Homeowner Maintenance

Following these tips will help to keep your appliances in good condition.

Fridges and freezers

• Regularly defrost your freezer if it is not ‘frost free’
• Occasionally clean the rear of your fridge and freezer, keeping the drainage hole clear
• Keep seals clean and clear of debris

Ovens, hobs and extractors

• Clean the inside of your oven regularly and wipe glass, ceramic and induction hobs clean after use. Gas hob grates, drip pans and burner caps can be cleaned with soapy water
• Please note general cleaning products can tarnish stainless steel. You should regularly clean stainless steel using warm soapy water. For a deeper clean and long term maintenance you should use the cleaning agent.
• Change cooker hood filters as required and in line with manufacturer’s guidelines

Washing machines

• Check the filter occasionally and clean if necessary
• Run a maintenance cycle a few times each year
• Leave the door open after use to allow the washing machine to dry

Dishwashers

• Check the filter regularly and clean if necessary

Microwaves

• Clean after each use with a clean soapy sponge

Immersion heaters

• Ensure these are turned off and only used in an emergency – please refer to the manufacturer’s user guide

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when cleaning all products in your home. Only suitable cleaning agents should be used to avoid potential damage or discolouration. Please note that any cosmetic damage reported after seven days is not covered by your warranty.

Windows and Doors

Regularly lubricate all locks and hinges on windows and doors to ensure smooth operation. For general cleaning, use warm soapy water and a non-abrasive cloth.

Sanitaryware

Prevent dirt and scale build-up by cleaning sanitaryware regularly after each use. Use warm water with a few drops of washing up liquid, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a soft cloth. If using cleaning agents, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and rinse well with plenty of water to avoid metal corrosion. Avoid harsh bleach-based products, as they can cause damage.

Additionally, using blue toilet tablets, may lead to corrosion of seals inside the cisterns.

Kitchen

Avoid abrasive cleaners on kitchen units, sinks, or handles, and promptly wipe away spills to prevent staining. Steam cleaners should not be used in the kitchen or on flooring.

Fridges and Freezers

Occasionally clean the rear of your fridge and freezer, ensuring the drainage hole remains clear. Keep seals clean and free of debris.

Ovens, Hobs, and Extractors

Regularly clean the inside of your oven and wipe glass, ceramic, and induction hobs after use. Gas hob grates, drip pans, and burner caps can be cleaned with soapy water. Take care when using general cleaning products on stainless steel, as they may tarnish the surface. For a deeper clean and long-term maintenance, use a suitable cleaning agent. Change cooker hood filters as required, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Washing Machines

Periodically check and clean the filter as needed. Run a maintenance cycle a few times each year and leave the door open after use to allow the washing machine to dry.

Dishwashers

Regularly check and clean the filter to maintain optimal performance.

Microwaves

After each use, clean the microwave with a clean soapy sponge.

Ensuring proper cleaning and maintenance practices will help preserve the condition and longevity of your home’s interior components. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please refer to the provided resources or contact us directly.

Modern homes, with their advanced materials and energy-efficient designs, offer improved insulation. However, the enhanced sealing can restrict air circulation, leading to increased moisture levels and potential issues with damp and mould. Condensation, a common culprit, forms when warm, moist air meets a colder surface, such as a window or mirror.

Condensation will gradually reduce as the property dries out, but you should avoid contributing to it if you want to prevent the appearance of mould.

For new properties, Story Homes recommends a proactive approach to prevent mould growth. Wipe away any condensation around your windows each morning with a diluted bleach solution; this is a standard practice, and you can refer to the “common occurrences” section of your Home Information File for detailed information.

The drying-out process for new build homes varies but may take several months or more, depending on weather conditions during construction. We advise homeowners to ventilate the property and use the heating system to maintain a constant temperature, aiding the drying-out process. Find guidance on ventilation in your Home Information File and the Home Demonstration video.

