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APPLIANCES – For appliance warranty and service please contact GE customer service at the number located in your owner’s manual. Be sure to fill out and mail all appliance registration cards or register online. 

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CABINETS - Expansion and contraction can create open joints in the finish of painted cabinetry, this is a normal occurrence. An open joint line is not considered a defect and is widely accepted in the kitchen cabinet industry. The finish will still protect the surface, and the structural integrity of the joint will not be affected. These issues are shared by every manufacturer of painted wood cabinets and are not unique to any manufacturer. 

Wood may expand and contract differently from cabinet to cabinet. Even joints within the same cabinet may behave differently. Some joined wood may not show any joint lines, others may be slightly visible, while others may display easily visible joint lines. 
An exposed open wood joint can be damaged from prolonged exposure to water or high moisture levels. Therefore, wipe off any excess moisture from cabinet surfaces as soon as possible. 

All paints, especially lighter colors, are susceptible to discoloration due to airborne particles such as those caused by cooking, grilling, tobacco smoke, fireplaces, and candles. Prolonged exposure to natural or artificial light mat alter the finish color. Moisture may also discolor the finish. 

Door & Drawer operation from time to time can become unstable due to overloading of drawers, and inadvertent pressure on doors. Owners should periodically check hinges to make sure screws are tight and tighten if necessary. The adjustable door hinges have screws that will adjust how tight the doors are to the cabinets. Please familiarize yourself with these and make any necessary adjustments. Drawers may come off track and should be easily removed and reattached. Drawer glides may get crooked over time which cause drawers to seemingly not close properly and should be adjusted as necessary. 

Soft close hinges also have gray tabs in them that can adjust the tension of the closer. Please adjust as necessary. 
These scenarios are not covered by the limited warranty. 

 

CONCRETE BASEMENTS, GARAGES, PATIOS, DRIVEWAYS AND WALKS – Concrete products, while strong, efficient, and durable, are naturally prone to cracking. This is a normal phenomenon due to temperature variations that Illinois weather may produce. Hairline cracks (horizontal or vertical) less than ¼ inch in width are common and are caused due to slight home settlement or expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature or humidity. This process is normal and is not a structural flaw. This will occur on basement slabs, garage floors, driveways, sidewalks, and patio slabs. Long hairline cracks are not uncommon and require no additional attention. Color variations, which may occur in concrete slabs are normal and are caused by different moisture contents and pouring of the concrete at different times. Sunlight will tend to “bleach out” color variations over time. 

Should you develop foundation wall cracks that leak water into the basement, please submit a Warranty Request using the form here. Please note that foundation cracks cannot be repaired until the walls have completely dried out. Please take photos and note the location of any leaking cracks. This warranty does not cover any damage to personal items. 

We recommend resealing the driveway every year to every 2 years with a water based “Cure n Seal”. Patios and walkways should be on the same type of schedule, but depending on the sun exposure, it can be done every 2 to 3 years. A water test can be done to see when the sealer has worn off and to know when it is time to reseal.  It’s like wax on a car, if it beads up the sealer is still in place.  
Always remember to clean the surface with a light power washer, to not seal in the grime, stains and dirt.  The sealer will magnify what is on the surface.

 

COUNTERTOPS

Granite Tops - Granite is one of the hardest natural stones. Because granite colors and design patterns and natural veining are irregular in nature and slabs comes in pre-determined sized sheets, it often takes multiple sheets to make a top. Therefore, matching of lines, patterns, colors and veining is impossible to match up. Exact color matches and design patterns are not guarantee and warranted by contractor. 

Granite top maintenance - Granite is highly porous and absorbs moisture. Generally, most liquid spilled on a granite countertop, if wiped up immediately, may not stain. However, water, wine, grape juice, etc. can soak into a granite countertop and temporarily leave a dark colored spot. Liquids that do not evaporate, such as oils, will cause stains if left to soak into the stone. Therefore, owner will need to seal your granite and maintain any seams on a regular basis. It is especially important to regularly seal countertop areas where you prepare food.

 
For the reasons noted above, you were required to inspect your granite slabs at the supplier at the time  you tagged your granite slab and sign off on a waiver accepting them as they are at that time.  Granite countertops/vanity tops are not covered by the Limited Warranty.

