Tips For Your Home
WASHING MACHINE: When installing the washing machine, it is recommend to zip tie the drain hose to the hot water hose, close to the connections, so when the washing machine agitates, the drain hose does not wiggle free from the drain and cause a major water problem. This drain hose is the one that goes next to the hot water connection, behind the washing machine. Also, tighten the connections very tight... tighter than just with your hand. Furthermore, Home Depot and Lowe's sell a braided metal connector that is recommended to be used rather than the free hoses that come with the washing machine. These hoses have a lifetime guarantee against splitting or breaking.
WATER LINE TO ICE-MAKER: Just like the hoses for the washing machine, they sell a coil or braided hose for your ice-maker. This provides the same protection from splitting and breaking, reducing the chance of major water damage. Not-so-fun fact: Water damage claims from a broken or poorly connected water line to ice-maker is the single most common homeowner insurance claim.
WATER MAIN: After the water has been turned off at the main, for any length of time, be careful to turn back on SLOWLY. Otherwise, the water might rush through, causing damage at the first joint or appliance, which could cause major damage.
DRIVEWAY: It is often recommended that buyers clear-coat their driveway to reduce the look of fine lines from cracking and settling, and to protect concrete from traffic, oil, snow pack, etc. This clear coat is not a fix all or complete barrier against these things, but can reduce the affects of these things on your concrete. You can hire this done or purchase it and do it yourself. HINT: This can be very poorly done, if you are not experienced, so we recommend hiring someone to do this. The idea is to keep your driveway in good condition and aesthetically pleasing. A noticeable DIY job will not accomplish the second.
SNOW/ ICE REMOVAL: It is NOT recommended to use ice melt on any concrete surfaces. This causes the ever-so-common chipping you see on sidewalks and driveways in Utah. Instead, use sand or kitty litter, but even then, make sure to shovel away or sweep away, to avoid damage. Also, removing the snow from the driveway instead of packing down and driving on, is a great way to reduce damage to your driveway.
WATER APPLIANCES: Most water appliances in your home (ie. toilet, sinks, dishwasher, water heater) have local shut-off valves. Fred Larsen, owner of Pillar to Post Inspections, recommends, if you encounter a situation where the water is overflowing or a clogged toilet, it is best to first turn the water off at the local shut-off valves and proceed with remedy to issue. If you cannot locate the local shut-off valve, immediately turn water off at water main to prevent a major water-related issue. (Again, remember to turn water back on SLOWLY.)
LAMINATE FLOORING: Laminate wood flooring is a very popular alternative to hardwood floors and is very durable, however, many owners are not sure how to care for these floors. Trent at Garbett Homes recommends not using water or ever allowing water to sit on this type of flooring. For cleaning, he recommends using Bona Cleaner.
CABINETS: Cabinets are another item owners are often not sure of how to clean. If your cabinets are painted, use a mild soap that will not remove the finish or shine. If they are made of wood or composite wood, Trent at Garbett Homes recommends using Murphy's Oil to clean them once a year. For minor spills and dirt, using a damp cloth to remove, is great.
PLASTIC/ VINYL TUB insert: Trent from Garbett Homes, says that most people don't know that you can use Turtle Wax on plastic or vinyl tub inserts to help them keep their shine. Do not use abrasive cleaners on these.
STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES: Many folks find themselves using mild soap or house cleaning products on these, only to find they dull or collect a noticeable residue. Instead, use a Stainless Steel Cleaner to wipe down these surfaces, to keep them looking fabulous.
GRANITE: Granite is a porous material. This means it can stain easily. Because it is stone, owners often feel that it is safe from stains, scratches, or damage from daily activities, however this is not accurate. Scott Martineau of A1 Inspections recommends to use a granite-sealer product once a year minimum to seal the granite. Furthermore, always wipe spills immediately and never cut directly on the surface. Even sliding a moving box across this surface could scratch it.
WATER LINE TO ICE-MAKER: Just like the hoses for the washing machine, they sell a coil or braided hose for your ice-maker. This provides the same protection from splitting and breaking, reducing the chance of major water damage. Not-so-fun fact: Water damage claims from a broken or poorly connected water line to ice-maker is the single most common homeowner insurance claim.
WATER MAIN: After the water has been turned off at the main, for any length of time, be careful to turn back on SLOWLY. Otherwise, the water might rush through, causing damage at the first joint or appliance, which could cause major damage.
DRIVEWAY: It is often recommended that buyers clear-coat their driveway to reduce the look of fine lines from cracking and settling, and to protect concrete from traffic, oil, snow pack, etc. This clear coat is not a fix all or complete barrier against these things, but can reduce the affects of these things on your concrete. You can hire this done or purchase it and do it yourself. HINT: This can be very poorly done, if you are not experienced, so we recommend hiring someone to do this. The idea is to keep your driveway in good condition and aesthetically pleasing. A noticeable DIY job will not accomplish the second.
SNOW/ ICE REMOVAL: It is NOT recommended to use ice melt on any concrete surfaces. This causes the ever-so-common chipping you see on sidewalks and driveways in Utah. Instead, use sand or kitty litter, but even then, make sure to shovel away or sweep away, to avoid damage. Also, removing the snow from the driveway instead of packing down and driving on, is a great way to reduce damage to your driveway.
WATER APPLIANCES: Most water appliances in your home (ie. toilet, sinks, dishwasher, water heater) have local shut-off valves. Fred Larsen, owner of Pillar to Post Inspections, recommends, if you encounter a situation where the water is overflowing or a clogged toilet, it is best to first turn the water off at the local shut-off valves and proceed with remedy to issue. If you cannot locate the local shut-off valve, immediately turn water off at water main to prevent a major water-related issue. (Again, remember to turn water back on SLOWLY.)
LAMINATE FLOORING: Laminate wood flooring is a very popular alternative to hardwood floors and is very durable, however, many owners are not sure how to care for these floors. Trent at Garbett Homes recommends not using water or ever allowing water to sit on this type of flooring. For cleaning, he recommends using Bona Cleaner.
CABINETS: Cabinets are another item owners are often not sure of how to clean. If your cabinets are painted, use a mild soap that will not remove the finish or shine. If they are made of wood or composite wood, Trent at Garbett Homes recommends using Murphy's Oil to clean them once a year. For minor spills and dirt, using a damp cloth to remove, is great.
PLASTIC/ VINYL TUB insert: Trent from Garbett Homes, says that most people don't know that you can use Turtle Wax on plastic or vinyl tub inserts to help them keep their shine. Do not use abrasive cleaners on these.
STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES: Many folks find themselves using mild soap or house cleaning products on these, only to find they dull or collect a noticeable residue. Instead, use a Stainless Steel Cleaner to wipe down these surfaces, to keep them looking fabulous.
GRANITE: Granite is a porous material. This means it can stain easily. Because it is stone, owners often feel that it is safe from stains, scratches, or damage from daily activities, however this is not accurate. Scott Martineau of A1 Inspections recommends to use a granite-sealer product once a year minimum to seal the granite. Furthermore, always wipe spills immediately and never cut directly on the surface. Even sliding a moving box across this surface could scratch it.
