HOME WARRANTY DETAILS

Please read the entire page thoroughly and the relevant section of this online manual prior to submitting a warranty request.

To submit a warranty request, please click Warranty Request. Please be as precise as you can in the description of the area(s) of concern and email it to rachelle@launchconstruction.net.

If this is an emergency (loss of heat in the winter, loss of air-conditioning in the summer, a plumbing leak, or anything that is causing immediate damage to your home) please call the emergency phone numbers listed on your water heater or furnace.

Most items on and in your home are covered for the first year against defects due to workmanship and materials. There are manufacturers’ warranties on some of the products used to create your home that exceed this one-year limit. 

There are no warranties on some items, or the warranty on such items is dependent on homeowner maintenance. The following items are the sole responsibility of the homeowner to maintain and are NOT covered under Launch Construction warranties.

• Hairline cracks in concrete 

• Air-conditioning maintenance (refer to Air Conditioning) 

• Landscaping (if provider by builder): trees, shrubs, and grass need proper care to ensure their health and survival (water, fertilizer, pruning, etc.) and are subject to forces of nature (heat, cold, etc).  As we cannot supervise the performance of this necessary care and cannot control the weather, Launch Construction cannot warranty the landscaping around your home. 

• Landscape Curbing (if installed by builder): due to the natural heaving of the ground during hot and cold cycle transitions, cracking of your concrete landscape curbing is unavoidable and therefore not covered under warranty. Control joints (grooves in the curbing) have been installed in order to provide a place for the curbing to crack where it will be less noticeable. 

• Pest Infestation/Damage: rodents, insects, etc. are a part of the natural world and may attempt to share your new home with you. Pest control is a homeowner responsibility and is not covered under warranty.

Warranty service is not designed to handle “cosmetic” or “maintenance” items. All cosmetic items should be resolved prior to closing on the home. Maintenance items are the responsibility of the homeowner. The one-year warranty is extended only to the original homeowner and is not transferable to any subsequent homeowner.

It should be further noted that it is the duty of the homeowner to report all conditions covered by this warranty in a timely manner. Launch Construction will not be responsible for any excessive damage created by delay or failure to report a problem. All warranty requests must be submitted to Launch Construction (see form attached).  In order to handle your request in a timely manner, it will be necessary for you to make arrangements for either you or a representative (not a minor) to allow us access to your home and remain present while any work is being performed. All warranty work must be completed Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. 

In case of an emergency, you may contact the appropriate sub-contractor directly. Contact information for these contractors can be found on the stickers located on your furnace or water heater. Examples of emergencies include: 

• Plumbing leaks 

• Gas leaks 

• Total loss of air-conditioning during the summer 

• Total loss of heat during the winter I hope this brief introduction to our warranty program has been helpful. 

For specific questions on warranty or maintenance items, please review the appropriate sections of the online manual. 

Periodic maintenance is necessary because of a number of factors, such as normal wear and tear, climatic conditions, the inherent characteristics of various materials used in your home (such as wood), and normal service required by the mechanical systems. Over time, natural variations in temperature and humidity also impact your home. Many times, a minor adjustment or repair done immediately saves a more serious, time consuming and sometimes costly repair later. 

Note also that failure to perform routine maintenance can void applicable limited warranty coverage on all or part of your home. We recognize that it is impossible to anticipate and describe every detail that may be needed for good home care; however, we have covered many important topics. In addition, be certain to read the literature provided by the manufacturers of consumer products included with your home. Although much of the information may be familiar to you, some points may be significantly different from homes you have had in the past. The information from the manufacturers of consumer products in your home is not repeated here.

Activate specific manufacturer warranties by completing and mailing the registration cards included with their materials. In some cases, manufacturer warranties may extend beyond the first year; it is in your best interest to be apprised of such coverage. 

By caring for your new home attentively, you insure your enjoyment of it for years. The attention provided by each homeowner contributes significantly to the overall desirability of the community. 

The following details many such items, and it is your responsibility as a homeowner to see that these tasks are performed. Failure to perform the tasks as indicated may void certain aspects of your home’s warranty.

