KEY - DR Horton

D•R•hORTON
Foundations Manual
The companies that comprise the D.R. Horton family of builders are dedicated to building quality crafted, distinctive
homes across the United States. This family of builders has developed a reputation for high quality homes with features and
amenities other builders often consider options or upgrades. The flexible home designs, attention to detail and affordable pricing
are what make D.R. Horton a national leader in the residential home building industry.
D.R. Horton's detached, single-family homes are priced from $90,000 to over $900,000. The company has defined
itself in the industry through its pursuit of quality and its unique ability to offer customers the features and amenities they look
for in a new home. Home designs are created by award winning architects to appeal to the tastes and desires of the local
community. By taking advantage of the national purchasing power generated by building thousands of homes each year,
the Companies of D.R. Horton often are able to offer exclusive features to each homebuyer at an affordable price.
Courteous customer service is another characteristic which makes buying a new home from D.R. Horton a smart decision.
D.R. Horton and its staff of professionals are dedicated to prompt, polite response to homebuyers' requirements and
needs. This philosophy has resulted in a reputation that leads to significant repeat referral business.
A Family Business
D.R. Horton was founded as a family business, and it is this spirit that prevails among all the dedicated professionals as
they come together to ensure the success and stability of your investment. The cooperation of sales, construction,
warranty, development and office staff is proof that the family spirit is alive and growing at D.R. Horton.
Diversifying into Top Markets
Donald R. Horton began his own construction business in 1978 in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. In 1987, D.R. Horton
began expanding its operations by seeking out the nation's most active homebuilding markets. Since 1987, the company
has geographically diversified into 85 markets and 27 states across the United States. Additionally, D.R. Horton
provides mortgage and title insurance services in many of its markets.
Financial Stability
D.R. Horton, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (DHl), and its outstanding financial performance has earned
the company a place as one of the industry leaders in revenue and earnings growth. By offering a piece of the
"American Dream", D.R. Horton has grown to over $5.9 billion in stockholders' equity, which emphasizes the
financial commitment and stability D.R. Horton provides its homebuyers.
D•R•hORTON
Foundations Manual
Table of Contents
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 – What to Expect
Section 2 – Purchasing Your Home
Section 3 – New Home Selections
Section 4 – Constructing Your Home
Section 5 – Homeowner Orientation
Section 6 – Closing Your Home
Section 7 – Caring For Your Home
Section 8 – Warranty Procedures & Forms
Section 9 – Residential Warranty Corporation Booklet
Section 10 – Surveys
Section 11 – ACB/ARC Frequent Request
Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions
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Foundations Manual
What to Expect
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
What Happens next?
An Overview of Your new Home Manual
Purchasing a new home is an exciting experience. The process is also complex, with
many details to be decided and arranged. While D.R. Horton is building your new home,
you participate by taking care of several important aspects of your purchase.
The chronological list that follows outlines the events that typically take place in the
purchase of a new home. If a time frame is specified, your prompt response is vital in
order to deliver your home on schedule.
Section 2 – Purchasing your Home
The purchase agreement, and various addenda, constitutes the legal contract regarding the
purchase of your new home. Please read the purchase agreement and all attachments
carefully. As with any legal agreement, you may wish to have your attorney review
them. Once all paperwork is signed, we suggest you insert those documents in Section 2
of this manual, Purchasing Your Home.
Section 3 – Your New Home Selections
New Home Selections, Section 3 of this manual, will assist you in the exciting process of
personalizing your new home with the selections and options available to you at your
upgrades and colors meeting. If construction has begun on the home you are purchasing,
new home selections may be limited by the stage of construction. Ask your D.R. Horton
Representative for details and pay special attention to the references to a spec home in
this section. Please bring this manual to any meetings.
Section 4 – Construction of Your Home
We expect and welcome your visits to the site. Please read Section 4, Construction of
Your Home, for guidelines on safety, security, and work in progress.
Section 5 – Homeowner Orientation
The homeowner orientation has two purposes:
The first is to demonstrate the features of your home and discuss maintenance and our
1-year warranty program. We will also outline our 10 year limited warranty provided
through RWC – Residential Warranty Corporation.
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Homeowner Manual
Equally important, we want to confirm that we have delivered your new home at the
quality level shown in our model homes and with all your selections correctly installed.
For detailed information, please review Section 5, Homeowner Orientation.
Section 6 – Closing Your Home
Closing on Your Home, Section 6 of this manual describes the documents you will sign
and other important details about the closing process. We have included guidelines to
assist you in preparing for closing and move-in.
Your Feedback and Suggestions
Our desire to maintain open communication with you extends through the buying process
and after the move-in. In an effort to improve the product and service we provide, we
welcome your comments on how we’ve performed. We survey our customers at closing.
Our goal is to build the best home and the best customer relationship as possible. Your
feedback is vital and helps us reach that goal.
As time passes, if your housing needs change, we are ready at any time to build you
another home. We also appreciate your referrals. Our office is always happy to provide
you with information on where we are currently building and the products we offer.
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Foundations Manual
Purchasing Your
Home
Purchasing Your Home
Several standard forms associated with a home purchase are signed, or discussed when
you buy your new home. These include the purchase agreement and several addenda,
and forms that you will be using during the completion of your home. All parties must
sign all forms and addenda before the purchasing agreement becomes binding.
Pre-sold homes differ somewhat from the spec homes in the paperwork, earnest money
required, and choice of options involved. This is because so many of the materials must
be ordered ahead of actual construction. The following Buyer’s Checklist helps to clarify
some of these differences.
Purchase Agreement
The purchase agreement is the legal document that represents your decision to purchase a
home. It describes your home (both a legal description and the street address), financing
information, Homeowner’s Association information, if applicable, and additional legal
provisions. For your protection, make sure that all agreements, even minor changes, are
documented and signed by you and the D.R. Horton Representative.
Pre-sold homes include the following addendums and procedures. If you purchase a
home that is already under construction, your paperwork and procedures will differ
slightly. Addendums are typically attached to the purchase agreement. Typical
addendums included with this paperwork include, but are not limited to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Elevation Selection and Floor Plan Layout
Plot Plan showing lot dimensions
Standard Features
Contingencies
Options and Upgrades Worksheet, outlining the details of your finish material
choices and upgrades
6. Color Selection Sheet. Outlines carpet, tile and vinyl, laminates, and paint
selections.
7. Lender/Closing Costs Information
Sales Representatives
In order to provide continuity, D.R. Horton Sales Representatives will be your primary
point of contact up until the time you move in to your new home. The Sales
Representative will be able to assist you with the contract, option selection, financing,
and escrow phases. They will also be your liaison to our construction staff.
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Foundations Manual
New Home
Selections
New Home Selections
Part of the fun of buying a new home is selecting finish materials and colors. This is
usually accomplished in one meeting for structural and color selections at our DESIGN
Center (Imagine, Design, Enhance, Accentuate). Your selections Appointment will be
scheduled at point of contract. All selections must be ratified before construction of your
home begins.
Please do not underestimate the importance of your DESIGN Center appointment. We
would like for you to come prepared and not be rushed with your decisions. In order to
better prepare yourself with all we have to offer, please feel free to browse the DESIGN
Center prior to your appointment. Preview hours are Monday through Friday from 9am
until 4pm. Due to the importance placed on this part of the buying process, please allow
approximately 2 hours to complete your selections during your appointment.
The selections appointment will cover all standard options that are offered in the
DESIGN Center. Depending on the type and amount of options you select, you may be
required to furnish us with a deposit. Please remember to bring your checkbook in the
event that you choose additional options that exceed the amount allowed for your
Community.
What to expect at your Design Center meeting
The Basics:
• Your Design Selections Appointment will be scheduled at the time you sign your
contract.
• All appointments with our preferred wiring/technology vendor must take place
within 14 days of the date on which your Purchase Agreement was ratified, and
before your DESIGN Center appointment.
• All DESIGN Center appointments must take place, as per your Purchase
Agreement, within 14 days of the date on which it was ratified.
• Appointments are held Monday through Friday at 9 am, or 2 pm.
• Appointments typically take 2 – 3 hours.
• Once your appointment has concluded and all documents are signed and accepted,
all Selections and Options are final. No further changes are allowed once your
design appointment has concluded.
The meeting will cover:
• All color Selections for your home, i.e. exterior, interior, cabinets, countertops,
flooring, etc.
• All Options & Selections not covered at time of contract, i.e. optional layout,
bonus room, etc.
• All “Custom Option” requests that you would like us to consider.
• All Options and Selections for your home, including any option pricing you
requested from your Community Sales Manager, will be finalized.
Selection Hints
You are welcome to bring cushions, fabric samples and paint colors to the Sales Center to
coordinate colors. View color samples in both natural and artificial light to get an
accurate impression of the color. Variations between samples and actual material
installed may occur. This is due to the manufacturer’s coloring process (dye lots) and to
the fact that over time, sunlight and other environmental factors affect the samples.
We reserve the right to place a hold on your selections until your lender has approved
your loan and all contingencies are released. If suppliers have discontinued any of your
selections, we will contact you and ask you to make an alternative selection. It is crucial
to make another selection as soon as possible. If for some reason this can’t be done,
D.R. Horton reserves the right to make an alternative selection.
If a home is already under construction, D.R. Horton has already made some or all of
these choices. On completion of color sheets, double-check all color numbers and names,
and sign and date each page.
No Changes after DESIGN Center Appointment
Once a home has been processed for construction, information relating to it is fully
distributed to all the tradesmen and staff involved with building it.
Substitution of Items by D.R. Horton
Occasionally, in order to avoid construction delays, it may be necessary for D.R. Horton
to change original specifications, making substitutions for certain materials, products,
equipment, appliances, brands, etc. We reserve the right to substitute new models, colors,
patterns or styles. In all cases, we will substitute the closest possible match of equal or
better quality.
Additionally, we reserve the right to make substitutions, without advance notice, of a
material or process when we believe such changes will improve quality, eliminate future
service problems, lower maintenance, or generally enhance the livability of your home.
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Foundations Manual
Constructing Your
Home
Construction of Your Home
The construction of a new home differs from other manufacturing processes in several
ways. By keeping these differences in mind, you can enjoy participating in the
construction process and assist us in building your new home:
•
As a consumer, you rarely have the opportunity to watch as the products you
purchase are created. Your new home is created in front of you.
•
You have more opportunity for input into the design and finished details of a new
home than for most other products. Our success in personalizing your home depends
on effective communication.
•
Because of the time required for construction, you will have many opportunities to
view your home, as it is being built, ask questions, and discuss details.
Construction Field Manager
The job of your D.R. Horton Construction Field Manager is to ensure that your new
home is constructed to the quality standards of D.R. Horton, as well as to all building and
municipal codes and specifications. To this end, he or she is responsible for scheduling
and monitoring the work of Horton employees and subcontractors.
The Construction Field Manager also is responsible for keeping projects on schedule and
advising the Community Sales Managers if delays are anticipated. Because of the
potential for interruptions, your move in date may be changed one or more times during
the construction phase. We should be able to give you a fairly accurate idea of your
actual move in date approximately 30 days prior to completion.
Safety
A new home construction site is exciting, but it can also be dangerous. Your safety is of
prime importance to us. Therefore, we must require that you contact D.R. Horton before
visiting your site. We reserve the right to require you to wear a hardhat and that a
member of our staff accompanies you during your visit. Please limit your visits to after
hours and DO NOT visit when workers are in your home. Please observe common-sense
safety procedures at all times while visiting:
Please keep in mind the following safety procedures:
•
Buyers are not allowed to perform or contract any work on the house.
•
Keep older children within view and younger children within reach, or make
arrangements to leave them elsewhere when visiting the site.
•
Do not walk backward – for even one step. Look in the direction you are moving at
all times.
•
Watch for boards, cords, tools, nails, or construction materials that might cause
tripping, puncture wounds, or other injury.
•
We prohibit visits to your home after dark. This is for your safety as well as ours.
•
Do not enter any level of the home that is not equipped with stairs and rails.
•
Stay a minimum of six feet from all excavations.
•
Give large, noisy grading equipment delivery vehicles plenty of room. Assume that
the driver can neither see nor hear you.
•
Please do not remove any material from the job site. What may look like excess
material to you may actually be the final pieces to the task in progress.
•
Do not adjust the thermostat or open or close windows.
•
When visiting the construction site, please wear comfortable clothing and heavy-duty
footwear. Construction materials can damage good clothing and debris on the
ground can pierce lightweight footwear, including athletic shoes.
•
D.R. Horton assumes no liability for accidents, which may occur during visits to its
construction sites.
Quality
Our company will build your new home to the quality standards demonstrated in our
model homes. Each new home is a handcrafted product – combining art, science, and
raw labor. The efforts of many people with varying degrees of knowledge, experience,
and skill come together while we coordinate and supervise these contributions to produce
your new home.
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Homeowner Manual
From time to time during a process that takes several months and involves dozens of
people, an error or omission may occur. We have systems and procedures for inspecting
our homes to ensure that the level of quality meets our requirements. We inspect every
step of construction and are responsible for quality control. In addition, the county, city,
or an engineer conducts a number of inspections at different stages of construction. Your
home must pass each inspection before construction continues.
During the construction process, every home being built experiences some days when it
is not at its best. Homes under construction endure wind, rain, snow, foot traffic, and
activities that generate noise, dust, and trash. Scrap material is a by-product of the
process. Although your new home is cleaned by each trade upon completion of their
portion of the work, during your visits you will encounter some messy moments. Keep in
mind that the completed homes you toured once endured these “messy” stages.
Plans and Specifications
The building department of the city or county where your new home is located must
review and approve the plans and specifications for your home. We construct each home
to comply with the plans and specifications approved by the applicable building
departments. The specifications become part of our agreements with trade contractors
and suppliers. Only written instructions from D.R. Horton can change these contracts.
Regulatory Changes
From time to time, city or county agencies adopt new codes or regulations that can affect
your home. Such changes are usually adopted in the interest of safety, and are legal
requirements with which D.R. Horton must comply. Occasionally, code changes require
all plans to be re-engineered and re-drawn, which can delay the start of construction
considerably. The codes and requirements in effect for each area can vary. Therefore,
builders may have to construct the same floor plan with slight differences because of the
codes in two different jurisdictions, or even within the same jurisdiction if there are
changes to the code between constructions of two identical houses.
Individual Foundation Designs
Another area where variations among homes can appear is in the foundation system. The
foundation design is specific to each lot. An engineer determines which foundation
system to use. Because of variations in the slope of lots, your foundation may differ from
your neighbor’s foundation or that of the same home in another neighborhood. As a
result, your finished home may look different than what you see on your plans. Typically
differences are; more or less brick, a deeper foundation at the lower end of the lot, or a
taller garage door.
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Homeowner Manual
Changes in Materials, Products, and Methods
The new-home industry, building trades, and product manufacturers are continually
working to improve methods and products. In addition, manufacturers sometimes make
model changes that can impact the final product. As a result, we may use methods or
materials in your home that differ from those in our other homes. Please keep in mind
that each home is individually constructed and may vary from our feature/ model homes.
In all instances, any substitution of method or product will have equal or better quality
than that shown in our other homes. Since such substitutions or changes may become
necessary due to matters outside our control, we reserve the right to make them
without notification or buyer approval.
Typical Variations
Dozens of trade contractors have assembled your home. The same individuals rarely
work on every home in the same way and, even if they did, each one would still be
unique. The exact placement of switches, outlets, registers, and so on will vary slightly
from the model and other homes of the same floor plan.
Patio vs. Deck: The Determining factors
D.R. Horton has always intended that the outdoor living space for the homes should be a
solid concrete patio. This provides a strong, permanent, safe, and maintenance-free
surface that will outlive your ownership of the home. Despite these advantages, there are
occasions when a patio is not possible. When it is necessary, D.R. Horton will choose to
install a wood deck instead of a patio, at no cost to the homeowner. This decision is at
the sole discretion of D.R. Horton, and is usually determined after installation of the
foundation.
Conditions that may indicate the use of a deck:
•
The general slope of a lot is away from the street. We try to avoid setting a
foundation that will cause any of the entry sites to slope toward the house. On some
lots, this cannot always be avoided. The interior floor must be on level, and the grade
of a lot that continues to slope towards the rear, creates a distance above the ground at
the back door that is awkward to traverse.
•
An uphill or downhill street at the front. It is most common to put the garage on
the uphill end of a lot, to reduce slope in the driveway and avoid stairs at the front
door and service door from the garage to the home. If the patio is located on the
opposite end from the garage, it will require stairs from the floor level down to the
patio.
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Homeowner Manual
•
A slope away from the rear door too steep to allow a flat area. A patio, under
these conditions, could ruin a perfectly good opportunity to create character in the
landscape of the back yard. To force a flat area creates unpleasantly steep slopes
around it.
•
Too High! If a lot slopes steeply to the rear, a deck at finished floor height on your
home could be above the top of the fence. Neither of you will have any privacy for
that July 4th barbecue, unless some effort is taken to modify the condition.
•
Too Big! The City has zoning limits regarding setbacks from the property lines, to
any structure over three feet tall. It may be necessary to lower a deck to meet this
requirement. Decks need permits, and must meet the same seismic engineering as the
home.
The following list of conditions, and D.R. Horton policy regarding these, are intended to
be guideline only, subject to the professional opinions of our own site staff.
1. One or two steps (3 risers) to a somewhat flat backyard. This will be a
concrete patio with concrete steps.
2. More than two steps to a sloping backyard. Probably a deck at finished floor
level depending on code requirements.
Here are a few maintenance items you should know about your deck:
1. It does not come finished. Before your deck is exposed to intense sunshine,
you should coat all wood and cut edges with Sun Frog, or some other
penetrating protectant. We do not recommend solid stains or paints, as they will
increase the maintenance needed.
2. Get the rear landscape in. Clay soils will stain wood and concrete both, not to
mention your carpets.
3. Let it drain. Water will run through the deck, and airflow between the boards
will ensure it dries at an even rate. You should block up things like flower pots
or cement frogs to prevent discoloration or rot of the surface. Be sure surface
water on the ground under your deck can drain away.
4. Railings are for safety. DO NOT climb, swing, or sit on railings. Check them
a couple of times a year for damage and/or tightening to ensure safety
5. When you paint your house. The next time you paint your house paint the
siding on the wall below the deck, where applicable.
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Homeowner Manual
6. Every year. Apply a weatherproof sealant to protect your deck. If you don’t, it
will look old in a very short time. The warranty provided to you by D.R.
Horton does not cover the natural process of wood, or any lack of proper
maintenance.
Fences.
Please refer to your copy of the CC&R’s for approved fencing in your area.
Trade Contractors
Our homes are built through the combined efforts of specialist in many trades – from
excavation and foundation, through framing, mechanical, and insulation, to drywall,
trim, and finish work. In order to ensure you the highest possible standard of
construction, only authorized suppliers, trade contractors, and D.R. Horton’s employees
are permitted to perform work in your home.
Suppliers and trade contractors have no authority to enter into agreements with new
Buyers. For your protection and theirs, the terms of our trade contractor agreements
prohibit alterations without written authorization from D.R. Horton. Their failure to
comply with this procedure can result in termination of their contract; therefore, the
contractors cannot perform any work outside of their contracts with D.R. Horton.
Schedules
The delivery date of your new home begins as an estimate. Until the roof is on and the
structure is enclosed, weather can dramatically affect the delivery date. Even after the
home itself is past the potential for weather-related delays, weather can severely impact
installation of utility services, final grading, and concrete flatwork, to mention a few
examples. Extended periods of wet weather or freezing temperatures bring work to a
stop in the entire region. When favorable conditions return, the trades people go back
to work, picking up where they left off. Please understand that they are as eager as you
are to get caught up and to see progress on your home.
Delivery Date Updates
Once construction has begun, estimated delivery dates can be obtained through the
Closing Coordinator. As completion nears, more factors come under our control and
we can be more précised about the date.
We suggest that, until you receive this commitment, you avoid finalizing arrangements
for your move. Until then, flexibility is the key to comfort, sanity, and convenience.
We want you to enjoy this process and avoid unnecessary stress caused by uncertainties
that cannot be avoided.
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Homeowner Manual
Expect several days during the construction of your home when it appears that nothing
is happening. This can occur for a number of reasons. Each trade is scheduled days or
weeks in advance of the actual work. This period is referred to as “lead time”. Time is
allotted for completion of each trade’s work on your home. Sometimes, one trade
completes work a bit ahead of schedule. The next trade already has the assigned time
slot, which usually cannot be changed on short notice.
Progress pauses while the home awaits building department inspections. This is also
part of the normal sequence of the construction schedule and occurs at several points in
every home.
Construction Sequence
Although the specific sequence of the construction steps varies and overlaps, generally
we build your home in the following order:
1. Foundation
• Lot stake-out
• Excavation
• Form and pour Footings and Foundation
• Strip forms
• Sewer & Rain drain placement and inspection
• Backfill perimeter and garage
• Pour Garage Slab
• Under floor framing
• Plumbing and heating underfloor
• Inspection
2. Framing
• First floor
• Second floor
• Roof trusses
• Roof sheathing, fascia (roof trimming)
• Details, Corrections, Inspections
Exterior
1. Roofing
•
•
•
Felt or paper
Valley flashing
Shingles
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Homeowner Manual
2. Exterior trim
• Windows and doors
• Housewrap and flashing
• Siding
• Trim
3. Exterior painting
4. Driveway and walks (After sheetrock)
5. Final Grading (After concrete)
6. Landscaping (Within 3 weeks of completion) weather permitting.
Interior
1. Rough-in of mechanical system
• Plumbing
• HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning)
• Electrical (extras need to be installed at this point)
• Rough inspection
2. Insulation
• Install
• Inspect
3. Drywall
• Hang
• Inspection
• Tape and texture
• Paint walls
• Install underlayment
• Install cabinets
• Install hardwood floors
4. Interior trim
• Doors
• Baseboards, casings, other details
5. Paint or Stain
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Homeowner Manual
6. Finish work
• Countertops
• Vinyl
• Plumbing fixtures
• Appliances
• Light fixtures
• Finish HVAC
• Carpet
• Hardware
• Screens
7. Construction Cleaning
8. Builder’s punch list
9. Certificate of occupation
10. Homeowner Orientation
11. Closing
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Foundations Manual
Homeowner Orientation
Homeowner Orientation
Your homeowner orientation is an introduction to your new home and its many
features. In essence, this is a meeting that goes beyond the traditional walkthrough to include a detailed demonstration of your home and a review of
information on maintenance. At this time, your home will have its final
occupancy – See Closing Section.
Scheduling
Several days before closing, we schedule a 1 to 2 hour orientation with you at
your home as it nears completion. Appointments are available Monday through
Friday, 9AM to 2PM. For safety reasons, please arrange childcare.
Orientation Forms
We have included copies of the forms we use at the orientation, located at the end
of this section. In addition, the suggestions that follow will help you derive the
greatest benefit from your orientation. You will receive a copy of this form after
your walk thru prior to closing.
Preparation
Allow enough time. We expect the orientation to take one to two hours. By
arranging your schedule so that you can use the full amount of time allotted, you
will gain maximum benefit from the orientation. If you have any questions about
home maintenance or the limited warranty coverage, make note of them to bring
up at the orientation.
Past experience has shown that the orientation is most beneficial when buyers are
able to focus all their attention on their new home and the information we present.
