Moisture can be a big problem for brick walls. To avoid expensive repairs, avoid planting gardens too close to brickwork as the moisture from the garden can seep through external cavities, potentially damaging plaster or floor coverings. Ensure reticulation and watering systems do not spray directly onto brickwork.
Marks can occur on light coloured clay bricks in the form of yellow/ green discolouration and is neither permanent nor harmful and does not indicate a fault with the bricks or workmanship. These are generally referred to as ‘vanadium stains’.
Your render can be cleaned with a hose. If staining occurs, a soft brush and a hose is the safest method of cleaning. It is not recommended to use any chemicals or commercial grade cleaners as this may cause discolouration or excessive wear to your render.
All rendered surfaces can fade over time. Darker colours do have the tendency to fade quicker than lighter coloured render.
Please note: colour fading is not considered a building defect and is not covered under warranty.
Before picking up the keys to your new home, a roof service is carried out to ensure your roof is sound and free from any form of damage. Any leaks in your home should be repaired without delay, as water damage can cause havoc in your home. Inspect roof tiles regularly, making sure that loose ridge tiles are re-bedded and cracked tiles are replaced.
If you have a leak following extreme weather conditions you will need to contact your home insurer. A leak is only considered defective if it is leaking under normal weather conditions.
If you have an antenna, solar panels, Foxtel or skylights installed after handover, Boutique will not take responsibility for leaks occurring in that general area. Please consult your contractor to rectify.
Your metal roof is Colorcote. It is normal to hear creaks and banging sounds. This is due to the metal roof expanding and contracting with changes in weather conditions and will generally be heard more in the warmer months.
If your roof is tiled, spare roof tiles are also provided and left in your garage. If you are arranging any works post-handover such as Antenna/ Foxtel installations, we suggest your roof be inspected for any damage once complete.
We install the provisions. It is your responsibility to engage a qualified electrician to install the antenna.
We recommend you clean your gutter and downpipes regularly to keep them free from debris. Gutters clogged with leaves can cause problems with water flow. It’s also worth installing mesh over your gutters if trees surround your home. For coastal homes (within 2km of the ocean), gutters and fascias must be washed down in the Summer every 3 months.
You may find that your external metal finishes will fade overtime as they are constantly being exposed to all elements, this is considered normal. If you experience any leaking in the first 12 months contact our warranties department.
Your hot water system is designed with a pressure relief valve that will release water on a regular basis, so don’t worry if you see steam or water coming from the valve intermittently. Do not encase your hot water service in concrete. This must be higher than your concrete perimeter paving.
We provide a hot water service overflow drain. This drain is not to be removed or tampered with. It is important that the overflow pipe from your hot water service is directed to the overflow drain at all times.
You may experience an initial delay in receiving hot water. Please be aware that your hot water service has a water saving device which reduces the water pressure while heating up the water. The pressure is then increased when water has reached desired heat temperature.
The frost valve on your solar panel is covered for 12 months under manufacturer’s warranty. If you have any concerns regarding your Solar Panels within the first 12 months please contact the Warranties department. If it is past your 12 months please contact the manufacturer directly. It is important to follow the periodic maintenance steps as per the product manual. If for any reason the sensor wire, tank or gas booster are removed, it is important that this is done by a professional. A simple disconnection or damage of the low voltage sensor wire can cause damage to the entire panel system.
Driveways may seem solid, but they are designed for normal, family vehicles. Heavy vehicles should not be driven on them as this may lead to cracking or sinking. You should also avoid driving on the driveways edge for the same reasons.
If you notice hairline cracking, please monitor as this can be due to shrinkage. If the cracks open up to wider than 1.5mm in width please contact the Warranties Department.
Please keep in mind that paint, much like many other components of a home, requires maintenance to keep it looking its best and to protect the material it is applied to. All paints and varnishes differ in their minimum durability periods, so we recommend this be considered when carrying out periodic homeowner maintenance. For example, most exterior acrylics carry a minimum durability period of 3 years under normal weather conditions. However, factors such as orientation, along with levels of shelter can create different exposure levels, making particular areas more susceptible to deterioration than others.
Please note: Marks, scuffs and damage will not be covered in warranty period.
It is recommended that you coat your timber external doors annually as they are exposed to all types of weather daily. It is best that you clean your doors with a soft rag and do not use any harsh chemicals to clean the glass or frames. Homes near saltwater and doors with high weather exposure will require more frequent maintenance.
To extend the life and functionality of your sliding/ stacker door remove dirt, dust and any obstructions from the bottom track and lubricate rollers and tracks. Scratched glass or frames are not covered under the builder’s warranty.
Timber doors painted in darker colours can be more susceptible to warping. This is not a warranty defect. No guarantee is provided by the builder or manufacturer for doors painted with dark colours.
Door handles, hinges and locks work better if you clean and lubricate them regularly. If you require additional front door keys, you can attend to your local Bunnings special orders desk or an Assa Abloy approved locksmith. Your will be required to take a copy of your rates or land title and a copy of the Assa Abloy new key form. Only home owners on the rates or land titles can order new keys. When selling your home, please ensure that a copy of the Assa Abloy new home owner registration form is passed on to your Real Estate agent.
To ensure your garage door continues to function as intended, it is recommended that you lubricate your garage door every 6 months and have it serviced annually. Be sure to clean your garage door with a hose and avoid harsh chemicals that may cause fading or damage to your door.
If you need to re-program your garage door remotes, please refer to the manufacturer’s manual. If your garage door is experiencing issues within the first 12 months, please contact the Warranties Department.
Please contact the installer directly to obtain a quote as servicing is not covered under your 12-month warranty.
To ensure window tracks glide smoothly, keep them free from sand, dirt and obstructions. This will avoid damaging the roller wheels. It is your responsibility to ensure the windows are cleaned every 3-6 months or as necessary. It is best that you clean your windows with a soft rag and do not use any harsh chemicals to clean the glass or frames. Scratched glass or frames are not covered under the builder’s warranty.
When maintaining your timber windows, it is best that you varnish them as required as they are exposed to all elements. Homes near saltwater will need to maintain all windows more regularly as the salt air can cause rusting.
If you notice that your windows are leaking in normal weather conditions within the first 12 months, please contact the Warranties department. Please contact the manufacturer directly after 12 months of being in your home. If you notice your windows are leaking in extreme weather or whilst using a hose to clean them, this is not considered to be normal weather conditions and are not covered under warranty. Some windows are manufactured with condensation weep holes, designed for normal weather conditions.
To reduce condensation, ensure your home is adequately ventilated by opening windows and using extraction fans.
Please note: condensation is not considered a defect.