• Furnace Filters:        Clean or replace every 4 months 
• Water heater:        Drain 5-10 gallons every 4 months 
• Crawlspace:                Check entire area every other month 
• Water connections:   Check dishwasher, clothes washer, sinks - check under and                             behind, retighten as necessary, weekly 1st-4th weeks, 12/1 and 6/1 
• Smoke detectors: Replace batteries on 12/1 and 6/1 

Good maintenance of the cooling system can save energy dollars as well as prolong the life of the cooling system itself. 

Annual Inspection: To keep your cooling system operating at maximum efficiency, you should have it checked and serviced by a professional serviceman at least twice a year. Furnished Homes: The cooling system design was planned with a furnished home in mind. If you move in during the warmer part of the year and have not yet acquired all of your window coverings and furnishings, the home may seem warmer to you than you would expect. 

Thermostat:  Please review the thermostat manual for proper operation instructions.  

Filter: Remember to change the filter(s) every 2-3 months. If you do not, your furnace cannot breathe, and it will become too hot and shut down. Although it takes less than one minute to change the filter, this is one of the most frequently overlooked details of normal furnace care. 

Vents: For maximum comfort and efficient energy use, do not place furniture or draperies over registers or cold air returns. 

Adjust Vents: You will find it advantageous to adjust the vents to direct airflow as desired. Partially closing vents in unoccupied areas will allow more air to flow to other areas. Temperature Variations: Normal temperatures can vary from floor to floor and room to room (depending on the style of the home). Variations between inside temperatures and the thermostat setting can be as much as 6 degrees or more. 

Recommendations for optimum performance: These recommendations become most important when outside temperatures reach into the mid-90’s and above. Taking these steps will “help” the system provides maximum comfort during these extreme temperature periods. 

• Be sure that the “Fan” switch is in the “On” position. This will run the blower continuously, circulating the air throughout the home and helping to even out temperatures. The added electrical costs are relatively small and it’s better for the equipment to run continuously rather than start and stop. HVAC companies recommend running the fan in the “on” position year-round. 

• Keep blinds closed over windows in the hottest part of the day. The largest amount of heat gain or loss in any home is through the windows. Turn the lights off in areas not being used. If you’ve ever touched a light bulb while it’s on, then you know how much heat is generated by an incandescent bulb. A typical fixture with two to four bulbs will add an amazing amount of heat to the air. 

• Be sure to use exhaust fans while cooking, showering, running the clothes dryer, etc. to remove the heat produced by those activities. Of course, it will help the most if these activities can be performed during the cooler parts of the day. 

• Leave interior doors open as much as possible. A closed door inhibits air movement in and out of the room and will cause the temperature in that room to be higher than the rest of the house. 

• Anticipate temperatures rising with the number of people in the home. You might lower the set point of the thermostat prior to guests arriving in anticipation of the increased need. 

• During the hottest weeks of the year set the thermostat lower than normal in the morning to get a “head start” on the demand later in the day. 

• Manual adjustment of the damper in the garage (if present) and of the floor/ceiling registers may be necessary to fine-tune the temperatures in the home. Typically, the rooms farthest away from the furnace will be most difficult to condition so the registers in closer rooms can sometimes be closed partially to redirect the air. Registers can be closed completely in rooms that are not used as much or that are naturally cooler. Troubleshooting If the air conditioner is blowing warm air or no air at all: 

• Check that the thermostat is set to “cool” and that it’s set to a temperature below the current temperature in the home. 

• Make sure that the breaker marked “A/C” in the electrical panel is turned on. 

• There is a power disconnect outside at the a/c unit itself. Make sure it is turned on. 

• The furnace may also have an on/off power switch. This switch looks like a regular light switch and is located on or next to the furnace. The switch simply overrides all furnace commands and manually shuts off the power. 

• Check and clean the filters 

• Check for ice around refrigeration lines at the outside a/c unit and at the furnace. If there is ice or frost at the air conditioner or furnace: 

• This is most caused by low airflow, so first check and clean the filters. 

• Also check that all the registers in the home and any dampers located in the garage are open so airflow is not restricted. 

• Turn the system switch on the thermostat to “Off” and the Fan switch to “On”. This will cause the ice to melt and may result in some minor puddling around the furnace. 

• Once the ice is gone and all restrictions in airflow have been addressed, return the system switch to “Cool”. If the problem continues, turn the system switch to “Off”, the fan switch to “On”, and follow the instructions for a warranty request. Furnace Sounds: Expansion and contraction of metal ductwork will typically result in some ticking or popping sounds. It is not possible to eliminate these sounds. 

