Outlook Homes Knowledge Base Search

After your final walkthrough, cosmetic items are generally not covered under the Outlook Homes / RWC new home warranty , with limited exceptions as outlined in your RWC Warranty booklet —specifically for drywall and caulk touch-ups . It’s important to understand that all cosmetic concerns must be identified and documented on the Orientation Checklist during your final walkthrough . This step is essential, as only items noted at that time will be eligible for repair, unless specific coverage is provided under your RWC Warranty. Cosmetic items include, but are not limited to: Paint defects or missed paint Gaps, cracks, dents, or chips Stains, pitting, or surface blemishes Breaks or other minor surface imperfections Any cosmetic issues discovered after your orientation walkthrough are considered normal wear or post-move-in conditions and are not covered. However, Outlook will provide touch-up paint  for use by the homeowner should minor cosmetic defects be found later. We encourage you to take your time during the final walkthrough to carefully review your home and ensure any cosmetic items are properly documented. This helps ensure a smooth and fair warranty process for everyone. Outlook Homes | outlookhomes.com

Outlook Homes recommends having your appliances professionally installed by your appliance retailer or supplier. Regardless of who completes the installation, please be aware that the washer waste drain box may have a temporary plug installed when you move in . This plug is in place to prevent sewer gases from entering the home during construction. Before connecting the washer’s drain hose, the plug must be removed . Please refer to the attached instructions and review the “Remove Test Cap”  section for step-by-step guidance. Removing this plug is a simple but important step to ensure proper drainage and safe operation of your washer. You must properly connect all power, gas lines, water lines, and vent piping for your washer and dryer before usage. Outlook Homes | outlookhomes.com

As you settle into your new home, we’d like to share an important safety reminder. Before spending your first night in the home, please be sure all smoke detector covers have been removed. These protective covers are installed during construction to prevent dust and debris from entering the devices. However, they must be removed for the smoke detectors to function properly . Once the covers are off, the smoke detectors will actively monitor for smoke and alert you if an issue arises. Please remember to check all smoke detectors throughout the home , including those located in the basement. Taking this simple step helps ensure your home is safe and protected from day one. Outlook Homes | outlookhomes.com

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 find them acceptable. Solid Color Finishes & Wood Grain “Telegraphing” Solid color finishes are applied to solid wood face frames : Oak  has an open grain, so the wood grain will naturally show through the finish. Birch  has a finer grain, and while some grain may still show, it is typically more subtle. This visible grain pattern is normal and expected—it is not a defect. Joint Fractures (Hairline Lines) Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. As a result, small hairline fractures may appear at cabinet joints over time . These lines are cosmetic only, do not affect durability, and are not preventable or covered under warranty . Mitered Doors On painted, solid-color mitered doors , the joints may become visible as the wood responds to normal environmental changes. This movement may occur shortly after installation or develop gradually over time, depending on conditions in your home. This is a normal characteristic of painted mitered doors. Glazed Finishes Glaze is a transparent finish applied over a sealed surface to enhance depth and highlight details such as profiles, joints, and recessed areas. It creates an intentionally aged or antique appearance . Because glaze emphasizes natural wood features: Joints, grain patterns, and character marks will be more noticeable Variations between cabinet pieces and within a single project are expected A protective topcoat is applied over the glaze to complete the finish. Shrinking & Swelling (Wood Movement) Wood naturally responds to changes in humidity: In humid conditions, wood absorbs moisture and expands In dry conditions, wood releases moisture and contracts This movement is a natural property of wood—not a defect in materials or workmanship . Examples of normal wood movement include: Doors that swell slightly and rub Center panels shrinking and exposing pre-finished edges Miter joints opening or shifting To minimize these effects, we strongly recommend maintaining your home at: 30–40% relative humidity 50–80°F indoor temperature Natural Wood Variations Every tree is unique, and natural variations are part of what makes real wood cabinetry distinctive. Variations may include: Differences in color tones (white, pink, green, gray, or darker hues) Variation in grain pattern, from uniform to bold Mineral streaks, pitch marks, or worm tracks Differences in how wood absorbs stain Natural darkening over time (especially with Cherry) While most wood and finish combinations are commonly seen, some combinations may look different than expected due to the interaction of these natural characteristics. Rustic Woods Cabinetry made with Rustic Woods  may include prominent natural characteristics such as: Large knots and wane Pin knots, bird pecks, worm tracks Mineral staining and irregular grain Hairline cracks that do not affect strength Sapwood and cherry pitch marks Please note: Certain cabinet components—such as face frames, plywood returns, mirrors, wood tops, valances, and wood hoods—are not considered rustic , even when used with rustic cabinetry. Cabinet Warranty Information All cabinetry warranty coverage is provided directly by the manufacturer  and is subject to the applicable manufacturer warranty terms. Outlook does not provide a separate cabinetry warranty Warranty coverage, limitations, and exclusions are determined solely by the manufacturer Warranty terms may change at any time Please refer to the sample warranty documents provided and the manufacturer’s website for the most current and complete warranty information. Outlook Homes | outlookhomes.com

