Common Issues

Overview Gutter and downspout maintenance is a critical part of homeownership. Leaves, twigs, and debris can clog gutters on any home — even brand-new homes . In many cases, gutters can become plugged before move-in if fall foliage has already dropped. This is normal and expected maintenance — not a construction defect and not covered under your new home warranty. Why Cleaning Is Necessary Debris from trees, wind, and surrounding properties collects in gutters and downspouts.

If you notice a lack of power at a bathroom, kitchen, or other wet area outlet, the issue is often a simple GFCI reset . Dishwashers and other appliances in these areas may also be connected to a GFCI, so they can be affected as well. Why GFCI Receptacles Trip GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacles are installed wherever moisture is common in a home—basements, bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and exterior locations. They are designed to quickly shut off power if the

If you’ve ever walked past a freshly poured sidewalk, driveway, or even a bag of concrete from your local Home Depot, you may have noticed small cracks appearing (even larger ones over time). While it can be alarming at first glance, concrete cracking is completely normal and expected —so much so that experts almost guarantee it will occur. According to the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) , cracking is a natural part of how concrete behaves. Even with proper desi

If you’ve ever noticed water droplets forming on the inside of your windows, you’re not alone. Window condensation is a common occurrence in many homes, and while it might seem like a problem, it’s usually a normal reaction to changing temperatures and indoor humidity levels. Why Does Window Condensation Occur? Condensation most commonly happens when warm, moist indoor air comes into contact with a cold window surface. The colder the window, the more likely it is that moistur

Hydrostatic water pressure is the force exerted by water in the soil against a home’s foundation walls and floor. This pressure increases when groundwater levels rise due to heavy rain, melting snow, or poor drainage. Because water is heavy—about 62.4 pounds per cubic foot—even moderate amounts can create significant force against the foundation. How Hydrostatic Pressure Can Cause Unexpected Leaks Unlike typical moisture seepage, which usually occurs at visible cracks or weak

Understanding Minor Drywall Cracks in a Home Even in your new Outlook Home you may start noticing small cracks in the drywall, grout, or caulk. While this might seem concerning, rest assured—these minor cracks are completely normal and not a sign of structural issues. Why Do Cracks Appear? Homes naturally expand and contract due to changes in temperature, humidity, and seasonal weather. This movement can cause minor shifts in materials, leading to small, cosmetic cracks. Some

Doors in your new home may begin to rub slightly when opening or closing. It’s actually quite common, especially during your first year in the home—and usually nothing to worry about. Common Causes of Door Rubbing New homes undergo a natural “settling in” period. During this time, several normal factors can contribute to minor door misalignments: Drying Lumber: The wood used to frame the home, as well as doors themselves, often contains residual moisture. As the lumber dries

Occasionally an exposed Superior Walls hairline cracks will occur. These cracks may be up to 1/16” (the thickness of a dime) in width. They sometimes travel from rough opening headers up or down the wall. They are NON-STRUCTURAL, posing no threat to the integrity or strength of a Superior Wall System. They will not leak and do not threaten your warranty in any way. Do NOT cut away the insulation board to view the crack from the inside of the foundation. If you should care to

Condensation in garages is a common issue that many homeowners overlook. Excess moisture in your garage can come from a variety of sources which are almost never construction related, and if ignored, it may cause structural damage, ruin stored belongings or create unhealthy conditions. Fortunately, there are several effective steps you can take to control condensation in your garage and protect your home. What Causes Garage Condensation? Condensation happens when moisture in

LED light bulbs and fixtures can occasionally flicker or flash , and while this can be frustrating, it is unfortunately fairly common. In most cases, the cause is minor and can be resolved with a few simple checks. Below are the most common reasons this occurs, along with recommended steps to help identify and correct the issue. Common Causes & Recommended Solutions Power Voltage Fluctuations LED bulbs are sensitive to changes in voltage. If the electrical supply is inconsist

As a new Outlook Homes homeowner, it’s important to understand how the unique climate of the northeastern United States can affect your home over time. The region’s climate is marked by distinct and extreme seasonal changes—hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters—each playing a significant role in how your home responds to the environment. How Seasonal Changes Affect Your Home Summer Humidity and Swelling In the summer months, the northeastern U.S. experiences high levels of

Important Information About Your Cabinetry As the purchaser of your cabinetry, Outlook Homes want you to feel confident and well-informed about what to expect. Your cabinets are manufactured by Bertch or Marsh  using real wood and high-quality finishes. Because of the natural characteristics of wood and the finishing process, certain visual traits are normal and unavoidable. The manufacturers cannot produce cabinets without these characteristics, so it’s important that you fi

If your heating or cooling system isn’t working as expected, a few quick checks may help resolve the issue before calling for service. 1. Confirm the system has power Check your electrical panel to ensure all HVAC-related breakers are fully in the “ON” position. Also look for any emergency shutoff switches (often near/on the unit, in the basement, or near stairs) and make sure they haven’t been turned off accidentally. 2. Fully reset the system Try resetting the unit by turni

Understanding and managing moisture in your home's basement. Proper humidity control is critical to your home's health.