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DOORS – Exterior door sills are not totally watertight. This is why front doors are usually covered by a porch or overhang. Do not allow sprinklers to spray directly on doors. The side and tops of exterior doors are sealed with compression vinyl weather stripping. With time and door usage, they will need to be replaced. Simply pull them out and insert a new one. The bottom door seal is a wiper sill. This one will tend to wear quicker, especially if sand is tracked in or the door is frequently used. It is removable and can be easily replaced. The front door also has an adjustable threshold that can be adjusted upwards if a gap develops at the door bottom. Be careful not to place heavy furniture or other items directly on the door threshold. 

Your interior pre-hung doors may tend to swell and contract as much as 3/8 inch with changes in humidity and temperature. This may cause slight variations in the jamb reveal but should not affect the operation of the door. For hinge style door stops, be careful not to overextend the door and rupture the door surface. Excessive slamming is also not recommended. Damage caused by the homeowner is not covered under this warranty.

 

DRYWALL & PAINT – Drywall will develop small hairline cracks in the wall corners, around the edges of the window openings, at ceiling joints, and nail-pops. These are not structural and are cosmetic in nature. Drywall cracks will be repaired one time only, at the 11-month warranty point, and will be patched only. You will be responsible for light sanding and painting.

Interior flat painted walls will smudge easily. Small children are especially hard on walls. Smudges and dirt can be cleaned from walls with a damp sponge. Use a mild soap and water. Do not scrub walls. Also, paint will chip off corners when bumped. Plastic corner protective covers are available from many hardware and home supply stores. We do not perform touch-up painting after closing and is not covered under our warranty. 

 

ELECTRIC - If an outlet is not working, it is likely tripped or connected to a switch that controls power to one side.
Rooms that do not have an overhead light fixture are equipped with a “switched outlet”. One half of an outlet in one of those rooms is controlled by the wall switch so that you may plug in a lamp and turn it on and off by the wall switch. These outlets may be marked with a small black dot.

From time to time, a breaker may trip. If an outlet is not working, and not connected to a switch, you should reset the circuit breaker in the main panel in the basement. The proper way to do this is to first turn off or disconnect all items plugged in to the tripped circuit, and then fully flip the breaker to the off position and then back on, otherwise it may continue to trip.

Your home is protected through a combination of GFCI and ARC Fault devices, in different combinations and areas of the home. 

GFCI outlets are present in the bathrooms, garage and at the exterior of the home. 

The outlets above the kitchen counters are protected by GFCI & ARC breakers in circuit panel. 

All other non-dedicated outlets are ARC Fault protected outlets. 

When using power tools, or anything that draws a lot of amps initially, in bursts, or during full cycle use, you should plug these components into an GFCI outlet. For example, power tools tend to draw a lot of power throughout their running cycle or in bursts and should always be plugged in to a GFCI outlet in the garage. These will trip ARC Fault outlets and breakers due to their design, and the age of components which may not quite be able to communicate their technologies correctly to one another. 

Depending on the layout and the mechanical components inside of walls the baths may have an outlet which doesn’t appear to be a GFCI outlet but is actually slaved off of the other GFCI outlet in that room. If an outlet is not working, check the nearby GFCI and reset, as necessary. 

Also remember to periodically (annually or bi-annually) test and reset GFCI outlets. GFCI outlets work by plates that slide back and forth against each other, and if not periodically reset, these plates can freeze together and stop working properly.

If the same outlet continues to trip under normal use, please submit a warranty request for service by completing the form here. 
If a light is not working, please check the breakers and that the bulb is not burned out. 

 

FLOORING - Floor squeaks are often temporary conditions caused by climatic changes of normal. A squeak-proof floor cannot be guaranteed. Absolutely level floors are also impossible to attain and not warranted.

Ceramic Tile on Floors & Walls at Kitchen Area Backsplashes  – Ceramic tile grout may develop small cracks in corners and anywhere the grout adjoins any other surface, such as counters, cabinets, walls, and trim. This is normal due to the expansion and contraction properties of cement-based grout. and is not covered under this warranty. Scratched and chipped tiles, and cracked grout, occurring after the final orientation and closing are not covered under this warranty

Wall Tile in Bathrooms  – The tile and grout in your bathrooms will develop mildew if not cleaned on a regular basis. A mildew resistant cleaner is recommended. As with any cement-based product, as you use your shower or tub, the tile grout will tend to develop small hairline cracks, especially in the tiled corners and along the edges of the shower or tub. This is a normal occurrence due to the constant wetting and drying of the grout. Use a mildew proof caulking to seal these cracks as they occur. It is good preventative maintenance to re-caulk the corners of your showers as soon as these conditions warrant. Scratched and chipped tiles, and cracked grout, occurring after the final orientation and closing are not covered under this warranty. 