Drywall Touch-Up Warranty Your Outlook Home includes a one-time drywall touch-up during your first year of ownership . This service is designed to address certain drywall issues that may occur as your new home naturally settles and materials dry. Below is a helpful overview of what is and is not covered under your RWC Warranty . What’s Covered (During the First Year) As your home settles, minor movement is normal. Under the RWC Warranty, the following items are considered covered defects: Drywall, lath, or plaster cracks wider than 1/8 inch Nail pops that have broken through the finished surface Outlook Homes will repair these items and touch up paint to blend as closely as possible with the surrounding area. Please note that drywall repairs and paint touch-ups are performed one time only and perfect matching is not possible . What’s Not Covered The following conditions are considered normal or outside warranty coverage: Small cracks or minor seam separations, especially in corners Nail head depressions or slight mounding that has not broken the surface Wear-and-tear or damage caused after your final walkthrough Cosmetic items (such as seams, bumps, or minor imperfections) that should have been addressed during your final punch list or walkthrough prior to move-in How to Submit a Drywall Warranty Request To allow your home sufficient time to settle and to ensure the most effective repairs, we recommend submitting drywall warranty requests near the end of your first year  of ownership. All drywall warranty claims must be submitted before the one-year anniversary of your final walkthrough date.  Claims submitted after this date may not be eligible for coverage. Please include clear details in your request, such as room names, wall or ceiling locations, and an approximate number of areas needing attention. This helps us schedule and complete repairs efficiently. All coverage determinations and repairs will be completed in accordance with the terms of your RWC Warranty. Submitting your request toward the end of your first year allows your home to complete its natural adjustment process, resulting in a more thorough and lasting repair. The drywall warranty is designed to address legitimate warranty repairs as outlined above, not cosmetic touch-ups or general appearance items. Cosmetic issues were covered during the punch list process prior to move-in and are not part of ongoing warranty coverage. Additionally, damage caused by wear and tear are not covered under the warranty terms. See Section 4.6 in your RWC Warranty Booklet for further details.

At Outlook Homes, we are committed to building high-quality homes with a seamless construction process. As part of that process, it’s important for homeowners to understand their responsibility for utility costs and temporary heat during construction. Temporary Heat During Construction To maintain proper working conditions and allow for critical construction processes such as drywall installation, painting, and flooring, temporary heat is often required—especially in colder months. Type of Heat Used: Depending on utility setup timing and site conditions, either gas or electric heat may be used during construction. Cost Variability: The total cost of temporary heat can vary significantly based on home size, weather conditions, and the type of heating used. While costs typically range from $500 to $2,000, this amount only covers temporary heat and does not include heating or cooling costs for the remainder of the construction process. Utility Costs During Construction Once utility services are connected to the home, the homeowner is responsible for utility costs incurred during construction. However, it’s important to note that: Construction Usage Differs from Normal Use: Utility costs during construction may not reflect the ongoing costs once you move in. Several factors, such as an incomplete HVAC system configuration and frequent opening and closing of doors by workers, can contribute to fluctuating energy usage. Fluctuating Costs: Heating and cooling demands vary based on weather conditions and construction progress, meaning costs may be higher or lower than what you will experience after moving in. Why Is This Homeowner’s Responsibility? Since utility services are established in the homeowner’s name, all related costs—including heating during construction—are the homeowner’s responsibility. This is a standard practice in new home construction and ensures the home is properly conditioned throughout the building process. We understand that these costs are an important factor in planning for your new home, and we strive to be transparent about what to expect. If you have any questions about utility responsibilities, please feel free to reach out to our team. Outlook Homes | outlookhomes.com

