Rockford Homes Warranty
Our Commitment to You
Rockford Homes Customer Care Warranty
Our Customer Care Warranty includes numerous types of services including consumer product, 90-day, and Anniversary. It is your responsibility to contact Rockford Homes for both the Primary and Anniversary Visits. All requests must be received no later than one year after closing to be accepted.
Please know that we do not accept third-party home inspection reports as your 90 day or 11-month inspection lists. To submit either inspection list, please click on the correct link below:
Submit a Primary 90-day Warranty Request
Submit an Anniversary (11-month) Warranty Request
All other service inquires can be sent to: customercare@RockfordHomes.net
Coverage on Consumer Products
We’re proud to have strong partners to help us build a premium home for all of our customers. Some of our partners include Aristokraft Cabinetry, Mi Windows and Doors, Lennox, Shaw Floors, Certainteed Saint Grobain, and Kwikset. Click on these vendor links to see their manufacturer warranties.
Rockford 15 Year Transferable Structural Warranty
Rockford warrants to the original homeowner and subsequent homeowners for a period of 15 years the home’s major structural elements will be free from major structural defects. It provides coverage in excess of coverage provided by other warranties or insurance.
What’s Covered
Your Rockford warranty is provided through Rockford Homes and product manufacturers. Your owner’s manual provided at closing will explain what items in your home are warrantied and the extent and duration of the coverage.
Caring For Your Home
Similar to a car, your home requires care from day one. Regular attention is essential to maintaining a quality home. This section will assist you in that effort.
Air Conditioning
Air conditioning can greatly enhance the comfort of your Home, but if it is used improperly or inefficiently, wasted energy and frustration will result. These hints and suggestions are provided to help you maximize the benefits of your air conditioning system.
Your air conditioning system is a whole-house system. The air conditioning unit is the mechanism that produces cooler air. The air conditioning system involves everything inside your Home including, for example, drapes, blinds, and windows.
Your Home air conditioning is a closed system, which means that the interior air is continually recycled and cooled until the desired air temperature is reached. Warm outside air disrupts this process and makes cooling impossible. Therefore, you should keep all windows closed. The heat from the sun shining through windows with open drapes is intense enough to overcome the cooling effect of the air conditioning unit. For best results, close the drapes on these windows.
Time is important in your expectations of an 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 to cool.
For example, if you come home at 6:00 pm when the temperature has reached 85 degrees and set your thermostat to 65 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 the furniture. At 6:00 pm the air conditioning unit starts cooling the air, but the walls, carpet, and furniture release heat and nullify this cooling. By the time the air conditioning unit has cooled the walls, carpet, and furniture, you may well have lost patience.
If evening cooling is your primary goal, set the thermostat at a moderate temperature 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 operating, setting the thermostat at 65 degrees will not cool the home any faster and can result in the unit freezing up and not performing at all. Extended use under those conditions can damage the unit.
Adjust Vents
Maximize air flow to occupied parts of your Home by adjusting the vents. Likewise, when the seasons change, readjust them for comfortable heating.
Compressor Level
Maintain the air conditioning compressor in a level position to prevent inefficient operation and damage to the equipment.
Humidifier
If a humidifier is installed on the furnace system, turn it off when you use the air conditioning; otherwise, the additional moisture can cause a freeze-up of the cooling system. Cold air holds less moisture than warm air and there is ample ambient moisture in summer air. If your humidifier adds more, it can overwork the air conditioner and reduce its cooling effect.
Manufacturer’s Instructions
The manufacturer’s guide specifies maintenance for the condenser. Review and follow these points carefully. Since the air conditioning system is combined with the heating system, also follow the maintenance instructions for your furnace as part of maintaining your air conditioning system.
Modifications or Additions
If you wish to make any modifications or additions to your air conditioning system, contact the heating and air conditioning company (HVAC) listed on the Emergency Phone Numbers you receive at your homeowner orientation. Having another firm modify your air conditioning system during the warranty period will void that portion of your limited warranty.
Temperature Variations
Temperatures may vary from room to room by several degrees. This is due to such variables as floor plan, orientation of the home on the home site, type and use of window coverings, and traffic through the home.
Trial Run
Have a trial run early in the spring to test the air conditioning. (The same applies to heating in the fall.) If service is needed, it is much better to discover that before the cooling season is underway and service personnel become extremely busy.
Troubleshooting Tips: No Air Conditioning
Before calling for service, check to confirm that the —
- Thermostat is set to “cool” and the temperature is set below the room temperature.