Although we appreciate that friends and relatives are eager to see your new home,
it would be best if they visit at another time. Similarly, we suggest that, if
possible, children and pets not accompany you at this time.
If a real estate person has helped you with this purchase, he or she may attend.
Completion of Items
D.R. Horton takes responsibility for resolving any items noted. We will make
every attempt to complete every item before your move-in. Please remember that
this is dependent on the nature of the item and the amount of time available
between walk-through and move-in. If work needs to be completed on your new
home after you move-in, you must be present when construction personnel are in
your home. Construction personnel are available for appointments Monday
through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Under normal circumstances, you can expect us
to resolve all items within 30 working days. We will inform you of any delays
caused by back-ordered materials. Please note that we will only correct those
items listed. D.R. Horton will NOT HONOR verbal commitments of any kind.
Future Service
D.R. Horton responds to warranty items and conditions of the limited warranty
agreement.
WARRANTY COMPLIANCE
Please submit all Warranty Requests online @ www.drhorton.com. Select
the “Horton Homeowner” tab. Press the “Next” button at the bottom of
the screen to get to the entry screen for requesting service.
In order to complete any request for service, D.R. Horton may need to
make inspections on some items. For most items, subcontractors will be notified
by D.R. Horton to call you directly to facilitate a time to complete the necessary
work. Subcontractors and construction staff work regular business hours.
Therefore, they will need access to your home Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4
PM. Because of insurance restrictions, D.R. Horton will not hold a key to your
home. It will be your responsibility to provide access for the work to be
completed.
********** IMPORTANT **********
It is your responsibility to allow D.R. Horton staff and/ or subcontractors into
your home to perform any necessary work. If, after 3 attempts to make contact,
you do not arrange a time for the work to be done, or if you do not return phone
calls, we will consider the items(s) closed. No further attempt will be made to
complete the item(s). Therefore, it is in your best interest to allow D.R. Horton
and our subcontractors to take care of any warranty issues in a timely manner.
*Note to Home Buyer
At your homeowner orientation, you will receive:
The manufacturer’s literature for the furnace, water heater, and other consumer
products will be provided at the time of your walk thru. Copies of this material
for standard items are available for your review in our sales office.
Acceptance
In addition to introducing you to your new home, the orientation is the
opportunity for you and D.R. Horton to confirm that the home meets the quality
standards shown in our model homes and that we have completed all sections and
changes. We note details that need attention on the orientation forms.
Your signature on the Homeowner Orientation Report
acknowledges the following:
1. Your understanding and acceptance of the policies highlighted here and
detailed in your homeowner’s manual;
2. That you have inspected your new home and listed defects for correction
by D.R. Horton;
3. You have received copies of the Walk Thru Inspection Report.
Timing
D.R. Horton is responsible for resolving items noted. We will correct many of these
items immediately. However, some of the corrections may require the services of a trade
contractor or we may need to order parts or materials. You should expect completion of
these items within 30 business days of closing unless we inform you of other scheduling.
Cosmetic items
D.R. Horton corrects readily noticeable cosmetic defects listed during this inspection.
Such damage can also occur during the move-in process or through daily activities.
Therefore, we correct items noted during the orientation, but repair of cosmetic surface
damage becomes your responsibility after the orientation. This is your only opportunity
to obtain service on such items. Repair of subsequent cosmetic damages (such as chips,
dents, and scratches) are your responsibility. Therefore, take careful notes of such items
as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sinks, tubs, and plumbing fixtures
Countertops and cabinet doors
Light fixtures, mirrors, and glass
Windows and screens
Tile, carpet, hardwood, and resilient flooring
Doors, trim, and hardwood
Paint and drywall
Finish and appliances
Siding
Landscaping
Defects in items such as these are readily detectable during the orientation. These items
are also most likely to be damaged during the move-in process: As a result, later warranty
claims on the cosmetic damages to these items are not accepted.
Professional Inspections
At D.R. Horton, we strive to make your new home a successful experience. We fully
warrant all new homes. If you wish to contract a professional inspector to examine your
new home prior to closing, we will examine their report and attend to any structural or
pest and dry rot issues only. Many inspectors include cosmetic items and or advice in
their report. Any item noted in a professional report does not constitute a contingency or
give cause to delay closing in any manner. We will address all cosmetic items during
your New Homeowner Orientation to avoid confusion.
D•R•hORTON
Foundations Manual
Closing Your Home
Closing Your Home
Date of Closing
The closing, or settlement, takes place after issuance of Certificate of Occupancy by the
local building authorities. Typically, the closing process takes from 45 minutes to an
hour. Please call our Closing Coordinator for information about the closing process.
Location of Closing
The closing of your new home usually takes place at the closing attorney’s office. You
will be notified of your closing date, time, and location approximately 30 days prior to
closing.
Closing Documents
At closing, the documents necessary to convey your new home to you and close the loan
will be executed and delivered from the mortgage company. In addition to these standard
items, the lender, the closing attorney, and D.R. Horton may require other documents to
be signed. The principal documents typically include the following:
•
Statutory Warranty Deed – The statutory warranty conveys the home and lot to
you, subject to permitted exceptions.
•
D.R. Horton Limited Warranty – We provide a copy of the limited warranty in this
manual for your review. Please read it thoroughly.
•
Deed of Trust – This encumbers your home as security for repayments of the
promissory notes.
Closing Expenses
Certain customary items in connection with the property will be prorated to the date of
closing such as prepaid expenses, or reserves required by your lender and homeowners
association, if applicable. Pro-rations of general real property taxes and assessments will
be based on the current year’s taxes and assessments or, if they are unavailable, on the
taxes and assessments for the prior year.
Late Penalty
The purchase agreement specifies that closing must occur on the closing date set by the
closing coordinator. D.R. Horton is paying interest on construction funds, property taxes,
and maintenance during this period. If closing is delayed beyond that period, there will
be a $500/per day fee assessed at closing, prorated daily, for the delay period.
“The Final Number”
The final cost figure is available a day or two prior to the actual closing. Although a
reasonable close estimate may be determined before the date of closing, the pro-ration of
several items included is affected by the closing date and cannot be calculated until that
date is known.
Preparation
Plan to bring cash or certified funds (made payable to the closing attorney) to the closing
table. Be sure to allow time to obtain these funds before your scheduled closing
appointment. In addition, please keep the following items in mind:
•
Documents – The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) provides you
with many protections. Under this law, you can review the settlement page that lists
the costs that you will be paying one day before the closing appointment. Although
these documents are not negotiable and thousands of homebuyers have signed them,
you should read them.
•
Insurance – You need to provide proof of a homeowner’s policy from your insurance
company. Your insurance agent should know exactly what is needed. We suggest
you arrange for this at least three weeks before the expected closing date.
•
D.R. Horton or Lender Issues – The title company is not authorized to negotiate or
make representations on behalf of any of the parties involved in the closing.
Therefore, please discuss any questions, agreements, or other details directly with us,
or your lender, in advance of the closing.
•
Utilities - D.R. Horton will have utility service removed from its name three days
after closing, but they will not accept new billing information from us.
You will need to provide new billing information to all applicable utility companies. We
suggest that you contact these companies well ahead of time to avoid any interruption in
service. Utility company phone numbers are provided on the Area Information sheet at
the end of this section, to assist you in making these arrangements. At the closing table,
the attorney will be presenting a form for you to provide you new phone number(s), so be
sure to bring them with you.
D•R•hORTON
Foundations Manual
Caring For Your
Home
Caring for Your Home
D.R. Horton has constructed your home with quality materials and the labor of
experienced craftsmen. Before we use any material, it must meet our specifications for
quality and durability. All work is done under our supervision to attain the best possible
result for your investment.
A home is one of the last hand-built products left in the world. Once we have assembled
the natural and manufactured materials, the components interact with each other and the
environment. Although quality materials and workmanship have been used in your
home, this does not mean that it will require no care or maintenance. A home, like an
automobile, requires care and attention from day one. General homeowner maintenance
is essential to providing a quality home for a lifetime.
Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines
We are proud of the homes we build and the neighborhoods in which we build. We strive
to create long-lasting value. This cannot be achieved unless you, the homeowner,
properly maintain your home and all of its components. Periodic maintenance is
necessary because of normal wear and tear, the inherent characteristics of the materials
used in your home, and normal service required by the mechanical systems. Natural
fluctuations in temperature and humidity also affect your home.
Many times, a repair handled promptly, or a minor adjustment, prevents a more serious,
time consuming, and often costly repair later. Note also that neglect of routine
maintenance can void applicable limited warranty on all or part of your home. By caring
for your new home attentively, you ensure your enjoyment of it for years. The attention
provided by each homeowner contributes significantly to the overall desirability of the
community.
We recognize that it is impossible to anticipate and describe every attention needed for
good home care, but we have covered many important details. The subjects covered
include components of homes we build, listed in alphabetical order. Each topic includes
suggestions for use and maintenance followed by D.R. Horton limited warranty
guidelines. This manual may discuss some components that are not present in your
particular home.
Please take time to read the literature provided by the manufacturer of consumer products
and other items in your home. The information contained in that material is not repeated
here. Although much of the information may be familiar to you, some points may differ
significantly from homes that you have had in the past.
We make every effort to keep information current and accurate. However, if any detail in
our discussion conflicts with manufacturer’s recommendations, you should follow the
manufacturer’s recommendations. Activate specific manufacturer’s warranties by
completing and mailing any registration cards included with their materials. In some
cases, manufacturer’s warranties may extend beyond the first year and it’s in your best
interest to be notified of such coverage.
D.R. Horton Warranty Guidelines
While we strive to build a defect-free home, we are realistic enough to know that
mistakes can happen or that something in the home may not function as intended. If
either situation occurs, we will make necessary corrections. In support of this
commitment, D.R. Horton provides you with a limited warranty. In addition to the
information contained in the limited warranty itself; this manual includes details about
one-year materials and workmanship standards and information regarding our extended
10-year warranty. The purpose is to let you know what our quality standard is for the
typical concerns that can come up in your new home. The manual describes our
standards for each item and what we will do to remedy items that do not meet our
standards.
Our criteria for qualifying warranty repairs are based on typical practices in our region
and meet or exceed those practices for the components of your home. However, we
reserve the right to exceed these guidelines if common sense or individual circumstances
dictate, without being obligated to exceed all guidelines to a similar degree or for all
homeowners.
A copy of our 10-year written warranty is included in the insert section of the back of this
manual. We include a sample copy at the end of this section for your review. Please read
through this information, as well as the service procedures discussed on the following
pages.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF HOME MAINTENANCE
Helpful hints and simple fixes
to keep your D.R.Horton home beautiful
and working like new.
D-R- HORTON
drhorton.com
BASIC PRJNCIPLES OF HOME MAINTENANCE
Table of Contents
Air Conditioning/Heating............................................
Appliances...............................................................
Attic Ventilation... .....................................................
Bathtubs, Sinks, and Showers………………………..
Cabinets.................................................................
Carpeting...............................................................
Caulking/Exterior.....................................................
Ceramic Tops.. ........................................................
Counter Tops..........................................................
Disposals...............................................................
Doors...................................................................
2
3
3
3
Drains...................................................................
6
Driveways, Walks, and Patios.......................................
Electrical Receptacles.. ...............................................
Electrical Service Entrance. ....................................... ..
Electrical Troubleshooting...........................................
Fireplaces...............................................................
Floor Tile...............................................................
Hardwood Floors......................................................
Keys and Locks........................................... .............
Landscaping............................................................
Louvers..................................................................
Motors...................................................................
Plumbing................................................................
RoofS....................................................................
Screens..................................................................
Smoke Detectors.......................................................
Termites.................................................................
Toilets...................................................................
Walls and Ceilings.....................................................
Water Heaters...........................................................
Helpful Equipment.....................................................
7
7
8
8
8
9
9
9
10
10
10
10
11
11
11
11
11
12
12
13
Other Helpful Hints....................................................
13
Annual Checklist.......................................................
13
Basic Principles of Home Maintenance
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
1
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF HOME MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT: If a problem occurs during your warranty period and it cannot be remedied by the simple
fixes contained in this guide, you must contact www.drhorton.com. Other courses of action may affect
your coverage under the warranty agreement
Thermostats:
The thermostat (usually located near the air return duct) helps to keep your home at an even
temperature throughout Individual room temperature may vary and can be regulated by adjusting
the registers in the various rooms. The temperature may also vary between floors as warm air
rises. If you have a second floor, it is likely to be warmer than a lower leveL Leaving the furnace­
circulating fan on more consistently can further minimize these variations in temperature within a
home. If your home is heated by a warm air furnace or a heat pump your thermostat also may
contain controls for converting from the cooling system to the heating systems and vice versa. A
recommended setting for a thermostat is 72 degrees for heating and 78 degrees for cooling.
The ASHRAE standard for heating states that the system shall be capable of producing an inside
temperature of 70 degrees (heating) or 78 degrees (cooling) as measured in the center of each
room at a height of 5 feet above the flooL IN THE CASE OF OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES
EXCEEDING 95 DEGREES, A DIFFERENTIAL OF 15 DEGREES FROM THE OUTSIDE
TEMPERATURE WILL BE MAINTAINED.
Register:
The registers throughout your home help to regulate the flow of air and to maintain the desired
temperature. By opening and closing the registers and dampers, you can determine the amount of
cool or warm air that enters a room. Once the registers and dampers are adjusted, they together
with the thermostat will maintain the temperature in your home, In addition to the air outlets, your
home will have an air intake (return) registeL None of these registers should ever be obstructed.
Filters:
Your air conditioning system has an air filter to help keep the air in your home clean. For
maximum efficiency, this filter should be replaced or cleaned regularly. Clogged filters can cause
a unit to malfunction. The instruction manual for your system will tell you the location of the
filter and how to clean and replace it
Insulation:
Your D R Horton home has been designed to provide the proper insulation for our climate. Open
doors, windows, fireplace flues and clogged filters are more often the cause of inadequate cooling
or heating than deficient insulation. A lack of proper window treatments can also prevent the
heating/cooling system from functioning properly.
Inspection:
A central air conditioning or heating system should be checked periodically by a professional
repairman. See your instruction manual for the frequency of this care.
Basic Principles of Home Maintenance
2
Gas Furnace:
Gas furnaces are normally automatic starts. If your heating unit is not an automatic start, your
pilot light will have to be lit manually at tbe start of the heating season, and turned off at the end
of the heating season. Your furnace and vent stack should be inspected by a professional
repairman at least once a year prior to the heating season.
Heat Pumps:
Heat Pumps work to heat or cool your home. They transfer warm air from one location to another.
As a result, the warm air delivered through your registers is cooler than the "heated air" produced
by a gas or electric furnace. This gradual heat will keep the home comfortable. In many areas,
heat pumps are equipped with an electrical back-up system to be activated in extremely cold
weather.
Appliances:
Instruction manuals and other papers accompany your new electrical or gas appliances. Look
through them carefully. Remove, fill out and mail any return postcards necessary to record
warranties Read all instructional literature so that you will know how to get the best from what
you own, and so you will understand all appliance warranties. If an electrical appliance fails to
work, before calling a D R Horton appliance subcontractor be sure the appliance is plugged in
and that no circuit breakers are tripped. If a gas appliance fails to work, check to see that the
pilot light is lit. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the main gas valve near the meter and call the
utility company.
Attic Ventilation:
If your home has a pitched roof, the space between tbe ceiling and the roof may have louvered
openings. Louvered openings should remain unobstructed all year round. If your home has soffit
vents and/or ridge vents they should also be clear of debris. Ridge vents should be checked
periodically to ensure they are secure and have not come loose in high winds.
Tile and Porcelain Enamel:
The surface of these fixtures is hard, smooth and glossy like a mirror, but is not indestructible.
Accidents or improper cleaning will cause chipping, scratches and stains. A blow from a heavy or
sharp object will chip the surface, and scraping or banging metal utensils in a sink will gradually
scratch and dull the surface. The finish is then susceptible to stains, which become increasingly
difficult to remove. Shiny new fixtures can also be dulled or stained within a short time through
improper or excessive use of strong abrasive cleaners. Most household cleaners are mildly
abrasive, but used with plenty of water, some of them are not harmful; however, a nonabrasive
cleanser is safer. If you prefer a dry material, baking soda and Bon Ami® Powder are
nonabrasive. Most stains are caused by dirt, food, grease, rust or water minerals.
Vitreous China: See Porcelain Enamel above.
Stainless Steel:
Stainless steel fixtures and sinks generally resist statrung and need a thorough scrubbing only
occasionally. Do not use steel wool pads, as these can remove the finish of stairt1ess steel sinks.
Use a nonabrasive cleaner or a commercial stainless steel cleanser. Stainless steel sinks will dent
when they receive a strong impact.
Fiberglass Tubs and Showers:
Never use powdered cleaners or any type of abrasive on Fiberglass® tubs and showers. Special
Fiberglass cleaners are available at most supermarkets. Spray window cleaners are also effective.
Basic Principles of Home Maintenance
3
For long term protection, wax your Fiberglass units with a high quality
immediately upon move in or after each major cleaning.
automobile
wax
Shower Enclosures:
To clean shower enclosures an ordinary dishwashing detergent (not soap) will do a good job unless
hard water minerals have been deposited. For these, use a commercial glass cleaner containing
ammonia or I tablespoon of household ammonia in a quart of water. WARNING: Be sure to read
the caution note on the label before using ammonia. Never use steel wool or scouring pads on the
metal portion of these enclosures. It will remove the protective finish applied by the manufacturer
and cause unsightly scratches. To prolong the life and beauty of your plumbing fixtures follow these
precautions:
Additional information:
1. Don't let food wastes stand in the sink, Dispose of food waste through your disposal as it
accumulates.
2. Don't use plumbing fixtures to hold paint cans, trash, or tools when you are redecorating.
Cover them when painting walls and ceilings.
3. Don't step in a bathtub or shower stall with shoes on for any reason. Shoe soles carry
hundreds of gritty particles that will scratch the surface.
4. Don't use sinks, tub or toilets as receptacles for photographic or developing solutions.
Developer stains are extremely difficult to remove.
5. Wipe shower area dry after each use.
6. Utilize bathroom exhaust fans or open bathroom windows to remove excessive moisture from
the room.
By observing these suggestions and the preceding instructions, you will prolong the newness and
luster of your fixtures.
Cabinets:
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets should never be cleaned with harsh abrasives. Wood cabinets may
be cleaned like any other wood furniture with lemon oil or good furniture oil unless it has been
plastic coated. An excellent product for hiding minor nicks and scratches that occur over time in
wood cabinetry is Old English® furniture polish. Keep cabinet doors and drawers closed when
not in use. Periodic use of silicone spray lubricant on drawers and hinges will improve operating
efficiency.
Carpeting:
Given proper care, the carpeting in your home will provide years of service. You should vacuum
at least once a week using a powerful upright vacuum cleaner. This is especially important with
some of the denser shear and shag patterns. You should also plan to give your carpeting a
professional cleaning at least once a year to remove deep down dirt and stubborn stains. In regard
to stains, always attack them immediately. Even half an hour after the accident can be too late. A
number of good quality stain and spot removers are available; however, we suggest you seek the
advice of a carpeting expert as to what is best for your brand and style of carpet. You should be
aware of the material that your carpet is made of. Should your carpet become wet or saturated for
any reason, the bottom of furniture legs need to be taken out of contact with carpet. Aluminum
foil or plastic coasters work well in this situation. Don't hesitate to call in a professional with very
severe staining or spotting. The small expense will pay off in longer carpet beauty and service.
Caulking/Exterior:
Exterior caulking will separate and deteriorate over the life of the home. If this situation is not
monitored and corrected on a consistent basis, moisture can work its way behind wood trim or
siding and cause serious rotting problems. Leaks around doors and windows can also result if this
condition goes unnoticed for any length of time. (Also see "Annual Checklist".)
Basic Principles of Home Maintenance
4
Ceramic Tile:
Ceramic tile floors are generally easy to maintain. To keep them looking new, you need only wipe
with a moist cloth and wet mop from time to time. The grout used between ceramic tiles can be
cleaned using a brush and a mild cleanser. Grout sealers are available to make the grout more
resistant to stains. Once again, these products can be purchased at most home care centers.
Countertops:
The majority of kitchen counter tops are constructed of top quality plastic laminate materials.
Because these products are a sheet of very hard plastic laminated to a wooden base, you must be
careful not to disturb the bond between the wood and the plastic. To avoid such a problem,
always be sure to use a hot pad for anything that is likely to exceed 250 degrees in temperature.
Anything coming directly off a burner or from the oven will be much too hot to place directly on
the plastic surface. Laminated plastic tops are very easy products to maintain; however, there are
a few ways to increase their life and prolong their beauty.
l. Most spots, glass rings, etc. will usually wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. For
more stubborn stains, we recommend Formica brand spray cleaner. Be careful of the inks
used in marking grocery products, especially meat and produce. They are often indelible and
can be extremely difficult to remove. Newspaper ink can also produce indelible stain.
2. NEVER cut items directly on the counter top. They will scratch and knife marks can become
unsightly hiding places for dirt.
3. Counter tops are not constructed for sitting. Excessive weight can cause warping, drawer
malfunction and even cause the top to pull away from the wall.
To prevent leaks, be certain to monitor the condition of all caulking at countertops and redo if
separation or shrinkage occurs. If you have a ceramic tile countertop, see "Ceramic Tile" for care
information. If you have a Corian® Countertop, please refer to the manufacturer's care and
maintenance information. Your bath vanity tops, and perhaps your bath sinks, are made of either
top quality plastic laminate (see above) or they are made of a cultured marble product that will
give you classic good looks and utilitarian service. These products will scratch and burn if
mistreated however, so treat them gently. Always be especially careful with razor blade, manicure
equipment and bathroom appliances. Cigarette burns are almost impossible to remove without
professional assistance. Care for your cultured marble with any good quality, non-abrasive
bathroom cleaner. If hard water minerals collect, they may be removed with mild ammonia
solution of a tablespoon to each quart of water. Caulking of the vanity tops is an important
element of homeowner maintenance, and should be monitored ..
Disposals
Food should not be deposited into an inactivated disposal and the unit then turned on. The
disposal will provide more effective disposing action if cold water is running and the unit is turned
on prior to depositing food into it. When the unit is running, cold water should be used. This
helps to solidifY any grease in the disposal, which can then be chopped up and moved out with the
remainder of the foods. Once a month, a tray of ice cubes can get deposited into the disposal and
chopped up. This has a cleaning action on the blades and exit areas of the disposal. If the disposal
is jammed:
1. Turn off the switch for the disposal before trying to unclog.
2. Insert the allen wrench provided into the bottom of the disposal and tum slowly to dislodge
whatever has jammed the disposal.
3. Press the reset button, which is located on the bottom of the disposal, and the unit should be
ready to function again.