Water Quantity & Quality If no public water is available your home will be served by a private water well, which draws water from natural underground sources. Because these water sources vary from location to location, the quantity and quality of well water can differ and are outside of Outlook Homes’ direct control. For your peace of mind and safety, we strongly recommend having your well water tested before drinking it and continuing to test it periodically over time. Regular testing helps you understand your water quality and determine if any treatment may be beneficial for your household. Please note that Outlook Homes does not perform water quality testing. Well Sediment It is very common for newly drilled wells to contain some sediment, such as small amounts of sand, dirt, or rock. In many cases, this sediment naturally clears up as the well is used. However, in some homes, sediment may persist. If sediment continues, a whole-house water filtration system is often the most effective long-term solution. More information is provided in the Water Filters  section below. Sediment can also collect in plumbing fixture screens, such as those found in faucets and showerheads. As these screens become clogged, you may notice reduced water pressure at specific fixtures. This can usually be resolved by removing and cleaning the screens as needed. Please refer to the Cleaning Faucet Screens  section for guidance. Sulfur (Rotten Egg) Odor Some wells may produce water with a sulfur or “rotten egg” odor. This smell is typically more noticeable in hot water and, while generally harmless, can be unpleasant. In some cases, the odor is temporary and fades over time. In others, it may develop or persist. If the smell does not improve, installing the appropriate whole-house water filtration system is usually the best solution. See the Water Filters  section below for more details. Water Filters Outlook Homes does not install whole-house water filtration systems as part of standard construction. However, depending on your well water, filtration may be beneficial or necessary—particularly if you experience ongoing sediment, discoloration, or sulfur odors. We recommend contacting a qualified plumber or water filtration professional who can test your water and help determine the best filtration solution for your home. Water Well Pressure Water pressure in your home is typically supplied by the well’s pump and pressure tank system. Most private wells are set by the well driller to operate at approximately 40–50 PSI , which is typical for residential well systems and slightly lower than many public water systems. This pressure is generally sufficient for running one to two major fixtures (such as showers or sinks) at the same time. You may notice reduced pressure when multiple fixtures are in use, which is normal for well systems. Outdoor hose bibs allow a high volume of water flow and can significantly impact indoor water pressure while in use. Running multiple hose bibs simultaneously will noticeably reduce pressure throughout the home. Outlook Homes | outlookhomes.com

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 turning the HVAC breaker off , waiting about 30 seconds , and then turning it back on . This can clear minor system faults or control errors. 3. Check thermostat settings Make sure the thermostat is set to the correct mode (Heat or Cool), the temperature is set appropriately, and the fan is set to “Auto.” If your thermostat uses batteries, replace them if they’re low. 4. Heat pump only blowing cool air? If you have a heat pump and the system is running but only pushing cool air, try switching on the Emergency Heat  setting. This bypasses the heat pump and forces auxiliary heat. If emergency heat works, it may indicate a heat pump or outdoor unit issue. 5. Inspect air filters and vents A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and cause the system to shut down or perform poorly. Replace dirty filters and ensure supply and return vents are open and unobstructed. When to Call for Help If these steps don’t resolve the issue—or if the system continues to shut off, make unusual noises, or fails to heat or cool properly—please contact your HVAC installer or service contractor directly . They have the tools and expertise needed to safely diagnose and repair the system. You can find your HVAC contractor contact information on the sticker on the air handler in your basement or log into your Outlook Homes Owner Portal. Prompt service can help prevent further damage and get your home comfortable again as quickly as possible. Outlook Homes | outlookhomes.com