- Blower panel cover is installed correctly for the furnace blower (fan) to operate. Similar to the way a clothes dryer door operates, this panel pushes in a button that lets the fan motor know it is safe to come on. If that button is not pushed in, the furnace will not operate.
- Air conditioner and furnace breakers on the main electrical panel are on. (Remember if a breaker trips you must turn it from the tripped position to the off position before you can turn it back on.)
- Switch on the side of the furnace is on.
- Fuse in the furnace is good. (See furnace manufacturer literature for size and location.)
- Filter is clean to allow airflow.
- Vents in individual rooms are open.
- Air returns are unobstructed.
Even if the troubleshooting tips do not identify a solution, the information you gather will be useful to the service provider you call.
Asphalt
Asphalt is a flexible and specialized surface. Like any other surface in your Home, it requires protection from things that can damage it. Over time, the effects of weather and earth movement will cause minor settling and cracking of asphalt. These are normal reactions to the elements and do not constitute improperly installed asphalt or defective material. Avoid using your driveway for one week after it is installed; keep people, bicycles, lawn mowers, and other traffic off of it.
Chemical Spills
Asphalt is a petroleum product. Gasoline, oil, turpentine, and other solvents or petroleum products can dissolve or damage the surface. Wash such spills with soap and water immediately, and then rinse them thoroughly with plain water.
Hot Weather
Avoid any concentrated or prolonged loads on your asphalt, particularly in hot weather. High-heeled shoes, motorcycle or bicycle kickstands, trailers, or even cars left in the same spot for long periods can create depressions or punctures in asphalt.
Nonresidential Traffic
Prohibit commercial or other extremely heavy vehicles such as moving vans or other large delivery trucks from pulling onto your driveway. We design and install asphalt drives for conventional residential vehicle use only: family cars, vans, light trucks, bicycles, and so on.
Sealcoating
Exposure to sunlight and other weather conditions will fade your driveway, allowing the surface gravel material to be more visible. This is a normal condition and not a material or structural problem. You do not need to treat the surface of your asphalt driveway.
However, if you choose to treat it, wait a minimum of 12 months and use a dilute asphalt emulsion, rather than the more common coal tar sealant. Hairline cracks will usually be filled by the sealing process. Larger cracks can be filled or patched with a sand and sealer mixture prior to resealing.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Read the manufacturer’s literature for detailed information on the care of your carbon monoxide detectors and when they should be replaced.
Cleaning
For your safety, clean each carbon monoxide detector monthly to prevent a false alarm or lack of response when needed. After cleaning, push the test button to confirm the alarm is working.
Testing
We will test carbon monoxide detectors during the orientation to confirm that they are working and to familiarize you with the alarm.
Concrete
Freeze / thaw cycles in our climate are responsible for the majority of the homeowner concerns with concrete. The constant expansion and contraction of the soil under the concrete and the concrete itself causes shifting and movement that can result in cracks. By maintaining good drainage, you protect your Home’s foundation and the concrete flatwork: the basement floor, patio, driveway, garage floor, and sidewalks.
Reinforcing concrete using wire mesh or reinforcing bar does not eliminate cracking. However, reinforcing does help control the cracking that will naturally occur.
Cleaning
Avoid washing exterior concrete slabs with cold water from an outside faucet when temperatures are high and the sun has been shining on the concrete. The abrupt change in temperature can damage the surface bond of the concrete. We recommend sweeping for keeping concrete clean. If washing is necessary, do this when temperatures are moderate. Repeated cleaning of the garage floor by hosing can increase soil movement by allowing water to penetrate any existing cracks. We recommend sweeping to clean the garage floor.
Avoid using soap on an unpainted basement floor. Because of the porous nature of concrete, soap (or any cleaner that lathers) is extremely difficult to rinse off. Instead, use plain water and washing soda or, if necessary, a scouring powder.
Control Joints
Control joints are grooves tooled or sawed into concrete flatwork in an effort to keep cracks in those locations rather than having them occur randomly.
Cracks
Because concrete is a water-based product, shrinkage and cracking will occur. For example, a typical concrete slab 10 feet across can shrink approximately 5/8 inch as it cures. Some of this shrinkage shows up as cracks. Cracking of concrete flatwork also results from temperature changes that cause expansion and contraction.
Soil and climate conditions in our area can cause frost heave, which may cause concrete movement and result in concrete cracks. During the summer, moisture finds its way under the concrete along the edges or through cracks in the surface. In winter, this moisture forms frost that can lift the concrete, increasing the cracking. Maintaining drainage away from all concrete slabs will minimize cracking from this cause.
As cracks occur, seal them with a waterproof concrete caulk (available at hardware or home improvement stores) to prevent more moisture from penetrating to the soil beneath.
