 |
 
|
How can we help you?
Air Conditioning
Often times the most common challenges homeowners face with their Air Conditioning require some simple adjustments in the programming of the thermostat. Here are some reminders on programming and operation that you mind find helpful:
Check that the “Away” settings on the thermostats are no more than 4°F higher than the “Return” settings. Your system is designed to operate continuously. Turning the system off when you leave and then on when you get home will not likely achieve the desired temperature by bedtime. Repeated on/off cycles or only operating one condenser (on dual systems), does not remove humidity and results in higher energy costs.
Because houses are well insulated, once they are heated, a typical 2,500 sq. ft. house will cool down only at the rate of about one degree per hour. On days where the outside temperature is above 95°F, the inside temperature is likely to only be about 17-20°F cooler when the system has been operating for 12 hours.
Make sure that your air-return filters are clean. This will improve performance of your ventilation system. These filters should be replaced at least every six months. This small expense can save you energy and repair costs. Make sure that windows and sliding glass doors have insulating coverings that are closed during the hottest parts of the day.
If you need more assistance, please click below that you still have concerns.
Appliances
Since your appliances are warranted by the manufacturer, we suggest that you contact them directly with any concerns that you may have. You can consult with your Homeowner Maintenance & Manufactured Products Manual for contact information for your specific appliances. Feel free to let us know if you need assistance in contacting the manufacturer.
If you need more assistance, please click below that you still have concerns.
Grout / Caulking
As the components in your home expand and contract, you may notice minor gaps in grout and caulking at various locations in your bathrooms, kitchen, or other areas.
Any areas that potentially come into contact with water should be thoroughly sealed to reduce the potential for water damage.
Feel free to contact your Customer Service Representative for a demonstration on how you can perform this important part of routine homeowner maintenance.
If you need more assistance, please click below that you still have concerns.
Heating
The heating system should be designed so that every room to be heated achieves a temperature of 70° F. All measurements should be made in the middle of the room, three feet up from the floor. Please be mindful that variations in temperature throughout the home are normal. A temperature variation of 4° F from room-to-room is considered acceptable.
A difference in temperature will exist between the thermostat location and other rooms, particularly if those rooms are located above or below the thermostat location. Make sure that large window areas are properly draped or otherwise protected from heat loss. Most air supply grills (registers) have dampers that can be adjusted in rooms for the difference in the summer and winter temperature needs.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that the air return filters are routinely cleaned or replaced (usually no less than every six months). A dirty filter will reduce airflow and cause the system to use more energy.
If you need more assistance, please click below that you still have concerns.
Stucco
- Stucco Cracks
Why does stucco crack? When new houses are built, the wood framing materials contain up to 19% moisture. As the lumber dries, the wood shrinks, causing stress to the stucco system. As the House ages, components expand and contract at different rates, causing stress on the weaker materials. Expansion and contraction is an inherent characteristic of a wood structure. When the building structure expands and contracts during the settling period, stucco is certain to crack in predictable locations. Stucco is very hard and not very forgiving, as stucco has no elasticity or elongation properties when it comes to movement. Cracking is very common at the corners of door and window frames and/or anywhere there is a hinging effect within the rough framing of the structure. These particular areas are considered “hinge points” in the framing, and induce stress to the hard, but brittle, stucco finish. If and/or when cracks appear in the walls and soffits, this is not something to necessarily be alarmed about.
All exterior stucco covered walls should not have any cracks that exceed 1/8 inch in width or 1/8 inch in adjacent surface displacement. Brookfield Homes will repair any cracks that exceed these limits of tolerance one time during the one-year warranty period. You may wish to wait until the 11th month before submitting your request for service on any cracks that exceed these limits of tolerance.
- White Powdery Substance (efflorescence) Appears on Stucco
The white powdery substance (known as efflorescence) that appears on stucco walls and bare concrete slabs during the rainy season is caused by lime in the cement reacting with moist air. It is considered acceptable and can easily be removed with water and a brush.
If you need more assistance, please click below that you still have concerns.
Plumbing
- Toilet or Drain Backs Up
Please remember that Brookfield Homes does not warrant sewer obstructions or stoppages unless noted at the Homeowner Orientation Tour. Brookfield Homes will investigate sewer obstructions if reported within thirty (30) days of your close of escrow and, if determined to be construction related, Brookfield Homes will correct them. If it is determined to be the result of misuse, Brookfield Homes will not be held responsible for its correction.
If an obstruction should occur after thirty (30) days from the close of escrow, or if the toilets were removed and reset by someone other than Brookfield Homes and its subcontractors, the homeowner must then contract their own licensed plumber at their own expense to investigate the obstruction. If it can be substantiated by videotaped inspection to be construction related, the homeowner may submit such evidence to Brookfield Homes for consideration.
- Shower does not have hot water
Shower mixing valve cartridges have moving parts called balancing spools that will not operate properly if they are not used regularly. Mineral deposits in the water supply may have a similar affect on its operation. We recommend that you contact the manufacturer of the valve, as the parts may be covered by warranty through the manufacturer. Otherwise, we suggest you contact a licensed plumber, who can easily replace the cartridge without opening the wall. This is considered to be a homeowner’s maintenance responsibility if beyond the one-year limited warranty period offered by Brookfield Homes.
If you need more assistance, please click below that you still have concerns.