Loft condensation

During the winter months, if you were to enter your loft you may notice some moisture on the underside of the felt beneath your roof. This is due to warm, moist air from your normal home living conditions escaping into the roof space and settling on the cold surfaces of the felt and timbers. The roof space is ventilated and breathable so this should gradually disperse without any issues arising. Following the general tips on reducing condensation inside your property will help keep any moist air that does rise into the roof down to a minimum.

Recommendations

• Keep doors ajar at night to encourage air movement.
• Avoid drying clothes on radiators or in enclosed areas.
• Keep trickle vents open continuously.
• Run extractor fans continually.
• Wipe away any morning condensation with a diluted bleach solution.
• Shower with the door/window open.
• Keep furniture away from walls.
• Ensure wardrobes are ajar and avoid overfilling understairs cupboards.
• Set the thermostat to an appropriate level, ensuring automatic activation if the temperature drops.

Further recommendations can be found in “common occurrences” section of your Home Information File.

Your new home has been fitted with a drainage system that has been designed for the needs of your development. Here are some maintenance tips:

• A natural build up of things such as hair can cause blockages in plugs. Use a hair trap to prevent this and if you see your water drainage slowing, you can purchase substances that unblock plug holes and destroy hair
• Avoid pouring fatty substances down the sink as this can solidify in your pipes
• Ensure that only biodegradable items are flushed down your toilet. Please note some biodegradable wipes may cause blockages
• Do not cover external drains as this may prevent the natural drainage of water
• Check the gutters and drains surrounding your home regularly and clear out any debris or leaves which could be blocking drainage

If your house has a block paved drive this is a finished surface and should require little to no maintenance. However, the joints between the paviors are filled with sand, and persistent hosing or cleaning with a jet washer would remove the sand and encourage weeds to grow in the gaps and also allow movement within the blocks which could cause cracks or sinking areas within the driveway. You should purchase sand to top up the joints as required. Jet washing could also cause drain blockages nearby due to the build up of sand.

If your driveway utilises ‘permeable paving’, surface water will infiltrate between the gaps in the block paviours before entering a layer of clean stone which temporarily stores the water whilst infiltration into the ground occurs. The gaps between the block paviours are filled with a grit which ensures water can pass between the blocks into the sub-base below, before finally infiltrating into the ground. Regular sweeping to prevent the build-up of detritus material is recommended; for optimum performance, we recommend sweeping at least twice a year. After several years, joints may become clogged with detritus, and it may be necessary to clean them. This can be done as follows:

• Remove existing jointing grit and detritus by jet washing
• Reset any paviours which may have become displaced
• Apply 6.3-2mm single size grit to the joints, using a stiff brush to sweep the material in ensuring joints are filled

Below is some essential information regarding the flooring and/or tiles in your new home.

Vinyl/Tiled Flooring

Floors are susceptible to scratching and impact damage, necessitating careful treatment. Spillages should be promptly cleaned to prevent standing water, which may adversely affect the surface. It’s crucial to note that not all chemicals are suitable for use on vinyl floors, and reading the label before application is imperative. Additionally, manufacturers’ recommendations for mats placed on the flooring should be adhered to, as certain rubber-backed matting can cause permanent staining.

Carpet Maintenance

Tufting or shedding is a normal occurrence for new carpets, particularly those with deeper piles, due to foot traffic. This issue typically resolves itself with regular vacuuming. However, it’s essential to refer to the manufacturers’ and carpet cleaning agent guidelines before attempting to clean the carpet to avoid damage.

Flooring Replacement Considerations

In the rare event that flooring needs replacement, it’s important to note that a perfect match cannot be guaranteed. Minor colour variations resulting from different production runs are normal and to be expected.

Internal Door Fitting

Internal doors are fitted to tolerances measured against the unfinished floor in accordance with NHBC regulations. If homeowners opt for their own flooring or carpet fitting, the fitter should consider this during installation. Any adjustments required following fitting would be the homeowner’s responsibility to arrange. However, if Story Homes is fitting the carpets, we will ensure that door clearances are correct.

