Deed Builders, LLC | Service Request

Home Owners Manual

Congratulations on the purchase of your new home!

This section has been created for our current homeowners.
The DEED Builders New Home Owners Manual has been designed to assist you during and after the purchase of your home.

If you need clarification or additional details about any topic discussed in the manual, please give us a call at (910) 842-3848, or send us an email to info@deedbuilders.com .

On behalf of everyone at DEED Builders, LLC, we extend our best wishes for many years of happiness in your new neighborhood. We are confident your new home will be a source of joy for you and your family.

Topics

Air Conditioning
Alarm Pre-Wire
Appliances
Attic Access
Cabinets
Carpet
Caulking
Ceramic Tile
Concrete Flatwork
Countertops
Doors
Drywall

Electrical Systems
Fireplace
Foundation
Garage Door
Gas Shutoff's
Gas Water Heater
Grading and Drainage
Hardware
Hardwood Floors
Heating System
Insulation
Landscaping

Mildew / Mold
Mirrors
Paint and Stain
Plumbing
Resilient & Vinyl Flooring
Roof
Rough Carpentry
Smoke Detectors
Stucco
Walls / Block Masonry
Windows / Sliding Doors
Woodtrim

AIR CONDITIONING TWO YEAR WARRANTY

Cooling

General Subject Information: Air conditioning can greatly enhance the comfort of your home, but if it’s used improperly or inefficiently, wasted energy and frustration will result. Your air conditioning system is a whole-house system. The air conditioning system involves everything inside your home including drapes, blinds, furniture and windows. Your air conditioning is continually recycled and cooling until the desired air temperature is reached. Warm outside air disrupts the system and makes cooling impossible. Therefore, you should keep all windows closed. The heat from the sun shinning through windows with open drapes is intense enough to overcome the cooling effect of the air conditioning unit. For best results, keep window treatments closed when there is direct sunlight coming through.

Time is very important in your expectations of your air conditioning system. Unlike a light bulb, which reacts instantly when you turn on a switch, the air conditioning unit only begins a process when you set the thermostat. For example: if you come home at 6 p.m. when the temperature has reached 90 degrees F and set your thermostat to 75 degrees, the air conditioning unit will begin cooling, but will take much longer to reach the desired temperature. During the whole day, the sun has been heating not only the air in the house, but the walls, the carpet, and furniture. At 6 p.m. the air conditioning unit starts cooling, but the walls, carpet and furniture release heat and nullify the cooling. By the time the air conditioning unit has cooled the walls, carpet and furniture you may well have lost your patience as well as a substantial amount of the cash in your wallet.

Set the thermostat in the morning while the house is cooler, allowing the system to maintain the cooler temperature. The temperature setting may then be lowered slightly when you arrive home, with better results. Once the system is operation, setting the thermostat at 60 degrees will not cool the home faster and can result in the unit freezing up causing damage to the unit. Manufacturer recommends changing filters every 30 days.

Performance Guidelines: Central air conditioning should be capable of producing temperatures of 78 degrees F or a differential of 15 degrees from the outside temperature; which ever is greater, measuring in the center of each room 5 feet up from the floor. In all cases the system must be operating 2 hours prior to measurement. A temperature variation of 4 degrees F from room-to-room is considered acceptable. Compressors should not fail within the manufacturer’s warranty period.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: Make the necessary corrections and repairs to meet the above performance guidelines. DEED Builders will repair any leaks and recharge the system, assuming the homeowner or after market contractor did not cause the leak. Replace the failed compressor if it fails within the two- year warranty period.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: In room that have potential for high heat, such as rooms with a large number of windows, the homeowner must provide effective blockage from the sun infiltration in order for the above performance guideline to apply. For example, installing drapes, shutters or blinds will help. Homeowner should prevent children from playing around air conditioning lines. Homeowner is responsible for compressors after the two-year warranty. Maintenance Alert! The homeowner should inspect condensate lines twice a year. If a trickle discharges from the secondary line above the window, homeowner should schedule the system to be serviced now. Air filters need to be replaced every 30 days.

ALARM PRE-WIRE ONE TIME REPAIR

General Subject Information: DEED Builders, LLC only pre-wires, we do not connect the system. DEED Builders, LLC contracts with AST, Inc. to do all final connections. Any claims for repair to the alarm system will be arranged through AST, Inc.

Performance Guidelines: Pre-wire should work after outside contractor finishes final install of homeowner’s personal choice.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: DEED Builders will arrange for AST, Inc. to correct wiring that does not perform as intended.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: To arrange for AST, Inc. to finalize the alarm system. To inform DEED Builders if there is a wiring problem to inspect before they have their contractor make repairs.

APPLIANCES TWO YEAR WARRANTY

General Information: Kitchen appliances are warranted by their manufacturer. All warranty registration cards are provided for the homeowner to complete. If the appliance is not performing as intended, a service technician from the appliance manufacturer is the source for repair.

Comments:
1. When does a non-performing appliance become DEED Builders'' responsibility verses a manufacturer’s responsibility? The rule of thumb is if the problem is contained within the appliance itself, it is the appliance manufacturer’s responsibility. If the problem is on the outside of the appliance it is DEED Builders’ responsibility. For example, if the dishwasher latch won’t it is the manufacturer. However, if it is a cosmetic issue such as a dent or scratch it isDEED Builders' responsibility. (Which is only covered at the time of orientation).
2. It is very important that the homeowner register the appliance with the manufacturer within the first 10 days of taking delivery of the home.

Performance Guidelines: All appliances should function in the manner that the manufacturer intended.

Manufacturer’s Responsibility: Repair the appliance in a prompt manner in accordance with the manufacturer’s warranty.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: Deliver the appliance to the homeowner at the time of the orientation without any cosmetic damage.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: Register all appliances and read all manufacturers’ operating instructions. Contact the manufacturer for service.