Expansion (Isolation) Joints
We sometimes install expansion joints to isolate a concrete slab from other parts of the home such as foundation walls, garage floor, and so on. They permit movement of the slab in response to soil expansion and can help reduce cracking. However, as the concrete shrinks during the curing process, moisture can penetrate under the concrete and cause separation or displacement. When this occurs, fill the resulting gap with a gray silicone sealant which you can purchase at most hardware stores.
Heavy Vehicles
Prohibit commercial or other extremely heavy vehicles such as moving vans and large delivery trucks from pulling onto your driveway. We design and install concrete drives for conventional residential vehicle use only: family cars, vans, light trucks, bicycles, and so on.
Ice, Snow, and Chemicals
Driving or parking on snow creates ice on the drive which magnifies the effects of snow on the concrete surface. Remove ice and snow from concrete slabs as promptly as possible after snowstorms. Protect concrete from abuse by chemical agents such as pet urine, fertilizers, radiator overflow, repeated hosing, or de-icing agents such as road salt that can drip from vehicles. All of these items can cause spalling (chipping of the surface) of concrete.
Caution: The use of deicers or salt on your concrete may damage the surface and will void warranty coverage.
Sealer
A concrete sealer, available at paint stores, will help you keep concrete flatwork clean and protected from moisture. Sealant should be applied once a year according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Spalling (Surface Chips)
Causes of spalling include repeated hosing of concrete for cleaning, animal urine, radiator overflow, fertilizer, uncleared snow and ice, ice-melting agents, and road salts from vehicles. Repair of spalling is a home maintenance task unless it results from faulty material or workmanship.
Grading & Drainage
Early in land development, general drainage patterns are established in principle with municipal and other authorities. You and your neighbors share an overall drainage plan for the community.
Depending on the purchase agreement, we are either responsible for completion of rough grade or final grade and for obtaining approval from the municipality where required. Once our contractual commitment is met, you are responsible for maintaining the rough or final grade, as applicable. If you alter the drainage pattern later or if changes in drainage occur due to lack of maintenance, the limited structural warranty may be impacted.
You share in an overall drainage plan for the community that was predetermined before the homes were built. The rough and final grades around your Home have been inspected and approved for proper drainage of your lot. Where required by municipal regulations, our surveyor completes a grading certification and then the local municipality inspects the site for approval. Yards drain from one to another. Yards may drain from front to back, back to front, or have split drainage. Use caution when installing landscaping, fencing, or additions to your Home to prevent causing water problems on adjacent lots.
Backfill Settlement
The area we excavated for your Home’s foundation was larger than the home to allow room to work. In addition, some trenching is necessary for installation of utility lines. Although we replaced the soil, it does not return to its original density. Some settling will occur, especially after prolonged or heavy rainfall or melting of large amounts of snow. Settling can continue for several years. Inspect the perimeter of your Home regularly for signs of settling and fill settled areas as needed to maintain positive drainage.
Drainage
The grade around your Home should slope away from the house. Drainage swales may or may not follow property boundaries. Maintain the slopes around your Home to permit the water to drain away from the home as rapidly as possible. This is essential to protect your foundation. Failure to do so can result in major structural damage and void your structural warranty.
Easements
Most lots have an easement, which is a section of land in front, on the sides, and/or in the back of your Home site where public utilities are installed. In some areas, an easement or right-of-way is required for grass or concrete drainage swales. Easements are shown on the approved plot plan.
Erosion
Until your yard is established and stable, erosion will be a potential concern. Heavy rains or roof runoff can erode soil. The sooner you restore the grade to its original condition, the less damage will occur.
Erosion is of special concern in drainage swales. If swales become filled with soil runoff, they may not drain the rest of the yard, causing further problems. Correcting erosion is your responsibility.
Main Water Line
The main water line to your new Home is typically located in the front yard and encased in a PVC pipe (in some cases according to community design it may be located in the back yard).
Roof Water
Downspout extensions are installed and sloped so the water drains away from your Home quickly. They should be in the down position during spring, summer, and fall. During the winter months they can be put into the up position to minimize damage.
Ensure that downspout extensions are not directed alongside the driveway / sidewalk slabs as this could erode the soil under the concrete and result in unwarrantable settlement. Rainwater leaders or storm water connections are home site specific, predetermined, and should remain unchanged. Maintain any caps or connections of these products.
Subsurface Drains
Occasionally the developer will install a subsurface drain to ensure that surface water drains from a yard adequately. Keep this area and especially the drain cover clear of debris so that the drain can function as intended.