Carpet - Due to the differences in manufacture and grade of carpet, seams will show and are unavoidable, more in some carpet and less in others. Visible gaps in the carpet backing (located at the seams) will be corrected one time only during the warranty period. Owner will be responsible for moving any furniture prior to the repair. 

We are not responsible for dye lot variations or discontinued patterns if replacements are necessary.

Minor color variations can result from differences in the direction in which pieces of carpet are laid. This variance is not considered defective, and no action will be taken in this regard. 

Edges/Transitions. Edges of carpet should be held firmly in place. Contractor make the sole determination upon installation weather a tuck and rolled carpet edge, metal strip or other edging material may be used where carpet meets another floor covering. If we originally installed your carpet and the adjoining floor covering, we will re-secure or re-stretch any carpeting that has lifted from the material to which it was originally attached. You are responsible for moving any furniture to conduct the repair. Fading or spots. Fading and spots can occur naturally when a carpet is exposed to light. We have no responsibility for this condition. Contractor is not responsible for the removal and reinstallation owner supplied floor coverings not original to the home (to perform subfloor or any other repairs that require the removal/reinstallation of the floor covering).

Hardwood floors are a product of nature and by its very nature is very susceptible to airborne humidity or direct moisture. Therefore, shrinkage, cupping, crowning or warping may occur and is not covered by this limited warranty. Shrinkage, cupping, crowning or warping in hardwood floors may result in a slight separation of boards. This limited warranty does not cover normal shrinkage. Cracks more than (1/8”) INCH in or between boards will be repaired by filling or replacing, at the Contractor’s discretion. Face nailing is an acceptable method of repair. If boards require replacement, we are not responsible for color variations or discontinued patterns. You are responsible for moving any furniture to conduct the repair. In areas where mechanicals and/or utilities penetrate the flooring surface, we will attempt to minimize the gaps between the flooring and the penetration. Complete coverage, however, is not always possible. Examples include but are not limited to around conduit, water pipes, dryer vent, behind and around furnace, etc. This is not considered a warranty defect and therefore is not covered by the Limited Warranty.

The use of soap or water is not recommended on hardwood floors and will void this limited warranty as it applies to any wood floors. Any damage to the hardwood due to negligence or improper care by the Owner or any other defect that is not noted on the Walk-Through will not be covered by this warranty.

The reaction to the humidity or lack of it is constantly causing changes in your wood floor. Gapping and/or cracks between the edges of boards will appear during dry conditions and are most prevalent during the winter months when the heat is running. Installation of a humidifier during the heating season(s) and an air conditioner and dehumidifier during the warm weather season(s) is strongly recommended. The flooring manufacturer, installation subcontractor and contractor will not be responsible for the performance of any wood floor if these mechanical components are not installed in a home (air conditioning, humidifier, and dehumidifier). Although the use of a humidifier is recommended, care must be taken not to over humidify your home. Refer to manufacture Condensation guidelines. The Limited Warranty does not cover conditions caused by mechanical components or lack thereof (heating, air conditioning, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers).

LVP Vinyl Plank Flooring – While this product is extremely durable, it is not indestructible. Dents, dings and scratches can happen! Please be sure to properly care for your flooring. Heavy items that are dropped, or high heels can create dents in the floor. Unprotected furniture legs and other items dragged across a floor can create scratches. Prolonged periods of liquid spills can cause staining and buckling if not attended to. Damage to the floor after the final orientation and closing are not covered under this Limited Warranty. 

GARAGE DOORS - The garage door should lift easily. It is impossible to weather seal on overhead garage door since it must slide down to cover the opening. A tight fit would make it difficult to operate and mar the surface at each edge. Light may show from the outside and moisture may enter the garage at times. These conditions are unavoidable and are not warrantable. The door is scribed to the concrete floor at the time of installation and therefore fits reasonably tight at bottom edge at that time. Because the concrete floor can move and fluctuate up or down due to climatic weather changes and shifting, gaps, may occur between the bottom of the door and the floor. Contractor will re-scribe a door bottom if the gap exceeds three eights of an inch (3/8”).
If you’ve opted to add an overhead garage door opener after closing, this portion of the Limited Warranty will be void. 

HEATING & COOLING – Filters should be changed monthly for the first year. We recommend using the inexpensive simple filters rather than the pleated or hypo-allergenic type, as those can restrict air flow to the HVAC system. 

