Choice home owner’s guide 2016/ 2017

Built for thousands of happy families.

Home Owner’s Guide

2016/17 edition

Choice Home Owner’s Guide 2016.indd 1

13/05/2016 10:33 AM

Choice Home Owner’s Guide 2016.indd 2

13/05/2016 10:33 AM

Your New Home By Choice Homes Once again – thank you for selecting Choice Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd.

The purpose of this booklet is twofold: • As an explanation of the Choice Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd Home Owners Warranty and • To provide you with a guide on general

standards set in place by various local, state and federal government agencies.

As with a new car, regular maintenance will help to not only maintain the property value but will also increase it considerably. Proper

maintenance which should be undertaken

care of your property does not take a lot

by you the home owner (or your property

of time or effort, as long as you familiarise

manager) to preserve your investment as well as the warranty.

yourself with this ‘Home Owners Guide’ and use it to assist you to protect your investment.

Some items mentioned in this booklet will

Property maintenance is very important.

only be applicable if they are included in your

Your property was built to comply with strict

‘Building Specifications’.

HOME BUYERS GUIDE | 2016/17 1

Choice Home Owner’s Guide 2016.indd 1

13/05/2016 10:33 AM

CHOICE HOMES

2 HOME BUYERS GUIDE | 2016/17

Choice Home Owner’s Guide 2016.indd 2

13/05/2016 10:34 AM

Home Owner’s Warranty

Practical Completion Inspection Your house is made up of hundreds of components sourced from quality manufacturers, suppliers and trades people.

Choice Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd utilises an independent building inspection carried out prior to the Practical Completion Claim.

Minor adjustments and defects will be attended to after a joint inspection of your property by a Choice Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd representative and either yourself or your agent. This inspection is very important.

Choice Homes will endeavour to rectify relevant defects within two weeks, however rectification of defects is not a precondition to your obligation to pay the Practical Completion invoice.

12 Months Maintenance

Handover Pack. Please complete and send to Choice Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd towards the end of this period listing any maintenance requirements. This service to you is free.

If an owner or their agent reports a maintenance or warranty problem, which turns out to be their responsibility, Choice Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd reserves the right to charge a service fee and cost of replacement parts. Example: a domestic blockage in the sewer line, an occupant not switching on the stove isolator, faulty electrical appliances or general occupant damage.

Service Contract If you are a tenant renting this property, please be aware that all maintenance needs are to be directed to your Property Manager listed below.

365 days after signing off your inspection, you are entitled to a Maintenance Inspection. You will find a Maintenance Request Form in the Choice Homes HOME BUYERS GUIDE | 2016/17 3

Choice Home Owner’s Guide 2016.indd 3

13/05/2016 10:34 AM

CHOICE HOMES

Interior Maintenance

Bench Tops Choice Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd uses high quality laminate and stone bench tops.

Care should be taken not to use appliances such as kettles and toasters directly over joins in the beach tops, and pots, pans and baking dishes should never be placed directly onto the surface.

Ensure you clean any spills on or near the

There are a number products on the market designed specifically for stainless steel goods. Do not use gritty soaps or abrasives, as these will leave dull patches on the surface. Refer to the manufacturers handbook for service or repair work. Contact the manufacturer directly for warranty claims.

Note: If the stove does not work, check that the isolator switch located near the stove is turned on and the trip switch is in the ‘on’ position in the meter box.

joins immediately. Bench top surfaces are not designed to be used as chopping

Tiles

boards or ironing surfaces.

Tiles, particularly in damp areas such as

White Goods/Stainless Steel Appliances

bathrooms, should be washed regularly and the room ventilated to reduce the

The working surface of your stove and oven

likelihood of mold growth.

are usually finished in glass and/or stainless

Tile chipping is not covered under warranty.

steel. To maintain the appearance of these

It must be noted that the grouting between

appliances, stains may be removed with hot

tiles will take approximately 12 months to

soapy water and a clean cloth prior to the

completely set. Powder residue from the

stains drying. For stubborn stains, place a hot

grout is easily removed by regular cleaning

damp cloth on the surface for a few minutes.

and polishing with a dry soft cloth.

4 HOME BUYERS GUIDE | 2016/17

Choice Home Owner’s Guide 2016.indd 4

13/05/2016 10:34 AM

Interior Plaster Walls Weather extremes, timber shrinkage, brickwork expansion and contraction of the plaster itself

Tracks should be regularly cleaned removing dust and dirt to allow the rollers to move freely. Never use harsh chemicals,

can contribute to hairline and minor cracks

abrasive cleaners or scourers.

in plaster joints and cornice joins. For these

Note: the weep holes, located at the base of the

reasons, it is not advisable to fill minor cracks if

window tracks, must be kept clear to ensure no

any appear in the first 12 months.

water builds up in the tracks.

However, if you wish to repair them, Gap Filler (available at all hardware stores) can be used by carefully filling the cracks and then touching them up with paint to match the wall colour. Excess paint used in your property is usually left by the painters in the garage or laundry cupboard.

