Interior Tips
Exterior Tips
Lawn
Water and fertilize lawns, planter strips, and street trees as needed. Trees and planter strips should be watered separately to ensure that each receives enough water. Remember that new lawns need more frequent watering than established grass. Most lawns do well on an inch or less of water per week.
Lawn fertilization and weed control should be completed before winter.
Gutters
Check gutters to be sure they are clean and free of debris after the winter's rain.
Irrigation systems
These should be shut down by November and should be winterized by late November or early December.
Winterize
Remove and empty all hoses for winter storage; close inside shut-offs and open outside faucets. (If your house does not have interior shut-offs, leave the outside faucets closed and protect them with commercially available covers.).
Foundation
Check that foundation vents are open and unblocked.
Fences
Do not allow irrigation sprinklers to spray directly onto the fence. A coat of exterior paint or seal may extend the life of a wood fence
CUSTOMER CARE
Although quality materials and workmanship have been used in your home, this does not mean that it will require zero care or maintenance. A home, like an automobile, requires care and attention from day one. General homeowner maintenance is essential to providing a quality home for a lifetime.
We are proud of the homes we build. We strive to create long-lasting value. This cannot be achieved unless you, the homeowner, properly maintain your home and all of its components. Periodic maintenance is necessary because of normal wear and tear, the inherent characteristics of the materials used in your home and normal service required by the mechanical systems.
These tips are to assist you in maintaining your home. For your convenience, we have identified some of the most common items requiring regular maintenance. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Department
Crawl Space
Inspect annually for moisture build up. Do not use crawl space for storage of any kind. Do not block or obstruct venting.
Attic
Check the attic insulation to be sure that it is dry and not blocking any vents. Do not use this space for storage.
Extremely Cold Weather
Leave cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing. Faucets left at a trickle, especially at night, can help prevent freezing.
Doors
Seasonal changes in temperature and humidity cause wood to expand and contract and may make doors easier or harder to use. Only extreme difficulty in opening or closing a door warrants maintenance and repair.
Furnace
Homeowners should change or clean the furnace filter pursuant to the furnace manufacturer’s recommendations (usually no less than every six months).
Water Heater
To clean the tank or burners, seek professional help. For routine maintenance, follow the instructions provided on the heater.
Appliances
Use the appliances' instruction book to learn the proper use and maintenance of your kitchen appliances.
Smoke Detectors
Test detectors once a month using the test button on the detector. Read the manufacturer's manual for detailed information on the care of your smoke detectors. Make sure the batteries are changed on a regular basis. If a smoke detector makes a chirping sound, that is a sign that the battery needs to be replaced.
Hardwood Floors
Always follow the manufacturer's directions on how to maintain and clean your hardwood floors. Do not allow any spills or liquids to remain on floors.
Tile and Grout
Do seal the grout in your bathroom or kitchen as it helps maintain the aesthetic appearance of your countertop as well as its longevity.
Caulking
Caulk should be cleaned frequently and kept free of mold and mildew. Run bathroom vent fan when showering to discourage mold growth.
Woodwork
Use a mild soap and water solution to clean woodwork. (Do not use strong soaps as they may tarnish the wood finish).
Emergencies,
as defined in the warranty manual, include the following:
Complete loss of electricity - Contact PGE at 503.228.6322 prior to reporting the issue to Westwood Homes or to an electrician.
Loss of water - if from a leak requiring water shutoff, contain the damage as well as possible before calling Westwood Homes. If the water loss is due to lack of service, contact the utility company before reporting the issue to us or to a plumber.
Major roof leak - contain the damage inside as well as possible and contact Westwood Homes for remedy.
Gas leak - LEAVE THE HOME IMMEDIATELY and contact NW Natural Gas at 503.226.4210.