Home Maintenance

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 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

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

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

Outlook Homes provides a one-year RWC Warranty with your new home. During this period, we will address covered items in accordance with the warranty’s terms. However, it’s important to understand that not all items are covered, and once the one-year period ends, the responsibility for all home maintenance and repairs falls to the homeowner. Homeownership Requires Regular Maintenance Owning a home comes with ongoing upkeep to keep it in the best condition. Routine tasks such a

Foundation Drainage System Overview Your home is equipped with a perimeter drainage system installed around and/or beneath the foundation and basement. The purpose of this system is to collect and redirect groundwater away from your foundation to help prevent water intrusion and basement flooding. Depending on your lot’s elevation, this system will drain either: To daylight (gravity-fed discharge), or To a sump pit and pump (commonly required on flatter lots) If this draina

Blue device is the tool to unscrew aerator from faucet - typically left under sink or in a drawer for you. May also be clipped to water supply line under the sink. Black device is example of what aerator looks like. New water wells often contain sediment that can clog your faucets and shower heads. Additionally, faucet screens can clog over time and will require cleaning. If water is running slow at any given faucet or shower head you may need to clean the screens inside th

A frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF) is a type of foundation system designed to prevent frost heave in colder climates without requiring deep excavation. Instead of extending the foundation below the frost line, this system uses strategically placed rigid foam insulation to retain ground heat and prevent freezing temperatures from affecting the soil under the foundation. Because FPSFs rely on stable soil temperatures, homeowners must maintain a minimum interior tempera

Most modern swing doors are built with adjustable door sills—a feature designed to improve energy efficiency (minimizing air leakage), comfort, and durability. Outlook Homes uses almost exclusively adjustable door thresholds. Over time, with normal use and seasonal changes, the sill may need a little attention to maintain a proper seal. Why Adjustment is Needed The bottom of your door relies on the sill and weatherstripping to keep out drafts, moisture, and pests. As the door

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