ATTIC ACCESS NO WARRANTY

General Subject Information: The attic access is neither designed nor intended for storage. DEED Builders provides access to this area for maintenance of mechanical equipment that may be placed in the attic space. When maintenance is performed in the attic, use caution and avoid stepping off wood members onto the drywall. This can result in personal injury or damage to the ceiling below.

Performance Guidelines: None. The attic space is only for access to mechanical equipment. (HVAC)

DEED Builders' Responsibility: To provide access to mechanical equipment.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: Maintenance free. This is also mentioned in “TOP 10 MISTAKES MADE BY NEW HOMEOWNER’S”.

CABINETS ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: There are two conditions common to cabinets: 1. The finish is wearing prematurely, or 2. The drawer brackets fail. Cabinet finishes tend to age more in hot, humid rooms and areas then surround sinks due to water being splashed on the finish. The wood in your cabinets is a natural product. It is subject to drying and changing wood grain color as they age. Any replacement of doors or drawers will result in grain and color variations that is a byproduct from a natural product, which DEED Builders has no control of.

Common Problems: As a new home settles from the rough framing materials, the structures will have a tendency to contract when the rough lumber dries out. This has the potential to affect interior finishes and is considered normal. Normal repairs to settling cabinets at the ceiling and walls is caulking for cosmetic reasons only. Cabinets in contact with water and lack of proper maintenance are major contributing factors to warping. Cabinetry in front of a sink may need to be refinished when not properly maintained by the homeowner. Drawer guides that support the drawer openings commonly fail due to the following: Drawers are over loaded and then pulled out to far. Laminate surfaces peeling away due to water or liquid spills not being cleaned up. Hinges can become loose and occasionally may need to be retightened or adjusted, a simple homeowner maintenance item.

Performance Guidelines: Any space or gap along the top or sides of the cabinet frames that exceed 3/16 inch is considered unacceptable. Cabinet doors should not warp more than1/4 inch from the face to the frame. Cabinet drawers guides should open and close smoothly with out tugging or pulling. Cabinets that are covered with high-pressure laminate should not delaminate under normal conditions. Hinges should open smoothly with reasonable ease or effort. Gaps between cabinets that are joined should not be more than 1/16 inch.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: If the cabinets do not meet the performance guideline, and was not the result of negligence by the homeowner, then DEED Builders will repair as necessary. If a replacement is done, DEED Builders does not guarantee color or grain match

Homeowner’s Responsibility: The homeowner should use caution when loading upper cabinets so not to over load them. The homeowner should properly maintain all cabinets, particularly in moist areas. If it is determined that the homeowner was negligent with maintenance, DEED Builders will not be held responsible.

CARPET ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: You can add years to the life of your carpet with regular care. Carpet wears out because of foot traffic and dirt particles that get trampled deep into the pile beyond the suction of the vacuum. The dirt particles wear down the fibers like sandpaper and dull the carpet. The most important thing you can do to protect your carpet is to vacuum is frequently, at least twice a week and have it professionally cleaned once a year. Carpet comes in 12-foot widths, making seams necessary in most rooms. Visible seams are not defect unless they have been improperly made. Carpets with short nap, Berber type and plush or shags tend to show seams more than others. Carpet that is exposed to direct sunlight will fade. Make sure to protect carpet from sunlight coming through windows. There has not been a carpet made that will not stain. Most carpets are stain resistant. Carpet replacements will not match.

Performance Guidelines: Visibility of carpet seams is acceptable unless the seam is not butted tightly, and the seam tape shows. Carpet should be stretched tightly, without areas of looseness. If the carpet becomes loose, DEED Builders will re-stretch once during the one-year warranty period. Carpet fibers usually do not separate from the backing unless the carpet is cleaned improper and allowed to remain wet. Proper maintenance is a homeowner’s responsibility. Carpet fading is homeowner’s responsibility. Discoloration is usually the result of spills or pet stains. The homeowner should have the carpets professionally cleaned.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: DEED Builders will make necessary repairs to meet the above performance guidelines. There should be no fading or discoloration at time of orientation. For any carpet replacement, DEED Builders will not guarantee color match due to dye lot.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: Choose carpet colors and types that will provide the longest life for your life style. Do not let sunlight continuously beam onto the carpet, as it may cause fading. Promptly clean any spills in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. Homeowner should get manufacturer’s recommendations when making selections and will need to read and follow those directions.

CAULKING HOMEOWNER MAINTENANCE

General Information: Time and weather will shrink and dry caulking so that it no longer provides a good seal. Caulking compounds and dispensers are available at your local hardware store. This should be part of your routine maintenance. You should inspect all areas where their might be caulking sink tops, tubs, toilets, showers, windows, doors and ceramic tile areas. Repair by re-caulking as needed.

Performance Guidelines: At the time of walkthrough orientation DEED Builders confirms all areas are caulked adequately for the appropriate areas. Re-caulking is the homeowner’s responsibility.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: During the walkthrough orientation DEED Builders confirms that all appropriate areas are caulked.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: To maintain the caulking in and around all wet areas. Maintenance Alert! If caulking is not maintained around tubs, showers and toilets, discoloration of the surrounding area can result. DEED Builders will not be held responsible for homeowner negligence.

CERAMIC TILE ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: Ceramic tile is one of the easiest floor coverings to maintain. Simply vacuum when needed. Occasionally, a wet mopping with warm water may be appropriate. Avoid adding detergents to the water. The ceramic tile on your counter tips and bath wall may be washed with any non-abrasive soap, detergent or tile cleaner. Abrasive cleaners will dull the finish. Sealing the grout is something the homeowner is responsible for and is a personal choice.

