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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

At Outlook Homes, we understand that some homeowners may wish to hire a third-party home inspector during the construction process or at closing. You are welcome to do so; however, it is important to understand how these inspections fit within our overall building process and warranty coverage. Licensed BOCA Code Inspections Every home we build is already inspected by a properly trained and licensed BOCA (Building Officials and Code Administrators) inspector. These municipal

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.