Ridgeview at Fair Oaks homeowners are getting some tips on home care, maintenance and coping with little problems before molehills turn into mountains.
United Development, developer of the subdivision in west suburban Carol Stream, has published a homeowner`s handbook, ”Important Information About Your New Home” because ”with the proper advice, minor adjustments can easily be made by the owner, rather than calling a repairman,” said Al Goodman, vice president of sales.
The builder offers five floor plans with two or three bedrooms, in two-story, split-level or ranch models, ranging in size from 1,249 to 1,678 square feet and in price from $81,990 to $102,990 including walk-out lower levels.
The booklet details what to expect from a new home and guides new homeowners around unexpected `molehills,` such as a non-functioning furnace and a tile shifting on a new floor.
”People often forget to check circuit breakers on major appliances like a furnace,” Goodman said, ”and until a new floor `sets` completely, the owner can easily reset any tile that may have moved.”
The booklet also provides a number of maintenance tips, such as washing resilient floors only when needed (not on a regular basis), checking window and door caulking every six months, disconnecting garden hoses from bibbs in anticipation of winter weather, and maintaining clean filters in the furnace and range hood.
Annual winterizing is recommended and United`s handbook provides a comprehensive checklist.
To visit model homes, take Army Trail Rd. west to Fair Oaks Rd. Turn left on Fair Oaks for approximately 1 1/2 miles to Birchbark Rd. Turn left on Birchbark to information center.