Performance Guidelines: Tiles having cracks that are visible to the untrained eye, and any loose tiles need to be replaced as long as the homeowner had slip sheet installed. Hairline cracks in the grout are considered acceptable. Cracks larger than 1/32 inch should be re-grouted. For tiles that are flat, adjoining tiles should be no more than 1/16 inch higher or lower. For tiles that are handmade with uneven surfaces, the butt at the grout joints should not exceed ¼ inch in elevation from surrounding tiles. Any tile or grout replacement will not match unless using existing tile; grout color will always vary.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: DEED Builders will replace cracked tiles and reset loose tiles as long as the homeowner purchased slip-sheet under the tiles. Chipped need to be noted on the orientation form and are not covered after move-in. Any replacement of tiles or grout will not match due to dye lot.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: The homeowner should be aware that ceramic tiles are brittle and can be cracked, chipped or broken by placing or dropping heavy objects on them; DEED Builders is not responsible for the resulting condition. Homeowner should purchase slip-sheet from flooring contractor it’s the homeowners responsibility to seal all grout.

CONCRETE / FLATWORK ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: When it comes to concrete, there is one fact that all homeowners must realize: CONCRETE WILL CRACK. Concrete walkways and driveways are constructed with joints that create a weakened plane or thinner section of concrete. The purpose of these control joints is to contain the cracking to specific areas. Therefore cracks in control joints are a normal occurrence and are considered acceptable. There are many reasons that concrete cracks most are not related to any structural problems. Trees planted to close to concrete, over watering or if the driveway is used for a large RV, moving vans and concrete trucks will void your warranty.

Performance Guidelines: Any crack that exceeds ¼ inch width or exceeds ¼ inch vertical is considered unacceptable. Minor cracking is normal. A crack that occurs along side a joint that is cut into the driveway or walkway is considered acceptable. Any standing or ponding water that exceeds 3/8 inch in depth in a circle more than one foot in diameter is considered unacceptable. All water should drain off or evaporate within 24 hours. A driveway should never be higher than the garage slab. Concrete stoops that join the foundation should not separate from the foundation by more than ¼ inch. Color of the concrete may vary for up to two years before becoming uniform.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: DEED Builders will meet the above performance guidelines, providing the cracking is not a result of any homeowner misuse or negligence (this includes homeowner over watering of the surrounding area and causing the soil to expand). If the concrete cracking exceeds the guidelines, DEED Builders will make the appropriate repairs as necessary. DEED Builders will also be responsible for replacement of any landscaping that might be damaged as a result of the repairs.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: Cracks that occur at the control joints are to be maintained by the homeowner. Maintenance Alert! This maintenance consists of filling the crack with a concrete caulk. Also the homeowner should maintain the area around the driveway and walkway in a way that will not allow soil to be washed away from beneath the concrete. When planting trees in the vicinity of any concrete product, it is important to consider the potential growth of the root system. Washing concrete when the temperature is high can cause damage to the bonding of concrete. Sweeping is recommended.

COUNTERTOPS ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: The following types of countertop materials are commonly used in residential construction: ceramic tile, granite, and marble, plastic laminate, solid surface and cultured marble. Ceramic tile tops-corner and v-caps are made at a different warehouse or plant than the field tiles so there will always be a slight color difference. Granite is a natural product. The color and veining are never exactly alike. Marble is also a natural product. The color and veining will not match and as it is a very soft stone and will scratch very easily. Plastic Laminate is subject to cuts and burns from homeowner’s. Solid surfaces (Corian, ect.) are a man made product. Cultured Marble is also a man made product.

Performance Guidelines: All counter tops need to be inspected at the orientation. Cuts, scratches, chips, gouges and burns are not covered after move-in by DEED Builders. Any separations at joints and back splashes that exceed normal settling 1/32 inch will be evaluated by DEED Builders and repaired.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: DEED Builders will repair countertops as necessary, providing that homeowner misuse or negligence did not cause condition. DEED Builders will check all counter tops at orientation for cosmetic damages.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: To examine counter tops carefully at orientation. Avoid placing hot pots, pans in direct contact with counter top. Do not use counter top as a cutting board. Clean up spills. Maintain caulking around sinks and back splashes. Do not use abrasives to clean any type of counter top.

DOORS ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: The exterior door for your new home is made out of fiberglass or steel. These doors are remarkably resistant to fading, weathering and warping. Interior doors are made of painted hardboard. Because of expansion and contraction with changes in heat and humidity minor warping and sticking of doors can occur. This is normal and may correct itself as conditions change. You should allow your home to go through at least one dry and one damp season before making any adjustments.

Performance Guidelines: Doors should not warp in excess of ¼ inch. Doors should stay shut when closed. “Phantom” openings and closings are considered unacceptable. Door latches should engage firmly in the strike. Some doors may need to be adjusted. This is suggested towards the end of your one year warranty.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: DEED Builders will make necessary corrections to meet the above performance guideline. Adjustments are a one time repair and should be done towards the end you the homeowner’s one year warranty. DEED Builders will check for cosmetic damages at orientation.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: Do not hang anything heavy on doors or doorknobs. This can pull hinges out of adjustment. Seasonal humidity changes can result in the door swig performance, this is acceptable. Any adjustment should be scheduled towards the end for the homeowner’s one year warranty period. Check for cosmetic damage at time of orientation.

DRYWALL ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: Drywall, also know as sheetrock, gypsum board or wallboard, is the predominant inside facing covering. Drywall is made in a factory in sheets that are typically 4 feet x 8 feet x ½ inch thick. The drywall is nailed or screwed to the wood studs, and the joints are covered with a paper tape and gypsum based compound. Special corner pieces, know as corner bead, is nailed on at the corners. When the walls are smooth. They are then textured by spraying a gypsum compound on the walls and ceilings. Texture is more art then science. As the wood frame house dries, cracks can be expected to appear in the plaster or drywall. Common places for cracks to appear are at the top of windows and where the wall meets the ceiling.