Swales
Drainage swales are shallow-sided, sloped ditches designed to convey surface run-off away from your Home toward the nearest street, land, dry pond, or storm water management pond. These swales are usually located along common property lines and sometimes at the back of a lot. After a heavy rain or snow event including but not limited to a local flooding event, water may stand in swales up to 72 hours.
New Landscaping
New landscaping and the extra watering that accompanies it can cause temporary drainage problems, as can unusually severe weather conditions. If sod, trees, or shrubs are part of your purchase agreement, proper watering and care of these items are your responsibility.
Recommendations
In order for us to complete grading after closing (when that is necessary), concrete must be poured and the ground must be dry and free of frost. Your property must be clear of personal property or structures (for example, dog runs, swing sets, vehicles).
Swales
We do not alter drainage patterns to suit individual landscape plans. Typically, a home site receives water from neighboring home sites and passes water on to other home sites, so changes in grade often affect adjacent or nearby lots. We advise against making such changes. After heavy rain or snow, water may stand in swales up to 48 hours.
Winter Grading
Due to weather conditions, especially during winter and early spring, the grade may not have been established at the time of closing. We document the status of your grading at the time of delivery. When conditions permit, grading work will continue. Confirm that we have completed your grading before continuing with additional yard construction such as fencing or the installation of landscaping.
Hardwood Floors
In daily care of hardwood floor, preventive maintenance is the primary goal. Please see your flooring manufacturer’s instructions or Website.
Appliances
Delivery, installation, and moving appliances for cleaning purposes may damage the hardwood floor surface. Use extreme caution when moving appliances; repair of such damage is your responsibility.
Cleaning
Sweep on a daily basis or as needed. Never wet-mop a hardwood floor. We recommend you avoid the use of floor steamers on hardwood flooring—never mind what their ads claim. Excessive water causes wood to expand and can possibly damage the floor. When damp-mopping, remove all excess water from the mop. Check with the hardwood company for cleaning recommendations if your floor has a water-based finish.
Dimples
Placing heavy furniture or dropping heavy or sharp objects on hardwood floors can result in dimples.
Filmy Appearance
A white, filmy appearance can result from moisture, often from wet shoes or boots, or from wet mopping.
Furniture Legs
Install proper floor protectors on furniture placed on hardwood floors. Protectors will allow chairs to move easily over the floor without scuffing. Regularly clean the protectors to remove any grit that may have accumulated.
Humidity
Wood floors respond noticeably to changes in humidity in your Home. Especially during winter months, the individual planks or pieces expand and contract (sometimes causing gaps) as moisture content changes. A humidifier helps but does not eliminate this reaction. The first two years are especially critical for fine woods in a home to adjust to climatic conditions.
Mats and Area Rugs
Use protective mats at the exterior doors to help prevent sand and grit from getting on the floor, however if sand and grit are left to accumulate under these mats further damage to the flooring surface may occur. Gritty sand is wood flooring’s worst enemy. However, be aware that rubber backing on area rugs or mats can cause yellowing and warping of the floor surface.
Separation
Expect some shrinkage around heat vents, any heat-producing appliances, or during seasonal weather changes.
Shoes
Stiletto heels can focus the weight of a 125 pound person to more than 2000 pounds per square inch–that is enough weight to damage hardened concrete; it will mark your wood floor.
Spills
Clean up food spills immediately with a dry cloth.
Splinters
When floors are new, small splinters of wood can appear.
Sun Exposure
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause irreparable damage to hardwood floors. To preserve the beauty of your hardwood floors, install and use window coverings in these areas.
Traffic Paths
A dulling of the finish in heavy traffic areas is likely.
Warping
Warping will occur if the floor repeatedly becomes wet or is thoroughly soaked even once. Slight warping in the area of heat vents or heat-producing appliances is also typical.
Wax
Waxing and the use of products like oil soap are neither necessary nor recommended.
Heating System: Gas Forced Air
Good maintenance of your furnace can save energy dollars and prolong the life of the furnace. Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s literature on use and maintenance. The guidelines here include general information only.
Adjust Vents
Experiment with the adjustable registers in your Home to establish the best heat flow for your lifestyle. Generally, you can reduce the heat in seldom-used or interior rooms. This is an individual matter and you will need to balance the system for your own family’s needs.
During cold weather in particular, ensure that warm air from the heat registers located near windows can flow unobstructed. This helps minimize condensation. Also ensure that window coverings are open at least slightly for the same reason.
Avoid Overheating
Do not overheat your new Home. Overheating can cause excessive shrinkage of framing lumber and may materially damage the home. In the beginning, use as little heat as possible to be comfortable and increase it gradually.
