Conclusion of Stages

This concludes the series on the different stages of construction. If you missed any posts, please review them here.

Once all construction is finished, the homebuyer receives an orientation about their new home. Warranty information is explained and all of the home’s features are described and illustrated so that homebuyers become familiar with their home.

The orientation allows us to explain the feature and functions of your home. If there are any items that need correction they will be documented at this orientation for correction. The orientation is also an opportunity to review important manufacturer warranty and maintenance information.

Orientations are typically scheduled for 8:00 am and 2:00 pm Monday through Friday. There are three to five business days between the Orientation and the close of escrow/key release date.

Typically, the title appointment is scheduled the same day as the orientation. It is a good idea to call two working days before your title company appointment to make sure your lender has the loan documents and any funding conditions to the title company. The following items are required at this appointment:  A Cashier’s Check for the Balance Due, and Proper identification as well as any documentation required by your lender as a funding condition. Be advised that it may take a couple of days to fund and record.  It’s best to plan on leaving a couple of days open just in case there is a problem.

It may seem like summer has just begun, but “Back to School” time is just around the corner. This year, Fulton Homes is gearing up for the new school year with their Stuff the Bus campaign. Held at Chandler Fashion Center, the summer-long event benefits the Children First Academy of Tempe. The Fulton Homes Stuff the Bus initiative collects new backpacks, school supplies and clothing for the kids of the Children First Academy of Tempe, formerly the Thomas J. Pappas School. Fulton Homes, along with partner 99.9 KEZ, will be kicking off the program on Tuesday, June 22nd with a live remote from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. 99.9 KEZ radio personality Marty Manning will also be on-site at various times throughout the event. The Chandler Fashion Center is located at Chandler Boulevard and Loop 101.

Stuff the Bus, which runs through July 21, is a promotion that is true to its name. There will be a full-size school bus parked inside the Chandler Fashion Center, located in the Macy’s Court. The bus will be painted with the handprints of all the children involved with Children First Academy, and the handprints will detail the items that each child needs for a successful school year. Donators have the option of either choosing one of the handprints and purchasing the items specific to that child, or simply donating general supplies. Located at the bus will be a list of items that the children will be in need of for this year. The categories are split up into school supplies, clothing, and hygiene kits.

For those who wish to donate to Stuff the Bus, Fulton Homes and 99.9 KEZ are making the experience as fun and convenient as possible. Whenever the Chandler Fashion Center is open, there will be volunteers from the Maricopa County Schoolhouse Foundation ready to accept any and all donated items. KEZ Radio personality Marty Manning will also be on-site at Chandler Fashion Center the following dates:

June 22nd – 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. (Kick Off)

June 26th – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

July 2nd – 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

July 3rd – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

July 9th – 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

July 16th – 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

July 23rd – 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

July 24th – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

“Lending a helping hand to families in need across the Valley is extremely gratifying and it perfectly complements our mission of developing people, not just homes,” remarks Douglas Fulton, CEO of Tempe-based homebuilder Fulton Homes. “Everyone deserves an education, and we are incredibly proud that Stuff the Bus program will help some very deserving children start the school year off right with some of the tools they need to succeed.”

All of the items donated to Stuff the Bus will go directly to the students at Children First Academy of Tempe. The Tempe Campus of Children First Academy opened as a Pappas school in 2001 and specializes in providing education to kids of homeless or underprivileged families. Many Valley residents might be familiar with the school’s previous name, the Thomas J. Pappas School, which provided these same opportunities to families. “Helping disadvantaged children receive an education has always been the priority of Children First Academy of Tempe,” says Diane Fernichio, Assistant Principal of the school. “As every parent knows,” states Fernichio, “The cost of starting school each year continues to rise. Clothes and school supplies can be difficult to afford for the average student. For families in need, it becomes impossible.”

There are many features in your new home that you’ll need to make sure to become familiar with.  From your air conditioning to your smoke detectors there is a lot to learn!  Please take a look at the interior and exterior product information we have gathered to assist you in understanding how you’re new home features work. By learning how these products operate, you will be able to keep them working at their optimum efficiency for the maximum comfort in your new home.

Electrical & Smoke Detection

Electrical

Some receptacles are controlled by a switch and are typically installed “upside-down” for quick reference. One of the outlets in the receptacle will be controlled by the switch and the other should have power all the time.

Per building code requirements GFCI protected receptacles “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters” are installed adjacent to water sources, in kitchens, in bathrooms, in laundry rooms, on the exterior of the home and in the garage. These receptacles are designed to trip when a short or power surge is detected. This will prevent dangerous electrical shock. When this occurs, the GFCI outlets will need to be reset according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not plug a freezer or refrigerator into a GFCI receptacle, the constant surges created by these appliances will short out the GFCI and everything in the freezer or refrigerator will be lost. (To see a recent post on GFCI’s, click here.)