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 inspectors follow a rigorous review process that is far more comprehensive and standardized than what most independent inspectors perform. Their role is to ensure your new home complies with all applicable building codes and safety standards. Third-Party Inspector Limitations While some independent inspectors may provide valuable feedback, it is important to note that not all are experienced in new construction or familiar with local building codes. Many are trained primarily for resale or older home inspections, which can lead to recommendations that are not relevant to new construction standards. Such inspectors often feel ‘compelled’ to ‘identify’ issues because they are being paid to do so. For this reason, Outlook Homes does not directly review or respond to third-party inspection reports. If you choose to hire a private inspector, you will be responsible for reviewing the report yourself and identifying any items you would like us to address. Correction Requests and What We Will Address We welcome homeowners to submit correction requests at any time. When reviewing these requests, Outlook Homes will evaluate them against three clear standards: Code Compliance – We will correct any item that is not in compliance with building codes. Quality Standards – We will address any item that does not meet Outlook Homes’ established quality benchmarks. RWC Warranty Guidelines – We will make corrections for items that fall within the coverage of the RWC (Residential Warranty Corporation) warranty provided with your home. Items outside of these categories may not be considered for correction. Our Commitment Our inspection and warranty process is designed to give you confidence in your new home. While you are free to use a third-party inspector, our commitment is to meet and exceed building codes, uphold Outlook Homes' quality standards, and honor the protections provided under the RWC warranty. Outlook Homes | outlookhomes.com

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 as reapplying caulk throughout the home, minor drywall touch-ups, cleaning out gutters, and other general maintenance are a normal part of homeownership. These small efforts help preserve your home and prevent larger issues down the road. Unexpected Issues Are a Part of Homeownership While we build durable, high-quality homes, certain issues can arise that are beyond anyone’s control. Events such as wind damage, ice damming, and extreme weather conditions can affect any home. These types of occurrences are not covered under the warranty and are the homeowner’s responsibility to address. As a homeowner you may want to consider a homeowner insurance claim for substantial issues such as wind damage. We encourage all homeowners to stay proactive with maintenance and be prepared for the realities of homeownership. If you ever have questions about your warranty coverage, feel free to reach out. Outlook Homes | outlookhomes.com

Basement humidity control is important to the health of your home. Basements, by their very nature, are damp environments. Because they are built below ground level, they are surrounded by soil that naturally holds moisture. Even with proper construction techniques and drainage systems, it is not possible to completely prevent moisture from entering the air in your basement. From Outlook Home's standpoint, our obligation is to ensure that there is no pooling or standing water. However, humidity and moisture in the air are normal and unavoidable in any basement. For the health of your home, it is essential to run a dehumidifier and keep humidity levels below 50%. Excess moisture left unchecked can lead to serious issues, including: Mold Growth – Mold thrives in damp environments and can begin to grow on surfaces if humidity is too high. Boxes, fabrics, paper, cardboard, wood, etc. placed on basement floors is more susceptible to mold growth. Damage to Building Materials – Framing lumber, drywall, hardwood, and other finishes can warp, swell, or deteriorate without proper dehumidification. Air Quality Concerns – High humidity can lead to musty odors and negatively affect the air quality in your home. For the health of your home it is very important to keep the humidity in your basement under 50%. We recommend using a dehumidifier with a built-in pump that continuously drains into a proper location, such as a condensate trap tied into your basement’s waste line (equipment included in most of our homes). This setup allows the unit to run automatically and maintain consistent protection for your home without the need for manual emptying. By keeping your basement’s humidity under control, you are protecting your investment and ensuring a healthy, long-lasting environment for your home. Outlook Homes | outlookhomes.com

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 temperature (typically around 64°F or as specified in local code) during the winter months to ensure proper thermal performance. Letting the interior of the home get too cold can compromise the insulation’s ability to prevent frost penetration. To protect your FPSF, follow these essential maintenance steps: Keep downspouts extended away from the home so water doesn’t pool near the foundation, which can freeze and cause frost heave. Ensure proper grading and drainage around the home to prevent standing water or ice buildup near the foundation. Inspect the exterior foam insulation regularly and repair any damage caused by animals, lawn equipment, or UV exposure. Exposed or compromised insulation reduces the foundation’s ability to resist frost. By maintaining the proper temperature inside your home and ensuring good drainage and insulation condition, you’ll help protect the integrity and performance of your frost-protected shallow foundation for years to come. Outlook Homes | outlookhomes.com