Adhering to these guidelines and considerations ensures the proper care and maintenance of flooring surfaces, contributing to their longevity and optimal appearance. If further assistance or clarification is needed, homeowners are encouraged to reach out for support.

It’s important to understand that garages are not hermetically sealed environments and are typically colder spaces compared to the interior of the house. This inherent characteristic of garages should be taken into consideration when utilising the space for various purposes.

Garages are commonly constructed using a single leaf of masonry, such as brickwork or blockwork. However, it’s essential to note that these materials are not impervious to wind-driven rain, which can result in dampness within the garage. This potential for moisture ingress underscores the importance of proper ventilation and moisture management within the garage space.

Furthermore, garage doors themselves are not watertight and may allow water to seep in under the door during inclement weather conditions characterized by high winds and driving rain. To mitigate this issue, customers have the option to purchase weather seals or brushes from DIY stores. These weatherproofing solutions can help create a more effective barrier against water infiltration, enhancing the protection of items stored within the garage and minimizing the risk of water damage.

By being aware of these factors and taking proactive measures to address them, homeowners can better maintain the condition and functionality of their garage spaces, ensuring they remain dry, functional, and suitable for their intended use.

We strongly recommend that you do not paint or wallpaper your home until the drying out process is complete. This usually takes 12 months. Applying wallpaper before the house has had time to settle may mean that you see gaps appear between the paper. When the time comes to start your decoration, make sure you fill in any minor shrinkage and plaster cracks with a decorator’s filler. We also recommend keeping a reserve of wallpaper and/or paint for any future touch ups.

Below is some guidance on the usage of your loft space, particularly concerning storage, as this can impact airflow, temperature, and contribute to condensation-related issues. In adhering to the below guidance, you will contribute to the long-term wellbeing of your property.

Ventilation concerns

Storage in the loft can affect airflow dynamics and temperature, potentially leading to condensation. Opening the loft hatch also introduces warm air, increasing the likelihood of condensation.

Boarding out the loft

We do not recommend boarding out the loft as it is not designed to bear heavy loads. Accessing the loft for storage purposes may inadvertently displace insulation, creating cold spots and diminishing insulation efficiency. Please note that adding boarding to, or storing items in, the loft space may invalidate your warranty.

Efficiency of insulation

Altered insulation due to frequent access to the loft space may compromise its effectiveness. Cold spots can develop, impacting the overall insulation performance.

Watch the short video below for guidance on how to access your loft area.

Drying out

Homes today are better insulated, thanks to modern materials and energy-saving designs. While improved insulation enhances energy efficiency, it also means homes are more tightly sealed, reducing natural air circulation. This can contribute to increased moisture levels in rooms.

With a new build property, the drying out process is a natural occurrence that can take between several months and over a year. To facilitate this process, Story Homes recommends regular ventilation of the property, utilising the heating system to maintain a constant temperature. This will aid the drying out process.

Plaster mites are a common occurrence during the drying out phase; they can simply be wiped away and. Ensuring your home is well ventilated will encourage plaster drying and discourage plaster mites. Here are some tips for aiding ventilation and airflow:

• Keep doors ajar at night.
• Avoid drying clothes on radiators or in enclosed areas.
• Keep trickle vents open.
• Set extractor fans to run continually.
• Wipe condensation around windows with a diluted bleach solution.
• Shower with doors/windows open.
• Keep furniture away from walls.
• Keep wardrobes ajar and avoid overfilling understairs cupboards.
• Set the thermostat to an appropriate level, ensuring it comes on automatically if the temperature drops.

Some house types have additional Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) air circulation units installed. You can consult your manual for guidance on usage and maintenance of PIV units.

Further guidance on ventilating your property can be found in your Home Information File and in the Home Demonstration Video.

Cosmetic cracks

Cracks in walls, ceilings, stair stringers, or skirting due to material contraction are cosmetic. These are not covered under your warranty and can be addressed in homeowner redecoration. Story Homes will only attend to cracks that are wider than a £1 coin.