Registers: Register covers are removable and adjustable. The homeowner is responsible for adjusting the dampers in these covers to regulate the airflow within the home. In particular, attention is drawn to the fact that rooms farther away from the furnace will need to have vents opened more than rooms closer to the furnace. 

Appliance Warranty Request Instructions:  

Your appliances are the only items in your home whose warranties are not handled by Launch Construction. Appliances carry manufacturer’s warranties. See the appliance manual for specifics.

CAULKING 

Maintenance: Time and weather will shrink caulking and dry it out so that it no longer provides a good seal against moisture and air infiltration. Caulking may need to be touched up by the homeowner once each year. 

Silicone Caulk: Caulking that contains silicone will not accept paint but works best where water is present (for example, where tub meets tile or a sink meets a counter top). 

Acrylic/Latex Caulk: Acrylic/latex caulking is appropriate for an area that requires painting. (For example, around the windows or along baseboards.) 

Limited Warranty 

Caulking is a Homeowner maintenance item. 

CERAMIC TILE 

Maintenance: The ceramic tile installed on walls or countertops in your home may be washed with any non-abrasive soap or detergent; abrasive cleaners will dull the finish. This includes mild abrasive liquid cleaners. 

Separations: Tile around bathtubs or countertops may appear to be pulling up after time. This is caused by normal shrinkage of grout or silicone. If this occurs, a new bead of silicone will need to be applied to these areas. This maintenance is important to protect the underlying surface from water damage. Sealing grout is a Homeowner option and responsibility. 

Limited Warranty 

New grout may vary in color from the original. Cracks appearing in grouting of ceramic tiles at joints or junctions with other materials are commonly due to normal shrinkage conditions. Launch Construction will repair grouting and silicone during the first year.  

COUNTERTOPS 

Maintenance: Always use a cutting board when cutting, chopping, etc. Protect the counter from excessive heat such as irons, hot pans, and coffee pots. If you cannot put your hand on it, do not put it on the counter. 

Cleaners – laminate:  Avoid abrasive cleaners as they will damage the luster of the surface. 

Cleaners – granite or quartz:  For best results, use products designed specifically for these surfaces. 

Mats: Rubber drain mats can trap moisture beneath them causing laminate counters to warp and blister. Dry the surface as needed. 

Wax: Wax is not necessary, but can be used to make laminate counters gleam. Sealers:  Granite countertops may need to be sealed once each year to provide maximum protection. 

Caulking: The caulking around the edge of your counter tops and between the counter tops and the sink may shrink, leaving a slight gap. (See Caulking for maintenance hints for this condition).   

Limited Warranty 

Separation: Separation of counter tops at walls and the back splash is the result of normal shrinkage of materials. Launch Construction will caulk separation gaps during the warranty period. 

Seams: Laminated counter tops typically will have one or more discernible seams. There should not be a gap at the seams. 

Cosmetic: Any major surface imperfections (chips, cracks, scratches, etc.) or damage reported on the pre-closing walkthrough will be repaired by Launch Construction.   

DOORS & LOCKS 

Maintenance: The interior doors installed in your home are hollow-core wood products and are subject to the natural characteristics of wood such as shrinkage and warping. Due to humidity changes and the use of forced air furnaces, showers, dishwashers, etc., interior doors may require minor adjustments. 

Sticking: The most common cause of a sticking door is the natural expansion of framing lumber due to changes in humidity. When sticking is due to swelling during the damp season, do not attempt any adjustment or repair to the door unless it continues to stick after the weather changes. Use sandpaper to smooth the door. Be certain to repaint the area of the door where it was sanded to seal against moisture. 

Hinges: A squeaky door hinge can be remedied by removing the hinge pin and rubbing a lead pencil or graphite lubricant on it. Do not use oil or WD40, as it can gum up. 

Failure to Latch: If a door will not latch due to minor settling, you can raise or lower the plate accordingly. 

Bi-Fold Doors: Interior bi-folds will sometimes stick or warp due to weather conditions. Applying a wax such as paraffin to the tracks can minimize this inconvenience. 

Slamming: Slamming doors can damage both doors and jambs, and can even cause cracking in walls. Do not hang on the doorknob and swing back and forth. This can work hardware loose and cause the door to sag. 