Combustion and Fresh Air Ducts
Furnaces we install include combustion and fresh air ducts. The outside end of these ducts are covered with a screen to minimize insects or animals entering the duct. Cold air coming in though these ducts means they are functioning as they should.
Caution: Never block exhaust, combustion, or fresh air vents. In periods of heavy snow, regularly check to ensure the exterior vent is free of snow in order to draw combustion air in so that the furnace can function. If this vent is covered and air cannot circulate, the system will shut down.
Duct Cleaning
The furnace ducts in your Home were cleaned prior to closing. We recommend that you have your Home’s ducts cleaned every two to three years. Yearly cleaning is only necessary if health issues are a factor.
Ductwork Noise
Some popping, pinging, or rubbing sounds are the natural result of ductwork heating and cooling in response to airflow as the system operates. Some noises may also be the result of the location of the heat ducts in relation to plumbing lines.
Electronic Ignition
Your furnace does not have a standing pilot light; this saves gas. Instead, the manufacturer has installed a silicon nitride hot surface igniter. This igniter will glow when heating up to allow ignition of the natural gas and is designed for many years of use. There are no maintenance requirements for this item. Should replacement be required, contact a professional.
Filter
A clean filter will help to keep your Home clean and reduce dusting chores. Remember to change or clean the filter monthly during the heating season (year-round if you also have air conditioning) as required by the manufacturer. A clogged filter can slow airflow and cause cold spots in your Home. Although it takes less than one minute to change the filter, this is one of the most frequently overlooked details of normal furnace care.
Buy filters in large quantity for the sake of convenience. You will find the size and type printed along the edge of the filter that is in your furnace.
If you have a permanent, washable, removable filter, you need to clean this monthly. Use water only to clean the filter, tap to dry or air dry, and leave the furnace off for a brief period. Do not use soaps or detergents on the filter.
Furnace Fan Cover
You need to position the blower panel cover correctly for the furnace blower (fan) to operate. Similar to the way a clothes dryer door operates, this panel pushes in a button that lets the fan motor know it is safe to come on. If that button is not pushed in, the furnace will not operate. The furnace blower will typically cycle on and off more frequently and for shorter periods during severe cold spells.
Furnished Home
The heating system was designed with a furnished home in mind. If you move in during the cooler part of the year and have not yet acquired all of your draperies and furnishings, the home may seem cooler than you would expect.
Gas Odor
If you smell gas, leave the home immediately and call the gas company from another location.
Modifications or Additions
If you wish to make any modifications or addition to your heating system, contact the heating and air conditioning company (HVAC) listed on the Emergency Phone Numbers you receive at your homeowner orientation. Having another firm modify your heating system during the warranty period will void that portion of your limited warranty.
Odor
A new heating system may emit an odor for a few moments when you first turn it on. An established system may emit an odor after being unused for an extended time (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 quickly.
On-Off Switch
The furnace has an on-off blower switch. This switch looks like a regular light switch. When turned off, this switch overrides all furnace commands and shuts down the blower. This is usually done only when maintenance service is being performed, although young children have been known to turn the furnace off using this switch.
Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a great way to save energy dollars. Your thermostat can be programmed to keep temperatures lower while you’re away and increase them in anticipation of your return. You can program the thermostat for up to a seven day cycle. Refer to the manufacturer’s literature for details.
Registers
Heat register covers are removable and adjustable. Keeping registers open improves comfort and moisture
management, especially during winter months. You have the choice of adjusting the dampers in these covers to regulate the heat flow within your Home. Registers in the rooms farther away from the furnace will usually need to be opened wider. Educate your children that these registers are not playthings–they should not be removed; neither toys nor debris should be thrown into them.
Return Air Vents
For maximum comfort and efficient energy use, arrange furniture and draperies to allow unobstructed airflow from registers and to cold air returns. If cold air is unable to return to the furnace, the flow of heated air to that area of your Home becomes restricted.
Temperature
Depending on such details as the style of home, room orientation, number and size of windows, type and use of window coverings, whether doors are open or closed, the temperature will vary from floor to floor, especially on extremely cold days. Room temperatures can also be affected by whether a room is situated over an unheated area of the home. Continuous operation of the furnace fan will improve comfort and moisture management, especially during winter months.
Thermostat
The furnace will come on automatically when the temperature at the thermostat registers below the setting you have selected. Once the furnace is on, setting the thermostat to a higher temperature will not heat the home faster.
Thermostats are calibrated to within plus or minus two degrees Fahrenheit.