Doors:
Doors can cause minor problems. However, most door problems can be handled with minimum
skill. Sticking caused by shrinkage and swelling is the most common problem with doors, and it is
Basic Principles of Home Maintenance
5
a common characteristic in new homes. If the sticking is caused by swelling in damp weather,
fold sandpaper around a wood block and sand the edge that binds. If the sticking is the result of
uneven alignment, which can occur as your home settles, check to see that the hinge screws are
tight and holding properly. If they are tight and the door is still out of alignment, sand or plane the
edge that binds. Warping is a result of too much moisture. Should a door ever warp, a good repair
is to dry it in the sun. The door should be elevated off the ground, and it should be positioned flat
with the warped side up. If drying a door thoroughly won't straighten a badly warped door, apply
weight to the bulged side and leave it for two or three days. If this "first aid" doesn't solve the
problem, you should call in a carpenter to make the repair. Always paint or varnish any areas that
have been sanded or planed to protect those areas from moisture and further swelling. Exterior
doors should be painted or varnished whenever the house is painted. In hot, humid climates,
wooden exterior doors have to be refinished on a regular basis. Wooden garage doors require
refinishing more frequently. Aluminum doors do not need painting. Special care to the tracks of
aluminum sliding glass doors is recommended. Always keep the tracks clean of debris. A very
small amount of oil is also recommended on a periodic basis, at both the bottom of the door and
the lock mechanics. Silicon lubricant is good for the tracks. Bi-fold and by-pass closet doors and
"pocket" doors offer tremendous convenience to the homeowner, as well as enhance the looks of
your home; however, the mechanics of these types of doors are more complicated than a hinged
door. Gentleness is the key when operating each type. No up or down pressure should be applied.
In the case of bi-fold doors, pull toward you when opening and let the door open itself With
sliding "pocket" doors, gently pushing in the direction the door moves is all that is necessary. Be
certain to avoid driving nails into the "pocket" area of a sliding door. Bi-fold and by-pass closet
doors have adjustment areas should they become difficult to operate or jump from their tracks.
These are easily found on the rear side of the doors. Also, these types of doors are installed in
matched sets. If you should remove the doors for any reason, be sure to put each section back in
its original position.
The moving parts of garage doors should be oiled about every three montl1s. The screws and bolts
that fasten the hardware to any wood areas should be tightened in about a year because the wood
shrinks a little as it ages.
Drains:
Each plumbing fixture in your home has a drain trap, a J-shaped piece of pipe designed to provide
a water barrier between your home and the danger of sewer gas from entering the house. If any
fixture is used infrequently, it should be turned on at regular intervals to replace evaporating water
and ensure that the barrier remains intact.
Traps, because of the shapes, are also the point at which drains are most likely to become clogged.
When the drain pipe from a sink, shower, or tub stops up, first use a plunger. Be sure the rubber
cap of the plunger covers the drain openings and the water comes well up over the cup edge.
Working the plunger up and down rhythmically 10 to 20 times in succession will build up pressure
in the pipe and do more than sporadic, separated plunges. Be sure to plug the overflow outlet, if
there is one, with a piece of old cloth, and close the other drain when working on a double sink.
If the plunger doesn't work, try using a plumber's snake, which can be rented or purchased at a
hardware or plumbing store. Be sure to turn the handle of the snake in the same direction when
removing it as you did in inserting it. This will usually keep any matter attached to the snake from
coming loose before it is removed. If the drain can be partly opened with the plunger or snake,
boiling hot water (no hotter than 140 degrees for plastic pipes) may finish the job. If not, you can
open the trap under the fixture. Put a bucket or pan under it to catch water. A piece of wire may
help dislodge the blockage. The snake can also be run at this point.
Although it is sold commercially as a drain cleaner, never use caustic soda to open a drain. It will
combine with the grease from soap or food wastes to form an insoluble compound.
Basic Principles of Home Maintenance
6
Potash lye or caustic potash may be added to finish opening a drain, but never use them on a
completely stopped up drain. They may take as long as overnight to work, and if you ultimately
have to open the trap, the chemicals would be a hazard.
PREVENTION: To avoid stopped up drains, a cardinal rule is never to pour grease into a drain or
toilet. Ordinary washing soda (not baking soda) added to a drain on a regular basis will help keep
it clear of grease from soap and cooking utensils. Run hot water throughout the drain, tum off the
water, add 3 tablespoons of washing soda, and follow it with just enough hot water to wash it
down the drain opening. Let it set for 15 minutes and run more hot water.
-
SPECIAL NOTE: Your food waste disposal has special instructions to avoid stoppage, blockage
and heavy grease buildup. Refer to the manufacturer's instruction manual for details.
Most driveways, walks and patios in D R Horton homes are constructed of concrete. We have
anticipated normal stresses on these concrete areas and have provided contraction and expansion
control joints to minimize cracking; however, cracking is one of the characteristics of concrete and
a method of entirely eliminating cracks is still sought. Unanticipated cracking sometimes occurs
from unforeseeable conditions, such as severe frost or changes in homesite grade, which prevents
proper runoff from rain or watering. Ordinarily, the cracks are of no serious consequence. Minor
repairs can be made by following these steps:
I. Roughen the edges of the crack if they are smooth.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Clean out lose material and dirt.
Soak the old concrete thoroughly. (The crack should be sopping-wet, but water should not be
standing in it).
Fill the crack with patching cement slightly higher than the crack to allow for shrinkage.
Cover and keep damp for several days. The longer the drying time the stronger the patch will
be.
When the cement has partly set, remove excess cement with a wire brush. At the stage the
surface of the cement appears sandy. You should consider sealing you concrete surfaces with
a good quality sealer. This will protect the surface and the finish from water, road salt, or oil
stains.
NOTE: You should avoid applying salt to concrete, as it will deteriorate the surface of the
material. To assist you in having traction on ice you may use sand. Remember to provide a mat at
the front door so sand will not be tracked into your home.
Electrical:
The wiring in every D R Horton home meets the code requirements and safety standards for the
normal use of electrical appliances. Ordinarily, small appliances, which require your personal
attention for operation, may be plugged into any electrical receptacle without fear of overloading a
circuit. However, the use of large appliances, or of many appliances on the same circuit, may
cause an overload of the circuit and trip a breaker. This is especially true of electric space heaters.
If this happens frequently, contact a reliable electrical contractor to learn whether additional
wiring is needed to meet your requirements.
Most municipal electrical codes now require bathroom and exterior convenience outlets to be
wired to breakers, which utilize Ground Fault Interrupter Circuits (GFI). These circuits are very
sensitive and any undue resistance or overload will trip the breakers. Do not use heavy appliances
or more than one appliance at a time on these circuits. (See "Electrical Service Entrance" and
"Electrical Troubleshooting.") Never plug refrigerators or freezers into a GFI outlet.
Basic Principles of Home Maintenance
7
Electrical Panel:
The electrical wiring and equipment in D R Horton homes is protected by circuit breakers. They
are the safety valves of your home's electrical system. The electrical service entrance, which
provides power to the service panel, has been designed for the electrical needs of your home. Do
not tamper with this cable. Every home has a master circuit breaker located in the service panel
box along with smaller circuit breakers. When the master breaker is tripped the electricity in your
home is cut off. Switching the breaker to FULL OFF and then back to FULL ON should reset
circuit breakers.
Your air conditioning unit may have heavy-duty cartridge fuses or some other disconnect
mechanism located in a small box next to the service panel or next to tbe unit. These may be
replaced by simply pulling them from their retaining clips and installing a new cartridge. BE
CERTAIN TO TURN OFF POWER BEFORE REMOVING CARTRIDGES.
Electrial troubleshooting:
Refer to the following checklist BEFORE reporting electrical problems.
1.
If receptacles won't work, check to be certain the circuit breaker has not been tripped. If so,
reset it. If not, make sure the receptacles are not controlled by a wall switch that is in the OFF
position.
2.
If individual ceiling lights or lamps do not come on, check the bulb in another fixture. If the
bulb is good, check the circuit breaker, to see if it is tripped and reset if necessary. Also,
check for wall switches, they may be turned off
3. If your disposal or dishwasher won't operate, first, for the disposal, push the reset button
located on the disposal. Second, if your appliances are designed to be plugged in, check to be
sure both appliances are plugged into the proper receptacle. The duplex receptacle under your
sink is especially wired with one outlet for the dishwasher and one of the disposal (connected
to a wall switch). Also check the circuit breaker.
4. If an electric water heater will not function, check the circuit breaker. If that's no help, tum
the power off and push the reset button located under the water heater access cover.
5. If your oven won't heat, refer to tbe manufacturer's manual to be certain you are properly
operating the time controls. Sometimes this can be trid.-y. Also check the circuit breaker.
6. If the bath or utility exhaust fan won't run and makes no noise (hum) or movement the
problem is normally electrical. If there is any movement or humming noise, the problem
normally is in the fan unit.
7. If an outlet sparks when plugged into, be certain the appliance is off before plugging in. If it
still sparks, try another outlet. If you get sparks from a second outlet the problem is normally
in the appliance cord. If you do not get sparks, have the receptacle inspected. Also, sparks
from wall switches should be checked by an electrician.
8. If a wall switch or receptacles are hot to the touch, you should immediately trip the circuit
breaker serving that fixture and contact an electrician.
Fireplaces:
Each fall, as fireplace usage begins, our service department receives calls regarding "smoking"
fireplaces; that is, smoke is coming into the room and not going up the chimney. To avoid this
problem and other potential difficulties with your fireplace, it is important to follow these simple
guidelines.
1.
Modern homes are sealed against outside elements for air conditioning purposes. Hot air
rising from a chimney must be replaced within the home or unequal pressures develop and
smoke returns inside. To avoid this problem, open an outside door or window. Also, it may
sometimes be necessary to close room registers, since the forced air heating and cooling
system will compete with the natural fireplace draft.
Basic Principles of Home lvfaintenance
8
Never build a fire directly on the fireplace floor. Always use andirons or a grate, plus a well­
fitted fireplace screen.
3. Start the fire slowly so there is a gradual buildup of heat and smoke. You can also light a
section of newspaper and hold it up into the flue to gradually heat it. This will start the up­
draft more easily and will help avoid cracking of firebrick due to sudden temperature change.
4. Before using the fireplace, be certain the chimney damper is open. After use, close the
damper so conditioned air will not escape through the chimney. If you have glass fireplace
doors remember to close them when no one is in the room.
5. Adding a handful of salt to the fire occasionally will help prevent the accumulation of soot,
and it will add color to the fire. The chimney should be cleaned periodically. This can be
done at the same time the heating and cooling system is cleaned and inspected.
6. Never bum treated lumber, as it will emit creosote or poisonous gasses that can build up in the
flue or enter the house.
2.
NOTE: Remember to store firewood outside, to avoid insects entering your home with the wood.
Fireplace inserts:
Please consult the manufacturer manual for instruction on starting the unit and use of the pilot
light. If you smell gas coming from the fixture, please shut off the gas at the meter and contact
your local gas company.
Floor Tile:
Your D R Horton home contains a vinyl tile that we call resilient flooring. Give daily care to
resilient floors by removing loose dirt with a broom, dust mop, or vacuum. Wipe up spills
immediately, but, if a spill dries, remove it with a damp sponge, cloth or mop. Damp mop
occasionally to prolong the period between cleanings. However when floors are dull or cannot be
refurbished by mopping, give them a thorough cleaning.
To clean resilient floors, use a good detergent diluted as recommended by the manufacturer. Use
just enough mechanical action with a mop, cloth or floor scrubber to loosen dirt. Then take up the
cleaning solution, rinse floor and let it dry. Some resilient floors are designed never to need
waxing but most of them require a coat of floor polish, such as a "mop and let dry" product. The
best polish for most resilient floors is a water emulsion wax. Use either a floor finish or a wax on
the clean dry floor. Finishes provide hard films that don't smear but do not respond to buffing.
Waxy polishes leave softer films with slightly lower gloss that can be buffed to restore
appearance.
Apply moderate coats, the right amount is the least amount that can be applied without streaking.
Let it dry about 30 minutes before exposure to traffic. Periodically, usually once or twice a year
take off the build-up of old polish or wax with a remover. Dilute it as recommended, apply, rinse,
let dry, and apply a new coat of polish.
NOTE: High heeled shoes or furniture legs without floor protectors will cause damage to any
floor covering, especially resilient.
Hardwood Floors:
I f y o u have hardwood floors in your home, you should consult your Manufacturer/Installers
guide for care tips. Wood will expand and contract as weather changes, and it may shrink under
extreme dryness or swell under extreme humidity.
Keys and Locks:
No key used during the course of construction of your new home will operate the locks after you
have taken possession. Most exterior hardware comes finished with a sealant. Often times this
sealant can wear, and tarnishing will occur. To minimize this condition a regular cleaning and
clear lacquer application will prolong the look of the hardware. Passage door hardware in any
home can work loose through use. Keep a careful watch to avoid excessive play in the doorknob
escutcheon plate. In the event a doorknob or privacy lock should become inoperative, it is usually
because looseness has allowed the interior mechanism to slip out of place.
Basic Principles of Home Maintenance
9
Removal and reinstallation of the fixture will usually correct the problem. Doors with key type
hardware are more complicated and usually require the services of a locksmith. Periodic
application of powdered graphite or silicone spray to keyholes and lock mechanisms can help to
keep them operating smoothly.
Landscaping:
No blanket description of landscape maintenance is provided since D R Horton divisions are
located in a variety of geographic regions with different landscape requirements. The grade of
your homesite was established by professional engineers to provide drainage away from the
building. Should you wish to change the drainage pattern, as part of the landscape arrangement,
be sure a proper drainage slope is maintained. On sites designed for some water retention, do not
change the drainage pattern. Changing your drainage pattern on any site will void your warranty.
When adding fill dirt, do not fill above the top of the foundation and always allow a 6 inch
minimum between the earth and any wood or aluminum siding, otherwise, water may enter the
joint between the footing and the wall material or cause decay of wood. When watering your
lawn, do not allow sprinklers to spray against the exterior walls of your home. Doing so causes
discoloration, wall buckling and can cause interior flooding regardless of whether the wall is
masonry or wood. Remember that proper care of the sod or seeded areas of your lawn are
essential to ensure adequate grass growth.
Louvers:
If your home has a pitched roof, the space between the ceiling and the roof may have louvered
openings. Louvered openings should remain unobstructed all year round.
Motors:
Many heavy-duty appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, dryers,
dishwashers, etc. have motors that require servicing from time to time. Consult the appropriate
service manual for care of these motors.
Plumbing:
Your plumbing has been installed by a professional and generally should need only minimum
maintenance for a number of years if you care for it properly. If any problem does arise, tend to it
promptly to prevent a bigger, and often more costly problem.
You and your family should become familiar with the various water supply shutoff valves in your
plumbing system. A good practice is to label each one for each reference with a tag. Toilet and
sink valves are located under the appropriate fixture. The main shutoff valve is normally located
near the front meter. Be sure to keep clean year round. Plumbing connections should last the
lifetime of the home, but if a joint should loosen, your best response is to call in a professional for
repairs. If any water-using appliance appears to be leaking, check the drain before calling a
repairman. A partially blocked drain can cause overflowing.
Faucets, like all plumbing fixtures with moving parts, are apt to require more repair than
nonmoving fixtures. The less strain you put on your faucets, the less frequently they need repair.
Cleaning the aerators will be the most frequent task in maintaining your faucets. This attachment
to the faucet adds air to the water as it leaves the faucet, reduces splashing, and provides some
savings because less water is used. To clean an aerator, unscrew it from the mouth of the faucet,
remove any debris, remove and rinse the washer and screens, replace them in their original order,
and replace the unit on the faucet mouth. These should be cleaned every three or four months.
Basic Principles of Home Maintenance
10
Leaking faucets generally can be fixed by replacing the faucet's washer or washers. If you have a
washerless fixture, you may still have to replace the control cartridge from time to time, although
this occurs with much less frequency than washer replacement. Plumbing pipes can and will make
noises at times. It is not unusual to hear water running through the drainpipes between your walls.
Expansion and contraction of the water supply lines can make a clicking noise. A loud banging
noise when the water pipes are in use is a situation that would require the attention of a
professional plumber.
Roof:
Your roof will give years of service if it is properly maintained. Flashings seal places where the
roof abuts walls, chimneys, valleys or where two roof slopes meet. If a leak should occur, call a
qualified roofer to make the repairs. If it is repaired as soon as the roofing material has dried, the
cost will be far less than if the job is postponed. A qualified roofer should inspect your roof at
least every three years. If you have to walk on your roof for any reason, be careful not to damage
the surface or the flashings. Be particularly careful when installing a TV or radio antenna, a
careless job can cause serious leaks. Keep roof clean of all debris (pine straw, leaves, etc). This
can cause the roof valleys to back up and hold water, causing interior damage.
Screens:
The window and door screens in your D R Horton home are constructed of good quality nylon.
They never need painting or other preservatives. A gentle washing and hosing about once a year
is all that is needed for maintenance. Should it be needed, replacement nylon screen is available
from any good hardware store. It is not necessary to remove window screens in the winter,
although many people prefer to do so. Vinyl window screens fit with room for expansion and
contraction.
Smoke Detectors:
Check your smoke detectors every month. The alarm should sound when you push the button.
For your safety it is important that this device be kept clean and in proper working condition. The
smoke detector is hard wired to your electrical system and may include a nine-volt battery backup.
In the event the electricity is cut off, your system will still be in use. The smoke detector will beep
intermittently to inform you that battery replacement is necessary.
Termites:
Conduct your own inspection in the spring of each year and look for possible remains of winged
insects. Search the sides of your footing walls for the earthen tubes, which termites build to reach
the wood above the foundation, and use the blade of a jackknife to test wood for soundness. If
you suspect the presence of termites, consult a professional exterminator. All foundations must
have at least 6" clearance between the finished grade and the siding. This includes any mulch or
plant material. Keep this space clear at all times.
Toilets:
Never flush hair, grease, lint, diapers, rubbish, facial tissues, etc. down the toilet drain. Such
waste stops up the toilet and sanitary sewer lines. A variety of commercial cleaners are made
especially for the toilet. Use them according to the manufacturer's directions, but DO NOT mix
them or use them with household bleach or any cleaning product. And never use them in anything
but the toilet.
If the water chamber appears to leak, it may only be condensation forming on the outside of the
tank and dripping to the floor. If water leaks into the bowl through the overflow pipe, try bending
the rod holding the float so that the float will be closer to the bottom of the tank. Flush the toilet,
and if it still leaks, the inlet valve washer probably needs to be replaced. If the water trickles into
the bowl but is not coming through the overflow pipe, it is coming through the flush valve.
Basic Principles of Home Maintenance
II
The rods between the ball valve and the flushing handle may need aligning, so that the ball will
drop straight down after the handle has been pushed. A worn ball valve or dirt or rust on the ball
or the ball seal will let water leak through into the bowl. If the ball or seal is dirty or rusty, clean
them, if toilet float is worn, unscrew it and replace it with a new one.
Walls and Ceilings:
Your DR Horton home has two types of walls, bearing and nonbearing. Nonbearing walls may be
altered without fear of structural damage, but alteration of bearing walls must be done carefully to
avoid reducing its bearing capacity. Usually, exterior walls are bearing walls. Some interior walls
are also bearing walls. The interior walls of your home are constructed of gypsum wallboard,
sometimes known as drywall. They will last without undue maintenance for the life of your home.
As new homes go through a normal shrinkage process, minor cracks will appear in the drywall. No
repairs should be attempted until the room is ready to be redecorated. At that time, fill the cracks
with spackling compound, smooth it out with fine sandpaper or sanding blocks and then redecorate
the entire surface. Except in very unusual conditions, cracks should not reappear.
This normal shrinking will also cause nail or screw pops. The framing studs and the wallboard
shrink away from the nail or screw and leave it sticking out beyond the surface of the wallboard.
Popped nails do not alter the strength of the wall. The nail should simply be reset, and the
resulting dimple re-spackled and repainted. Also, unusual abrasions may scuff or indent the
surface of gypsum wall. In the event, fill the indentation with two or three applications of joint
cement used for drywall taping.
The interior walls and ceiling of your home has been decorated with quality paint products. They
should give you a lasting surface if properly cared for. The painted walls are not meant to be
scrubbed. Gentle cleaning with a mild soap should remove most spots. If you have acoustical
ceilings they can be gently vacuumed to remove collected dust. They may even be repainted if
absolutely necessary, although it is a very messy job and should be avoided if possible. The best
insurance against repainting is to keep your furnace and air conditioning filters clean, to use
exhaust fans over your range and in the bathrooms, and to quickly vacuum dust as it collects.
A word of caution: Be very careful to locate a ceiling joist in which to attach hardware for heavy
hanging plants, lamps and macrame. The drywall used in your ceiling is not designed to support
any weight.
Water Heater:
Water heaters normally collect small quantities of scale and dirty water. This can easily be
removed by opening the valve at the bottom of the heater and allowing the tank to drain itself
clean. Once you have drained the heater, you should refill and drain again. The rushing water,
which refills the tank, will dislodge any particles clinging to the side of the tank and then you can
flush them out. Be sure to turn off the gas and/or electricity before draining your water heater. A
water softener will reduce the frequency of cleaning.
All water heaters, whether gas or electric, have a control mechanism to govern water temperature.
The dial should be set at 130 degrees for an electric heater and on NORMAL for a gas heater.
This is especially important for the proper operation of your dishwasher. Too little heat will cause
your dishes to not get clean; too much heat will "bake" dirt to the dishes. Every three or four
months you should check the temperature and pressure relief valve on your water heater to be sure
the lever works properly. If the thermostat should fail to work, this valve would prevent a
dangerous increase in water temperature and pressure. (See "Appliances" and "Electrical
Troubleshooting".)
Basic Principles of Home Maintenance
12
Helpful Equipment:
You will need a few basic tools and supplies for everyday use in keeping your home in tip-top
shape. Here is a suggested minimum list:
I. Medium-sized wrench
Standard pliers
3. Screwdrivers- small, medium, large and phillips head
4. Claw hammer
5. Hand saw
6. Assorted brads, nails and screws
7. Sturdy penknife
8. Plane
9. Quality interior and exterior caulk
10. Matching interior and exterior paint and different sized paint brushes
II. Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
2.
Other helpful Hints:
•
•
•
•
•
Other tools can be rented or purchased as you have the need for them.
Keep a home first aid kit or its equivalent in a convenient location.
Buy, and keep with it, a booklet on first aid and home safety.
Have duplicate keys made and keep them in convenient places so you will have access should you
get locked out. When you take a vacation, a key left with a neighbor for use in the event of an
emergency is a good idea.
Consider furnishing your home with three fire extinguishers. One for the garage, one in the
kitchen and one in the bedroom.
Annual Checklist:
• Check condition of putty, caulking, and exterior paint. Replace or paint as needed.
• Check for evidence of termites.
• Check interior paint and redecorate when needed.
• Seed and feed lawn (spring and/or fall); plant annuals (spring); do appropriate pruning of perennials
(some in spring, others in summer or fall); rake and compost leaves; mulch perennials that need
winter protection.
• Have heating and cooling system cleaned and repaired if necessary.
• Oil motors of appliances as directed in instruction manuals.
• Check cords and plugs of all electrical appliances for wear. If necessary have them repaired or
replaced.
• Check roof valleys, gutters, and downspouts to be sure they are not blocked.
• Check ridge vent, if applicable, to be sure it is secure and has not come loose.
You may wish to contact a
• Check fireplace flue to ensure it is clear and ready for use.
professional.
• In freezing climates, drain outside faucets.
• In freezing climates, remove exterior sump pump hose.
• Keep roof valleys clear of leaves and pine straw.
Basic Principles of Home Maintenance
13
D•R•hORTON
Foundations Manual
Warranty Emergency
Procedures
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
Reporting Procedures
Please submit all Warranty Requests online @ www.drhorton.com. Click
the “Horton Homeowner” tab at the top of the page and then the “next”
button. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete your request.