Door Trim: Putty, caulk, or filler can be used to fill any minor separations that may develop at mitered joints in door trim. Follow with painting. 

Locks: Lubricate door locks with graphite or other waterproof lubricant. Avoid oil and WD40, as it can gum up. 

Keys: Keep a duplicate “privacy lock” key where children cannot reach it in the event a youngster locks his/herself in a room. Some types of privacy locks can be opened with a small screwdriver or similarly shaped device.   

Limited Warranty 

Due to normal settling of the home, doors may require adjustment for proper fit. Launch Construction will make such adjustments during the first year. Doors that warp in excess of 1/4″ will be repaired or replaced at Launch Constructions’ discretion during the first year. Panels of wood doors will shrink or expand in response to changes in temperature and humidity. Touching up the paint or staining the unfinished areas that are exposed as a result of these changes is a Homeowner responsibility. Split panels that allow light to be visible will be corrected by Launch Construction  by filling (not replacing) during the first year of ownership.  

DRYWALL 

Limited Warranty 

Shrinkage Cracks: Some slight cracking, nail “pops” and/or drywall seams may become visible in walls and ceilings. These occurrences are normally caused by the shrinkage of the wood to which the drywall is attached. Launch Construction will repair drywall damage due to this shrinkage within one year of closing. 

Lighting Conditions: Repairs will not be made when the concern is only visible under particular lighting conditions. 

Repainting: If the drywall repair is required as a result of inadequate workmanship (such as blisters in tape) or other warranty-based repair (such as a plumbing leak), Launch Construction will complete the repair of the damaged area with the original paint. Launch Construction will not be responsible for any custom paint colors or wallpaper that has been applied subsequent to closing. Paint touch-up and texture pattern may not perfectly match surrounding area.  

FIREPLACE 

Maintenance: It will be necessary to periodically remove and clean the glass panel (if applicable) to prevent resin build up and discoloration due to use of the fireplace. 

Glass removal: Remove facial trim pieces by gently lifting upward. Pull and turn spring loaded retaining clips to remove glass. 

Limited Warranty 

Damage to glass doors included on the pre-closing walk through will be corrected by Launch Construction. Malfunction of the fireplace system due to defect will be corrected by Launch Construction for the first year following the home closing. Changes or additions to the fireplace after closing are the owner’s responsibility. 

FLOOR COVERING 

Maintenance: Refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for additional information on the care of all floor-covering products. 

Carpet: Vacuuming high traffic areas daily will not only keep them clean but will help to maintain the upright position of the nap. Spills should be wiped up and stains spot-cleaned immediately. Always dab at the stain, never rub it. Stain removers should be tested first on an out-of-the-way area of the carpet, such as in a closet, to check for any undesirable effects. Professional cleaning should be performed regularly, usually annually. 

Resilient Flooring: Although resilient floors are designed for minimum care, they do vary in maintenance needs. All resilient floors require some regular application of a good floor finish. This assures retaining a high gloss. 

No Wax: The resilient flooring installed in your home is the “no wax” type. “No-wax” means it is coated with a clear, tough coating which provides both a shiny appearance and a wearing surface. Even this surface will scuff or mark. Follow any manufacturer’s specific recommendations for care and cleaning of all your hard surface floors. 

Scrubbing/Buffing: Frequent scrubbing or electric buffing is harder on floors than regular foot traffic and is not recommended for any floor surface. 

Moving Furniture: Use extreme caution when moving appliances across resilient floor covering. Tears and wrinkles can result. Coasters should be installed on furniture legs to prevent permanent damage. 

Seam Lifting: Flooring of any type will shrink, and seams may actually separate slightly due to this shrinkage. Minor gaps and separations not exceeding 1/8″ are common and should be expected. Seams can lift or curl if excessive moisture is allowed on the floor. A special caulking can be used at tub or floor joints to seal seams at those locations. Hardwood Flooring Wood floors will respond noticeably to changes in the humidity level in the home, especially in winter. A humidifier will help but will not completely eliminate this reaction. Fading of the floor color will occur on wood floors that are in direct sunlight. Wood floors will exhibit the following traits: when new, small splinters of wood may appear; dimples or scratches can be caused by moving furniture, dropping heavy or sharp objects, etc. Some shrinkage or warping can be expected, especially around heat vents or any heat-producing appliances. Warping will occur if the floor becomes wet repeatedly or is thoroughly soaked even one time. A dulling of the finish in heavy traffic areas is likely; a white, filmy appearance is caused by moisture (often from wet shoes or boots). Your hardwood floors have a polyurethane finish. An oil-based or wax product (i.e., Murphy’s Oil Soap) should not be used to clean the hardwood. In daily care of hardwood floors, preventive maintenance is the primary goal. 