Ceiling Joints and Nail Marks Modern designs use the beauty of the appearance of flat surfaces to give space to rooms, hence the use of seamless plaster walls and ceilings. It must be remembered that a completely flat surface is impossible

Painted Surfaces The highest quality paints available for each surface have been used in your

to achieve and the combination of materials used for walls can add to this. Lighting can also greatly contributed to this by the

property, however they are not designed

placement of lighting close to surfaces and

to be washed daily, as some may believe.

also windows without blinds or curtains

Paints labeled as washable simply means

throwing glancing or side light.

that accidental surface marks can be carefully cleaned off.

Do not store items in the roof cavity above ceilings. This area is not designed for

Paint manufacturers suggest this may be

storage. When installing heavy items, such

achieved using warm soapy water and a

as gym equipment, ensure you locate a

soft cotton cloth dabbed on the marks until they are removed as wiping or scrubbing will

suitable beam to ensure sound fixing.

leave shiny patches on the surface. Chips or grazes should be touched up with a small fine brush with a small amount of paint.

Doors and Windows Graphite lubricant or dry lube spray should only be used to fix a squeaky door hinge – never use oil-based lubricants as they will attract dirt and dust.

Aluminum sliding doors and windows should only be lubricated with dry lube spray occasionally - more regularly on high use doors.

HOME BUYERS GUIDE | 2016/17 5

Choice Home Owner’s Guide 2016.indd 5

13/05/2016 10:34 AM

CHOICE HOMES

6 HOME BUYERS GUIDE | 2016/17

Choice Home Owner’s Guide 2016.indd 6

13/05/2016 10:34 AM

Exterior Maintenance

Termite Control Your home has been treated in accordance with Australian standards and local by-laws to guard against “white ant” infestation.

This treatment is very effective, however inspections every 12 months are a must and necessary for warranties. Please read the information supplied to you with your

gardens, shrubs or trees against the house that may cause a change in the slab moisture.

Choice Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd will not cover structural slab damage as a result of alterations made by the owner to the fall of the land, including layers of pavers or concrete. The natural ground underneath must slope away from the building at all times.

construction contract in relation to this.

Landscaping

Note: if you are thinking of building extensions,

Landscaping is usually undertaken by

fences or retaining walls which will adjoin external

Choice Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd professional

walls, or of moving earth against the building

contract landscapers in accordance with

(including garden beds, paving or concrete works),

local government requirements. Regular

consult a Certified Pest Controller first. Any

mowing, watering, fertilizing and garden

disturbance may void your Termite Warranty.

mulching should keep your lawns and gardens looking great for years to come.

Land The placement of the house slab has been planned by an engineer to allow for the ground to slope away from the slab. This is done

Note: it is important that you never plant gardens, shrubs, trees or place water features against the house above the weep holes as this may cause a change in the under slab moisture and could encourage termite infestation. The natural ground

to prevent moisture building up under the

around the slab should slope away from the

slab itself. The homeowner should not plant

building at all times where possible.

HOME BUYERS GUIDE | 2016/17 7

Choice Home Owner’s Guide 2016.indd 7

13/05/2016 10:34 AM

CHOICE HOMES

External Painted Surfaces

Brickwork

External surfaces should be washed down

Bricks are used on exterior walls for a

twice a year with water and a soft broom,

number reasons, one of which is the

otherwise the build-up of dust and dirt on

minimum maintenance required. The most

the surfaces can cause pitting and peeling of the paintwork.

common problem with brickwork is the appearance of salts and minerals on the

When repainting, do not use dark colours on

brick surface in periods of high humidity.

external doors as the heat absorption could

This is not a long-term or structural problem,

cause the door to warp.

it is merely cosmetic. Simply use a wire

Garage Doors

brush to remove the powder from the bricks.

Do not use water.

Roller and panel lift doors are generally maintenance free. If squeaking occurs, wipe the rollers and track clean then apply

Concrete

a silicon spray. If the problem persists,

Due to the nature of the material it is virtually

contact the manufacturer. A service by

impossible for any builder to prevent minor

the supplier is required every two years to

cracking in concrete. The slab in your home

maintain the warranty.

has been designed by engineers to meet the

8 HOME BUYERS GUIDE | 2016/17

Choice Home Owner’s Guide 2016.indd 8

13/05/2016 10:34 AM

‘Building Code’ and Australian standards so

free, but it is extremely important to keep

as to withstand anticipated pressures.

gutters, valley boards and down pipes clear

Cracking may result however from uncontrollable conditions such as unequal ground settlement, shrinkage and prolonged periods of unseasonable weather. Hairline cracking has no detrimental effect on the structure of your home and Choice Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd utilise the expertise of qualified tilers who lay tiles on flexible glue to safeguard any cracking of the tiles. However, should you become concerned or the cracks in the concrete are clearly wider than 3mm, contact our maintenance department.

Roofing

of obstructions such as leaves, twigs and balls as they may cause internal flooding.

Note: do not walk on the roof unless it is absolutely necessary. People retrieving balls from roofs and TV antenna installers are common causes of leaking roofs. Any damage cause by walking on the roof will void the warranty.