Trial Run
Have a trial run early in the fall to test the furnace. (The same applies to air-conditioning in the spring.) If service is needed, it is much better to discover that before the heating season is underway and service personnel become extremely busy.
Troubleshooting Tips: No Heat
Before calling for service, check to confirm that the —
- Thermostat is set to “heat” and the temperature is set above the room temperature.
- Furnace fan cover is installed correctly for the furnace fan to operate. This panel compresses a button that tells the blower it is safe to operate. Similar to the way a clothes dryer door operates, this panel pushes in a button that lets the fan motor know it is safe to come on. If that button is not pushed in, the furnace will not operate.
- Breaker on the main electrical panel is on. (Remember, if a breaker trips you must turn it from the tripped position to the off position before you can turn it back on.)
- Furnace switch is on.
- Gas line is open at the main meter and at the side of the furnace.
- Filter is clean to allow airflow.
- Vents in individual rooms are open.
- Air returns are unobstructed.
- Exhaust vent is not blocked by snow or ice.
Even if the troubleshooting tips do not identify a solution, the information you gather will be useful to the service provider you call.
Landscaping
In planning your landscaping, think of proportion, texture, color, mature size, maintenance needs, soft and hard surfaces, lighting, fencing, edging, and water requirements. A beautiful yard requires considerable planning and regular attention. Most homeowners take years to achieve the yard they want. Planning to install items in stages can spread the cost and work over several seasons.
Plan to install the basic components of your landscaping as soon after closing as weather permits. In addition to meeting your homeowner association requirements to landscape in a timely manner, well-designed landscaping prevents erosion and protects the foundation of your Home.
Architectural Requirements
Where landscaping is included with a home, the sod, shrub beds, shrubbery, and trees are chosen to adhere to the architectural requirements set by the developer for your community and the local building authority. Where applicable, when you sign your purchase agreement, you agree to maintain the landscaping according to these requirements.
Additions
Before installing patio additions or other permanent improvements, consider soil conditions in the design and engineering of your addition.
Backfill Settlement
We construct the foundation of your Home beginning with an excavation into the earth. When the foundation walls are complete, the area surrounding them is backfilled. Soil in this area is not as compact as undisturbed ground. Water can penetrate through the backfill area to the lower areas of your foundation. This can cause potentially severe problems such as wet basements, cracks in foundation walls, and floor slab movement. Avoid this through proper installation of landscaping and good maintenance of drainage.
Backfill areas will settle and require prompt attention to avoid damage to your Home and voiding of the structural warranty. Keep downspout extensions in the down position to channel roof runoff away from the foundation area of your Home. Routine inspection of downspouts, backfill areas, and other drainage components is an excellent maintenance habit.
Bark or Rock Beds
Do not allow edging around decorative rock or bark beds to dam the free flow of water away from the home. You can use a non-woven landscape fabric between the soil and rock or bark to restrict weed growth while still permitting normal evaporation of ground moisture. Ensure that you leave a hole in the fabric large enough to provide good aeration around the base of trees or shrubs.
Erosion
Until your yard is established and stable, erosion will be a potential concern. Heavy rains or roof runoff can erode soil. The sooner you restore the grade to its original condition, the less damage will occur.
Erosion is of special concern in drainage swales. If swales become filled with soil runoff, they may not drain the rest of the yard, causing further problems. Correcting erosion is your responsibility. You may need to protect newly planted seed with erosion matting or reseed to establish grass in swales. It can take several years to fully establish your lawn in such challenging areas.
Hired Contractors
You are responsible for changes to the drainage pattern made by any landscape, concrete, deck, or pool contractor. Discuss drainage with any company you hire to do an installation in your yard. Do not permit them to tie into existing drainage pipes without approval from the municipality.
Main Water Line
The main water line to your new Home is typically located in the front yard and encased in a PVC pipe.
Natural Areas
During construction, we take care to prevent construction debris from accumulating in natural areas. Removing dead wood, tree limbs, fallen trees, or other natural items is your responsibility.
Planning
Locate plants and irrigation heads out of the way of pedestrian or bicycle traffic and car bumpers. Space groves of trees or single trees to allow for efficient mowing and healthy growth. Group plants with similar water, sun, and space requirements together.
Plant Selection
Plant with regard to your local climate. Favor native over exotic species. Consider ultimate size, shape, and growth habit of the species.
Requirements
In addition to complying with applicable developer requirements, check with your local building department and homeowner’s association before designing, installing, or changing landscaping for any regulations that they require you to follow.
Stones
The soil in your area may have stones and rocks. Removing these naturally occurring elements is a maintenance activity. If we install seed or sod, large rocks will be picked up and surface raking performed.
