Care Guide

Just like a vehicle, your home requires routine maintenance to continue performing like new.
The following Care Guide was created by the Skandia Customer Service department to help remind its Homeowners when and how often certain items require maintenance.
You may click here for a PDF of the Skandia Home Care Guide, or visit the Homeowner Maintenance Manual that you received when you purchased your home for detailed information about how to properly maintain your home.
 

MONTHLY

Component	Task
Caulking	Check caulk Joints around plumbing fixtures, tub and shower areas, ceramic tile, and doors or windows on the interior where caulking was installed. Remove and replace as needed when it is split or coming off.
Exterior French Doors	When vacuuming, run the nozzle along the track and jamb of the door to remove debris, help prevent damage to the threshold and seal, and allow for proper drainage during rains.
GFCI	Test the GFCI
HVAC Air Filter	Inspect the air filters and change or clean as needed.
Interior Doors	Use touch-up paint or varnish on nicks and scratches.
Lighting	Check for and replace burned out bulbs.
Registers (Air Vents)	Clean the registers to keep them free of dust and debris.
Showers and Tubs	Thoroughly clean ceramic tile surfaces and grouting with tile cleaner and a brush. Check sealant and grout condition and repair as needed.
Walls	Dust and remove cobwebs from ceilings and walls.
Wall Coverings	Vacuum with the upholstery attachment. Lightly brush walls if necessary to remove dust and lint.
Cabinets	Check drawers and hinges for proper alignment. Tighten and adjust.
Garbage Disposal	Clean disposal blades by grinding up ice cubes. Freshen it with baking soda and by grinding up citrus fruit rinds.
Faucet Aerators	Check for proper flow of water. If the flow is reduced, clean the aerator screens. During the first few years, the faucet aerators could require more frequent cleaning.
Smoke Detectors	Test smoke detectors. Replace batteries at least once each year.

QUARTERLY

Component	Task
Appliances	Inspect filters, water coolers, and water lines to the refrigerator and ice maker.
Exhaust Fans	Clean reusable filters and screens with soap and water. Replace the filters per the manufacturer's recommendation or when the filters become too dirty to respond to cleaning.
Exterior doors	Inspect weather-stripping to ensure it forms a tight seal against the door surface when the door is shut.
Lighting	Clean the encasement of lighting fixtures so light can shine at full illumination. Ensure that mounting screws and plates are tight and wall plate is fully against the exterior wall or soffit.
Sinks	Clean out aerators on faucets to remove dirt and foreign matter.
Plumbing	Check under kitchen and bathroom cabinets for leaks. Tighten fittings carefully.
Windows	Check sills for caulking cracks or separations and recaulk as necessary. Check weather-stripping around windows and repair or replace as necessary. Check windows for smooth opening and closing operation. Clean tracks and lubricate as necessary with a non oil-based lubricant.

SEASONALLY

Component	Task
A/C Condensate Drain Line	Inspect the condensate drain lines to ensure that water is flowing freely and is watertight. Inspect the condensate drain pan float switch to ensure it is mounted on the pan properly and that it turns off the A/C unit when the pan accumulates a significant amount of water.
A/C System	Have an HVAC Contractor perform seasonal maintenance checkup for summer.
Heating System	Have an HVAC Contractor perform seasonal maintenance checkup for winter.

TWICE PER YEAR

Component	Task
Cabinets	Tighten all hardware. Check drawers and hinges for proper alignment. Tighten and adjust.
Exterior Doors	Inspect door finishes. Use a spray silicone lubricant to keep door hardware functioning smoothly.
Electrical Outlets	Inspect receptacles to ensure they are not damaged or deteriorating.
Refrigerator	Deep clean the interior and exterior, including the toe grille.
Smoke Detectors	Test the smoke detectors. Replace batteries, if applicable.
Windows	Lubricate window tracks with silicone or paraffin sprays. Clean window frames with water and mild soap.

ANNUALY

Component	Task
Appliances	Inspect dishwasher, garbage disposal, and washing machine for water leaks.
Carpeting	Contract a reputable professional cleaner to clean carpet.
Ceramic Tile	Inspect and, if necessary, regrout ceramic tile joints when normal shrinkage causes separation. Seal the tile. Inspect tile flooring around door thresholds, tubs, and toilets. Inspect perimeter and high traffic flooring areas for cracked, hollowsounding, or loose tiles. Replace as needed.
Exhaust Fans	Inspect and clean the exterior hoods or vents. Ensure that the backdraft damper (flap) is clear and free moving.
Exterior Doors	Inspect the sealants located between the door frame and the wall finish and repair or replace when needed.
HVAC System	Contact a professional service company to service the HVAC system.
Natural Stone	Inspect and, if necessary, regrout stone joints when normal shrinking causes separation. Seal the stone.
Plumbing	Test the shut-off valves and replace valves as needed.
Refrigerator	Vacuum the condenser coils.
Showers and Tubs	Reseal joints at wall, tub, and receptor junctures. Fill any grout joints that may have developed gaps. Inspect seal at bottom of shower door; adjust if necessary to keep water from leaking out of the enclosure.