Performance Guidelines: Cracks in excess of 3/32 inch in width are considered unacceptable. Nail pops that are visible from a distance of six feet under normal light are unacceptable. Cracked or pulled corner bead, or tape seams that have pulled away are visible at a distance of six feet under normal lighting are considered unacceptable. Drywall crowing in ceilings should not exceed ¼ inch in a 32-inch distance across under normal lighting. Texture surfaces should be consistent under normal lighting.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: DEED Builders will repair all settling cracks one time during the one year warranty. This is suggested at the end of your warranty to allow settling to take place. DEED Builders will inspect the drywall at the time of orientation for any cosmetic damages. If at any time the homeowner need to vacate his or her home for drywall repairs DEED Builders will provide the homeowner with $125 a day for room and food, homeowner will have to make their own sleeping arrangements.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: The homeowner should realize that wall and ceiling texturing is an art and not precise science. Expect some irregularities. The irregularities are often more prominent at night when single light sources, such as light fixtures casting shadows. The homeowner needs to inspect the drywall at the orientation before move-in.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TWO YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: The electrical system in your new home was designed by professionals to comply with stringent local, state and national building codes. The location of the breaker box will be shown to you during your orientation. This is the primary protection device for your electrical system. It is intended for normal residential use. Any changes or additions to your electrical system may void your warranty and can result in damage to your home.

DEED Builders strongly recommends that you consult a licensed electrician to make changes and additions to your electrical system.

You will have tow different kinds of outlets in your home: 1. A wall outlet for general use. You may plug a variety of things into these outlets. 2. GFCI outlets are generally located in or dedicated to the outlets in the kitchen, bats, outdoors and the garage. Any location that could be moist or damp must be protected with a GFCI. Do not plug appliances such as power tools, air conditioners, FREEZERS or REFRIGERATORS into GFCI outlets. The electrical surge that occurs with these appliances cycling will trip the GFCI outlets.

Performance Guidelines: Circuit breakers that trip frequently, under proper design usage are indications of an unacceptable circuit or a malfunctioning appliance. Ground Fault Interrupters should be installed in accordance with the electrical building code. Light fixtures should not be tarnished at time of orientation. Switch and plug plates that protrude more than 1/8 inch from the finish wall are considered unacceptable. A light switch that stick or requires tapping or jiggling to turn on lights or appliances is unacceptable. Bath and laundry room fans will be noisy.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: DEED Builders will inspect all circuits, determine the problem, and make necessary repairs. DEED Builders is not responsible for flickering lights when the homeowner overloads the outlets with high capacity appliances. All light fixtures will be inspected at orientation. DEED Builders will adjust switch and outlet plates to be flush and level; caulking is an acceptable repair

Homeowner’s Responsibility: Avoid overloading circuits with multiple appliances and add-on outlets. Circuit breakers are located in the main panel where your meter is located. The circuits are labeled inside the panel. Test GFCI monthly. DO NOT PLUG FREEZERS OR REFIGATORS INTO GFCI OUTLETS. Inspect all light fixtures at time of orientation. Do not disconnect the bath or laundry room fans.

FIREPLACES TWO YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: Fireplaces that are installed in houses today function more as decorative items than as sources of heat. Many fireplaces are considered gas appliances and are not equipped to burn anything other than the gas supplied to them. A typical chimney built today will be capped with a code-approved spark arrestor. Because all chimneys must be open to the outside in order to perform, they may pass some rainwater during periods of high wind-driven rain.

Performance Guidelines: Water should not drip into the fireplace during normal rainstorms. However, rainwater may pass down the chimney during extreme wind driven storms. Fireplaces should be constructed so that all gases are carried out the chimney or flue. Panels that crack during the warranty period are considered unacceptable. At time of orientation, glass doors should open and close freely, and should close with a gap of no more then ¼ inch when closed.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: If water drips into the fireplace during a normal rainstorm, DEED Builders will make necessary repairs. DEED Builders will make necessary repairs to meet above performance guideline.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: Keep the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use. Always check damper before starting a fire. Check glass of fireplace at time of orientation for cosmetic damages. Do not burn any paper or other logs that are not intended for your fireplace.

FOUNDATION ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: DEED Builders will install the foundation of your home according to the recommendations of our consulting engineer. The walls of the foundation are poured with steel reinforcing rods. To protect your home’s foundation, follow the guidelines for installation and maintenance of landscaping and drainage in this manual. Shrinkage or backfill cracking are not unusual in foundations. CONCRETE DOES CRACK.

Performance Guidelines: Cracks that occur on slab floors should not exceed 3/16 inch in width or 1/8 inch in vertical displacement over any 12-inch length. The slab should be level and even, and any deviation should not exceed ½ inch vertical change in 20 feet.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: Some concrete cracking will occur and is inevitable. However, if the cracks are greater than the acceptable guideline, DEED Builders will repair the concrete in a manner that will meet the above performance guideline. Usually the repair consists of filling the crack with a latex fortified cement mixture or epoxy.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: The finish grade along the foundation must slope a minimum of ¼ inch per foot away from the foundation to allow proper drainage. Maintenance Alert! Any changes made to the landscaping or adding from the foundation need to confirm with the above. Periodic inspection of the irrigation system, materials and slopes are necessary for proper and adequate maintenance.

GARAGE DOOR ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: Your garage doors were selected from the most dependable brands manufactured to assure years of service. Installation of a garage door opener by anyone other than the subcontractor will void your warranty on the garage door. Never attempt to repair the garage door coils. Severe injury can occur if the coils break or release.

Performance Guidelines: Some water from wind driven rains can be expected. This is acceptable. The garage door should operate smoothly and completely, as intended by the manufacturer unless damage is caused by homeowner misuse. Garage door openers should operate only their own assigned frequencies. Random external signals should not cause the door to open or close. All cosmetic damages need to be noted during your orientation.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: Unless the homeowner has been negligent or abusive in the use of the garage doors, DEED Builders will make adjustments to malfunctioning doors as required. DEED Builders will check the doors at the orientation for cosmetic damages.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: Read all instructions manuals that are furnished with the automatic door opener. Inspect the door at your orientation for cosmetic damages.