Cracked roof tiles are not covered by our six-month warranty. Any internal damage resulting from cracked roof tiles is not covered by our six-month warranty. Hairline cracking to the bedding of your ridge capping and hips tiles is very common in new homes due to the settling of the timber supports.

Regular maintenance to the ridge and hip

The roofing material used on your home is

capping and pointing is your responsibility

designed and installed to be maintenance

after 180 days from Practical Completion.

HOME BUYERS GUIDE | 2016/17 9

Choice Home Owner’s Guide 2016.indd 9

13/05/2016 10:34 AM

CHOICE HOMES

Plumbing Burst Pipes and Joint Leaks The main stop cock is located on the road side

Note: do not empty teapots or fat down the sink and always run hot water down the sink after washing fatty utensils. If a blockage does occur, it

of the water meter situated in the front corner

may be necessary to dismantle the drain below the

of your boundary. If you have a pipe leak, turn

sink. This is not a warranty issue and thus would

the main water off immediately. If possible,

incur costs to rectify.

wrap bags or sacking around the pipe at

Nappies, sanitary pads and toilet rim blocks

the leak and place containers underneath to

are some of the main causes of blockages

catch any drips. This will minimized any water

in the toilet systems. Again this is not a

damage to walls and ceilings.

warranty item and a call out will incur a

If the problem arises within the warranty period, call Choice Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd to determine cause and liability. Note: ensure

charge by the plumber.

Toilet Cisterns

the area around your water meter/stock

If the cistern overflows, turn off the water at

cock is kept clear of plants and soil build up

the tap located behind the toilet and drain the

and do not mow directly over them.

cistern. There is an adjustment screw in the cistern that will lower the water level when

Drainage

refilled. Ensure the float valve arm is free.

Keep lawn and garden storm water grates clean and clear of leaves, soil and grass at all times. Do not place any items over storm water grates as it will restrict the drainage of surface water, which could create flooding in the yard and in extreme cases the house.

Blockages All baths, basins, sinks and floor wastes are fitted with a grill over them to stop solids from entering and blocking the drains however small solids such as vegetable matter, hair and tea leaves can pass through and also block the drain.

10 HOME BUYERS GUIDE | 2016/17

Choice Home Owner’s Guide 2016.indd 10

13/05/2016 10:34 AM

Shower Compartment Glass shower screens are made to be maintenance free, however they are not designed to withstand direct contact with hot water as the rapid expansion of the glass can cause cracking.

occurs in a manner of seconds the system is working correctly. Caution: overflow water is very hot.

Water Hammer Water hammer is the thumping of pipes when the water is flowing, not when the taps

Hot Water System The hot water system installed in your house will give many years of reliable service. Any adjustments are best left to the manufacturer. The overflow pipe over the drain next to the system is designed to relieve the pressure build up in the tank and so will drip from time to time. However it is advisable to check the pressure every six months or so by opening the relief valve on the side of the system until a constant stream of water flows from it – if this flow

are turned off. If the latter occurs, check that the taps to the washing machines are turned off and that all taps are turned off. Taps turned off quickly may cause a pressure thump, which can also loosen pipe clips and damage the tap washer. If water hammer does occur within the first six months, contact the Choice Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd Maintenance department.

Rainwater Tank and Pump Please refer to your warranty pack.

HOME BUYERS GUIDE | 2016/17 11

Choice Home Owner’s Guide 2016.indd 11

13/05/2016 10:34 AM

CHOICE HOMES

Electricity

Electricity

TV Reception

Circuit breakers and safety switches are fitted in your meter box. If a breaker or safety switch trips, do the following: turn off all appliances. Reset the breaker or switch.

Turn on each appliance in turn to ascertain which one is causing the problem. Do not plug the suspected appliance in again but have it serviced immediately by a qualified electrician or service person.

TV reception may vary from site to site.

If the breaker or safety switch continues to trip during the six months maintenance period contact the Choice Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd maintenance department. Note: storm damage of any kind is not covered under maintenance or warranty.

As per your Building Specification, Choice Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd provides a TV antenna and two outlets. If you experience poor reception, please arrange to have a booster installed by a reputable supplier.

Telephone Line and Outlets As per your Building Specification, Choice Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd provide a telephone lead-in from the front boundary to your home and two outlets. Please contact your preferred retailed to arrange telephone connection.

12 HOME BUYERS GUIDE | 2016/17

Choice Home Owner’s Guide 2016.indd 12

13/05/2016 10:34 AM

Notes

üü ‘Like’ us on Facebook for the latest maintenance tips and techniques. üü Tell your friends and family about us!

Important Note If you have an electrical, plumbing or structural problem, you must contact the Choice Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd maintenance department so we can establish responsibility and cause. Choice Homes cannot reimburse monies spend on other contractors you have engaged at your property. We must be given an opportunity to resolve an issue providing the house is still under warranty.

HOME BUYERS GUIDE | 2016/17 13

Choice Home Owner’s Guide 2016.indd 13

13/05/2016 10:34 AM

Built for thousands of happy families.

Choice Home Owner’s Guide 2016.indd 14

13/05/2016 10:34 AM