Nail pops

Nail pops are small, raised, round bumps on ceilings or walls caused by the screws holding plasterboard settling and loosening during the drying process.

Nail pops typically will not be attended to unless there are five or more in close proximity. Homeowners can address individual nail pops during routine redecoration.

If there are five or more nail pops close together, please send a photo to our Customer Aftercare team to initiate a ticket for attendance. Please refer to the “common occurrences” page of your Home Information File for additional details. Below are some tips for repairing nail pops:

• Protective measures: before starting, protect flooring and furnishings with a dust sheet.
• Removing loose plaster: use a flexible filling knife to remove any plaster on the screw head.
• Driving the screw: align a punch, nail, or screw to the centre of the screw head and strike firmly with a hammer to drive the screw back below the surface.
• Cleaning and filling: use a dry paintbrush to dust off any loose plaster. If a small dent remains, purchase filler and follow the packet instructions.
• Application and smoothing: dampen the area with a wet cloth and push the filler into the cavity, smoothing the surface with the filling knife. Remove the excess filler, and let it set until completely dry.
• Sanding and painting: lightly sand the filler until level with the surface. Remove any dust with a damp cloth. Touch up the paintwork to match the surrounding surface.

This repair guide empowers homeowners to address nail pops effectively, ensuring the maintenance and aesthetic appeal of your home. Alternatively, for a step by step guide on how to correctly rectify a nail pop, please watch the below video. For further details or assistance, please refer to your Home Information File or contact our Customer Aftercare team.

Exterior maintenance

Hairline cracking in render or mortar may occur due to thermal movement. Please note this is not structurally significant and therefore falls under homeowner maintenance. Shrinkage cracks should be remediated by the homeowner as part of household maintenance.

A consequence of the drying out process may be the appearance of white deposits on walls, known as efflorescence. It is caused by natural salts coming out of the wall materials and is not harmful, usually disappearing over time.

Solar panels have no moving parts, which makes them relatively low maintenance. But if you want to reduce solar panel costs and maintenance over time, you’ll need to look after them. Here are a few things that you should do to keep your panels in good condition:

Solar panel maintenance checklist

1. Get your panels serviced
2. Check for any issues
3. Clean your solar panels
4. Remove potential dangers
5. Keep solar panels out of the shade
6. Make sure the inverters are flashing green
7. Check the day-to-day performance of the panels
8. Keep a maintenance logbook

Get your panels serviced

We recommend that you employ a professional to check over the system at least once every 5-10 years. This way, you can keep on top of any financial surprises, whilst making sure that your panels are generating enough power to save money on your bills.

Check for any issues

From ground level, perhaps with a pair of binoculars, check your solar panels for any build-up of dirt or problems with the mounting system, such as bolts becoming loose. Try to inspect the panels at least twice per year.

Additionally, if you notice a sudden drop in the output of your solar panels, this could be a sign that something is wrong.

Clean your solar panels

Your panels need to be cleaned, on average, every five years, unless they become particularly dirty. If you live by the coast for example, you might need to clean your panels more often, since the sea air can cause salt to build up on them.

The most effective way to clean your solar panels is with a hose (from ground level). Be careful with detergent and high-pressure water sprayers, as using either of these can invalidate your warranty.

In the summertime, you can remove any dust or pollen from your panels, whilst in the winter, you should look out for any snow or debris.

Remove potential dangers

Any overhanging branches should be cleared as falling branches could damage the panels. You should also make sure you keep any vermin, such as squirrels or pigeons, away from your panels. Bird-proofing your solar panels with mesh nets is the best way to do this.

Keep solar panels out of the shade

Your panels’ energy production can be badly affected if they’re hidden from sunlight. Keep any nearby trees pruned, and don’t let ivy grow anywhere near your panels.

For more information, please consult the product manuals and guides for your solar panels.

Lawn care

Forking/hollow tining and overlaying the lawn with sand is recommended for regular drainage improvement. Areas of spoil should be cleared and treated using the same process.