GAS SHUT-OFFS ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: You will find shut-offs on gas lines near their connections to each item that operates on gas. Most will have a red sometimes a yellow handle. In addition, there is a main shut-off at the meter on the garage side of the house. We point these out during the orientation.

Performance Guidelines: If you suspect a gas leak, leave the home and call Southwest Gas or DEED Builders immediately for emergency service. The gas company is responsible for leaks up to the home. DEED Builders will correct leaks from the meter into the home.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: DEED Builders is responsible for any gas leaks from the meter into the home and will correct and repair.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: To first remove your family from any danger, then call fro repair.

GAS WATER HEATER TWO YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: Your water heater is covered by a warranty from the manufacturer. Please read the operating instructions located on the side of the tank. If you discover you have no hot water, check the pilot, temperature setting and water supply before calling for service.

Performance Guidelines: DEED Builders will provide a gas water heater that meets the energy code of the state of Nevada and supplies hot water to all appropriate fixtures in the house.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: To supply the home with an adequate water heater.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: To read all manufacturer’s warranties. Do not store materials around the water heater.

GRADING AND DRAINAGE HOMEOWNER MAINTENANCE

General Subject Information: The final grades around your home have been inspected and approved for proper drainage of your lot. Our surveyor completes a drainage certification and then the local building inspector as well as DEED Builders inspects the site. Typically, the grade around your home should slope ¼ inch per every foot, tapering to a 2-percent slope. In most cases, drainage swales do not follow property boundaries. Maintain the slopes around your home to permit the water to drain away from the home.

Performance Guidelines: All soils that surround the foundation of the building should slope a minimum of ¼ inch fall for every foot.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: At the time of delivery, DEED Builders must meet the above performance guidelines.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: The homeowner has a responsibility to always maintain the above performance guideline. Maintenance Alert! Homeowners may violate the guideline in one or two ways. 1. During the installation of landscape materials, they modify the existing grade by leveling it out, causing either a negative slope or a flat slope, or 2. They hire a landscaper that modifies the grade.

HARDWARE ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: Doorknobs and locks should operate correctly with little attention. Over time, they may need slight adjustments due to normal use.

Performance Guidelines: Doorknobs should operate smoothly without requiring a great deal of effort to disengage the strike or deadbolt.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: DEED Builders will repair or replace any unacceptable door latch whose improper performance is not a result of lack of homeowner maintenance or misuse.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: Doorknobs and mechanisms should be lubricated annually with a lubricant. Maintenance Alert! Never slam doors back and forth.

HARDWOOD FLOORS ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: In daily care of hardwood floor, preventive maintenance is the primary goal. Sweep on a daily basis or as needed. Never wet mop a hardwood floor. Excessive water can cause wood to expand and can possibly damage floor. Placing heavy furniture or dropping heavy or sharp objects, and lady’s high-heeled shoes can cause dimples. Wood floors respond noticeably to changes in humidity in your home. Especially during the winter months, expect some shrinkage.

Performance Guidelines: Hardwood flooring should be installed according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Wood floors should be finished without gouges, abrasions or crowning. Some unevenness can be expected because portions of the grain of wood are softer than others. Floor joints should be tight, gaps should not exceed 1/32 inch, if you can slip a credit card in the joint, and it’s too big. Wood floors naturally have color variation. The same species of wood may come in many different colors.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: At the time of the orientation, DEED Builders will confirm the wood floor was delivered to the homeowner without any cosmetic damages. If gaps between boards exceed the guideline, DEED Builders will repair or replace. Wood filler is an acceptable repair.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: Any surface gouges and abrasions should be brought to the attention of DEED Builders at the orientation. After move-in, cosmetic damages are the responsibility of the homeowner. Floor care is important. If a water-based liquid is spilled on the floor, or your house is keep at a high humidity, the floorboards may swell and become uneven. DEED Builders is not responsible for this condition. Always maintain hardwood floor in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Use only those cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer.

HEATING SYSTEM TWO YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: Your house is equipped with a forced air-heating unit. The forced air system consists of natural gas and a series of large ducts located in the attic. Ducts supply warm air into the house. The forced air system also has a return air component that circulates the air back to the heat source. Many factors control interior comfort for heating a house. Some factors include placement of furniture, the amount of windows in a room, whether the windows are shaded, ceiling height and location of the room in the house. For example, a room that is located above the thermostat will be warmer in the winter then a room located below the thermostat. The downstairs will be cooler in both summer and winter. This is because warm air rises to the ceiling and cool air falls to the floor.

Performance Guidelines: The heating system should be designed so that every room achieves a temperature of 70 degrees fall measurements should be made in the middle of the room, three feet from the floor. A temperature variation of 4 degrees from room to room is considered acceptable. The thermostat can vary 4 degrees F from room to room. Noise levels in bedrooms should not exceed 25 dB (decibels) and noise levels in other rooms should not exceed 40 dB. As a result, the system may have a noise level that is irritating to some occupants.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: DEED Builders will meet the above performance guideline. If homeowner has failed to cover large windows so as to minimize heat loss, DEED Builders will not be responsibility for above guideline.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: Homeowner should be aware that it is not possible to achieve a uniform temperature throughout the house. Large windows should be properly draped. Homeowner should change or clean the filters every 30 days. A dirty filter will reduce airflow and cause the system to use more energy.

INSULATION ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: Insulation is important for house comfort and decreased dependency on energy usage. The building department that issues the building permits requires DEED Builders to submit a series of calculations showing the house will meet the minimum requirements of the energy code. Also, code requirements vary depending upon designated climate zones in the state. Therefore, a house in Lake Tahoe that looks identical to one in San Diego may have a significantly different insulation package. Typically insulation comes in two forms: 1. Batts, which are often fiberglass, pink or yellow and 15 to 23 inches wide by 8 or 10 feet long. 2. Loose fill, which looks like packing material, and is generally blown through a large hose into the attic.