You will need to provide continued attention to this condition as you care for your yard.
Trees and Shrubs
We respect and value trees as one of the features that make up an attractive community and add value to the homes we build. We take steps to protect and preserve existing trees in the area of your Home. In spite of our efforts, existing trees located on construction sites can suffer damage from construction activities, which manifest months after the completion of construction.
Damage to existing trees can be caused by such things as compaction of soil in the root zone, changing patterns of water flow on the home site, disturbing the root system, and removing other trees to make room for the home. The newly exposed tree may react to conditions it is unaccustomed to. Caring for existing trees, including pruning dead branches or removing these trees altogether is your responsibility.
Trees planted in conjunction with a landscape package are warranted for the growing season for which they are planted. As with sod, watering newly planted trees and shrubs is crucial.
- Trees and shrubs should begin on the same watering schedule as the sod. However, unlike sod, trees and shrubs can be over watered. Therefore, attention is needed through the landscape season to determine how much and when to water.
- The leaves on trees and shrubs will turn yellow from over watering; they will turn brown if watering is insufficient.
- Landscape fabric holds moisture in the ground and can cause root rot. Avoid installing landscape fabric and rock around trees and shrubs unless you leave a hole in the fabric large enough to provide good aeration around base of tree or shrub.
- Avoid piling excess soil around the base of your trees and shrubs because this can also cause root rot.
- Avoid tilling or planting flowerbeds around trees. This is especially important while trees are recovering from the construction process.
- To encourage budding in the spring, water your trees and shrubs thoroughly in the late fall.
- If the weather turns warm during the winter, we recommend watering your trees and shrubs to help premature thawing.
- Freeze / thaw cycles may result in vertical tearing of tree bark; this usually repairs itself over time.
- Trees and shrubs require regular inspection for insect infestation. Early detection and prompt treatment may prevent further damage.
Utility Lines
A slight depression may develop in the front lawn along the line of the utility trench. To correct this, roll back the sod, spread topsoil underneath to level the area, and then relay the sod. Before any significant digging, check the location of buried service leads by contacting utility locators. OUPS is the primary contact for this service.
Waiting to Landscape
If you leave ground un-landscaped, it erodes. Correcting erosion that occurs after grading is approved is your responsibility.
Weeds
Weeds will appear in your new lawn whether seed or sod is used. Left un-landscaped, your yard will quickly begin to show weeds. When soil is disturbed, dormant seeds come to the surface and germinate. The best control is a healthy lawn, achieved through regular care and attention.
Paint & Stain
Because of changes in the formulas for paint (such as the elimination of lead to make paints safer), painted surfaces must be washed gently using mild soap and as little water as possible. Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or scrub brushes. Flat paints show washing marks more easily than gloss paints do. Often better results come from touching up rather than washing a painted surface.
Colors
Your selection sheets are your record of the paint and stain color names or numbers used in your Home.
Exterior
Regular attention will preserve the beauty and value of your Home. Check the painted and stained surfaces of your Home’s exterior annually. Repaint before much chipping or wearing away of the original finish occurs; this will save the cost of extensive surface preparation.
As it ages, exterior wood trim will develop minor cracks and raised grain. Much of this will occur during the first year. Raised grain permits moisture to get under the paint and can result in peeling. This is a natural occurrence rather than a defect in materials or workmanship. Paint maintenance of wood trim and gutters is your responsibility.
Plan on refinishing any painted exterior surface of your Home approximately every two to three years or as often as your paint manufacturer suggests for your area and climate. Climatic conditions control the chemical structure of the paint used on the exterior. Over time, this finish will fade and dull a bit. Depending on the exposure to weather of each surface, the paint on some parts of your Home may begin to show signs of deterioration sooner than others.
When you repaint the exterior of your Home, begin by resetting popped nails. Remove blistered or peeling portions of paint with a wire brush or putty knife. Sand, spot with primer, and then paint the entire area. Use a quality exterior paint formulated for local climate conditions.
Avoid allowing sprinklers to spray water on the exterior walls of your Home. This will cause blistering, peeling, splintering, and other damage to the home.
Severe Weather
Hail and wind can cause a great deal of damage in a severe storm, so inspect your Home after such weather. Promptly report damage caused by severe weather to your homeowner insurance company. Repair of storm damage falls outside of the warranty coverage and is either your responsibility or that of your insurer.
Stain
For minor interior stain touch-ups, a furniture-polish-and-stain treatment is inexpensive, easy to use, and will blend in with the wood grain. Follow directions on the bottle.