Spills: Food spills should be cleaned up as quickly as possible using a very dry cloth. Shoes: High heeled shoes can exert a force that can damage wood floors. 

Mats: Use protective mats outside the exterior doors to help prevent sand and grit from getting on the floor. Gritty sand is wood flooring’s worst enemy. Avoid mats with rubber backing. 

Yellowing and Warping: Be aware that yellowing and warping of the surface can result from the solid rubber backing on some area rugs or mats. 

Furniture Legs: Install proper floor protectors on furniture used on hardwood floors. Protectors will allow chairs to move easily over the floor without scuffing. Clean the protectors on a regular basis to remove any grit that may accumulate. 

Limited Warranty

The manufacturer of each flooring type has established its own product warranty.  Please consult those manufacturers for specific details. 

Cosmetic: Any major surface imperfections (tears, cracks, scratches, etc.) or damage reported on the pre-closing walkthrough will be repaired by Launch Construction. 

Floor Squeaks: A squeak-proof floor cannot be assured. Floor squeaks are often temporary and may be a passing condition, caused by lumber shrinkage or temperature changes. An isolated floor squeak is not a defect unless caused by a defective floor joist in the system. A large area of floor squeak which is noticeable, loud and objectionable is a defect that will be repaired at the discretion of Launch Construction.

PAINT & STAIN 

Maintenance Interior: The interior woodwork has been painted with a light polyurethane matte sealer. These areas may be wiped down with a damp dust cloth. The walls are painted with latex wall paint and should be touched up with matching paint rather than wiped with a wet sponge. DO NOT scrub the walls in your home, as this will remove both the texture and paint. Spackle may be used to cover any small defects prior to paint touch-up. Do not use soaps, abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or brushes for maintenance. 

Touch-Ups: When doing paint touch-up, use a small brush, applying paint only to the damaged spot. Touch-up may not match the surrounding area exactly, even if the same paint mix is used. 

Repainting: When it is time to repaint a room, prepare the wall surfaces first by gently cleaning with a mild soap and water mixture or a reliable cleaning product. Applying excessive amounts of water to flat latex walls can remove texture. 

Stain: For interior cabinet stain touch-ups, Old English Furniture Polish and Scratch Cover is inexpensive, easy to use, and blends in with the wood grain. Follow directions on the bottle.  

Limited Warranty

Launch Construction will only touch up paint as indicated on the pre-closing walkthrough, prior to the homeowner moving in. 

Touch-Up: Homeowner will be responsible for all subsequent touch-ups, unless provided as part of another warranty repair. Homeowner will receive a sample of each interior paint used for subsequent touch-ups. This paint should be stored so as not to be affected by freezing temperatures. 

Touch-Up Visible: Paint touch-ups are sometimes visible under certain lighting conditions. For additional details on touch-up needed as a result of repairs, see individual categories of Drywall, Plumbing, etc. 

Wood Grain: Due to wood characteristics, color variation will result when stain is applied. There will be no repair or replacements on such variations.

Fading: Fading of exterior paint or stain can be expected due to the effects of sun and weather. No repair is provided for this occurrence. 

Cracking: Wood trim will develop some minor cracks and raised grain as it ages and dries. Much of this will occur during the first year. Raised grain can result in peeling paint; however, this is not due to a defect in materials or workmanship. Paint maintenance of wood trim is a homeowner’s responsibility. 

Paint Colors: Wood trim painted white or light colors will more readily show grain and cracks and will therefore require additional maintenance by the homeowner.  

WOOD TRIM 

Limited Warranty Interior

Minor imperfections may be visible. Launch Construction will correct only those defects (i.e., chips, gouges, etc.) noted on the pre-closing walkthrough. Minor separation of wood trim from the adjacent materials is a normal result of shrinkage, which can require caulking as a repair. This is a Homeowner maintenance responsibility. 