Performance Guidelines: Insulation should be present in every attic that is built over habitable space. All insulation should meet the R-Values depicted by the building department. Insulation should not be placed against eave vents.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: All insulation will meet the R-Values as specified or DEED Builders will correct.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: Much of the comfort a house provides depends on the lifestyle of the occupants. For example, it is unrealistic to expect that an air conditioner turned on at 5 pm on a hot day could effectively and entirely cool the house by bedtime. In wintertime furnaces should be programmed to come on in the morning at least 30 minutes before the occupants wake. Constant adjustments to the thermostat will result in uneven temperatures and periods of discomfort. Also, insulation of insulation drapes and shades is an important way to increase house comfort and decrease energy consumption.

LANDSCAPING 30 DAY WARRANTY

General Subject Information: DEED Builders provides landscaping for the front yards of all our homes. The irrigation is stubbed to the back yards for the homeowner to tie into and continue the irrigation to any planting they might do. The care taken of landscaping and proper maintenance is essential in keeping the property looking well kept and attractive. Plant materials will vary depending on the time of year. Winterizing the PVB value is the responsibility of the homeowner. The irrigation clock has a one year warranty.

Performance Guidelines: Any plants that die within the 30 day warranty period will be replaced, provided that the homeowner performed proper maintenance. Minimal weed growth is to be expected. Water should not spray directly onto the building. Wind driven over-spray is acceptable. The irrigation clock should operate as intended by the manufacturer.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: If any plants die within the 30 day warranty period and is not a result of improper homeowner maintenance DEED Builders will replace. DEED Builders does not warranty acts of nature, i.e.: high winds, below normal temperatures or above normal temperatures.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: The homeowner needs to pay particular attention to not over water or under water landscaping. Over watering can cause serious structural damage, insect infestation and plant root rot. Adjusting the watering times is homeowner maintenance. Winterizing of the PVB value is the responsibility of the homeowner. This will be shown to you at your orientation.

MILDEW / MOLD HOMEOWNER MAINTENANCE

General Subject Information: Molds live in the soil, on plants and dead or decaying matter. Outdoors, molds play a key role in the breakdown of leaves, wood and other plant debris. Without molds, our environment would be overwhelmed with large amounts of dead plant matter. Moisture control is the key to mold control. Molds need both food and water to survive. Since molds can digest most things, water is the factor that limit mold growth. Molds will often grow in damp or wet areas indoors. Common sites for indoor growth include bathroom tile, laundry rooms and leaky water sources. It is impossible to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, controlling moisture can control mold growth.

Performance Guidelines: Any signs of mold need to be taken serious when first noticed. Failure to take appropriate action will cause mold growth. This is a homeowner responsibility and any recovery cost will be the responsibility of the homeowner.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: If mold is a result of a plumbing, roof or HVAC condensation leak DEED Builders will remove and repair according to the New York City mold guidelines.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: To notify DEED Builders of any water leak no matter how small so we may investigate. Fix any leaky plumbing, watch for condensation and wet spots. Perform regular inspections of plumbing, HVAC and caulking around tubs and showers. Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 24-hours. Don’t let foundations stay wet. Provide drainage and slope the ground away from the foundation.

MIRRORS ONE TIME REPAIR

General Subject Information: To clean mirrors, use any reliable liquid glass cleaner or polish. Avoid acidic cleaners and splashing water under the mirror; either can cause the silvering to deteriorate.

Performance Guidelines: All mirrors need to be inspected at the orientation for scratches and chips. DEED Builders will not warranty and cosmetic damages after move-in.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: To deliver the mirrors to the homeowner at the orientation without any cosmetic damages.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: To inspect all mirrors at the orientation. After move-in there is no warranty on cosmetic items.

PAINT AND STAINS ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: Simply defined, stains are liquids that penetrate into the surface (usually wood) to allow the grain to be visible, while paints cover the surface of the material not visible. Adequate homeowner maintenance and refinishing at suitable intervals are equally important. Durability of painted and stained surfaces is also directly related to the exposure to which it is subjected. Surfaces that receive direct sun or the full force of storms can be expected to require more frequent refinishing.

Performance Guidelines: Paint should not fade, flake or chalk within the manufacturer’s Warranty. All surfaces to receive paint should be uniformly coated without any unpainted or to lightly painted spots (also called “holidays” in the painting trade). Paint should be applied smoothly and evenly, without any runs or drips. Stains are absorbed by wood in different degrees, depending on the prevalence of sapwood, knots and character of the tree from which the wood product was made.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: In the case of premature fading or flaking, DEED Builders will take appropriate action to remedy the non-performing condition. Any areas that are not painted in conformance with the guidelines will be repainted properly.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: It is important to observe the condition of painted surfaces during your orientation cosmetic issues will not be addressed after move-in. An annual inspection is recommended. Maintenance and touch-up should be undertaken before degradation proceeds too far. The homeowner should keep all varnished and lacquered surfaces reasonably free of excessive moisture and heat

PLUMBING TWO YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: The plumbing system features modern design and materials. It will provide trouble-free service for your family for many years. We recommend that you become familiar with your plumbing system as soon as you move in. The plumbing system in a house consists of three main components: water supply piping, wastewater piping, and fixtures. Both copper and plastic are used for water supply piping in new homes. Waste piping which carries wastewater from fixtures in the house, is black plastic piping called ABS. Wastewater piping also has pipes that protrude through the roof of the house. These are called vents; the purpose of the vents is to allow the wastewater to flow through the pipes without becoming “air locked”. The vents also help dissipate odors. Fixtures are items like toilets, bathtubs, and sinks. Nearly all-plumbing fixtures have traps, which are a U shaped part of the piping. Toilets have traps built into the bowls. The main shut off for your home is located in the garage; you also have a shut off located in the sidewalk in front of your home. Other shut offs will be shown to you at your orientation.