Touch-Up
When doing paint touch-ups, use a small brush, applying paint only to the damaged spot. The appearance and color will vary from the surrounding area even if the same paint mix is used, especially when fresh. When it is time to repaint a room, prepare the wall surfaces first by cleaning with a mild soap and water mixture or a reliable cleaning product.
If applicable, we leave any paint that is left when your Home is finished. Store these with the lids tightly in place and in a location where they are not subjected to extreme temperatures. If a warranty matter requires paint touch up, this paint offers the closest color match.
Wall Cracks
We suggest that you wait until after the first heating season to repair drywall cracks or other separations due to shrinkage.
Fading
Expect fading of exterior paint or stain caused by the effects of sun and weather. Our limited warranty excludes this occurrence.
Touch-Up Visible
Paint touch-up is visible under certain lighting conditions.
Wood Grain
Because of wood characteristics, color variations will result when stain is applied to wood. This is natural and requires no repair. Today’s water-base paints often make wood grain visible on painted trim. We do not provide corrections for this condition.
Smoke Detectors
Read the manufacturer’s manual for detailed information on the care of your smoke detectors.
Cleaning
For your safety, clean each smoke detector monthly to prevent a false alarm or lack of response in a fire. After cleaning, push the test button to confirm the alarm is working.
Insurance
You are responsible for obtaining fire insurance.
Locations
Smoke detectors are installed in accordance with building codes, which dictate locations. Building codes prohibit our omitting any smoke detector, nor should you remove or disable any smoke detector.
Customer Care
Emergency Service
While emergency warranty situations are rare, when they occur, prompt response is essential. Begin by checking items you can check. TROUBLESHOOTING tips appear in the warranty manual for several of your Home’s components: air conditioning, electrical, heating, plumbing, roof, and water heater.
Please refer to the individual categories to review these hints. An action by you may solve the problem immediately or mitigate the situation until a technician arrives. If your efforts do not cure the problem, the information you gather will be useful to the service person you contact.
During business hours, contact our Corporate Office by calling (614) 785-0015 or via email at customercare@rockfordhomes.net.
After hours, or on holidays or weekends, please refer to the contact information provided to you in your closing packet. Our trade contractors or local utility companies provide emergency responses to the following conditions:
- Total loss of heat during winter months (October to May)
- Total loss of electricity
- Total loss of water
- Plumbing leak that requires shutting off the entire water supply
- Gas leak (If you suspect a gas leak, leave the home immediately and call the gas company from another location to request emergency service.)
Note that if a utility service (electricity, gas, or water) is out in an entire area, attention from the local utility company is needed. Trade contractors are unable to help with such outages.
If you have contacted one of the mechanical trades directly outside our normal business hours, please inform our warranty office on the next business day so that we can document the situation and follow up as appropriate.
Roof Leak
While we agree with homeowners that a roof leak is indeed an emergency, the reality is that repairs cannot safely or effectively be performed while the roof is wet. During business hours, contact our warranty office with the information, take all possible steps to mitigate damage, and we will follow up when conditions make repairs possible.
Other Emergencies
In addition to emergency situations covered by our limited warranty, be prepared for other kinds of emergencies. Post phone numbers for the fire department, police, paramedics, and poison control near phones in your Home. Have companies in mind in the event you need a locksmith, water extraction, glass breakage repair, or sewer router service. If you are new to the area, neighbors may be able to recommend good service providers.
Appliance Warranty Service
Appliance service phone numbers are listed in the use and care materials for each appliance. The manufacturer or their service provider will ask for the model and serial number of the item and the closing date on your Home. A form is included at the end of this warranty manual so you can record these details in one convenient location for future reference.
Appliance warranties are generally for one year but can be longer. Refer to the literature provided by the manufacturer for complete information.
Primary Visit (90 Days Post Closing)
- Review key maintenance points and answer any questions you have about the care and operation of your Home’s features.
- Review any items you believe require warranty attention and taking the appropriate remedial action should any be warranted.
If you have questions or find warranty concerns in your Home prior to this visit please make note of them so we can get you needed information. Please ensure that the person at home for the warranty visit is over the age of 18 and is familiar with any concerns or questions you have.
Anniversary Visit (11-12 Months Following Closing)
Anniversary visit appointments are set in several different ways. By the end of the eleventh month of your warranty, you should submit a year-end report if you have any items to report. Please know that Vendor warranties will expire on the one-year anniversary date of closing, with no exceptions, so make sure you send in your list 30 days prior to your Anniversary Date. You can submit your list of warrantable items via our website.
Warranty Service Request
Please fill out the form below and list your items in the space provided or attach a detailed list. Once the list is received by our Customer Care Department, we will contact you and schedule the appointment.