If your heat is not working properly or at all, please check to make sure that switch located next to the furnace is on or flip off and on again to re-start the system. 

Make sure that the thermostat is active and set properly.

If you have installed an aftermarket thermostat, such as a Nest after closing, please be aware that the wiring as described for installation can cause your system to short-cycle, which will make the system shut off before reaching the desired temperature setting. This voids the warranty through our subcontractor, and you should reach out to whomever you had install the thermostat to repair the wiring/system. 

If none of these options correct the issue, immediately submit an Emergency Warranty Request by completing the form here, or if after hours, on weekends or holidays, follow the Emergency Contact Procedures.

If your Air Conditioning is not coming on, please make sure that the disconnect breaker, located next to the unit on the outside of the home is in the “on” position. 

LAWNS & LANDSCAPING – Landscaping and sod is alive when installed, or depending on the time of the year, a. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to water sod, shrubs and planted trees to insure survival. It is imperative that new sod get plenty of water the first 30 days. Trees must sometimes be watered daily for months. The easiest way is to allow a hose to slowly drip on the tree continuously. It is recommended that you fertilize and provide pest control for your lawn on a regular basis. We do not warrant dead landscaping and sod after closing. We are not responsible for drainage easements or washed out yards caused by heavy rains, floods, utility lines or other acts of nature. It is recommended that watering take place early in the morning. 

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PLUMBING – In the event of an emergency leak, turn off the valve at the supply line, or the main water valve located on the meter box in the basement. To turn valves off, the control handle should be turned a quarter turn, so that it is perpendicular to the pipe, for all water and gas lines. 

Immediately submit an Emergency Warranty Request by completing the form here, or if after hours, on weekends or holidays, follow the Emergency Contact Procedures.

Should you notice water marks on drywall, indicating a slow leak, please also submit the Emergency Warranty Request. 
In the event of a gas leak, turn off all appliances, the main gas line, and contact the gas company immediately. 

See also SINKS, TUBS, SHOWERS & TOILETS and SUMP PUMPS & EJECTOR PUMPS

ROOFING - Your roof will give many years of trouble-free service with a minimum of maintenance, and it should be checked every spring for any winter damage. Should it be necessary to walk on the roof, be extremely careful to not damage the shingles. We advise against walking on your roof on very hot days as the shingles are softened by the heat and damage easily.

Ice Dams - Winter storms followed by thaw, freeze cycles can create a buildup of water and ice in the gutters and downspouts, roof valleys and roof transitions. Should this occur to a sufficient degree, the ice can eventually back up to the shingles and force its way under them or between them.  The ice may then melt, causing a leak. IT IS THE HOMEOWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE ICE BLOCKAGES FROM THESE AREAS.

These conditions are beyond the control of the Contractor and are the primary causes of roof problems, and do not constitute a defect in the construction of your home. Ice damming is specifically excluded from the limited warranty.

This limited warranty is void in the event the roof is used for any activity or if any structure or appurtenance is attached to the roof in such a way as to impair its structural or functioning integrity.

High winds may tend to lift new shingles occasionally, especially when the roof shingles are installed in cold weather and the mastic has not been warmed enough by the sun.

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Roofs are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year. Roof damage caused by acts of nature are naturally not warranted. If the roof is damaged by an act of God, such as excessive wind, windstorm, hail, lighting, Contractor cannot be held responsible. You may wish to consult your insurance carrier.

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SIDING – Your home’s exterior siding & trim are LP Smart Side. This product has a resin-impregnated surface overlay which is applied at the time of manufacturing. 

This product is wood based, and therefore may expand and contract with seasonal conditions. Gaps between boards are intentional to accommodate these fluctuations. 

Any buckling in the siding that exceeds ½” will be repaired by face nailing during the one-year warranty period. 

Siding and trim are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year. Siding damage caused by acts of nature are naturally not warranted. If the roof is damaged by an act of God, such as excessive wind, windstorm, hail, lighting, Contractor cannot be held responsible. You may wish to consult your insurance carrier.

 

SINKS, TUBS, SHOWERS & TOILETS – Stainless steel, cast iron, cultured marble, fired clay, vitreous china and fiberglass surfaces will stain if chemicals are left in them. These chemicals may include, but are not limited to, soaps, bleach, citric acid, teas, coffee, colas and other types of carbonated drinks. Certain types of highly abrasive cleaners can also cause slight scratches and swirls. Any chips or scratches in sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets occurring after the final orientation and closing are not covered under our warranty.