Performance Guidelines: Water supply piping, gas piping and wastewater piping should not leak. At the time of the orientation, all fixtures should operate as intended and all drains should flow freely. Water pressure should be between 15 psi and 80 psi. All fixtures should not be scratched, chipped or damaged at time of orientation. Showerheads and tub spouts should be secured so they cannot move in or out more than ¼ inch. Brass fittings should be free from tarnish at the orientation. Toilets should not leak. Federal Law requires that all toilets installed in new construction flush with 1.6 gallons of water or less.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: DEED Builders will make corrective repairs to any leaking pipe. DEED Builders is not responsible for blockage past 30 days unless it can be determined that the cause of the blockage was construction related. DEED Builders will meet all building codes for water pressure. DEED Builders will repair any chipped, scratched and damaged fixtures one time at the orientation. DEED Builders will repair any leaking toilet as long as the homeowner did not close bare floor and had the there flooring company pull and reset the toilets. Any brass fixtures that are tarnished at the orientation will be corrected.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: It is the homeowner’s duty to notify DEED Builders upon noticing any water leaks, no matter how small. Failure to give timely notice can result in health hazards, personal injury, and structural damage. In areas where the water pressure is low, this condition is beyond DEED Builders’ control and should be addressed with the agency that supplies the water. All plumbing fixtures need to be inspected at the orientation for any cosmetic damages. Homeowners need to take great care by not using the tub spout to get in and out of the tub, and not to hand heavy objects from the showerhead. If you chose to go bare floor you are responsible for re-setting the toilets and any leaks that may result from the toilets. All brass fixtures need to be inspected at the orientation.

RESILIENT & VINYL FLOORING ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: Although vinyl flooring is designed for minimum care, they do have maintenance needs. Wipe up spill and vacuum instead of washing floors frequently with water. Excessive amounts of water can penetrate seams and get under edges, causing the material to lift and curl. Most sheets of vinyl and resilient flooring come in 12-foot goods. So if your room is wider than 12-feet you will have seams. Care needs to be taken when moving in. Moving appliances across the vinyl floor can result in tears and wrinkles, also walking on the floor with high heel shoes may cause damage to the surface or cause dents.

Performance Guidelines: Vinyl flooring should be installed with tight joints not to exceed 1/64 inch. Your vinyl floor should be delivered to you at your orientation without any gouges, tears or cosmetic damages.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: To deliver the vinyl floor to the homeowner at their orientation without any cosmetic damages. Any floor seams that separate or curl, and as long as it is not the result of homeowner neglect, DEED Builders will repair the seam.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: To inspect all the vinyl flooring for cosmetic damages at the orientation. Homeowners should follow the flooring manufacturer’s cleaning and care instructions they get from the flooring company. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to notify DEED Builders of any water damage to the vinyl floor as soon as possible, no matter how small. If the flooring becomes discolored as a result of moisture and the homeowner does not notify DEED Builders there was a water problem, the floor will be replaced at the homeowner’s own expense.

ROOF TWO YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: Concrete roof tile are not considered the waterproofing membrane of the roof system. Roof tiles serve three purposes: 1. Complimenting the architectural design of the house. 2. Controlling the majority of the roof water by means of shedding water down their overlapping courses and into the edge of the roof overhang. 3. Protecting the waterproofing membrane. The felt below the roof tiles, metal flashing, and the tiles themselves comprise the entire roof weatherproofing system.

Performance Guidelines: All roof systems should be installed in a watertight fashion and should not allow any kind of water intrusion under normal weather conditions. Tiles should not be loose or fall from the roof. All cracked and broken tiles are considered unacceptable. All roof tiles will be fastened according to the manufacturer’s recommendations as well as within building codes.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: If the roof leaks under normal weather conditions, DEED Builders will correct and repair any damages. DEED Builders will remove and replace any loose or fallen tiles. DEED Builders will replace any cracked or broken roof tiles at the orientation. DEED Builders is not responsible should the homeowner walk on the roof and break any roof tiles.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: Homeowners should not walk on roof tiles, because concrete and clay tiles are subject to breaking. Generalized inspection can be done from ladders adjacent property or with field glasses. If a more detailed inspection is necessary, it is advisable to hire a qualified, licensed roofing contractor to inspect.

ROUGH CARPENTRY ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: Some floor squeaks are unavoidable, but every reasonable effort will be made to correct them. Floor will deflect (bend) when walked on. This will be more noticeable next to hutches, bookcases, pianos, chairs and any other heavy furniture upstairs. This is not a structural deficiency. Floor squeaks come and go with the humidity.

Performance Guidelines: Floors will be level within ¼ inch within any 32-inch distance. Any wall that’s out of plumb more than ½ inch in a 8-foot distance or walls that are bowed more than ¼ inch in any 32-inch measurement are unacceptable.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: DEED Builders will correct any rough framing that does not meet the above performance guideline. Floor squeaks will be corrected one time during the one-year warranty. This is suggested at the 11-month.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: To realize there will be some deflection when putting heavy furniture upstairs. If you have floor squeaks, they will be taken care of one time during your one-year warranty and should wait until the 11-month to have repairs done, as some times floor squeaks come and go with settling and the humidity.

SMOKE DETECTORS TWO YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: According to code, smoke detectors are required to be installed in specific rooms in a residence, interconnected with each other. New installations of smoke detectors must be wired to the house electrical system as well as having a battery operated back up. If one smoke detector alarms sounds, all should sound.

Performance Guidelines: Smoke detectors are designed to be smoke sensitive; this is for the protection of the occupants. In all likelihood when smoke detectors sound at the time of cooking the room has been overloaded with cooking vapors. All smoke detectors should operate as intended by code. Smoke detectors that do not operate because the battery is dead are considered a homeowner maintenance item.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: DEED Builders is responsible for installing a code-compliant detector system. If the detectors sound at inappropriate times, DEED Builders will correct

Homeowner’s Responsibility: The homeowner needs to cook in a manner that does not cause undue quantities of smoke to be generated within the house. Maintenance Alert! Homeowner should test all smoke detector once a month using the test button on the detector. All detectors operate both off the house wiring and a battery back up. The homeowner should make sure the batteries are changed on a regular basis so the back up system will function in the event of a power failure.