Raised Grain: Because of the effects of weather on natural wood, you should expect raised grain to develop. This is normal and not a defect in the wood or paint. White or light colors will more readily show grain and cracks and require more maintenance. 

Maintenance Breaker Panel: The breaker panel that contains the electrical breakers for your home includes a “main” shut-off that controls all the electrical power to the home. In addition, individual breakers control the separate circuits. Be certain you are familiar with the location of the master breaker panel. Electrical Service: The electrical service entrance, which provides power to the service panel, has been designated for the electrical needs of the house. Do not tamper with the cable. 

Outlets: If an outlet is not working, check first to see if it is one that is controlled by a wall switch or protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). Next, check the breaker. (See below.) 

Breaker Tripping: Plugging too many appliances into a circuit can often cause the breaker to trip. Also, a worn cord, defective item, operating an appliance with too high a voltage requirement, or starting an electric motor can trip a breaker. If any circuit trips repeatedly, unplug all items connected to it and reset. If it trips when nothing is connected to it, you need an electrician and the problem should be reported. If the circuit remains on, one of the items you unplugged may be defective and may require repair or replacement. 

GFCI: GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacles have a built-in element, which senses fluctuations in power. Quite simply, the GFCI is an indoor circuit breaker. Installation of these receptacles is required by building codes in bathrooms, the kitchen, exterior outlets, and in the garage (areas where an individual can come into contact with water while holding an electric appliance or tool). Heavy appliances such as freezers or power tools can trip the GFCI breaker. Do not plug a refrigerator or food freezer into a GFCI controlled outlet. The likelihood of the contents being ruined is very high, and any damage is NOT covered by the Limited Warranty and Launch Construction shall not be responsible. Each GFCI receptacle has a test and reset button. Once each month, the test button should be pressed. This will trip the circuit. To return service, press the reset button. If a GFCI breaker trips during normal use, it may be an indication of a faulty appliance and some investigation is in order. An important point to remember is that each GFCI breaker can service several outlets. 

Unused Outlets: If there are small children in the home, install safety plugs to cover unused outlets. This also minimizes air infiltration that can sometimes occur with these outlets. Teach children never to touch electrical outlets, sockets, or fixtures. 

Ground Wire: Your electrical system is a three-wire grounded system. Never remove the bare wire, which connects to the box or device.

Buzzing: Fluorescent fixtures use transformer action to operate them. This action sometimes causes a buzzing. This is normal. 

Blinking/Dimming: Blinking or dimming lights are most likely due to a temporary drop in voltage, which is generally caused when a large appliance such as a refrigerator or air conditioning unit cycles on. This is a common occurrence and depends upon what the demand on the power company is at that time of day, and may be more noticeable in some neighborhoods. Irons and vacuum cleaners also draw large amounts of power and may cause dimming of lights. 

Underground Cables: Before digging or moving large amounts of soil in areas with underground utilities, check the location of buried service leads. 

Recessed Can Lights: All recessed can fixtures have a thermal cutoff switch internally wired. If too much heat from the lamp is trapped inside, it will automatically shut off to prevent a hazard. 

Modifications: Do not tamper with or add to your electrical system. For any modification that is needed, contact a qualified electrician. 

Electrical Shut-Off: Your main electrical shut-off is located in your breaker box.  

Limited Warranty 

Any electrical wiring that fails to carry its designated load will be repaired to meet specifications. 

Fixtures: Fixtures noted as damaged on the pre-closing walkthrough, or that fail to operate as intended during the first year, will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of Launch Construction. 

Power Surge: Power surges are the result of local conditions beyond the control of Launch Construction. The result of surges is often burned-out bulbs. Launch Construction does not warrant against any defect or consequential damage resulting from a power surge.  

CEILING FANS 

Maintenance: Ceiling fans will give you extended, trouble free service if a small amount of maintenance is performed. During normal use, the screws in the fan can become loose resulting in excessive wobbling and/or ticking. It is recommended to check and tighten all visible screws every six months. Be careful not to hold onto the blades when performing this maintenance or when cleaning as the blade arms can bend easily and will cause the fan to wobble. 

Limited Warranty 

Ceiling fans noted as damaged on the pre-closing walkthrough or that fail to operate as intended during the first year, will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of Launch Construction. 

GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS 

Cleaning: As part of normal maintenance, the Homeowner should keep gutters clear of debris. Leaves are most common, but any debris could clog the gutters and cause them to overflow. Homeowner should check gutters periodically to ensure proper functioning; excess snow should be brushed off downspouts with a broom as soon as possible. Severe ice or snow build-up can damage gutters. 

Ladders: Do not lean ladders against gutters. 

Leaks: If a joint between sections of gutter drips, caulk the inside joint using a gutter caulking compound available at hardware stores. 

Overflow: Gutters may overflow during periods of excessively heavy rain. It is expected that water will stand for short periods of time in gutters immediately after rain. No correction is required for these conditions. 

EXTERIOR OF HOUSE   

Exterior: Damaged trim boards and/or shutters noted on the pre-closing walkthrough will be corrected. 

Exterior: Regular painting and repair will preserve the beauty of and add value to your home. Check the painted/stained surfaces of your home’s exterior annually. If you repaint before there is much chipping or wearing away of the original finish, you will save the cost of extensive surface preparation. The chemical structure of the paint used on the exterior is affected by the climatic conditions. Over a period of time, this finish will fade and dull a bit. Launch Construction is not responsible for mildew, mold, or fading. When you wish to repaint the exterior woodwork on your home, nails should be reset and the blistered or peeling portions should be wired-brushed or scraped with a putty knife, sanded, and spotted with primer. Then the entire area can be painted. Be certain to apply a top-quality exterior paint that has been formulated for local climate conditions. Do not allow sprinklers to spray water on the exterior walls of your home. This will cause blistering, peeling, splintering, and other damage to the home. Trim painted white or light colors will more readily show grain and cracks and therefore requires additional maintenance.

Severe Weather Damage: Hail and wind can cause a great deal of damage in a severe storm and the home should be inspected after such weather. Damage caused by severe weather should be reported to your insurance company promptly.  

CONDENSATION 

Maintenance: Condensation on interior surfaces such as windows and frames is the result of high humidity within the home and low outside temperatures and/or inadequate ventilation. These conditions are significantly influenced by family lifestyle. If your home includes a humidifier, closely observe manufacturer’s directions, especially during periods of cooler temperatures. 

Limited Warranty 

There is no warranty against condensation. 

GRADING & DRAINAGE

Maintenance: The final grade is established to insure adequate drainage away from the home. It isn’t designed to shed water completely off of the home site, and that isn’t a reasonable expectation. Typical rainfall may result in ponding in the yard, but it shouldn’t be next to the foundation. Changes to the final grade, such as the addition of berms, can trap water either in the yard or close to the home. For this reason, Launch Construction advises homeowners against making changes to the grade. It is possible for the ground to settle in the backfilled areas around the foundation. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to watch for excessive settling to ensure that positive slope is maintained. Overwatering of the landscaping is the most common cause of drainage issues and can easily result in water in your crawlspace. Monitoring and controlling the amount of water applied to the landscaping is the most important maintenance item when it comes to the issue of drainage. 

Limited Warranty 

New Sod: New sod installation and the extra watering that accompanies it can cause temporary drainage problems, as can unusually severe weather conditions. No action by Launch Construction is provided for this condition. 

Backfill Settlement: It is the Homeowner’s responsibility to insure that backfilled or excavated areas around the foundation and at utility trenches do not interfere with the drainage away from the house. If excessive ground settlement is discovered, Launch Construction will correct it.  

Maintenance:
Since the garage door is a large, moving object, periodic maintenance along with following the manufacturer’s instructions will insure safe and reliable operation.

Safety: Do not allow anyone near the door when it is in motion. Keep hands and fingers away from all parts of the door. Do not allow children to play with, or around the door.

Adjustments: For your safety, have any needed adjustments made by a qualified specialist. The door springs are under a considerable amount of tension and require special tools and knowledge for accurate and safe servicing. Have the door inspected by a professional garage door technician after any significant impact to the door.

Oil Drips on Cars: Do not over lubricate; doing so can result in drops on cars or the concrete floor.

Waxing: Paraffin wax, rubbed on the side jambs, will help the door operate smoothly.

Opener: If an electric door operator is installed, be sure the door is completely unlocked and the pull-down rope has been removed before using the operator.