In order to complete any request for service, D.R. Horton may need to
make inspections on some items. For most items, subcontractors will be notified
by D.R. Horton to call you directly to facilitate a time to complete the necessary
work. Subcontractors and construction staff work regular business hours.
Therefore, they will need access to your home Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4
PM. Because of insurance restrictions, D.R. Horton will not hold a key to your
home. It will be your responsibility to provide access for the work to be
completed.
****** IMPORTANT ******
It is your responsibility to allow D.R. Horton Staff and or Subcontractors into your home
to perform any necessary work. If, after (3) attempts to make contact, you do not arrange
a time for the work to be done, or if you do not return phone calls, we will consider the
item(s) closed. No further attempt will be made to complete the item(s). Therefore, it is in
your best interest to allow D.R. Horton and our Subcontractors to take care of any
Warranty issues in a timely manner.
EMERGENCIES
Defining EMERGENCY Items: (What is considered an
Emergency?)







Total loss of heat (not air conditioning).
Total loss of electricity (call Electric Company first).
Total loss of water (check with neighbors for possible water company problems).
Plumbing leak requiring main valve to be shut off (typically located outside).
Gas leak (call Natural Gas Company first!).
Water intrusion into home (exception: acts of nature exceeding manufacturer’s
warranties or problems associated with local Water & Sewer Authority ie. loss of
water service, sewer main break etc… please call Water & Sewer Authority first).
Sewer backup (not just a plugged toilet, which would be your responsibility).
Note: D.R. Horton will not warranty clogs after 5 days from closing date.
D.R. HORTON WILL ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY OR OFFER
REIMBURSEMENT FOR SERVICE WORK PERFORMED BY ANYONE
OTHER THAN THE ORIGINAL VENDOR OF RECORD WITHOUT PRIOR
APPROVAL. IF AN UNAUTHORIZED VENDOR OR CONTRACTOR IS USED
FOR REPAIRS, THE HOMEOWNER WILL BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR
BOTH THE QUALITY OF WORK PERFORMED AND ANY COSTS INCURRED.
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
Kitchen Appliance Warranty
The manufacturers of kitchen appliances will work directly with you if any repairs are
needed for these products. Customer service phone numbers are listed in the use and care
materials for each appliance. Be prepared to provide model and serial number of the item
and the closing date of your home. Appliance warranties are generally for one year; refer
to the literature provided by the manufacturer for complete information.
Service Processing Procedures
You can help us serve you better by providing complete information, including:
•
Name, address, and phone numbers where you can be reached during business hours.
•
A complete description of the problem, for example, “guest bath – cold water line
leaks under sink,” rather than “plumbing problem.”
• When we receive a warranty service request, we may contact you for an inspection
appointment. Warranty inspection appointments are available Monday through
Friday during business hours (8 AM to 4 PM). We inspect the items listed in your
written request to confirm warranty coverage and determine appropriate action.
If a trade contractor or an in-house employee is required to complete repairs, we issue a
warranty work order and the repair technician contacts you to schedule the work.
Warranty work appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. We
intend to complete warranty work orders within 30 workdays of the inspection unless
you are unavailable for access. If a back-ordered part or similar circumstance causes a
delay, we will let you know.
If the item is home maintenance, we will review maintenance steps with you and offer
whatever information assistance we can. D.R. Horton does not provide routine home
maintenance.
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
Air Conditioning
(If installed by D.R. Horton)
Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Air conditioning can greatly enhance the comfort of your home, but if used improperly
or inefficiently, wasted energy and frustration will result. These hints and suggestions
are provided to help you maximize your air conditioning system.
Your air conditioning system is a whole-house system. The air conditioning unit is the
mechanism that produces cooler air. The air conditioning system is affected by
everything inside your home including, for example, drapes, blinds, and windows.
Your home air conditioning is a closed system, which means that the interior air is
continually recycled and cooled until the desired air temperature is reached. Warm
outside air disrupts the system and makes cooling impossible. Therefore, you should
keep all windows closed. The heat from the sun shining through windows with open
drapes is intense enough to overcome the cooling effect of the air conditioning unit. For
best results, close drapes on these windows.
Time is a crucial factor in your expectations of an air conditioning system. Unlike a
light bulb, which reacts instantly when you turn on a switch, the air conditioning unit
only begins a process when you set the thermostat.
For example, if you come home at 6 PM when the temperature has reached 90 degrees F
and set your thermostat to 75 degrees, the air conditioning unit will begin cooling, but
will take much longer to reach the desired temperature. During the whole day, the sun
has been heating not only the air in the house, but the walls, the carpet, and the furniture.
At 6 PM the air conditioning unit starts cooling the air, but the walls, carpet, and
furniture release heat and nullify this cooling. By the time the air conditioning unit has
cooled the walls, carpet, and furniture, you may well have lost patience.
If evening cooling is your primary goal, set the thermostat at a moderate temperature in
the morning while the house is cooler, allowing the system to maintain the cooler
temperature. The temperature setting may then be lowered slightly when you arrive
home, with better results. Once the system is operating, setting the thermostat at 60
degrees will not cool the home any faster and can result in the unit freezing up and not
performing at all. Extended use under these conditions can damage the unit.
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
Adjust Vents
Maximize airflow to occupied parts of your home by adjusting the vents. Likewise,
when the seasons change, readjust them for comfortable heating.
Compressor Level
Your compressor is the unit located outside in the rear yard. Maintain the air
conditioning compressor in a level position to prevent inefficient operation and damage
to the equipment. If the compressor settles during the warranty period, D.R. Horton will
correct this.
See also Grading and Drainage.
Humidifier
If a humidifier is installed on the furnace system, turn it off when you use the air
conditioning; otherwise, the additional moisture can cause a freeze-up of the cooling
system.
Manufacturer’s Instructions
Since the air conditioning system is combined with the heating system, follow the
maintenance instructions for your furnace. The manufacturer’s manual specifies
maintenance for the condenser. Review and follow these points carefully.
Temperature Variations
Temperature may vary from room to room by several degrees F. This is due to such
variables as floor plan, orientation of room on the lot, type of window coverage, and
traffic through home.
Coolant
The outside temperature must be 70 degrees F or higher for the contractor to add coolant
to the system. If your home was completed during winter months, this charging of the
system is unlikely to be complete and will need to be performed in the spring. Although
we check and document this at the orientation, your call to remind us is welcome in the
spring.
Non-emergency
Lack of air conditioning service is not an emergency. Heating and air conditioning
contractors in our region respond to air conditioning service requests in the order
received.
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
D.R. Horton Limited Warranty Guidelines
The air conditioning system should maintain a temperature of 78 degrees F or a
differential of 15 degrees from the outside temperature, measured in the center of each
room at the height of five feet above the floor. Lower temperature settings are often
possible, but neither the manufacturer nor D.R. Horton guarantees this.
Alarm System
If installed by D.R. Horton
Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines
If your home system included pre-wire for an alarm system, you will arrange for the
final connection after the move-in. If a D.R. Horton Homes contractor installed the
alarm system, the system will be demonstrated to you during your scheduled orientation.
At your walk through, you will be given the number of the alarm contractor. Please call
to schedule an appointment for instruction on how to use the system and enter a
password.
D.R. HORTON WARRANTY GUIDELINES
D.R. Horton will correct wiring that does not perform as intended for the alarm system,
provided that a D.R. Horton contractor has installed the alarm. Due to the vast array of
system types on the market, D.R. Horton cannot guarantee the pre-wire to be compatible
with all systems available. Specific needs should be discussed at the Options and
Upgrades stage in the process – before construction of the home.
Appliances
Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Read and follow all manufacturers’ instructions for the use and maintenance of each
appliance in your home and keep them available for reference.
Manufacturer’s Service
If a problem arises with an appliance, call the customer service number listed in the
manufacturer’s warranty. When reporting warranty items to the manufacturer, you
should be prepared to supply the serial and model numbers. You may want to write them
down in the space provided at the bottom of the page for future reference.
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
Registration
Mail warranty registration cards directly to the manufacturer after you move in.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
We confirm that all appliance surfaces are in acceptable condition during your
orientation. We assign all appliance warranties to you, effective on the date of closing.
The appliance manufacturers warrant their products directly to you according to the
terms and conditions of these written warranties.
Please be aware that it is your responsibility to move any appliances
Appliance Codes
Manufacturer
Model#
Serial#
Dishwasher
Range
Microwave
Refrigerator
Attic Access
Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines
The attic space is not designed or intended for storage. We provide access to this area
for maintenance of mechanical systems that may traverse the attic space. If your attic
access is caulked in place and you cut it to enter the attic, you will be responsible for recaulking it yourself. The warranty does not cover re-caulking. When you perform
needed tasks in the attic, use caution to avoid stepping off wood joists onto the drywall.
This can result in personal injury or damage to the ceiling below. Your limited warranty
does not cover such injury or damage.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
D.R. Horton and the local building department inspect the attic before your closing to
confirm insulation is correct.
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
Fixtures
Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines
The manufacturer treats brass fixtures with a clear protective coating, electrostatically
applied, to provide beauty and durability. This coating is not impervious to wear and
tear. Atmospheric conditions, sunlight, caustic agents such as paints, and scratches from
sharp objects can cause the protective coating to crack or peel, exposing the brass and
resulting in spotting and discoloration.
Cleaning
Initial care of these products requires only periodic cleaning with a mild, nonabrasive
soap and buffing with a soft cloth.
Corrosion
Unless you have ordered solid brass fixtures, the brass on your fixtures is a coating on
top of a base plate. Water having a high mineral content is corrosive to any brass –
coated or solid.
Polish
When peeling, spotting, or discoloration occurs, you can often restore the beauty of the
metal by completely removing the remaining coating and hand polishing the item with a
suitable brass polish. Apply a light coat of wax and buff with a soft cloth to help
maintain the gloss.
Tarnish
Like sterling silver, brass will gradually tarnish and eventually take on an antique
appearance. Consider that the brass/chrome combination fixtures usually consist of a
chrome body with removable (and replaceable) brass part. This will make long-term
maintenance easier.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
During the orientation we will confirm that brass fixtures are in acceptable condition.
D.R. Horton does not warrant against corrosion damage to the external surfaces or
internal workings of plumbing fixtures. The limitation includes solid brass or brasscoated fixtures. Check the manufacturer’s warranty for specific coverage.
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
Brick
Homeowner Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Brick is one of the most durable and lowest maintenance finishes for a home’s exterior.
A record of your brick color is included in your selection sheets.
Efflorescence
The white, powdery substance that sometimes accumulates on brick surfaces is called
efflorescence. This is a natural phenomenon and cannot be prevented. In some cases,
you can remove it by scrubbing with a stiff brush and vinegar. Consult your home
center or hardware store for commercial products to remove efflorescence.
Tuck-Pointing
After several years, face brick may require tuck-pointing (repairing the mortar between
the bricks). Otherwise, no regular maintenance is required.
Weep Holes
You may notice small holes in the mortar along the lower row of bricks. These holes
allow moisture that accumulated behind the brick to escape. Do not fill these weep
holes or permit landscaping materials to cover them.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
We check the brickwork during the orientation to confirm correct installation of
designated materials.
Cracks
One time during the warranty period, we will repair masonry cracks that exceed ¼ inch
in width. Cracks smaller than ¼ inch in width is considered the Homeowner’s
Maintenance.
Cabinets
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Expect differences in grain and color between and within the cabinet due to natural
variations in wood and the way it takes stains.
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
Cleaning
Products such as lemon oil or polishes that include scratch cover are suggested for wood
cabinet care. Follow container directions. Use such products a maximum of once every
3 to 6 months to avoid excessive build-up. Avoid paraffin-based spray waxes and
washing cabinets with water, as both will damage the luster of the finish.
Hinges
If hinges catch, or drawer glides become sluggish, a small amount of silicone lubricant
will improve their performance.
Moisture
Damage to cabinet surfaces and warping can result from operating appliances that
generate large amounts of moisture (such as a crock-pot) too near the cabinet. When
operating such appliances, place them in a location that is not directly under a cabinet.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
During the orientation we will confirm that all cabinet parts are installed, their surfaces
are in acceptable condition, and that all drawers and doors operate smoothly.
Alignment
Doors, drawer fronts, and handles should be level and even. Cabinet doors are easy to
adjust should they become uneven. Loosen the screws on their hinge, adjust and
retighten.
Separations
We will correct gaps between cabinets and the ceiling or cabinets and the walls by
caulking or other means if the gap exceeds ¼ inch (locations behind appliances are
excluded from this repair). The nature of modular cabinet construction creates small
“slots” between the boxes after assembly. While not visible on the front, you may see
them by looking at the bottom or down at the top of the cabinets. This is a normal
condition.
Warping
If doors or drawer fronts warp in excess of ¼ inch, as measured from the face frame to
the point of most warpage, with the door or drawer front in closed position, we will
correct or replace the warped part.
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
Wood Grain
Readily noticeable variations in wood grain and color are normal in all wood or wood
veneer selections. Replacements are not made due to such variations.
Cracks / Chips / Scratches / Delaminating
D.R. Horton will correct any cracks, chips, scratches, or delaminating doors only if they
are documented prior to occupancy of the home. These should be noted on the “Home
Orientation Walk”.
Carpet
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Your selection sheets provide a record of the brand, style, and color of floor coverings in
your home. Please retain this information for future reference. Refer to the various
manufacturers’ recommendations for additional information on the care of your floor
coverings.
Cleaning
You can add years to the life of your carpet with regular care. Carpet wears out because
of foot traffic and dirt particles that get trampled deep into the pile beyond the suction of
the vacuum. The dirt particles wear down the fibers like sandpaper and dull the carpet.
The most important thing you can do to protect your carpet is to vacuum it frequently.
Vacuum twice each week lightly and once a week thoroughly. Heavy traffic areas may
require more frequent cleaning. A light vacuuming is three passes; a thorough job may
need seven passes. A vacuum cleaner with a beater-bar agitates the pile and is more
effective in bringing dirt to the surface for easy removal.
Vacuuming high-traffic areas daily helps keep them clean and maintains the upright
position of the nap. Wipe spills and clean stains immediately. For best results, blot or
dab any spill or stain; avoid rubbing. Test stain removers on an out-of-the-way area of the
carpet, such as in the closet, to check for any undesirable effects. Have your carpet
professionally cleaned regularly, usually once a year.
Some problem conditions that may occur with your new carpet and our suggested
remedies are presented below.
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Homeowner Manual
Burns
Take care of any kind of burn immediately. First, snip off the darkened fibers. Then use
soapless cleaner and sponge with water. If burn is extensive, talk with a professional
about replacing the damaged area.
Crushing
Furniture and traffic may crush a carpet’s pile fibers. Frequent vacuuming in high-traffic
areas and glides or cups under heavy pieces of furniture can help prevent this. Rotating
your furniture to change the traffic pattern in a room promotes more even wear. Some
carpets resist matting and crushing because of their level of fiber, but this does not imply
or guarantee that no matting or crushing will occur. Heavy traffic areas such as halls and
stairways are more susceptible to wear and crushing. This is considered normal wear.
Edges
Edges of carpet along moldings and edges of stairs should be held firmly in place. In
some areas, metal or other edging material may be used where carpet meets another floor
covering.
Fading
Science has yet to develop a color that will not fade with time. All carpet will slowly
lose some color due to natural and artificial forces in the environment. You can delay
this process by frequently removing soil with vacuuming, regularly changing air filters in
heating and air conditioning systems, keeping humidity and room temperature from
getting too high, and reducing sunlight exposure with window coverings.
Filtration
If interior doors are kept closed while the air conditioning is operating, air circulation
from the closed room flows through the small space at the bottom of the door. This
forces the air over the carpet fibers, which in turn act as a filter, catching particulate
pollution. Over time, a noticeable stain develops at the threshold.
Fuzzing
In loop carpets, fibers may break. Simply clip the excess fibers. If it continues, call a
professional.
Pilling
Pilling or small balls of fiber can appear on your carpet, depending on the type of carpet
fiber and the type of traffic. If this occurs, clip off the pills. If they cover a large area,
seek professional advice.
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Homeowner Manual
Rippling
With wall-to-wall carpeting, high humidity may cause rippling. If the carpet remains
rippled after the humidity has left, have a professional re-stretch the carpeting using a
power stretcher, not a knee-kicker. If re-stretching is determined necessary, D.R. Horton
will re-stretch once during the one-year warranty, but furniture must be moved out of the
affected area.
Seams
Carpet usually comes in 12-foot widths, making seams necessary in most rooms. Visible
seams are not a defect unless improperly made or unless the material has a defect, making
the seam appear more pronounced than normal. The more dense and uniform the carpet
texture, the more visible the seam will be. Carpet styles with low, tight naps result in the
most visible seams. Seams are never more visible than when the carpet is first installed.
Usually with time, use, and vacuuming, the seams become less visible. You can see
examples of how carpet seams diminish after they have been vacuumed and have
experienced traffic in a model house. D.R. Horton will repair visible gaps at a seamed
area once during the 1-year warranty.
Shading
Shading is an inherent quality of fine-cut pile carpets. Household traffic causes pile
fibers to assume different angles; as a result, the carpet appears darker and lighter in these
areas. A good vacuuming, which make the pile go in the same direction, provides a
temporary remedy.
Shedding
New carpeting, especially pile, sheds bits of fiber for a period of time. Eventually these
loose fibers are removed by vacuuming. Shedding usually occurs more with wool
carpeting than with nylon or other synthetics.
Snags
Sharp-edged objects can grab or snag the carpet fiber. When this occurs, cut off the snag.
If the snag is especially large, call a professional.
Sprouting
Occasionally you may find small tufts of fiber sprouting above carpet surface. Simply
use scissors to cut off the sprouts. Do not attempt to pull it, because other fibers will
come out in the process.
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Homeowner Manual
Stains
No carpet is stainproof. Although your carpet manufacturer designates your carpet as
stain-resistant, some substances may still cause permanent staining. These include hair
dyes, shoe polish, paints, and India ink. Some substances destroy or change the color of
carpets, including bleaches, acne medications, drain cleaners, plant food, insecticides, and
food or beverages with strongly colored natural dyes as found in some brands of mustard
and herbal tea.
Pretest any spot-removal solution in an inconspicuous area before using it in a large area.
Apply several drops of the solution, hold a white tissue on the area, and count to ten.
Examine both tissue and carpet for dye transfer and check for carpet damage.
Static
Cooler temperatures outside often contribute to static electricity inside. Avoid the
problem; look for carpets made with anti-static. You can also install a humidifier to help
control static build-up.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
During your orientation, we will confirm that your carpet is in acceptable condition.
Please note if there are any stains or spots at this time, as we will only correct these items
prior to your moving in. D.R. Horton will not be responsible for dye variations if
replacements are made.
Caulking
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Time and weather will shrink and dry caulking so that it no longer provides a good seal.
As routine maintenance, check the caulking and make needed repairs. Caulking
compounds and dispenser guns are available at hardware stores. Read the manufacturer’s
instructions carefully to be certain that you select an appropriate caulk for the intended
purpose.
Colored Caulk
Colored caulking is available where larger selections are provided. As with any colored
material, dye lots can vary.
Latex Caulk
Latex caulking is appropriate for an area that requires painting; such as along the stair
stringer or where wood trim meets the wall.
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
Silicone Caulk
Caulking that contains silicone will not accept paint, but it is the superior product to use
when water is present: for example, where tub meets tile or a sink meets a countertop.
Vulkum Caulk
This caulk is used on the exterior of the home around the windows and doors, as well as
corner and trim boards. It is available in several colors.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
During the orientation we confirm that appropriate areas are adequately caulked.
See also Countertops, Expansion and Contraction, Stairs, and Wood Trim
Ceramic Tile
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Your selection sheets include the brand and color of your ceramic tile. Be prepared for
minor dye lot variations between your selection samples and the tile delivered.
Cleaning
Ceramic tile is one of the easiest floor coverings to maintain. Simply vacuum when
needed. Occasionally, a wet mopping with warm water may be appropriate. Avoid
adding detergent to the water. If you feel a cleaning agent is required, use a mild solution
of warm water and dishwater crystals (they will not result in a heavy, difficult-to-remove
lather on the grout). Rinse thoroughly.
The ceramic tile installed on walls or countertops in your home may be washed with any
nonabrasive soap, detergent, or tile cleaner. Abrasive cleaners will dull the finish.
Grout Discoloration
Cleaning grout is your responsibility. There are many commercial cleaning companies
that will help you with this. Check your local yellow pages for one near you.
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
Separations
Expect slight separations to occur in the grout between tiles. This grout is for decorative
purposes only; it does not hold the tile in place. Cracks in the grout can be filled using
premixed grout purchased from flooring or hardware stores. Follow package directions.
Tile around bathtubs or countertops may appear to be pulling up after a time. This is
caused by normal shrinkage of grout or caulk and shrinkage of wood members as they
dry out. If this occurs, the best remedy is to purchase tub caulk or premixed grout from
the hardware store. Follow directions on the container. This maintenance is important to
protect the underlying surface from water damage.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
During the orientation we confirm that tile and grout areas are in acceptable condition.
We will repair or replace cracked or badly chipped. Or loose tiles noted at that time.
D.R. Horton is not responsible for variations in color or discontinued patterns. New grout
may vary in color from the original.
Grout Sealing
This is considered Home Maintenance and should be completed by Homeowner after
moving in.
One-Time Repair
Cracks appearing in grouting of ceramic tiles at joints or junctions with other materials
are commonly due to shrinkage. D.R. Horton will repair grouting in ceramic joints that
exceed 1/8 inch, once during the 1-year warranty. We are not responsible for color
variations in grout or discontinued colored grout. Any grouting that is needed after that
time is your responsibility.
Concrete Flatwork
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
By maintaining good drainage, you protect your home’s foundation and the concrete
flatwork: the basement floor, porch, patio, driveway, garage floor, and sidewalks.
Concrete slabs are floating – they are not attached to the home’s foundation walls. These
are not a structural (load-bearing) element of the home and are not covered by the
structural warranty.
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Homeowner Manual
We install a flexible collar around the top of the furnace plenum. Gas and water lines
include flexible connections, and drain lines have slip joints. D.R. Horton incorporates
these many details in the construction of the garage floor because we know the floor will
move in response to the soils. Movement of the garage slab or any concrete slab results
in cracking. Minimize this movement by following D.R. Horton landscaping
recommendations, the objective of which is to prevent moisture from reaching soils
around and under the home.
Cleaning
Avoid washing exterior concrete slabs with cold water from an outside faucet when
temperatures are high and the sun has been shining on the concrete. The abrupt change
of temperature can damage the surface bond of the concrete. We recommend sweeping
for keeping exterior concrete clean. If washing is necessary, do this when temperatures
are moderate. Repeated cleaning of the garage floor by hosing can increase soil
movement by allowing water to penetrate any existing cracks. We recommend sweeping
to clean the garage floor. If you elect to paint your garage floor, use an industrial epoxy
coating rather than a latex paint, to ensure a permanent bond.
Cracks
A concrete slab 10 feet across shrinks approximately 5/8 inch as it cures. Some of this
shrinkage shows up as cracks. Cracking of concrete flatwork also results from
temperature changes that cause expansion and contraction.
During the summer, moisture finds its way under the concrete along the edges or through
cracks in the surface. In the winter, this moisture forms frost that can lift the concrete,
increasing the cracking. Maintaining drainage away from all concrete slabs will
minimize cracking from this cause.