STUCCO ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: Stucco is a coating material that is applied to the exterior of the house. Your home was installed with a one-coat system. This method consists of a water barrier and then a foam board applied to the studs or sheathing of the house frame. Next, wire lath is stapled to the foam boards, and than cement product is applied with trowels or by spraying. Lastly, a finish coat called lacing is applied then painted. The thickness of the one coat is about 3/8 inch plus the thickness of the foam board. WHY DOES STUCCO CRACK? When a new house is built, the wood framing material contains up to 19% moisture. As the lumber dries, the wood shrinks, causing stress cracks to the stucco. Expansion and contraction is an inherent characteristic of a wood structure. When the house expands and contracts during the settling period (generally 9 month), stucco is certain to crack in predictable locations around windows and doorframes. The condition should be expected and is normal. Always Remember: STUCCO WILL CRACK.

Performance Guidelines: All exterior stucco should not have any cracks that exceed 1/8 inch in width. However, cracks less than 1/8 inch covering 33% of one-foot square area of a dry surface, is unacceptable. It is normal for stucco walls to have a wavy appearance under low light or artificial lighting. The final finish will not be perfectly flat.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: Stucco cracks that exceed the performance guideline above will be fixed one time during the warranty period. This should be scheduled at the end of the warranty period of the house can finish settling. Stucco repairs may be noticeable. DEED Builders will try to match the paint as close as possible.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: Do not alter the finish grade around the perimeter of the house. Undrained, wet soil can cause foundation movement, which could result in stucco cracking. If cracks exceed the performance guidelines listed above, the homeowner should notify DEED Builders. The homeowner should expect the stucco to crack around windows and door openings. These cracks will only be fixed one time during the warranty period.

WALLS / BLOCK MASONRY ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: Please note that fencing height around your home may vary from that at the models and from homes with different grade elevations. Fence elevations will follow the grade (dirt). Standard block walls are nine courses of block. One or two of these courses can be below grade (dirt) at certain points due to grading requirements. Walls exposed to moisture can experience efflorescence (a white powder). This is a natural occurrence. Colder temperatures and sprinklers splashing on the walls make this condition worse. Keep all irrigation water from all exterior surfaces.

Performance Guidelines: Any cracks in the wall that exceed ¼ inch are not acceptable. Exterior brick and block should be free of mortar staining from a distance of 20 feet. Some settling will occur, this is normal.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: DEED Builders will repair any crack that exceeds the performance guideline by caulking, tuck-pointing, patching or painting. DEED Builders cannot be responsible for color variation between originals and new mortar. DEED Builders will clean or paint any stains on the block wall.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: The homeowner needs to be careful not to change the grade of the landscape, so as not to undermine the block wall footings. Homeowner needs to keep all sprinklers adjusted and away from the block wall. All irrigation should be 5 feet away from all exterior walls.

WINDOWS / SLIDING DOORS ONE YEAR WARRANTY

General Subject Information: Windows come in many different types such as side vent, single hung, double hung and fixed. The installation methods and operation of the windows are similar. The windows that have been installed in your home are what we call dual pane glass: two panes of glass made into a “sandwich” with dead air space in the middle. The sandwich is sealed so that the air cannot leave the space. This dead air space provides an insulating quality that windows with a single pane don’t have. When the seal is broken, moisture enters between the panes, and the window becomes foggy. The windows also have weep holes, at the bottom of the track to allow moisture to drain outside. Sometimes during a wind driven rain, the tracks may fill up with water. This is normal, but you should keep the weep holes clean to allow any rainwater to drain. Tinting the windows can cause heat to build up inside the panes and could void your warranty.

Performance Guidelines: At the time of orientation, glass should be free of scratches when looking straight at the window at a distance of 10 feet. Damaged glass after the orientation is not is not DEED Builders' Responsibility. Imperfections in the glass, such as “cat eyes” are unacceptable. All windows should open and close freely without undue pressure or force by an adult of average strength. Dual windows should not rupture during the warranty period, providing there is no misuse by homeowner. Window grids should not drop inside the dual panes.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: DEED Builders will inspect the windows at the orientation for broken or scratched glass. Any imperfections will be replaced during the warranty period. Any window that does not operate properly will be adjusted. Any dual pane window that has a seal break will be replaced as long as the homeowner has not installed tint on the window. Any grids that drop inside the panes will be replaces as long as the homeowner has not installed tint on the window within the warranty period.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: The homeowner needs to inspect all the windows from 10 feet at the orientation for any cosmetic damages. After the homeowner closes on the house, all scratched windows will be the responsibility of the homeowner. Window tracks need to be cleaned and lubricated monthly. Installing tint on your windows will void your warranty with the manufacturer. Some water from wind driven rain may collect in the tract, this is normal. Some fine dust may be present on the windowsill, this is also normal, and comes from the weep holes that were put in by the manufacturer at the bottom of the window.

WOOD TRIM

General Subject Information: Because wood is a natural, porous material, it requires protection with paint if it is exposed to the elements. Surfaces that receive direct sun in the morning and mid-afternoon will require more frequent repainting. Inspect these surfaces every six months. Repaint every five or six years or as needed.

Performance Guidelines: Joints in the wood should not exceed ¼ inch splits; less than 1/8 inch is acceptable. Paint that peels within the warranty period is unacceptable. Bowed or twisted boards that exceed 3/8 inch in an 8 feet is unacceptable.

DEED Builders' Responsibility: DEED Builders will meet the above performance standards by either caulking, replacing or repainting. DEED Builders will try to match paint color as close as we can.

Homeowner’s Responsibility: After the warranty period, this is a homeowner maintenance item.

In an effort to continually improve our plans and designs, DEED Builders™ reserves the right to change features, plans, prices and specifications without notice. All square footages distributed and verbally quoted are approximate.