 
It is important to clean faucet aerators every 2 months to ensure proper faucet pressure.

Low-flush toilets will plug easier than old style toilets. Homeowners should caution small children not to use excessive paper in toilets. Homeowners should also keep a plunger for emergencies. 
See also Wall Tile in Bathrooms and in case of a leak, Plumbing.

SLIDING GLASS DOORS – Sliding glass door tracks may hold water during driving rain. Sliding glass door screens are easily damaged, especially by small children. Damage caused by homeowner is not covered under this warranty. 

SUMP PUMPS & EJECTOR PUMPS – If your sump pump is continuously running, please check that the discharge water is directed away from your foundation. If it is not, it will continue to circulate through the system causing the pump to run continuously and potential burn out or damage your pump. 

If your sump pump is not working, please check to make sure that it is plugged in completely, and that the breaker or GFI is not tripped. 

If you notice water on the basement floor, around the drain opening that is located near your furnace and water heater, make sure that the ejector pump is plugged in completely, and that the breaker is not tripped. Also make sure that the red handle on the pipe is parallel to the pipe and in the open position. 

The pumps are warranted by the manufacturer only. The builder does not warrant sump pumps.

NOTE:  In the event of a power outage, the sump pump will be inoperable, and it is recommended that the homeowner purchase a battery backup for the sump pump; especially if you have a finished basement. This is not necessary for an ejector pump, as the ejector is only taking up condensation water emitted from the furnace and water heater, unless you have added a bathroom in your basement. It then is also handling wastewater from that bath, and that bath should not be used during an outage. 

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VANITY TOPS - Cultured marble products are made of a mixture of crushed marble and high strength polyester resins, molded and polished to form a strong durable finish. Please note the bottom surface of the cultured marble tops are not finished. While cultured marble is durable, it is not heat-proof, scratch- proof nor stain-proof. These countertops are much like natural marble and must be cared for properly. If your countertop includes a cultured marble sink, it is important to use warm water. Running only hot water for extended periods may cause cracking around the drain seal. 

Maintain caulking at the side splash and wall. Use only mild liquid cleaning agents on a soft sponge to clean your cultured marble countertops. Abrasive cleaners, abrasive sponges and steel wool cleaning pads will damage and dull the surface. 

Repair of surface damage not noted at the Homeowner Orientation is not covered under the Limited Warranty. Cultured marble vanity tops are not covered by the Limited Warranty.

WINDOWS & SCREENS – It is recommended that you clean your windows, screens, and frames annually to ensure smooth operation of the window sash (use WD40 or a silicone spray to prevent “sticky window operation”). It is important to inspect caulk at the exterior window and re-caulk as necessary, in order to insure a watertight seal. Broken windowpanes, frames, locks, and torn screens occurring after the final orientation and closing are not covered under this warranty. 

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ITEMS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY 
Due to the natural wear and tear and potential  damage or neglect that may occur over time and after buyer takes possession of the home. The following items are not covered by warranty:

• Die lots and color variations for any repair are not guaranteed to match, is not covered by this Limited Warranty.

• Chips, scratches and/or dents in porcelain, enamel or fiberglass tubs/showers, ceramic tiles, toilets, sinks and appliances. 

• Cracks in tile grout 

• Marks, scratches, tears and/or stains in carpet, vinyl or wood flooring. 

• Torn Screens, including windows and sliding glass door screens. 

• Marks, scratches or chips in any cabinets in the kitchen, bathrooms or laundry rooms. 

• Marks, scratches, chips, cracks or discoloration in any counter tops (to include all surface types). 

• Scratches, cracks or broken glass products, such as: windows, mirrors, shower doors, enclosures, etc. 

• Marks, scratches or chips in toilet seats. 

• Broken or chipped globes on any lighting fixtures. 

• Interior and exterior paint. 

• Marks, scratches and/or dents in exterior or interior doors. (Note: Doors may swell or contract up to 3/8” with changes in weather and humidity). 

• Dead sod and/or landscape; washed out yards or sunken utility lines. (Note: It is the homebuyer’s responsibility to make sure the sod and landscape receives proper watering and quarterly application of fertilizer). 

• Damage resulting from floods, lightning, wind or other acts of nature. 

• Hairline cracks, 1/4” or less, in any concrete product, such as: slabs, driveways, exterior walks or patios.

Any alterations to the home may void your warranty on that specific item.