As cracks occur, seal them with a waterproof concrete caulk (available at hardware or
home improvement stores) to prevent moisture from penetrating to the soil beneath. D.R.
Horton installs expansion control material, or expansion joints, in garage slabs. The
plastic zip strip, or expansion joint, is placed in the wet concrete. The concrete will crack
along this plastic strip, or expansion joint, in a controlled fashion rather than an
uncontrolled pattern. Generally, depending on the size of your garage, your slab will
crack into four squares.
Expansion joints
We install expansion joints to help control expansion. However, as the concrete shrinks
during the curing process, moisture can penetrate under the concrete and lift the
expansion joint. When this occurs, fill the resulting gap with a gray silicone sealant,
which you can purchase at most hardware stores.
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
Heavy Vehicles
Do not permit heavy vehicles such as moving vans or concrete trucks to drive on your
concrete work. We design and install this concrete for residential use only.
Ice, Snow, and Chemicals
Driving or parking on snow creates ice on the drive, which magnifies the effect of snow
on the concrete surface. Remove ice and snow from concrete slabs as promptly as
possible after snowstorms. Protect concrete from abuse by chemical agents such as pet
urine, fertilizers, radiator overflow, repeated hosing, or de-icing agents, such as road salt
that can drip from vehicles. All of these items can cause spalling (chipping of the
surface) of concrete. Be sure to sweep fertilizer from flatwork immediately. The iron
content of the fertilizer will quickly and permanently stain your concrete.
Sealer
A concrete sealer, available at paint stores, will help you keep an unpainted concrete floor
clean. Do not use soap on unpainted concrete. Instead, use plain water and washing soda
or, if necessary, a scouring powder.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
Concrete slabs are floating – they are not attached to the home’s foundation walls. These
are not a structural (load-bearing) element of the home and are not covered by the
structural warranty. The limited warranty coverage is for one year.
Color
Concrete slabs vary in color. No correction is provided for this condition.
Cracks
If concrete cracks reach ¼ inch in width or vertical displacement, D.R. Horton will patch
and repair them one time during the warranty year. Surface patching and epoxy
injections are examples of acceptable repair methods. Subsequently, concrete slab
maintenance is your responsibility.
Finished Floors
D.R. Horton will correct cracks, settling, or heaving that ruptures finish floor materials,
such as vinyl or carpet, that we install as part of the original specifications when you
purchase your home.
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Homeowner Manual
Level Floors
Concrete floors in the habitable areas of the home will be level to within ¼ inch within
any 32-inch measurement with the exception of an area specifically designed to slope
toward a floor drain. The garage is not considered to be a habitable area. The floor slops
from back to front, to allow drainage of water from cars, cleaning, etc.
Separation
D.R. Horton will correct separation of concrete slabs from the home if separation exceeds
one inch.
Settling or Heaving
D.R. Horton will repair slabs that settle or heave in excess of one inch or if such
movement results in negative drainage (toward the house) or hazardous vertical
displacement.
Spalling (Surface Chips)
Causes of spalling include repeated hosing of concrete for cleaning, animal urine, radiator
overflow, fertilizer, uncleared snow or ice, ice-melting agents, and road salts from
vehicles. Repair of spalling is a home maintenance task.
Standing Water
Water may stand on exterior concrete slabs for 24 hours after precipitation or from roof
run-off. D.R. Horton will correct conditions that cause water to remain longer than 24
hours unless it is from roof run-off of melting snow or ice.
Condensation
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Condensation on interior surfaces of the windows and frames comes from high humidity
within the homes combined with low outside temperatures and inadequate ventilation.
Family lifestyle significantly influences these conditions. If your home includes a
humidifier, closely observe manufacturer’s directions for its use, especially during
periods of cooler temperatures. Vinyl window frames have all but eliminated this
problem, except during extreme cold conditions.
See also Ventilation.
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
Condensation results from a family’s lifestyle. D.R. Horton has no control over this. The
limited warranty coverage excludes condensation.
Countertops
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Use a cutting board to protect your counters when you cut or chop. Protect the counter
from heat and from extremely hot pans. If you cannot put your hands on it, do not put
them on the counter. Do not use the countertops as ironing boards and do not set
cigarettes on the edges of the counters.
Caulking
The caulking between the countertops and the wall, along the joint at the backsplash, and
around the sink may shrink, leaving a slight gap. Maintaining a good seal in these
locations is important to keep moisture from reaching the wood under the laminates and
to prevent warping.
Cleaning
Avoid abrasive cleaners that will damage the luster of the surface.
Laminates
Laminated countertops will have one or more discernible seams. D.R. Horton will repair
gaps or differential at the seams that exceed 1/16 inch with seam filler.
Mats
Rubber drain mats can trap moisture beneath them, causing the laminated plastic to warp
and blister. Dry the surface as needed.
Manufactured Marble
Edges should be smooth and even. Where backsplash joints occur at corners, the top
edges should be even within 1/16 inch.
Separation from Wall
Separation of countertops from walls, backsplash, and around sinks results from normal
shrinkage of materials. Subsequently, caulking will be your home maintenance
responsibility.
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Homeowner Manual
Wax
Wax is not necessary, but it can be used to make counters gleam.
See also Ceramic Tile.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
During your orientation we confirm that all countertops are in acceptable condition. We
repair noticeable surface damage such as chips, cracks, and scratches noted on the
orientation list. Repair of surface damage that occurs during or after your move-in is one
of your home maintenance responsibilities.
Crawl Space
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
The crawl space is not intended as a storage area for items that could be damaged by
moisture. Wood stored in a crawl space can attract termites.
You may notice slight dampness in the crawl space. Landscaping that is correctly
installed helps prevent excessive amounts of water from entering crawl spaces. Some
water may accumulate in the crawl space due to rain water that enters the structure before
it is roofed. Also, the porous nature of fresh foundation backfill can result in temporary
seepage at the footing. Your home is equipped with a low-point drain, but it is common
for 2 to 3 inches to accumulate during the first winter. Leave your foundation vents open
and clear to avoid the possibility of developing a dry rot condition and report standing
water to D.R. Horton for inspection.
See also Ventilation
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
During the orientation we will check the condition of soils in the crawl space. Soils in
the crawl space may be damp but should not have large areas of standing water.
However, there may be some small areas where water is trapped on the vapor barrier.
Provided that you have not altered the drainage nor caused excessive moisture to
accumulate and remain in this area with incorrect landscaping, D.R. Horton will correct
the conditions that result in persistent water. Leave foundation vents open year round so
that moisture may escape from the crawl space.
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
Doors and Locks
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
The doors installed in your home are wood products subject to such natural
characteristics of wood as shrinkage and warpage. Due to natural fluctuations of
humidity and the use of forced air furnaces, showers, and dishwashers, interior doors may
occasionally require minor adjustments.
Bi-fold Doors
Interior bi-folds sometimes stick or warp due to weather conditions. Apply a silicone
lubricant to the tracks to minimize this inconvenience.
Failure to Latch
If a door will not latch because of minor settling, you can correct this by making a new
opening in the jam for the latch plate, (remortising) and raising or lowering the plate
accordingly.
Hinges
You can remedy a squeaky door hinge by removing the hinge pin and applying a silicone
lubricant to it. Avoid using oil, as it can gum up or attract dirt. Graphite works well as a
lubricant but can create a gray smudge on the door or floor covering beneath the hinge if
too much is applied.
Keys
Keep a duplicate privacy lock key where children cannot reach it in the event a youngster
locks him/ or herself in a room. The top edge of the door casing is often used as a place
to keep the key. A small screwdriver or similar shaped device can open some types of
privacy locks.
Locks
Lubricate door locks with graphite or other waterproof lubricant. Avoid oil; it will
become gummy and make the lock hard to see.
Slamming
Slamming doors can damage both doors and jams and can even cause cracking in walls.
Teach children not to hang on the doorknob and swing back and forth; this works the
hardware loose and causes the door to snag.
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Homeowner Manual
Shrinkage
Use putty, filler, or latex caulk to fill any minor separations that develop at mitered joints
in door trim. Follow with painting. Panels on wood doors shrink and expand in response
to changes in temperature and humidity. Touching up the paint or stain on unfinished
exposed areas is your home maintenance responsibility.
Sticking
The most common cause of a sticking door is the natural expansion of lumber due to
changes in humidity. When sticking is due to swelling during a damp season, do not
plane the door unless it continues to stick after the weather changes.
Before planing a door because of sticking, try two other steps: first, apply either a paste
wax, light coat of paraffin, or candle wax to the sticking surface: second, tighten the
screws that hold the doorjamb or doorframe. If planing is necessary even after these
measures, use sandpaper to smooth the door and paint the sanded area to seal against
moisture.
Warping
If a door warps slightly, keeping it closed as much as possible often returns it to normal.
Weather Stripping
Weather stripping and exterior door thresholds occasionally require adjustments or
replacements.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
During the orientation, we confirm that all doors are in acceptable condition and correctly
adjusted. D.R. Horton will repair construction damage to doors as noted on the
orientation list.
Adjustments
Due to normal settling of the home, doors may require adjustments for proper fit. D.R.
Horton will make such adjustments if caused by faulty workmanship or materials.
Panel Shrinkage / Splits
Panels on wood doors shrink and expand in response to changes in temperature and
humidity. This is a natural process and D.R. Horton requires no action. Split panels will
only be repaired if light is visible thru the split.
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Homeowner Manual
Warping
D.R. Horton will repair doors that warp in excess of ¼ inch measured vertically,
horizontally, or diagonally. Seasonal changes may cause doors to expand and contract
and are usually temporary conditions.
Drywall
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Slight cracking, nail pops, or seams may become visible in walls and ceilings. These are
caused by the shrinkage of the wood and normal deflection of rafters to which the
drywall is attached.
Repairs
With the exception of the one-time repair service provided by D.R. Horton at the One
Year Warranty, care of drywall is your responsibility. Most drywall repairs can be made
easily. This work is best done when you redecorate the room.
Repair hairline cracks with a coat of paint. You can repair slightly larger cracks with
spackle or caulk. To correct a nail pop, reset the nail with a hammer and punch. Cover it
with spackle, which is available at paint and hardware stores. Apply two or three thin
coats. When dry, sand the surface with fine-grain sandpaper, and then paint. You can fill
indentations caused by sharp objects in the same manner. Texture/ orange peel is
available in spray cans.
Lighting Conditions
D.R. Horton does not repair drywall flaws that are only visible under certain lighting
conditions.
Related Warranty Repairs
If drywall repair is needed as a result of poor workmanship (such as blisters in tape) or
other warranty-based repair (such as a plumbing leak), D.R. Horton completes the repair
by touching up the repair area with the same paint that was on the surface when the home
was delivered. If more than one-third of the wall is involved, we will repaint the wall
corner to corner. You are responsible for custom paint colors or wallpaper that has been
applied subsequent to closing. Due to the effect of time on paint and wallpaper, as well
as possible dye lot variations, touch-up may not match the surrounding area.
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Homeowner Manual
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
During the orientation, we confirm that drywall surfaces are in acceptable condition. One
time during the materials and workmanship warranty, D.R. Horton will repair drywall
shrinkage and nail pops. D.R. Horton will only patch and sand nail pops and cracks 1
time during the 1st year of homeownership.
Repainting is your choice and responsibility. You are also responsible for custom paint
colors or wallpaper that has been applied subsequent to closing. Due to the effects of
time on paint and wallpaper, as well as possible dye lot variations, touch-ups are unlikely
to match the surrounding area.
Electrical Systems
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Know the location of the breaker panel; it includes a main shut-off that controls all the
electrical power to the home. Individual breakers control the separate circuits. Each
breaker is marked to help you identify which breaker is connected to which major
appliances, outlets, or other service. Should a failure occur in any part of your home,
always check the breakers in the main panel box.
Breakers
Circuit breakers have three positions: on, off, and tripped. When a circuit breaker trips, it
must be turned off before it can be turned on. Switching the breaker directly from tripped
to on will not restore service.
Breaker Tripping
Breakers trip due to overloads caused by plugging too many appliances into a circuit, a
worn cord or defective appliance, or operating an appliance with too high a voltage
requirement for the circuit. An electrical motor starting up can also trip a breaker.
Buzzing
Fluorescent fixtures use transformer action to operate. This action sometimes causes a
buzzing.
Recessed lights
Fixtures that are recessed into the ceiling have a built in thermal switch to prevent over
heating. If a light should go out after being left on for many hours, turn the wall switch
off for 20 minutes and then turn it back on. If this happens often, the fixture may need
replacement.
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Fixture Location
We install light fixtures in the locations indicated on the plans. Moving fixtures to
accommodate specific furniture arrangements or room use is your responsibility.
GFCI (Ground- Fault Circuit Interrupters)
GFCI receptacles have a built-in element that senses fluctuations in power. Quite simply,
the GFCI is a circuit breaker. Building codes require installation of these receptacles in
bathrooms, kitchen, outside, and the garage (areas where an individual can come into
contact with water while holding an electrical appliance or tool). Heavy appliances such
as freezers or power tools will trip the GFCI breaker.
Do not plug a refrigerator or food freezer into a GFCI- controlled outlet. The
likelihood of the contents being ruined is high, and the limited warranty does not
cover such damage.
Each GFCI receptacle has a test and reset button. Once each month, press the test
button. This will trip the circuit. To return service, press the reset button. If a GFCI
breaker trips during normal use, it may indicate a faulty appliance and you will need to
investigate the problem. One GFCI breaker can control up to three or four outlets.
Often a GFCI located in the garage will protect outlets in bathrooms or the patio. The
kitchen has two GFCI’s which protect only the countertop outlets and those in the dining
room.
Grounded System
Your electrical system is a three-wire grounded system. Never remove the bare wire that
connects to the box or device.
Light Bulbs
You are responsible for replacing burned-out bulbs other than those noted during
orientation.
Modifications
If you wish to make any modifications, contact a certified electrician. Having another
electrician modify your electrical system during the warranty period can void that
portion of your limited warranty.
Outlets
If any outlet is not working, check first to see if a wall switch or GFCI controls it. Next,
check the breaker.
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If there are small children in the home, install safety plugs to cover unused outlets. This
also minimizes the air infiltration that sometimes occurs with these outlets. Teach
children to never touch electrical outlets, sockets, or fixtures.
Underground Cables
Before digging, check the location of buried service leads by calling the local utility
locating service. In most cases, wires run in a straight line from the service panel to the
nearest public utility pad. Maintain positive drainage around the foundation to protect
this service.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
During the orientation, we confirm that light fixtures are in acceptable condition and that
all bulbs are working. D.R. Horton’s limited warranty excludes any fixture you
supplied.
Designed Load
D.R. Horton will repair any electrical wiring that fails to carry its designed load to meet
specifications. If electrical outlets, switches, or fixtures do not function as intended,
D.R. Horton will repair or replace them.
Power Surge
Power surges are the result of local conditions beyond the control of D.R. Horton and
are excluded from limited warranty coverage. These can result in burned-out bulbs or
damage to sensitive electronic equipment such as TVs, alarm systems, and computers.
Damage resulting from lightning strikes is excluded from limited warranty coverage.
Expansion and Contraction
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Changes in temperature and humidity cause all building materials to expand and
contract. Dissimilar materials expand and contract at different rates. This movement
results in separation between materials. You will see the effects as small cracks in
drywall and in paint, especially where moldings meet drywall, at mitered corners, and
where tile grout meets a tub or sink. While this can alarm an uninformed homeowner, it
is normal.
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D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
D.R. Horton provides one-time repair to many of the effects of expansion and
contraction. See individual categories for details.
Fireplace
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Most of us feel a fireplace is an excellent way to create a warm, cozy atmosphere.
However, without sufficient information, your use of a fireplace can result in heat (and
dollars) being wasted. To help prevent that, consider the following points. Look upon
burning a fire as a luxury that adds much the atmosphere but just a little to the heating in
a home. About 10 percent of the heat produced by a fire is radiated into the house. In
many older homes, the air used by the fireplace for combustion is replaced with cold
outside air drawn in through cracks around doors and windows. However, your home is
constructed so tightly that this does not happen. We install a fresh air vent to supply the
fire with combustion air and reduce the amount of heated air the fire draws from your
house.
If your fireplace is a wood-burning unit, close the damper and cold air vent when not in
use. Leaving these open is equivalent to having an open window in the house. If the
fire is still burning, but you are finished enjoying it, use glass doors to prevent heated air
from being drawn up the chimney until your damper can be closed. If using a gas
fireplace and the fireplace should fail to turn on, the pilot light is probably out. Read the
manufacturer’s instructions to re-light, or call the gas company for service. If you smell
gas, open the windows and call the gas company. There is a shut off valve inside the
bottom access panel.
One caution on the use of glass doors: do not close them over a roaring fire, especially if
you are burning hard woods (such as oak or hickory) because this could break the glass.
Also, when closing the doors over a burning fire, open the mesh screens first. This
prevents excessive heat build-up on the mesh, which might result in warping or
discoloration.
Your objective in building a fire should be a clean, steady, slow-burning fire. Begin
with a small fire to allow the components of the fire to heat up slowly. Failure to do so
may damage the fireplace and can void the warranty. Start the fire by burning kindling
and newspaper under the grate; two or three layers of log stacked with air space
between, the largest logs to the rear, works best. One sheet of paper burned on top of
the stack will help the chimney start to draw. Any log 6 inches in diameter or larger
should be split.
Do not burn trash in the fireplace and never use any type of liquid
starter
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Remove old ash and coals from the grate when completely cooled. A light layer is
desirable as an insulator and will help to reflect heat.
Chimney Cleaning
Creosote and other wood-burning by-products accumulate inside the flue over a period of
time. This build-up can be a fire hazard. The way you use your fireplace and the type of
wood you burn determine the frequency of your chimney cleanings. For instance,
burning softwoods or improperly seasoned woods necessitates more frequent cleaning.
Hire a qualified chimney sweep for this cleaning.
Spark Arrestor
If the spark arrestor becomes clogged, the diminished airflow will affect the performance
of the fireplace and may be a fire hazard. Have the arrestor cleaned professionally when
needed.
Gas Fireplace
If your home is equipped with a gas fireplace, please be sure to read and follow all
manufacturers’ directions.
A slight delay between turning the switch on and flame ignition is normal. The flames
should ignite gently and silently. If you notice any deviation from this and any gas smell,
immediately shut off the switch and report it to the gas company.
The exterior vent cover and interior glass doors for a directvent gas fireplace become extremely hot when the fireplace is
operating. Keep small children and combustibles a safe
distance away.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
Fireplaces are not intended to be the sole heat source in a home. The fireplace should
function properly when D.R. Horton and manufacturer’s directions are followed.
Discoloration
Discoloration of the firebox or brick is a normal result of use and requires no corrective
action. Mortar-style fireplaces may develop cracks due to temperature changes and other
factors.
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Downdraft
Although extremely high winds can result in a downdraft, this condition is usually
temporary and occasional. We will determine and correct continuous malfunction if
caused by a construction or design defect.
Glass Doors
Periodic cleaning is a homeowner responsibility and is explained in the manufacturers’
information.
Water Infiltration
In unusually heavy or prolonged precipitation, especially when accompanied by high
winds, some water can enter the home through the chimney. The limited warranty
excludes this occurrence.
Foundation
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
We install the foundation of your home according to the recommendations of our
consulting engineer. The walls of the foundation are poured concrete with steel
reinforcing rods.
To protect your home’s foundation, follow guidelines for installation and maintenance of
landscaping and drainage in this manual.
Cracks
Even though an engineer designed the foundation and we construct it accordingly,
surface cracks still develop in the wall. Surface cracks are not detrimental to the
structural integrity of your home. If a crack develops in a foundation wall that allows
water to come through, follow the procedures for submitting a warranty claim.
Shrinkage or backfill cracks are not unusual in foundation walls. D.R. Horton will seal
cracks that exceed ¼ inch in width.
Cosmetic Imperfections
Slight cosmetic imperfections in foundation walls, such as a visible seam where two
pours meet or slight honeycombing (aggregate visible), are possible and require no repair
unless they permit water to enter.
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Leaks
D.R. Horton will correct conditions that permit excess water to enter the crawlspace or
daylight basement through the foundation provided you have complied with the drainage,
landscaping, and maintenance guidelines.
Garage Overhead Door
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Since the garage door is a large, moving object, periodic maintenance is necessary.
30-Weight Oil
Every six months, apply a 30-weight automobile oil or similar lubricant to all moving
parts: track, rollers, hinges, pulleys, and springs. At the same time, check to see that all
hardware is tight and operating as intended, without binding or scraping. Avoid over
lubricating to prevent drips on vehicles or the concrete floor.
Lock
If the lock becomes stiff, apply a silicone or graphite lubricant. Do not use oil on a lock,
as it will stiffen in winter and make the lock difficult to operate.
Opener
To prevent damage to a garage door opener, be sure the door is completely unlocked and
the rope-pull has been removed before using the operator. If you have an opener installed
after closing on your home, we suggest that you order it from the company that provided
and installed the garage door to assure uninterrupted warranty coverage. Be familiar with
the steps for manual operation of the door in the event of a power failure.
If D.R. Horton installed a door opener as one of your selections, during orientation we
demonstrate the electric eye that provides a safety stop in the event that someone crosses
through the opening while the overhead door is in motion. Use care not to place tools or
other stored items where they interfere with the function of the electric eye. Do not allow
water to splash on the sensors – even a small amount of water will ruin them.
Painting
Repaint the garage door when you repaint your home, or more often if needed to maintain
a satisfactory appearance.
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Safety
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and reliable operation. Do not allow
anyone except the operator near the door when it is motion. Keep hands and fingers
away from all parts of the door except the handle. Do not allow children to play with or
around the door.
For your safety, after the expiration of the one-year warranty, have any needed
adjustment made by a qualified specialist. The door springs are under a considerable
amount of tension and require special tools and knowledge for accurate and safe
servicing. Have the door inspected by a professional garage door technician after any
significant impact to the door.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
The garage door should operate smoothly and with reasonable ease. The door can
become misaligned and require adjustments, which D.R. Horton will provide unless the
problem is caused by the installation of a garage door opener subsequent to closing on the
home.
Light Visible
Garage overhead doors cannot be airtight. Some light will be visible around the edges
and across the top of the door. Unusual weather conditions may result in some
precipitation around the door.
Garbage Disposals
If the disposal fails to operate because of debris lodged inside, it will not be covered
under warranty. Try the following to correct the problem:
If your garbage disposal blades should become stuck due to a foreign object (chicken
bone, spoon, bottle cap, etc.); turn off the wall switch and use the hex wrench that came
with the disposal to access the interior of the disposal. Place the hex wrench in the
opening on the underside of the disposal. Work the wrench back and forth until the
blades move freely. Shine a flashlight into the inside of the disposal and remove the
debris.
If the unit will not turn on, push the reset button on the underside of the disposal, then try
the wall switch. If the unit still fails to operate, you will need to call a repair service.
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Gas Shut-Offs
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
You will find shut offs on gas lines near their connection to each item that operates on
gas. In addition, there is a main shut off at the meter. We point these out during the
orientation. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas, open windows for ventilation,
leave the home and call the gas company immediately for emergency service.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
The gas company is responsible for leaks up to the meter. D.R. Horton will correct leaks
from the meter into the house.
