewers maintenance item. The Builder will be
responsible only if the cause is a defect in construction.
|
  |
Builder will repair only if caused by a defect in construction. Purchaser
will pay for Builder's repair if not a construction defect.
|
V. Ductwork separates
|
  |
  |
  |
The Builder will repair.
|
VI. Wiring fails to carry specified electrical load
|
  |
  |
  |
Builder will correct to meet applicable building and electrical
codes.
|