Painting: The garage door should be repainted when the home is repainted or more often if needed to maintain a satisfactory appearance.

Locking: If the lock becomes stiff, a graphite lubricant will make it work more easily. Do not use oil on a lock as it will stiffen in winter and make the lock difficult to operate.

Light Visible: Garage overhead doors cannot be airtight and typically light will be visible around the edges and across the top of the door. Severe weather conditions may result in some precipitation entering around the door. This should be expected.

Limited Warranty
The garage door should operate smoothly and with reasonable ease. The door can become misaligned and require adjustment, which Launch Construction will perform one time during the one year warranty period following the home closing.

Maintenance:
All building materials are subject to expansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature and humidity. This movement can result in separation between materials, particularly dissimilar ones. Small cracks in drywall and in paint, in wood trim, or where tile grout meets a tub or sink are all examples of the natural movement caused by expansion and contraction.

This can be alarming to an uninformed homeowner but, in fact, it is very normal. Shrinkage of the wood pieces of your home is inevitable. It will be most noticeable during the first year, but may continue beyond that time. In most cases, paint and caulking are all that is needed to conceal this minor evidence of a very natural occurrence. Properly installed caulking will shrink and must be maintained by the Homeowner.

Limited Warranty
The warranty will cover repairs only if the cause is defective workmanship. The Limited Warranty does not cover the natural occurrences discussed above. Refer to individual categories for specific information.

 Maintenance:
The heating system installed in your home will provide you with many years of comfort if given proper care and maintenance.

Manufacturer Directions: Good maintenance of the heating system can save energy dollars as well as prolong the life of the heating system itself. Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s literature on use and care. The guidelines here only include general information.

Annual Inspection: To keep your heating system operating at maximum efficiency, you should have it checked and serviced by a professional serviceman at least once a year.

Thermostat: Please review the thermostat manual for proper operation instructions. The furnace will turn on automatically when the temperature at the thermostat registers below the setting you have selected. Setting the thermostat to a higher temperature will not heat the home faster and the best performance will be realized when the thermostat is left at one setting around the clock and the “Fan” switch is left in the “On” position.

Filter: Remember to change the filters every 2-3 months. If you do not, your furnace cannot breathe, and it will become too hot and shut down. Although it takes less than one minute to change the filter, this is one of the most frequently overlooked details of normal furnace care.

Trial Run: Have a trial run early in the fall to test the furnace. If service is needed, it is much more convenient to discover that prior to the heating season.

Do Not Overheat: Your new home should not be overheated. Overheating can cause excessive shrinkage in framing lumber and may materially damage the home. In the beginning, use as little heat as possible and increase it gradually.

Odor: It is normal for the heating system to emit an odor for a few minutes when it is first turned on after an extended period of not being used (such as after the summer months if you do not use air conditioning). This is caused by dust that has settled in the ducts, and should pass very quickly.

Gas Odor: If you smell gas, leave the house immediately and call the gas company.

Troubleshooting
The furnace may have an on/off power switch. This switch looks like a regular light switch and is located on or next to the furnace. The switch simply overrides all furnace commands and manually shuts off the power. This is usually only done when maintenance service is performed, however this switch can be inadvertently turned off and should be checked if the system is not working. In addition, check the circuit breaker in the electrical panel to see that the breaker is in the “On” position.

Limited Warranty

Engineering: To fully and efficiently utilize your heating system, you must understand that it is a total, whole-house system. The heating system involves everything inside your home, including, for example, drapes and window coverings. The heating system should be able to maintain a temperature of 70 degrees (measured 5 feet above the center of the floor at the T-stat). The homeowner is responsible for minor adjustments such as balancing dampers and registers. All rooms may vary in temperature by as much as 6 degrees. This is acceptable.

Furnace Sounds: Expansion and contraction of metal ductwork will typically result in some ticking or popping sounds. It is not possible to eliminate these sounds.

Temperature Variations: Normal temperatures can vary from floor to floor and room to room (depending on style of home). Variations between inside temperatures and the thermostat setting can be as much as 6 degrees.

Registers: Register covers are removable and adjustable. The homeowner is responsible for adjusting the dampers in these covers to regulate the airflow within the home. In particular, attention is drawn to the fact that rooms farther away from the furnace will need to have vents opened more than rooms closer to the furnace.