Gas Water Heater
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s literature for your specific model of water
heater.
Condensation
Condensation inside your new water heater may drip into the burner flame. This causes
no harm and in most cases will disappear in a short period of time.
Pilot
Never light a gas pilot when the water heater tank is empty. Always turn off the gas
before shutting off the cold water supply to the tank. To light the water heater pilot, first
remove the cover panel on the tank to expose the pilot. Then rotate the on-off pilot knob
to the pilot position. When the knob is in this position, the red button can be depressed.
While depressing the red button, hold a match at the pilot. Once the pilot lights up,
continue to hold the red button down for 30 to 60 seconds. When you release the red
button, the pilot should stay lit. If it does not, wait several minutes to allow the gas to
dissipate from the tank and repeat the entire process. If it stays lit, rotate the on-off pilot
knob to the on position.
Reinstall the cover panel and then adjust the temperature setting with the regulating knob
on the front of the tank.
Water heaters sometimes collect small quantities of dirty water and scale in the main gas
line, which may put out the pilot light.
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While away from home for an extended period of time, set the temperature to its lowest
point and leave the pilot lit.
Safety
Vacuum the area around a gas-fired water heater to prevent dust from interfering with
proper flame combustion. Avoid using the top of a heater as a storage shelf.
Temperature
The recommended thermostat setting for normal everyday use is “normal.” Higher
settings can result in wasted energy dollars and increase the danger of injury from
scalding. Setting the temperature too high can also cause water to leak through the
pressure relief valve. Hot water will take longer to arrive at sinks, tubs, and showers that
are farther from the water heater.
Gas water heaters will shut down to save energy if water is not used for a period of time,
resulting in colder water first thing in the morning. If this is noticeable to you, turn the
temperature up slightly.
No Hot Water
If you discover that you have no hot water, check the pilot, temperature settings, and
water supply valve before calling for service. Refer to the manufacturer’s literature for
specific locations of these items and other troubleshooting information located near the
water heater.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
Refer to the manufacturer’s limited warranty for information regarding coverage of the
water heater.
See also Plumbing.
Grading and Drainage
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
The final grades around your home have been inspected and approved for proper
drainage of your lot. Our surveyor completes a drainage certification and then the local
building authorities, as well as D.R. Horton, inspect the site.
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Site Drainage
Typically, the grade around the home should slope 1 foot in the first 10 feet, tapering to a
2 percent slope. In most cases, drainage swales do not follow property boundaries.
Maintain the slopes around your home to permit the water to drain away from the home
as rapidly as possible. This is essential to protect your foundation. Failure to do so can
result in major structural damage and will void your warranty. During heavy rainfall the
possibility of water remaining in drainage swales should be anticipated, especially if the
swales run off from adjoining properties.
Rototilling
Rototilling can significantly change drainage swales. You can minimize this by
rototilling parallel to the swales rather than across them.
Settling
The area we excavated for your home’s foundation was larger than the home to allow
room to work. In addition, some trenching is necessary for installation of utility lines.
Although we replaced and used compacted soil, it does not return to its original density.
Some settling will occur, especially after prolonged or heavy rainfall or melting of large
amounts of snow. Settling can continue for several years. Inspect the perimeter of your
home regularly for signs of settling and fill settled areas as needed to maintain positive
drainage away from the foundation.
See also Landscaping
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
We established the final grade to ensure adequate drainage away from the home.
Maintaining this drainage is your responsibility. If you alter the drainage pattern after
closing, or if changes in drainage occur due to lack of maintenance, the limited warranty
is void.
Backfill Settlement
Backfill or excavated areas around the foundation and at utility trenches should not
interfere with the drainage away from your home. If these areas settle during the first
year, D.R. Horton will fill the areas one time.
Erosion
D.R. Horton is not responsible for weather-caused damage to unlandscaped yards after
the final grade has been established or the closing date, whichever occurs last.
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New Sod
New sod installation and the extra watering that accompanies it can cause temporary
drainage problems, as can unusually severe weather conditions. It is your responsibility to
water new sod after the closing of your new home even if it’s vacant.
Recommendations
D.R. Horton documents the grade that exists at the time of delivery of your home or as
soon thereafter as possible. The ground must be dry and free of frost to make these
determinations. Once final grades are set, D.R. Horton will inspect drainage problems
reported in writing during the warranty period, compare grades to those originally
established, and advise you on corrective actions you might take.
Swales
D.R. Horton does not alter drainage patterns to suit individual landscape plans.
Typically, a lot receives water from, and passes water on, to other lots, so changes in
grade often affect adjacent or nearby lots. D.R. Horton advises against making such
changes. After heavy rain or snow, water may stand in swales up to 48 hours.
Under Concrete
D.R. Horton will fill visible sunken areas under concrete during the first year.
Gutters and Downspouts
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Check gutters periodically, and remove leaves or other debris. Materials that accumulate
in gutters can slow water drainage from the roof, cause overflows, and clog the
downspouts. D.R. Horton is not responsible for cleaning your gutters.
Ladders
Use caution when leaning against gutters, as this may cause dents.
Leaks
If a joint between sections of gutter drips, caulk the inside joint using a commercial gutter
caulking compound available at hardware stores.
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Paint
Gutters and downspouts are painted to match your home. You should repaint them when
you repaint your home.
Snow and Ice
Clear excess snow from downspouts as soon as possible to allow the gutter to drain and
to prevent damage. Severe ice or snow build-up can damage gutters, and such damage is
not covered by the limited warranty.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
Fascia gutters are installed level.
Leaks
We correct leaks that occur during the warranty period.
Overflow
Gutters may overflow during periods of excessively heavy rain: this is expected and
requires no repair. Overflow can also be the result of debris in the gutters and is a
homeowner maintenance responsibility.
Standing Water
Small amounts of water (up to one inch) will stand for short periods of time in gutters
immediately after a rain. No correction is required for these conditions.
Hardware
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Doorknobs and locks should operate correctly with little attention. Over time, they may
need slight adjustments due to normal shrinkage of the framing. Occasionally, you may
need to tighten screws.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
We confirm that all hardware is in acceptable condition during orientation. The limited
warranty excludes repairs for cosmetic damage subsequent to orientation.
D.R. Horton will repair hardware items that do not function as intended.
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Homeowner Manual
Hardwood Floors
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
In daily care of hardwood floors, preventive maintenance is the primary goal.
Cleaning
Sweep on a daily basis or as needed. Never wet mop a hardwood floor. Excessive water
causes wood to expand and can cause possible damage to the floor. When polyurethane
finishes become soiled, damp-mop with a mixture of one cup vinegar to one gallon of
warm water. When damp-mopping, remove all excess water from the mop.
Dimples
Placing heavy furniture or dropping heavy or sharp objects on hardwood floors can result
in dimples.
Filmy Appearance
A white, filmy appearance can result from moisture, often from wet shoes or boots.
Furniture Legs
Install proper floor protectors on furniture placed on hardwood floors. Protectors will
allow chairs to move easily over the floor without scuffing. Regularly clean the
protectors to remove grit that may have accumulated.
Humidity
Wood floors respond noticeably to changes in humidity in your home. Especially during
the winter months the individual planks or pieces expand and contract as water content
changes. A humidifier helps but does not eliminate this reaction.
Mats and Area Rugs
Use protective mats at exterior doors to help prevent sand and grit from getting on the
floor. Gritty sand is wood flooring’s worst enemy. However, be aware that rubber
backing on area rugs or mats can cause yellowing and warping of the floor surface.
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Re-coat
If your floors have a polyurethane finish, you may want to have an extra coat of
polyurethane applied by a qualified contractor within six months to one year. The exact
timing will depend on your particular lifestyle. If another finish was used, refer to the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
Separations
Expect some shrinkage around heat vents or any heat-producing appliances, or during
seasonal weather changes.
Shrinkage will result in separations between the members of hardwood floors. If these
exceed 1/8 inch, D.R. Horton will fill them one time. D.R. Horton is not responsible for
removing excess filler that appears on the surface if the boards expand due to subsequent
changes in humidity and expel the filler. Lippage is the vertical distance between two
boards where they meet. Lippage greater than 1/16 inch will be covered under the One
Year Warranty.
See also Warping
Shoes
Keep high heels in good repair. Heels that have lost their protective cap (thus exposing
the fastening nail) will exert over 8,000 pounds of pressure per square inch on the floor.
That’s enough to damage hardened concrete; so it will surely damage your wood floor.
Spills
Clean up food spills immediately with a dry cloth. Use a vinegar-and-warm-water
solution for tough food spills.
Splinters
When floors are new, small splinters of wood can appear.
Sun Exposure
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause irreparable damage to hardwood floors. To
preserve the beauty of your floors, install and use window coverings in these areas.
Traffic Paths
A dulling of the finish in heavy traffic areas is likely.
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Warping
Warping will occur if the floor repeatedly becomes wet or is thoroughly soaked even
once. Slight warping in the area of heat vents or heat-producing appliances is also
typical.
Wax
Waxing and the use of products like oil soap are neither necessary nor recommended.
Once you wax a polyurethane finished floor, recoating is difficult because the new finish
will not bond to wax. The preferred maintenance is preventive cleaning and recoating
annually or as needed to maintain the desired luster.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
During the orientation we will confirm that hardwood floors are in acceptable condition.
We will correct any readily noticeable cosmetic defects listed during the orientation. You
are responsible for routine maintenance of hardwood floors.
Heating System
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Good maintenance of the furnace can save energy dollars and prolong the life of the
furnace. Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s literature on use and maintenance.
Guidelines here include general information only.
Adjust Vents
Experiment with the adjustable registers in your home to establish the best heat flow for
your lifestyle. Generally, you can reduce the heat in seldom-used or interior rooms. This
is an individual matter and you will need to balance the system for your own family
needs.
Avoid Overheating
Do not overheat your new home. Overheating can cause excessive shrinkage of framing
lumber and could materially damage the home. In the beginning, use as little heat as
possible and increase it gradually.
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Blower Panel
You need to position the blower panel correctly for the furnace blower (fan) to operate.
This panel compresses a button that tells the blower it is safe to operate. If this panel is
not on tightly, the fan will not come on.
Combustion Air
In some instances, we may have to install furnaces somewhere in the home other than the
garage. Those furnaces must include vents or ducts to draw combustion air from the
exterior, crawl, or other spaces in the home.
Never cover or block the combustion air vent in any way. Outside air is
needed to supply the furnace with sufficient oxygen. Blocking the
combustion air vent will cause the furnace to draw air down the vent
pipe and pull poisonous gas back into your home.
Ductwork Noise
Some popping or pinging sounds are the natural result of ductwork heating and cooling in
response to airflow as the system operates.
Filter
Remember to change or clean the filters monthly during the heating season (year-round if
you also have air conditioning). A clogged filter can slow airflow and cause cold spots in
your home. Although it takes less than one minute to change the filter, this is one of the
most frequently overlooked details of normal furnace care.
If you have a permanent, washable, removable filter, you need to clean this monthly. Use
water only to clean the filter, tap to dry or air dry, and leave unit off for a brief period.
Do not use soap or detergents on the filter. If you have an electronic air filter, you will
not have air filters in the furnace. Clean your electronic air filters per the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Furnished Home
The heating system was designed with a furnished home in mind. If you move in during
the cooler part of the year and have not acquired all of your draperies and furnishings, the
home may seem cooler than you would expect.
Gas Odor
A new heating system may emit an odor for a few moments when you first turn it on. An
established system may emit an odor after being unused for a period of time (such as after
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Homeowner Manual
the summer months if you do not use air conditioning). This is caused by dust that settles
in the ducts and should pass quickly.
Registers
Heat register covers are removable and adjustable. You are responsible for adjusting the
dampers in these covers to regulate the heat flow within the home. Registers in the
rooms farther away from the furnace will usually need to be opened wider.
Return Air Vents
For maximum comfort and efficient energy use, arrange furniture and draperies to allow
unobstructed airflow from registers to cold air returns.
Temperature
Depending on the style of home, temperatures can normally vary from floor to floor as
much as 10 degrees or more on extremely cold days. The furnace blower will typically
cycle on and off more frequently and for shorter periods during severe cold spells.
Thermostat
The furnace will come on automatically when the thermostat senses a lower temperature
than the setting you have selected. Once the furnace is on, setting the thermostat to a
higher temperature will not heat the home faster. Thermostats are calibrated to within
plus or minus 5 degrees.
Trial Run
Have a trial run early in the fall to test the furnace. (The same applies to air-conditioning
in the spring.) If service is needed, it is much better to discover this before the heating
season.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
We install heating systems according to local building codes, as well as to engineering
designs of the particular model home.
Adequacy of the system is determined by its ability to establish a temperature of 70
degrees F, as measured in the center of the room, 5 feet above the floor. In extremely
cold temperatures (10 degrees below or colder), the system should be able to maintain a
temperature differential of 80 degrees from the outside temperature.
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Duct Placement
The exact placement of heat ducts may vary from those positions shown in similar floor
plans.
Ductwork
Although the heat system is not a sealed system, the ductwork should remain attached
and securely fastened. If it becomes unattached, D.R. Horton will repair as needed within
the warranty period.
Furnace Sounds
Expansion or contraction of metal ductwork results in ticking or popping sounds. While
eliminating all sounds is impossible, D.R. Horton will correct oil canning.
Insulation
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
The effectiveness of blown insulation is diminished if it is uneven. As the last step in any
work done in your attic (for example, the installation of a TV antenna), you should
confirm that the insulation lays smooth and even. Do not step on drywall ceilings,
because this can result in personal injury or damage to the drywall.
Electrical outlets normally emit noticeable amounts of cold air when outside temperatures
are low.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
D.R. Horton will install insulation to meet or exceed the building codes applicable at the
time of construction, and outlined as a part of your purchasing agreement.
Landscaping
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Plan to install the basic components of your landscaping as soon after closing as weather
permits. In addition to meeting your Homeowner’s Association requirements to
landscape in a timely manner, well-designed landscaping prevents erosion and protects
the foundation of your home.
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Additions
Before installing patio additions or other permanent improvements, consider soil
conditions in the design and the engineering of your addition. The Architectural Review
Committee must approve any utility sheds, outbuildings or dog runs.
Backfill
We construct the foundation of your home beginning with an excavation into the earth.
When the foundation walls are complete, the area surrounding them is backfilled. Soil in
this area is not as compact as undisturbed ground. Water can penetrate through the
backfill area in the lower areas of your foundation. This can cause potentially severe
problems such as wet daylight basements, cracks in foundation walls, and floor slab
movement. Avoid this through proper installation of landscaping and good maintenance
of drainage.
Backfill areas will settle and require prompt attention to avoid damage to your home and
voiding of the structural warranty.
Keep downspout extensions in the down position to channel roof runoff away from the
foundation area of your home. Routine inspection of downspouts, backfill areas and
other drainage components is an excellent maintenance habit.
See also Grading and Drainage.
Bark or Rock Beds
Do not allow edging around decorative rock or bark beds to dam the free flow of water
away from the home. You can use a non-woven landscape fabric between the soil and
rock or bark to restrict weed growth while permitting normal evaporation of ground
moisture.
Contractors
You are responsible for changes to the drainage pattern made by any landscape, concrete,
deck, or pool contractor. Discuss drainage with any company you hire to do an
installation in your yard. Do not permit them to tie into existing drainage pipes without
approval from D.R. Horton.
Irrigation
Make provisions for efficient irrigation. Conduct weekly operational checks to ensure
proper performance of the system. Direct sprinkler heads away from the home.
Trickler or bubbler type irrigation systems are not recommended for use adjacent to the
structure. Regularly drain and service sprinkler systems.
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Planning
Locate plants and irrigation heads out of the way of pedestrian or bicycle traffic and car
bumpers. Space groves of trees or single trees to allow for efficient mowing and growth.
Group plants with similar water, sun, and space requirements together.
See also Xeriscape
Plant selection
Plant with regard to your local climate, favor native over exotic species and consider
ultimate size, shape, and growth of the species.
Requirements
Check with your local building department and Homeowners Association before
designing, installing, or changing landscaping, for any regulations that they require you
to follow.
Soil Mix
Provide good soil mixes with sufficient organic material. Use mulch at least 3 inches
deep to hold soil moisture and to help prevent weeds and soil compaction. In areas with
high clay content, prepare the soil before installing your grass. First cover the soil with 2
inches of sand and 1 inch of manure that is treated and odorless. Rototill this into the soil
to a depth of 6 inches (rototill parallel to the swales). Whether you seed or sod, this
preparation helps your lawn to retain moisture and requires less water. Installing a lawn
over hard soil permits water to run off with little or no penetration and your lawn will
derive minimal benefit from water or rain.
Apply appropriate fertilizer and weed and pest controls as needed for optimal growth.
Investigate organic compounds for additional protection of the environment.
Utility Lines
A slight depression may develop in the front lawn along the line of the utility trench. To
correct this, roll back the sod, spread topsoil underneath to level the area, and then roll
the sod back over the leveled area.
Waiting to Landscape
Soil that has been graded, but not planted, is prone to erosion. Correcting erosion that
occurs after closing is your responsibility.
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Xeriscape
D.R Horton recommends careful consideration of landscape design and selection of
planting materials to minimize the demands of your yard on the water supply. Detailed
information about Xeriscape is available from reputable nurseries. This has the triple
benefit of helping the environment, saving on water bills, and reducing the amount of
moisture that can reach your foundation.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY
Landscape materials we install are warranted for one growing season. We will confirm
the healthy condition of all plant materials during the orientation. Maintaining
landscaping is your responsibility.
Mildew
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Mildew is a fungus that spreads through the air in microscopic spores. It loves moisture
and feeds on surfaces or dirt. On siding, it looks like a layer of dirt. Cleaning mildew
from your home is your responsibility. Solutions that remove mildew are available from
local paint or home improvement stores. Wear protective eyewear and rubber gloves for
this task; chemicals that remove mildew are unfriendly to humans.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
We will remove any mildew noted during the orientation. D.R. Horton’s warranty
excludes mildew.
Mirrors
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
To clean your mirrors use any reliable liquid glass cleaner or polisher available at most
hardware or grocery stores. Avoid acidic cleaners and splashing water under the mirror;
either can cause the silvering to deteriorate. Avoid getting glass cleaners on plumbing
fixtures as some formulas can deteriorate the finish.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
We will confirm that all mirrors are in acceptable condition during orientation. D.R.
Horton will correct scratches, chips, or other damage to mirrors noted during the
orientation.
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Homeowner Manual
Paint and Stain
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Due to changes in the formula for paint (such as elimination of lead to make paints safer),
painted surfaces most be washed gently using soap and as little water as possible. Avoid
abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or scrub brushes. Flat paints show washing marks more
easily than gloss paints do. Often, homeowners prefer the results obtained by touching
up rather than washing.
Colors
Your selection sheets are your record of the paint and stain color names, numbers, and
brands in your home. The base formulas are printed on the paint cans left at the end of
construction. If you need to purchase additional paint for touchup purposes, the base
formula is important. Exact matches are rare; so do not waste your touchup paint.
Exterior
Regular attention will preserve the beauty and value of your home. Check the painted
and stained surfaces of your home’s exterior annually. Repaint before much chipping or
wearing away of the original finish occurs; this will save the cost of extensive surface
preparation. Plan on refinishing the exterior surface of your home approximately every
two or three years or as often as your paint manufacturer suggests for your area and
climate. Climatic conditions control the chemical structure of the paint formulated for
local climate conditions.
When you paint the exterior of your home, begin by resetting popped nails and removing
blistered or peeling portions of paint with a wire brush or putty knife. Sand, spot with
primer, and then paint the entire area. Use a quality exterior paint formulated for local
climate conditions.
Avoid having sprinklers spray water on the exterior walls of your home. This will cause
blistering, peeling, splintering, and other damage to the home.
Severe Weather
Hail and wind can cause a great deal of damage in a severe storm, so inspect the house
after such weather. Promptly report damage caused by severe weather to your insurance
company.
Stain
For minor interior stain touch-ups, a furniture-polish-and-stain treatment is inexpensive,
easy to use, and will blend in with the wood grain. Follow directions on the bottle.
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Touch-Up
When doing paint touch-ups, use a small brush, applying paint only to the damaged spot.
Touch-up may not match the surrounding area exactly, even if the same paint mix is
used. When it is time to repaint a room, prepare the wall surface first by cleaning with a
mild soap and water mix or a reliable cleaning product.
Wall Cracks
We suggest that you wait until after the first heating season to repair drywall cracks or
other separations due to shrinkage.
See also Drywall
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
During your orientation we will confirm that all painted or stained surfaces are in
acceptable condition. D.R. Horton will touch up paint as indicated on the orientation list.
You are responsible for all subsequent touch-up, except painting. We perform as a part
of another warranty repair.
Cracking
As it ages, exterior wood trim will develop minor cracks and raised grain. Much of this
will occur during the first year. Raised grain permits moisture to get under the paint and
can result in peeling. This is not a defect in materials or workmanship. Paint
maintenance of the wood trim and gutters is your responsibility.
Fading
Expect fading of exterior paint or stain due to the effects of sun and weather. D.R.
Horton’s limited warranty excludes this occurrence.
Touch-Up
D.R. Horton will touch-up interior paint only in vaulted ceilings or walls 10 feet or taller.
Exterior paint touch-up will only be done if caulking was necessary and only the area
caulked will be touched-up. Paint touch-up is visible under certain lighting conditions.
Wood Grain
Due to wood characteristics, color variations will result when stain is applied to wood.
This is natural and requires no repair. Today’s water-based paints often make wood grain
visible on painted trim. D.R. Horton does not provide corrections for this condition.
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Homeowner Manual
Phone jacks
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Your home is equipped with telephone jacks as shown on the floor plan and selection
sheets. Initiating phone service, additions to phone service, and moving phone outlets for
decorating purpose or convenience are your responsibility.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
D.R. Horton will correct outlets positioned so that a phone cannot be installed because a
cabinet or countertop that is part of the original home design interferes with the correct
function of the outlet.
D.R. Horton will repair wiring that does not perform as intended from the phone service
box into the home. From the service box outward, care of the wiring is the responsibility
of the local telephone service company.
Plumbing
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
We want to draw your attention to a water-saving regulation that went into effect in 1993,
which prohibits the manufacture of toilets that use more than 1.6-gallons of water per
flush. In search for a balance among comfort, convenience, and sensible use of natural
resources, the government conducted several surveys. The 1.6-gallon toilet turned out to
be the size that overall consistently saves water.
As a result of implementing this standard, flushing twice is occasionally necessary to
completely empty the toilet bowl. Even though you must sometimes flush twice, please
be assured that overall you are saving water, and we have complied with the law.
Similarly, flow restrictors are manufactured into most faucets and all showerheads, and
cannot be removed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Aerators
Even though your plumbing lines have been flushed to remove dirt and foreign matter,
small amounts of minerals may enter the line. Aerators on the faucets strain much of this
from the water. Minerals caught in these aerators may cause the faucets to drip because
the washers wear more rapidly when they come in contact with foreign matter.
See also Dripping Faucet
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Cleaning
Follow manufacturer’s directions for cleaning fixtures. Avoid abrasive cleaners. They
remove the shiny finish and leave behind a porous surface that is difficult to keep clean.
Clean plumbing fixtures with a soft sponge and soapy water. Manufacturers usually
recommend a nonabrasive cleaner or a liquid detergent. Then polish the fixtures with a
dry cloth to prevent water spots. Care for brass fixtures with a good-quality brass
cleaner, available at most hardware stores.