Regularly feed, weed, and water the lawn and reseed the garden in areas where works have been carried out. Connect outbuilding downspouts to a water butt if no drainage outfall is available.

Planting considerations

The condition of planting varies depending on environmental factors. Some plants, shrubs, or hedges may require additional time to establish, and no specific time frames can be provided for natural products. Areas of your garden with restricted light may need extra attention.

Natural turf infestations

Please note that turf infestation issues such as leatherjackets are not covered under the warranty. Homeowners should seek professional help with this.

Inspections

Story Homes cannot conduct garden inspections between October and spring as an accurate assessment cannot be made during these months. Please re-contact us at the end of March with updated photos and maintenance details, and garden inspections can be scheduled from April onwards.

Preventing waterlogging

Proper soil management, and drainage methods are essential for preventing waterlogging. We will address waterlogging within a 3m distance of the home as, in line with NHBC guidelines, waterlogging outside of a 3m distance from the home isn’t always deemed a defect.

Normal saturation

Some lawn saturation after moderate rainfall is considered to be normal. Groundwater should dissipate over 48 hrs, however extended periods of saturation during adverse weather conditions may be expected.

Persistent wet areas

Please report persistent wet areas for further advice and if appropriate, we will our groundworkers will determine drainage adherence to the design.

In line with NHBC guidelines, Story Homes will review persistent wet areas within a 3m distance of the home.

Pooling water

Water pooling during heavy rainfall is expected. Please monitor and report any issue using photos, indicating drainage time.

Story Homes is willing to reassess and discuss follow-on works if ongoing issues persist and are attributed to Story Homes.

Please be reminded that Story Homes is not responsible for ongoing garden care post-legal completion. For more information, please refer to the “gardens” section of the Home Information File.

If your home has a hot water storage cylinder, it will be an unvented hot water system. The storage cylinder and associated fittings should be serviced by a competent installer in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations at least once a year. Never attempt to service or alter an unvented system yourself as there is a risk of serious injury.

Internal doors

Our internal doors are designed to have sufficient clearance between the bottom of the door and the floor for most carpets and underlays. If arranging for your own carpets to be fitted by an external supplier, ensure they measure up your doorways to quote for removing, planing, and rehanging doors if a non-standard thickness of carpets is chosen.

Fire doors

It’s important to note that doors connecting homes to integral garages are typically fitted with fire doors, distinguished by their thicker and heavier build compared to standard internal doors. These fire doors usually come equipped with a lock and self-closing mechanism, which should not be disabled or removed for safety reasons. These doors are not hermetically sealed, they may allow air to pass through.

Guidance on door and window maintenance in warm weather

It’s not uncommon for customers to experience difficulty in closing doors and windows, particularly those with uPVC frames, during warm weather. This is because of the natural swelling of the frames.

As temperatures return to normal, the doors will naturally retract to their usual size and position without the need for adjustment. If, however, you feel intervention is required, consider cooling down the door by spraying the outside of the door with water or patting it down with a cold, damp cloth. This process assists in shrinking the material back to its original size, facilitating the closing of the door.

General maintenance

As part of homeowner maintenance, Story Homes recommends regular lubrication of all window and door mechanisms. This helps ensure smooth operation and longevity. For further information, please refer to the “homeowner maintenance” section of your Home Information File or watch the short guidance video below.

Proactive maintenance will contribute to the optimal performance and durability of your doors and windows. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.

Guidelines for glazed units

1. Cracks and Scratches: Report any cracks and scratches within the first 7 days after moving in.
2. Settlement Cracks: Send a photo for review if suspecting a settlement crack just after move-in.
3. Glazed Units Warranty: Glazed units have a 10-year warranty with the manufacturers if the seal has gone.
4. Glazing Inspection Guidelines: Follow specific guidelines for effective assessment and report any issues within the first seven days after legal completion.

Certificates: FENSA certificates are not required for new build properties; they become relevant only when windows are replaced in existing properties.