Clogs
The main causes of toilet clogs are domestic items such as disposable diapers, excessive
amounts of toilet paper, sanitary supplies, Q-tips, dental floss, and children’s toys.
Improper garbage disposal use also causes many plumbing clogs. Always use plenty of
cold water when running the disposal. This recommendation also applies to grease.
Supplied with a steady flow of cold water, the grease congeals and is caught up in the
sewer line. The grease remains a liquid, then cools and solidifies in the sewer line.
Allow the water to run 10 to 15 seconds after shutting off the disposal.
You can usually clear clogged traps with a plumber’s helper (plunger). If you use a
chemical agent, follow directions carefully to avoid personal injury or damage to the
fixtures.
Clean a plunger drain stopper – usually found in bathroom sinks – by loosening the nut
under the sink at the back, pulling out the rod attached to the plunger, and lifting the
stopper. Clean and return the mechanism to its original position.
Dripping Faucet
You can repair a dripping faucet by shutting off the water at the valve directly under the
sink, then removing the faucet stem, changing the washer, and reinstalling the faucet
stem. The showerhead is repaired the same way. Replace the washer with another of the
same type and size. You can minimize the frequency of this repair by remembering not
to turn off faucets with excessive force.
Extended Absence
If you plan to be away for an extended period, you should set the water temperature to its
lowest or “vacation” setting. Check manufacturer’s directions for additional hints and
instructions.
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Freezing Pipes
Provided the home is heated at a normal level, pipes should not freeze at temperatures
above 15 degrees F. Set the heat at 65 degrees F if you are away during the winter
months. Keep garage doors closed to protect plumbing lines running through the garage
from freezing temperatures.
In unusually frigid weather or if you are going to be gone for more than a day or two,
open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, and leave a tiny stream of
both hot and cold water running. Use an ordinary hair dryer to thaw pipes that are frozen.
Never use an open flame.
Gold or Brass Finish
Avoid using any abrasive cleaners on gold or antique brass fixtures. Use only mild
detergent and water or a cleaning product recommended by the manufacturer.
Laundry Tub
If you have a laundry room tub, the faucet does not have an aerator. This is to allow the
tub faucet to accept a hose connection.
Leaks
If a major plumbing leak occurs, the first step is to turn off the supply of the water to the
area involved. This may mean shutting off the water to the entire home. Then contact
our costumer service department or the Emergency number for the appropriate contractor.
Low Pressure
Occasional cleaning of the aerators on your faucets (normally every three to four months)
will allow proper flow of water. The water department controls the overall water
pressure. Most of our homes are required to have a pressure reduction valve installed on
the water service. These are pre-set at 60 to 65 psi.
Marble or Manufactured marble
Marble and manufactured marble will not chip as readily as porcelain enamel but can be
damaged by a sharp blow. Avoid abrasive cleaners or razor blades on manufactured
marble; both damage the surface. Always mix hot and cold water at manufactured
marble sinks; running only cold water can damage the sink.
Outside Faucets
Outside faucets are more prone to freezing if hoses are left connected. Remove hoses
during cold weather, even if the faucet is located in your garage. If a hose is left
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attached, the water that remains in the hose can freeze and expand back into the pipe,
causing a break in the line. Repair of a broken line that feeds an exterior faucet is a
maintenance item. Note that D.R Horton Custom Homes does not warrant sillcocks
against freezing. Some exterior faucets are also protected by a shut off valve inside at a
warm wall. We will point out the location at your orientation.
Porcelain
You can damage porcelain enamel with a sharp blow from a heavy object or by
scratching. Do not stand in a bathtub wearing shoes unless you have placed a protective
layer of newspaper over the bottom of the tub. If you splatter paint onto the porcelain
enamel surface during redecorating, wipe up immediately. If a spot dries before you
notice it, use a recommended solvent.
Running Toilet
To stop running water, check the shut off float in the tank. You will most likely find it
has lifted too high in the tank, preventing the valve from shutting off completely. In this
case, gently bend the float rod down until it stops the water at the correct level. The float
should be free and not rub the side of the tank or any parts. Also check the chain on the
flush handle. If it is too tight, it will prevent the rubber stopper at the bottom of the tank
from sealing, resulting in running water.
Shut-Offs
Your main water shut off is located in the garage. You use this shut off for major water
emergencies such as a water line break or when you install a sprinkler system or build an
addition to your home. Each toilet has a shut off on the water line under the tank. Hot
and cold shut offs for each sink are on the water lines under the sink.
Sprinklers
You should routinely inspect sprinkler heads and provide seasonal services to maintain
proper functioning. Winterize in late October by turning the water system off and
draining it. The water district will require a backflow valve test every year and will send
you a notice and instructions. Be sure your installer has obtained proper permits and
inspections at installation.
Stainless Steel
Clean stainless steel sinks with soap and water to preserve their luster. Avoid abrasive
cleaners; these will damage the finish. An occasional cleaning with a good stainless steel
cleaner will enhance the finish. Avoid leaving produce (primarily citrus) on the stainless
steel surface, since prolonged contact with produce can stain the finish.
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Tank Care
Avoid exposing the toilet to blows from sharp or heavy objects, which can cause
chipping or cracking. Avoid abnormal pressures against the sides of the tank. It is
possible to crack the tank at the points where it is attached to the bowl.
Cosmetic Damage
D.R. Horton will correct any fixture damage noted on the orientation list. Repairing
chips, scratches, or other surface damage noted subsequent to the orientation list is your
responsibility.
Exterior Faucets or Hose Bibs
D.R. Horton will repair leaks at exterior faucets as noted on the orientation list. After any
orientation list issue, repair of a broken line to an exterior faucet is your responsibility.
Your hose bibs should be drained during the winter months. This process will be
explained to you at your new home orientation, but we include instructions here so you
will have a reference when the time comes to do this very important maintenance.
To drain your hose bibs at the onset of winter:
1. Locate the shut off valves for the appropriate hose bibs. Typically, there are two
hose bib shut offs on your home. One is for outside faucets at the rear of the
house and is typically located below the kitchen sink. The second shut off is
typically located in the garage; either just behind the hose bib, or above the water
heater. These locations will be pointed out to you at the walk through.
2. To drain the hose bib, turn off the shut off valve, then go outside to the faucet and
turn it on to drain any water in the pipe.
3. Go back inside and remove the drain cap on the side of the shut off valve. A
small amount of water may drain out, so have an old towel ready to prevent
damage to your cabinet base or anything that you may have sitting under the shut
off valve. Replace the drain cap, but finger tighten only.
4. Finally, go back to the hose bib and close the valve. In the spring, all you need to
do is turn on the shut off valve.
Leaks
D.R. Horton will repair the leaks in the plumbing system. If a plumbing leak caused by a
warranted item results in drywall or floor coverage damage, D.R. Horton will repair or
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replace items that were part of the home as originally purchased. We do not make
adjustments for secondary damage (for example, damage to wallpaper, drapes, and
personal belongings). Your homeowner’s insurance should cover these items.
Noise
Changes in temperature or the flow of water itself will cause some noise in the pipes.
This is normal and requires no repair. D.R. Horton will repair persistent water hammer.
Expect temperatures to vary if water is used in more than one location in the home.
Supply
D.R. Horton will correct construction conditions that disrupt the supply of water to your
home.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
During the orientation, we will confirm that all plumbing fixtures are in acceptable
condition and that all faucets and drains operate freely. D.R. Horton will correct clogged
drains that occur within 5 days after closing. If a household item is removed from the
clogged drain during this time, we will bill you for the drain service. After 5 days, you
are responsible for correcting clogged drains.
Resilient Flooring
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Although resilient floors are designed for minimum care, they do have maintenance
needs. Follow you manufacturer’s specific recommendations for care and cleaning.
Some resilient floors require regular application of a good floor finish. This assures you
of retaining a high gloss. However, avoid using cleaning or finishing agents on the new
floor until the adhesive has thoroughly set. This will take about two weeks.
Color and Pattern
Your color selection sheets provide a record of the brand, style, and color of floor
coverings for your home. Please retain this information for future reference.
Limit Water
Wipe up spills and vacuum crumbs instead of washing resilient floors frequently with
water. Limit mopping or washing with water; excessive amounts of water on resilient
floors can penetrate seams and get under edges, causing the material to lift and curl.
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Moving Furniture
Moving furniture across resilient floor covering can result in tears and wrinkles. Install
coasters on furniture legs to prevent permanent damage. If you damage the resilient
floor, you can have it successfully patched by professionals. We leave any remnants of
floor covering materials for this reason. Be especially cautious when moving appliances.
If you drag or pull a refrigerator or clothes washer it will tear or wrinkle the floor. D.R.
Horton does not cover damage of this type.
No Wax
The resilient flooring installed in your home is the no-wax type. No-wax means a clear,
tough coating that provides both a shiny appearance and a durable surface. However,
even this surface will scuff or mark. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for
maintaining the finish.
Raised nail heads are the result of movement of the floor joist caused by natural
shrinkage and deflection. We have used special nails to secure the underlayment to
minimize this movement. If a nail head becomes visible through resilient flooring, place
a broad knife over it, flat side down, and hit the knife with a hammer to reset the nail.
Scrubbing and Buffing
Frequent scrubbing or electrical buffing is harder on floors than regular foot traffic. Use
acrylic finishes if you scrub or buff.
Seams
Any brand or type of resilient flooring may separate slightly due to shrinkage. Seams can
lift or curl if excessive moisture is allowed to penetrate them. You can use a special
caulking at tub or floor joints to seal at these locations. Avoid getting large amounts of
water on the floor from baths and showers.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
We will confirm that resilient floor coverings are in acceptable condition during your
orientation. D.R. Horton limited warranty does not cover damage to resilient floors
caused by moving furniture or appliances into the home. We can assist you in contacting
professionals who can repair such damage if it occurs in your home. D.R. Horton is not
responsible for discontinued selections.
Adhesion
Resilient floor covering should adhere. D.R. Horton will repair lifting or bubbling and
nail pops that appear on the surface.
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Ridges
D.R. Horton has sanded and filled the joints of underlayment to minimize the possibility
of ridges showing through resilient floor coverings. Ridging is measured by centering a
6-inch straight edge perpendicular to the ridge with one end tight to the floor. If the
opposite end of the straight edge is 1/8 inch or more from the floor, D.R. Horton will
repair this condition.
Seams
Seams will occur and are sealed at the time of installation. D.R. Horton will correct gaps
in excess of 1/8 inch where resilient flooring pieces meet or 3/16 inch where resilient
flooring meets another material. D.R. Horton will correct curling at seams unless caused
by excessive water.
Cuts and Gouges
D.R. Horton will correct cuts and gouges to flooring only if noted prior to occupancy.
Roof
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
The shingles on your roof do not require any treatment or sealer.
Clean Gutters
Maintain the gutters and downspouts so that they are free of debris and able to quickly
drain precipitation from the roof.
Leaks
If a leak occurs, try to detect the exact location. This will greatly simplify finding the
area that requires repair when the roof is dry. You must make an effort to minimize
damage by placing buckets, mopping, etc.
Limit Walking
Limit walking on your roof. Your weight and movement can loosen the roofing material
and result in leaks. Never walk on the roof of your home when the shingles are wet –
they are slippery. Be especially careful of walking on caps and in valleys, as they can be
crushed and damaged very easily.
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Severe Weather
After severe storms, do a visual inspection of the roof for damage. Notify your insurance
company if you find pieces of shingle in the yard or shingle edges lifted on the roof.
Ice Build-Up
Ice build-up may develop in the eaves during extended periods of cold and snow.
Damage that results from this is excluded from warranty coverage. Your insurance may
cover this damage.
Inclement Weather
Storm damage is excluded from warranty coverage. Notify your homeowner insurance
company if storm damage is discovered.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
D.R. Horton will repair roof leaks that are caused by improper installation. Leaks caused
by severe weather, such as hail damage, or some action you have taken, such as walking
on the roof, is the Homeowner’s responsibility. Roof repairs are made only when the
roof is dry.
Rough Carpentry
Floor Deflection
Floors will deflect (bend) when walked on. This will be more noticeable next to hutches,
bookcases, pianos, chairs, and other heavy furniture. This is not a structural deficiency
and D.R. Horton will take no action for this occurrence.
Floor Level
Floors will be level to within ¼ inch, within any 32-inch distance, as measured
perpendicular to any ridge or indentation.
Plumb Walls
D.R. Horton will correct walls that are out of plumb more than ½ inch in an 8-foot
distance or walls that are bowed more than ¼ inch in any 32-inch measurement. Wood
framed walls shall be no more than 3/8 inch out of plumb for any 32 inches in any 8-foot
vertical measurement.
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Bowed Walls
All interior and exterior walls have slight variances in the finished surface. Walls shall
not bow more than ¼ inch out of line within any 32-inch measurement, or ¾ inch within
any 8-foot vertical measurement.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
Some floor and stair squeaks are unavoidable. Although D.R. Horton does not warrant
against floor squeaks, a reasonable effort will be made to correct them.
Siding
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Siding expands and contracts in response to changes in humidity and temperature. Slight
waves are visible in siding under certain weather conditions; this cannot be entirely
eliminated. Cement-based siding is less likely to expand or contract, but is thinner. This
results in more of a tendency to show small waves in the wall.
Wood or wood-product siding will require routine refinishing. The timing will vary with
climatic conditions.
See also Paint and Wood Trim
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
D.R. Horton will caulk and apply touch-up paint to cracks that exceed 3/16 inch. We
provide this repair one time only toward the end of the year. Paint or stain touch-up will
not match.
We will correct any separation at joints or where siding meets another material, if the
separation allows water to enter the home. D.R. Horton will correct delaminating siding.
Smoke Detectors
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Read the manufacturer’s manual for detailed information on the care of your smoke
detectors. When you hear a chirping noise from your smoke detectors, it is time to
replace the batteries. Use a good 9-volt alkaline battery.
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Cleaning
For your safety, clean each smoke detector monthly to prevent a false alarm or lack of
response in a fire. After cleaning, push the test button to confirm the alarm is working.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
D.R. Horton does not represent that the smoke detectors will provide the protection for
which they are installed or intended. We will test smoke detectors during the orientation
to confirm that they are working and to familiarize you with the alarm. You are
responsible for obtaining fire insurance.
Stairs
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
No known method of installation prevents all vibration or squeaks in a staircase. A
shrinkage crack will develop where the stairs meet the wall. When this occurs, apply a
thin bead of latex caulk and when dry, touch up with paint.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
Although D.R. Horton does not warrant against stair vibration and squeaks, a reasonable
effort will be made to correct them.
Ventilation
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Homes today are built more tightly than ever. This saves energy dollars but creates a
potential concern. Condensation, cooking odors, indoor pollutants, radon, and carbon
monoxide may all accumulate. We provide mechanical and passive methods for
ventilating homes. Your attention to ventilation is important to health and safety.
Building codes require attic and crawl space vents to minimize accumulation of moisture.
Attic ventilation occurs through vents in the soffit (the underside of the overhangs) or on
gable ends. Driving rain or snow sometimes enters the attic through these vents. Do not
cover them to prevent this. Instead, cover the insulation in front of the vents. When you
do this, precipitation that blows in safely evaporates and ventilation can occur.
Homes with crawl spaces will have foundation vents that are to remain open year around.
Your under floor area is insulated to protect the plumbing pipes from freezing, and to
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keep the floor warm during the winter months. The only time closing the foundation
vents should be considered, would be during an extended deep freeze, and combined with
wind. In this case only, plug the foundation vents on the windward side of the house.
Your daily habits can keep your home well ventilated:
•
Do not cover or interfere in any way with the fresh air supply to your furnace.
•
Develop the habit of running the hood fan when you are cooking.
•
Run the bath fans when bathrooms are in use.
•
Air your house by opening windows for a time when weather permits
Proper ventilation will prevent moisture from forming on the inside of the
windows. This helps reduce cleaning chores considerably.
Crawl Space Moisture
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Although we make every effort to assure a dry crawlspace, during times of excessive
moisture, you may notice some dampness. Over time, natural compaction of soils in the
backfill areas will usually eliminate this condition. Careful maintenance of positive
drainage will also protect your crawlspace from this condition.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
D.R. Horton will correct conditions that allow actual water to enter the crawlspace unless
the cause is improper installation of landscaping or failure to adequately maintain
drainage.
Windows, Screens, and Patio Doors
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Contact a glass company for reglazing of any windows that break. Glass is difficult to
install without special tools.
Cleaning
Clean vinyl surfaces with warm, clear water. Do not use powdered cleaner. After each
cleaning, apply a silicone lubricant. Clean glass as needed with vinegar and water, a
commercial glass cleaner, or the product recommended by the window manufacturer.
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
Condensation
Condensation on the interior surface of the window and frame is the result of high
humidity within the home and low outside temperatures. Your family’s lifestyle controls
the humidity level within your home. If your home includes a humidifier, closely
observe the manufacturer’s directions for its use.
Door Locks
Acquaint yourself with the operation of patio door hardware for maximum security.
Door Tracks
Keep patio door tracks clean for smooth operation and to prevent damage to the
doorframe. Silicone lubricants work well for these tracks.
Invisible Glass
Under certain lighting conditions, door glass may be hard to see. If you keep the screen
fully closed when the glass door is open, your family will be accustomed to opening
something before going through.
Sticking Windows
Most sliding windows (both vertical and horizontal) are designed for a 10-pound pull. If
sticking occurs or excessive pressure is required to open or close a window, apply a
silicone lubricant. This is available at hardware stores. Avoid petroleum-based products.
Storing Screens
Many homeowners remove and store screens for the winter to allow light into the home.
To make re-installation more convenient, label each screen as you remove it. Use
caution: screens perforate easily and the frames bend if they are not handled with care.
Weep Holes
In heavy rains, water may collect in the bottom channel of the window frames. Weep
holes are provided to allow excess water to escape to the outside. Keep the bottom
window channels and weep holes free of dirt and debris for proper operation.
Infiltration
Some air and dust will infiltrate around the windows, especially before the installation of
landscaping in the general area. D.R. Horton warranty excludes this occurrence.
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
Scratches
D.R. Horton confirms that all window glass is in acceptable condition at the orientation.
Minor scratches on windows can result from delivery, handling, and other construction
activities. D.R. Horton will replace windows that have scratches readily visible from a
distance of 10 feet. D.R. Horton does not replace windows that have scratches visible
only under certain lighting conditions.
Tinting
If you add tinting to dual-glazed windows, all warranties are voided. Damage can result
from condensation or excessive heat build-up between the panes of glass. Refer to the
manufacturer’s literature for additional information.
See also Ventilation
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
We will confirm that all windows and screens are in acceptable condition during the
orientation. D.R. Horton will repair or replace broken windows or damaged screens
noted on the orientation list. Windows should operate with reasonable ease and locks
should perform as designed.
Wood Trim
Homeowners Use and Maintenance Guidelines
Shrinkage of wood trim occurs during the first two years or longer, depending on
temperature and humidity. All lumber is more vulnerable to shrinkage during the heating
season. Maintaining a moderate and stable temperature helps to minimize the effects of
shrinkage. Wood will shrink less lengthwise than across the grain. Wood shrinkage can
result in separation at joints of trim pieces. You can usually correct this with caulking
and touch-up painting.
Shrinkage may also cause a piece of trim to pull away from the wall. If this occurs, drive
in another nail close to, but not exactly in, the existing nail hole. Fill the old nail hole
with putty and touch up with paint as needed. If the base shoe (small trim between base
molding and the floor) appears to be lifting from the floor, this is probably due to slight
shrinkage of the floor joints below. Again, you can correct this condition by removing
the old nails sand re-nailing. You may prefer to wait until after the first heating season to
make any needed repairs at one time when redecorating.
See also Expansion and Contraction
D.R. Horton
Homeowner Manual
Exterior
D.R. Horton will caulk and apply touch-up paint to cracks that exceed 3/16 inch in
exterior trim components. We provide this repair one time only near the end of the first
year. Paint or stain touch-up will not match. We will correct any separation at joints that
allow water to enter the home.
Raised Grain
Because of the effects of weather on natural wood, you should expect raised grain to
develop. This is normal and not a defect in the wood or paint. Warranty coverage
excludes this condition.
D.R. HORTON LIMITED WARRANTY GUIDELINES
During the orientation we will confirm that wood trim is in acceptable condition. Minor
imperfections in wood will be visible and will require no action. D.R. Horton will correct
readily noticeable construction damage such as chips and gouges listed during the
orientation.
D•R•hORTON
Foundations Manual
Exceed Surveys
Customer Feedback Program
Thank you for choosing D.R. Horton, America’s Builder!
It is our privilege to build your new home. We have become the largest homebuilder in the
country because of our dedication to quality and our unrivaled ability to offer a home with
features and amenities at an unbeatable value.
Your feedback is a critical ingredient to our continued success. We would greatly appreciate
your assistance in helping us understand what we did well and what we can improve upon by
completing and returning our customer satisfaction surveys.
Our Customer Feedback Process
You will receive three separate surveys via email* from our corporate headquarters during
your first year of homeownership for responding to the online web survey:
Move-In Home Buying Experience (blue form): 3 – 5 weeks after close
Mid-Year Customer Service Experience (red form): 5 months after close
Year-End Home Quality Experience (green form): 10 months after close
Thank you again for choosing D.R. Horton, America’s Builder!
* If we do not have an email address for you, we will mail you a paper survey. If the survey is not submitted after
several email reminders are sent, we will also mail you a paper survey.
D.R. Horton, Inc. Headquarters
301 Commerce Street, Suite 500
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Homeowner Satisfaction Survey
An assessment of your experience with D.R. Horton
Henry and Harriett Homebuyer
1234 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345
Community: Best Community
Lot/Unit No: 0001
Dear New Homeowner:
Now that you have closed on your new home, I would greatly appreciate your assistance. Our corporate headquarters and
I would like to understand your home buying experience to understand what we did well and what we can improve upon.
Your feedback is very important to me personally and to our company.
Although you may have completed a survey at the time you closed on your home, this survey is conducted by our corporate
headquarters and is used to assess our performance as a division. Each question is analyzed carefully, so please try to
answer each question independently... specific comments are greatly appreciated.
If you'd prefer to complete the survey online, please go to the web address below
and enter the login ID provided.
Web address: [URL Address]
Login: [Login ID]
You may also have received an email invitation to take this survey. If you have already
completed the survey online, please do not respond to this survey.
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us.
Sincerely,
Mr. Bob Builder
Division President
D.R. Horton, Inc.
ABC Office
1111 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345
PLEASE DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
SERIAL #
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
1/2” spine
perf
Thank you for choosing D.R. Horton! It is our privilege to have provided you with a new home.
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black or blue pen or a number 2 pencil.
• Make dark marks that fill the oval completely.
• Do not use pens with ink that soaks through the paper.
• Make no stray marks.
1 2 3 A B C
Correct Mark
Correct Numbers
and Letters
✓ ✗
Incorrect
Marks
Please familiarize yourself with the Rating Scale below before taking the survey. Indicate the
extent to which you agree with each item on a 1 to 10 scale where 1 means Strongly
DISAGREE and 10 means Strongly AGREE.
Strongly
AGREE
KEY
Strongly
DISAGREE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
N/A
Also, please share your specific comments with us! At the end of each section you have an
opportunity to write more detailed feedback.
If you have any updates to your contact information, please provide it below.
E-MAIL ADDRESS
(
)
HOME PHONE
(
)
WORK PHONE
(
)
MOBILE PHONE
If your mailing address is different than your lot address, please provide it below.
STREET ADDRESS
CITY
PAGE
2
STATE
ZIP
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
1/2” spine
perf
If a question doesn't apply, please select "N/A" (for not applicable) or leave it unanswered.
Strongly
AGREE
KEY
Strongly
DISAGREE
1
2
3
4
5
Were you referred to D.R. Horton by a friend or acquaintance?
Yes
6
7
8
9
N/A
10
N/A
How many positive recommendations have you given?
No
Were you referred by another D.R. Horton homebuyer?
Yes
No
KEY MEASURES
Please evaluate our overall performance below.
1.
Overall, I am satisfied with my experience with D.R. Horton
1
2.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
D.R. Horton met its commitments to me
N/A
Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of construction and
workmanship of my home
1
3.
1
4.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
I would recommend D.R. Horton to a friend or family member
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
N/A
1/2” spine
perf
Please let us know what we did well and what we can do better:
PURCHASE EXPERIENCE
Please evaluate your experience during the purchase of your home.
3.
Overall, I am satisfied with my purchase experience
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
The D.R. Horton sales representative was knowledgeable about
the available floor plans, home features, and community
N/A
1
1.
The D.R. Horton sales representative was sincere and helpful
1
2.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
4.
N/A
The D.R. Horton sales representative was responsive and
reliable
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
The D.R. Horton sales representative clearly explained the
home-buying process to me (including what I needed to do,
and when, at each step)
1
5.
2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
The D.R. Horton sales representative contacted me frequently
with updates on the progress of my home and on important
timing matters
Please let us know what we did well and what we can do better:
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
3
PAGE
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
2
Strongly
AGREE
KEY
Strongly
DISAGREE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
N/A
10
N/A
DESIGN SELECTIONS
Please evaluate your experience with the process of selecting your design options for your home.
Overall, I am satisfied with my design options experience
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
3.
The design options representative was knowledgeable
about the options available
N/A
1
1.
The design options representative was sincere and helpful
1
2.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
4.
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
I had enough time to make selections during my appointment
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
The design options representative was responsive and
reliable
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Please let us know what we did well and what we can do better:
1/2” spine
perf
CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE
Please evaluate your experience with the construction phase of your home.
2.
The construction representative was responsive and reliable
Overall, I am satisfied with my construction experience
1
1
1.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
The construction representative was sincere and helpful
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
N/A
3.
The construction representative ensured good workmanship
with attention to detail
N/A
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Please let us know what we did well and what we can do better:
PAGE
4
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
Strongly
AGREE
KEY
Strongly
DISAGREE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
N/A
10
N/A
ORIENTATION / WALK-THROUGH EXPERIENCE
Please evaluate your walk-through / home orientation experience, which was your review of your home prior to closing.
Overall, I am satisfied with my orientation / walk-through
experience
1
1.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
The representative proactively identified any necessary
repairs during the orientation
1
4.
The representative was sincere and helpful
1
3.
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
The representative satisfactorily explained the features and
functions of my home
N/A
1
2.
2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
The representative was responsive and reliable
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
5.
The representative clearly explained the warranty manual
and the warranty request process
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
1/2” spine
perf
Please let us know what we did well and what we can do better:
HOME READINESS
Overall, I was satisfied with the condition of my home at
the time of my orientation / walk-through
1
1.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
My estimated purchase-to-move-in timeframe was acceptable
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
4.
The interior of my home was clean and in good condition on
the day I moved in
1
5.
3.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
N/A
My home was completed and ready for move-in on my
scheduled date
1
3
The exterior of my home was clean and in good condition on
the day I moved in
1
2.
2
N/A
6.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
If my community is still under construction, it is kept clean
and orderly
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
My final move-in date was communicated with sufficient time
to arrange for my mover, utilities, etc.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Please let us know what we did well and what we can do better:
5
PAGE
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
Strongly
AGREE
KEY
Strongly
DISAGREE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
N/A
10
N/A
INITIAL SERVICE EXPERIENCE
Please evaluate your service experience with us since moving into your home.
Overall, I am satisfied with the service I've received since
moving into my home
1
1.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2.
My new requests since moving in were acknowledged in a
timely manner (if applicable)
N/A
Any remaining items identified during my orientation / walkthrough were corrected in the promised timeframe
1
3.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
I am satisfied with the quality and cleanliness of repairs
1
1
2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
N/A
Please let us know what we did well and what we can do better:
Overall, I am satisfied with the mortgage experience
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
5.
1/2” spine
perf
LENDER EXPERIENCE
My lender provided a timely response and follow-through to
my questions or requests
N/A
1
1.
I would recommend my lender to a friend or family member
1
2.
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
8.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
N/A
My lender provided flexibility in scheduling appointments
1
5
My lender provided timely notification of funds and documents
needed for closing
1
4.
4
My lender kept me informed about the loan and documentation
progress without my having to ask
N/A
My lender adequately explained the loan process and
document requirements
1
1
7.
3
I felt I could trust my lender representative(s)
N/A
I am satisfied that my loan product meets my individual
needs
1
3.
2
6.
2
9.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
The closing requirements were communicated accurately
N/A
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
267305–2/2
If you did not use DHI Mortgage as your lender, why did you select a different lender?
Please let us know what we did well and what we can do better:
PAGE
6
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
Strongly
AGREE
KEY
Strongly
DISAGREE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
N/A
10
N/A
CLOSING / TITLE / ESCROW EXPERIENCE
4.
Overall, I am satisfied with the closing experience
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
The escrow / title company provided adequate time to
thoroughly review documents before or at closing
N/A
1
1.
1
2.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
6.
N/A
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
7.
N/A
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
The escrow / title company provided a timely response
and follow-through to my questions or requests
1
The escrow / title company provided flexibility in scheduling
the document signing appointment
3
The escrow / title company treated me in a courteous and
respectful manner
N/A
The escrow / title office hours were convenient and flexible
1
3.
5.
I would recommend the escrow / title company to a friend or
family member
2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Any final document changes required during the closing
appointment were handled in an efficient manner
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
1/2” spine
perf
Please let us know what we did well and what we can do better:
KEY
Very
DISSATISFIED
1
Very
SATISFIED
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
N/A
10
N/A
INSTALLATION AND WORKMANSHIP
1.
1
2.
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
5.
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
10
N/A
6
7
8
9
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
10. Plumbing operation
Interior paint
1
4
Fireplace(s) exterior (surround, hearth, mantle)
1
N/A
3
Fireplace(s) operation (if applicable)
1
9.
2
Doors (interior/exterior)
1
8.
Drywall
Interior trim (baseboards, window casing, door casing)
1
7.
Builder installed appliances
1
4.
2
Countertops
1
3.
6.
Cabinets and drawers
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
N/A
1
2
3
7
PAGE
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
9
KEY
Very
DISSATISFIED
1
Very
SATISFIED
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
N/A
10
N/A
INSTALLATION AND WORKMANSHIP CONTINUED
11.
24.
Flooring
1
12.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Interior lighting
1
2
Lot grading and water drainage
1
25.
Electrical systems (outlets and switches)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
26.
23.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Fencing (if applicable)
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Please let us know what we did well and what we can do better:
2
3
4
5
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Would you like to be contacted by a D.R. Horton representative
from your local division?
(If you would like to submit a service / warranty request, please
follow the guidelines provided to you by your local division)
Please provide a reason for contact:
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Wall alignment
1
2
1
2
Roof
Thanks for taking the time to provide us
with your valuable feedback!
Concrete (driveways, slabs, garage floors, walkways)
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
PAGE
N/A
Exterior paint
1
8
10
PLEASE DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
S C A N T R O N
®
OpScan iNSIGHT™ EM-267305-4:654321
SERIAL #
1/2” spine
perf
22.
9
Exterior walls (brick, stucco, siding, stone)
1
21.
8
Yes, please contact me
1
20.
3
Garage door
1
19.
2
Windows / sliding glass doors
1
18.
7
Staircase (banister, spindles, etc.) (if applicable)
1
17.
6
Heating / Air conditioning
1
16.
5
Structured wiring / low voltage electrical (home network,
telephone, video, audio)
1
15.
4
N/A
1
14.
3
Landscaping
1
13.
2
Homeowner Satisfaction Survey
A mid-year assessment of your service experience with D.R. Horton
Henry and Harriett Homebuyer
1234 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345
CCoom
mm
muunniittyy:: Best Community
LLoott//UUnniitt NNoo:: 0001
Dear Homeowner:
Thank you for choosing D.R. Horton! It is our privilege to have provided you with a new home.
Now that you are about mid-way through your first year of home ownership, I would greatly appreciate your assistance by
completing this short survey. This is our second survey from our corporate headquarters and focuses on your experience with us
since you purchased your home. The first survey you received primarily focused on your purchase experience.
Your feedback is invaluable in evaluating our performance so that we know what we did well and what we can improve upon.
If you'd prefer to complete the survey online, please go to the web address below and enter the login ID provided:
Web address: [URL Address - general]
Login: [Login ID]
You may also have received an email invitation to take this survey, if you have already completed the survey online, please do
not respond to this survey.
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us.
Sincerely,
Mr. Bob Builder
Division President
Please provide your contact
information below.
D
D..R
R..HHoorrttoonn,, IInncc..
A B C Office
1111 Main St.
Anytown, USA 12345
E-MAIL ADDRESS
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black or blue pen or a number 2 pencil.
• Make dark marks that fill the oval completely.
• Do not use pens with ink that soaks through
the paper.
• Make no stray marks.
(
)
HOME PHONE
(
)
WORK PHONE
Correct Numbers and Letters
Correct Mark
1 2 3
A B C
✓ ✗
Incorrect Marks
(
)
MOBILE PHONE
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
OpScan iNSIGHT™ forms by Pearson NCS MM269880-2
Please familiarize yourself with this Rating Scale. It goes
from 1 to 10 where 1 means Strongly DISAGREE and 10
means Strongly AGREE. "N/A" means not applicable.
Also, please share your specific comments with us!
Strongly
DISAGREE
1
321
Printed in U.S.A.
Strongly
AGREE
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
N/A
10
N/A
KEY MEASURES
Please evaluate our overall performance below.
1.
1
2.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
4a.
How many positive
recommendations have you given?
4b.
Of these, how many have purchased
or are in the process of purchasing?
N/A
N/A
D.R. Horton met its commitments to me
1
I would recommend D.R. Horton to a friend or family member
N/A
Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of construction and
workmanship of my home
1
3.
4.
Overall, I am satisfied with my experience with D.R. Horton
N/A
Please let us know what we did well and what we can do better:
CUSTOMER SERVICE / WARRANTY EXPERIENCE
Overall, I am satisfied with my customer service / warranty experience
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
6.
The representative provided convenient methods for me to
communicate my service needs or questions
N/A
1
1.
I feel I could trust my customer service / warranty representative(s)
1
2.
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
The representative met his / her commitments to me
1
3.
2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
8.
5.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10.
N/A
The representative was knowledgeable about my home and its
features
1
6
7
8
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
N/A
3
4
5
6
7
8
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
N/A
9
10
N/A
9
10
N/A
9
10
N/A
9
10
N/A
Service personnel cleaned up during and after completing
repairs
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Would you like to be contacted by a D.R. Horton representative from your local division?
(If you would like to submit a service / warranty request, please follow the guidelines provided to you by your local division)
Please provide a reason for contact:
10
I am satisfied with the quality of repairs
1
11.
2
Please let us know what we did well and what we can do better:
Yes, please contact me
9
N/A
The representative provided a timely response and follow-through
to my questions or requests
1
5
Outstanding warranty items were corrected within the promised
time frame
1
4.
4
Service personnel arrived on-time or called if delayed
1
9.
3
The representative was flexible in scheduling my service
appointment(s)
1
N/A
The representative treated me in a respectful manner
1
7.
2
9
10
N/A
Homeowner Satisfaction Survey
A year-end assessment of your home’s quality and service from D.R. Horton
Henry and Harriett Homebuyer
1234 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345
Community: Best Community
Lot/Unit No: 0001
Dear Homeowner:
Thank you for choosing D.R. Horton! It is our privilege to have provided you with a new home.
Now that you have been in your home for about one year, I would greatly appreciate your assistance. This is our
third and final survey from our corporate headquarters and focuses on your home's quality and experience with our
personnel during your first year.
Although you may have completed previous surveys, this final survey is extremely important. It is conducted by our
corporate headquarters and is used to assess our performance as a division. Each question is analyzed carefully, so
please try to answer each question independently…specific comments are greatly appreciated.
If you'd prefer to complete the survey online, please go to the web address below
and enter the login ID provided:
Web address: [URL Address - general]
Login: [Login ID]
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us.
Sincerely,
Mr. Bob Builder
Division President
D.R. Horton, Inc.
A B C Office
1111 Main St.
Anytown, USA 12345
PLEASE DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
You may also have received an email invitation to take this survey, if you have
already completed the survey online, please do not respond to this survey.
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black or blue pen or a number 2 pencil.
• Make dark marks that fill the oval completely.
• Do not use pens with ink that soaks through the paper.
• Make no stray marks.
1 2 3 A B C
Correct Mark
Correct Numbers
and Letters
✓ ✗
Incorrect
Marks
Please familiarize yourself with the Rating Scale below before taking the survey. Indicate the
extent to which you agree with each item on a 1 to 10 scale where 1 means Strongly
DISAGREE and 10 means Strongly AGREE.
Strongly
AGREE
KEY
Strongly
DISAGREE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
N/A
If a question doesn't apply, please select "N/A" (for not applicable) or leave it unanswered.
Also, please share your specific comments with us! At the end of each section you have an
opportunity to write more detailed feedback.
If you have any updates to your contact information, please provide it below.
E-MAIL ADDRESS
(
)
HOME PHONE
(
)
WORK PHONE
(
)
MOBILE PHONE
If your mailing address is different than your lot address, please provide it below.
STREET ADDRESS
CITY
PAGE
2
STATE
ZIP
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
KEY
Strongly
AGREE
Strongly
DISAGREE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
N/A
10
N/A
KEY MEASURES
1.
Overall, I am satisfied with my experience with D.R. Horton
1
2.
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
4.
I would recommend D.R. Horton to a friend or family member
N/A
1
Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of construction and
workmanship of my home
1
3.
2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
10
N/A
D.R. Horton met its commitments to me
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
4a.
How many positive
recommendations have you given?
4b.
Of these, how many have purchased
or are in the process of purchasing?
N/A
Please let us know what we did well and what we can do better:
CUSTOMER SERVICE / WARRANTY EXPERIENCE
Overall, I am satisfied with my customer service / warranty
experience
1
1.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
6.
N/A
1
7.
I feel I could trust my customer service / warranty
representative(s)
The representative provided convenient methods for me to
communicate my service needs or questions
2.
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
8.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
9.
N/A
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Service personnel arrived on-time or called if delayed
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Outstanding warranty items were corrected within the
promised time frame
1
10.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
I am satisfied with the quality of repairs
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
N/A
The representative was knowledgeable about my home
and its features
1
5
N/A
The representative provided a timely response and
follow-through to my questions or requests
2
4
N/A
The representative treated me in a respectful manner
1
5.
4
1
1
4.
3
The representative met his / her commitments to me
1
3.
2
3
The representative was flexible in scheduling my service
appointment(s)
1
1
2
N/A
11.
Service personnel cleaned up during and after completing
repairs
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Please let us know what we did well and what we can do better:
3
PAGE
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
KEY
Very
DISSATISFIED
1
Very
SATISFIED
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
N/A
10
N/A
WINDOWS AND SLIDING GLASS DOORS
Windows and sliding glass doors - Overall
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
3.
Keep out dust, wind, noise, water
1
1.
Adequate placement / ventilation
1
2.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
4.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Opening, closing, locking
1
2
3
4
5
Ease of cleaning
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Comments:
PLUMBING SYSTEM
4.
Plumbing system - Overall
1
1.
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
2
3
4
5
1
5.
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Noise level (water, pipes)
1
3.
3
Absence of leaks and drips
1
2.
2
Time to receive hot water
3
4
Uniform water pressure
1
6.
2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Toilet operation
1
2
Operation of plumbing fixtures (e.g., faucets, drains,
shower heads)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Comments:
CABINETS AND DRAWERS
2.
Cabinets and Drawers - Overall
1
1.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Finish hardware appearance (knobs, handles, hinges, latches)
Quality of materials used
1
3.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
3
4
5
Operation (doors, drawers, latches, hinges)
1
1
2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
N/A
Comments:
PAGE
4
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
KEY
Very
DISSATISFIED
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Very
SATISFIED
N/A
10
N/A
9
COUNTERTOPS
2.
Countertops - Overall
1
1.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Kitchen (materials, workmanship, grout, maintenance)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Bathroom (materials, workmanship, grout, maintenance)
1
3.
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Other Countertops (laundry room, etc.)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Comments:
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
3.
Heating and Air Conditioning - Overall
1
1.
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
1
4.
Energy-efficiency (usage cost)
1
2.
2
7
8
9
10
5.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
3
4
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Thermostat location / ease of operation
1
1
2
Temperature consistency between rooms / floors
1
N/A
Noise level (air vents, fan)
Placement of air vents
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
N/A
Comments:
INTERIOR TRIM
3.
Interior Trim - Overall
1
1.
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
1
4.
Baseboards
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
Door trim / casings
1
1
2.
2
Window trim / casings
2
3
N/A
Crown molding (along ceilings), if applicable
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Comments:
5
PAGE
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
KEY
Very
DISSATISFIED
1
Very
SATISFIED
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
N/A
10
N/A
DOORS (INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR)
Doors (Interior and Exterior) - Overall
1
1.
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Quality of all other doors
4.
Operation of doors
N/A
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Quality of front door
1
2.
2
3.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
5.
Keep out dust, wind, noise, water
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
N/A
8
9
10
6.
3
Finish hardware quality (knobs, latches, hinges, locks)
1
N/A
2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
10
N/A
Garage doors
1
Comments:
FLOORING
2.
Flooring - Overall
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
1
3.
1. Carpet
Other flooring (tile, wood, stone, vinyl)
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
9
10
N/A
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Construction (movement, squeaks, grout)
1
1
2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
10
N/A
Comments:
INTERIOR LIGHTING
Interior Lighting - Overall
1
2
3
4
5
2.
6
7
8
Quality / performance of light fixtures
1
1.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Sufficient (builder installed) lighting
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Comments:
PAGE
6
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
KEY
Very
DISSATISFIED
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Very
SATISFIED
N/A
10
N/A
9
STRUCTURED WIRING / LOW VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL
3.
Structured Wiring / Low Voltage Electric - Overall
1
1.
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
1
4.
Telephone
1
2.
2
2
3
Computer data ports (if applicable)
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
9
10
N/A
Audio / Visual wiring (if applicable)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Television / Cable
1
2
3
Comments:
OTHER CONSTRUCTION ITEMS
1.
Wall alignment
1
2.
9.
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
10.
5.
1
11.
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
14.
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Placement and number of electrical outlets
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Lot grading and water drainage
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
15.
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Landscaping
1
16.
N/A
Fencing, if applicable
1
2
3
4
Sprinkler / irrigation system (if builder installed)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
7
PAGE
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
7
N/A
17.
Comments:
6
Placement and number of light switches
1
N/A
Concrete (driveways, slabs, garage floors, walkways)
1
5
Staircase (banister, spindles, etc.) (if applicable)
1
13.
Drywall (wall / ceiling finish, cracks, joints, nail bubbling)
1
8.
3
Interior paint (coverage, durability, uniform color, ease of
cleaning)
1
7.
12.
Exterior paint (coverage, uniform color, trim)
1
6.
2
4
N/A
Exterior walls (stucco, siding, stone)
1
3
Fireplace(s) exterior (surround, hearth, mantle)
1
4.
2
N/A
Minimal sound transmission between outer walls and floors
1
Fireplace(s) operation (if applicable)
N/A
Roofing (construction quality, performance, and appearance)
1
3.
2
KEY
Very
DISSATISFIED
1
Very
SATISFIED
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
N/A
10
N/A
APPLIANCE OPERATIONS
3.
Appliance Operations - Overall
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Microwave (if applicable)
N/A
1
2
3
4
5
4.
1.
7
8
9
10
N/A
Cooktop / Range and Hood
1
2.
6
Dishwasher
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
5. Refrigerator (if applicable)
Oven
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
N/A
Comments:
YOUR COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD
3.
Your Community and Neighborhood - Overall
1
1.
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
10
5.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Appearance of common areas (landscaping, slopes, pool)
N/A
Attractive appearance of entrance (monuments and landscaping)
1
1
4.
Adequate guest parking
1
2.
2
Appealing mix of architectural styles and colors
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Timely and courteous response by homeowners' association
to your questions (if applicable)
N/A
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
N/A
Comments:
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
1.
Briefly, what is one thing you like most about your home?
2.
What suggestions can you offer for improving the design, construction, or service of your home?
Would you like to be contacted by a D.R. Horton representative from your local division?
(If you would like to submit a service / warranty request, please follow the guidelines provided to you by your local division)
Yes, please contact me
Please provide a reason for contact:
PAGE
OpScan iNSIGHT™ forms by Pearson NCS MM269879-2
8
321
Printed in U.S.A.
PLEASE DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
Copyright © 2007 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.
D•R•hORTON
Foundations Manual
ACB / ARB
Frequent requests / Questions
\
"'------
Architectural Standards
Flags
No exterior construction, alteration, addition,
or erection of any nature, whatsoever, shall be
commenced without prior approval.
Banners and flags are not allowed as a
permanent feature. -
Animals and Pets _
Garbage
Animals and pets must be properly restrained
and are not allowed to roam free. County leash
laws are also applicable within the community.
All garbage cans and woodpiles must be
screened from view. These items may not
be seen by neighboring residents or from
streets. No exterior clotheslines of any type
are permitted on any lot.
Boats/Trailers/Campers
Landscape
Boats, trailers, and campers cannot be parked
regularly in sight from the street.
The ARC must approve, in writing,
any landscaping changes such as the
removal of :trees.
Fences
Mailboxes
The construction or alteration of any fence
or wall must be approved, in advance, by the
ARC. (e.g. dog-eared, shadowbox, unpainted
cedar fence.) For specific information, please
refer to the Covenants.
All mailboxes and mailbox posts shall be the
style and color originally provided.
Cans/Woodpiles
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Playground Equipment
Statuary
All playground equipment must be approved,
in advance, by the ARC. This includes
basketball goals. Above ground swimming
pools are not permitted.
Additions to normal landscape such as
birdbaths, statues, etc. are prohibited
unless prior written approval is received
bytheARC.
Remodeling/Additions·
Vehicles -
The ARC must approve, in writing, all
exterior additions, alterations, or changes
in color, shape, and materials of houses
or other structures.
All vehicles must be parked in designated
parking areas. For proper definition, please
refer to the Covenants.
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Satellite Dishes/Antennas
Unless written approval is obtained,
in advance, from the ARC, no exterior
satellite dish or antennae is permitted on
any structureorlot.
Signage
All signage must be approved, in advance,
by the ARC with the exception of traditional
FOR SALE signs. Only one FOR SALE
sign is permitted and may be placed in the
front yard.
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