Arc Fault receptacles are installed in bedrooms. These outlets will trip if there is an electrical cord breakage or appliance failure causing an arc fault short in the wire or appliance.

All light bulbs are maximum wattage. When replacing bulbs be sure to use bulbs of the same or lower wattage.

Please note that lighting will sometimes dim when a major appliance or HVAC system is turned on. This is normal and will not cause any damage to your electrical system.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are “hard” wired and have battery back-up. Change batteries every six months. Be sure to change the batteries in ALL smoke detectors at the same time. They will “chirp” when the batteries are low.

We hope this helps you understand more about how the electrical and smoke detection in your home works!

Today continues a series about the stages of construction. Our goal is to help you understand the stages of construction, learn about how we do things and what you can expect during each stage. In this series, we have covered 7 additional stages of construction. To see the previous stages of construction, click here.

During this stage, the carpet is installed and the home is cleaned in preparation for the homebuyer orientation and final inspection by the local municipality building & safety inspector. The lot has a final raking and the grade certification is completed. This certification is provided by an independent survey company. Any final questions and problems are also addressed at this time.

All finished surfaces are cleaned prior to pre-carpet paint touch-up. This includes windows, tubs, cabinets, tile, mirrors and counter-tops. Most paint touch-up is done prior to carpet installation, but a final touch-up is always needed after carpet.

A Fulton Homes Construction Manager or Area Manager assures each home meets Fulton Homes Quality standards prior to installation of flooring. At this time, the home should be nearing completion except for the flooring and appliances. Any items found during this quality assurance inspection will be addressed before move in.

You will have a pre-orientation meeting to confirm options and address any concerns.

A final inspection for certificate of occupancy is performed by the local municipality building & safety inspector.

Floor covering installations is one of the last things to be done on the home. Minor floor preparation is done prior to floor coverings installation.

The Fulton Homes Detail Technician is utilized to put the finishing touches on the home prior to the orientation. The Fulton Homes Detail Technician is also required to accompany the Orientation Specialist during the orientation, to take care of any minor adjustments necessary.

The appliances will be installed the day of Close of Escrow. It is company policy not to install appliances until at this time due to theft and insurance issues!

We hope this helps you further understand the different stages of construction.

There are many features in your new home that you’ll need to make sure to become familiar with.  From your air conditioning to your smoke detectors there is a lot to learn!  Please take a look at the interior and exterior product information we have gathered to assist you in understanding how you’re new home features work. By learning how these products operate, you will be able to keep them working at their optimum efficiency for the maximum comfort in your new home.

Cracks and Squeaks in Your Home

Cracks & Squeaks in your home are normal. There are many different materials used in the construction of a home.

Most building materials are subject to expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity.  This is especially true of all concrete and drywall.  Due to this expansion, as well as the natural shrinkage which takes place at the time the material sets, it is inevitable that some cracks may appear in foundations, walks, driveways, porch floors, basement floors and steps, as well as dry-wall.  These are natural occurrences beyond our control and the strength of the various items is in no way impaired.

The structural lumber in your home, which includes the trusses, the joists, studding, rafters and other framing members, has been selected in sizes and grades that provide a factor of safety over and beyond that which is necessary to carry the loads for which they are intended. Shrinkage in all wood is inevitable and occurs in the drying out period of the new home.

This shrinkage in the framing explains why certain moldings, trim around doors and windows, as well as baseboard and shoe molding sometimes seem to work out of their original position.  Shrinkage can cause joints in the woodwork to open, doors to warp, cracks to appear in drywall, particularly around door and window openings, drywall arches and stairwells.  This shrinkage can be minimized by maintaining a constant temperature in your home throughout the year, particularly during the first year.

Wood floors may squeak! Sub-floor adhesive and screws are used to anchor the sub-floor to the truss joints. Even with these precautionary measures, wood floors will always flex and can eventually squeak to some extent.

We hope this helps you understand a little more about your home!

Reader Question:

I was wondering if you could tell me what I would need to do if I smell gas in my home. I think I know what to do, but would appreciate some expert advice.

Thank you! – Cindy A, Phoenix, AZ

Answer:

Cindy,

Great question! If you smell gas in your home, here are a few simple tips for you to keep in mind. A good idea would be to bookmark this page or print it out so that you will know what to do in the event that you do smell gas in your home.

If you smell gas:

• Do not use light switches or phones, including cell phones in your home.
• Leave your home immediately.
• Call the gas company from a neighbor’s home.

In an emergency the gas can be shut off at the valve at the gas meter.

The typical locations for gas valves in your home are at the:

• Cooktop
• Furnace in the attic
• Furnace in the mechanical room
• Utility/Laundry Room
• Water heater
• Fireplace

The typical locations for gas valves on the exterior of your home are at the:

• Gas main at the gas meter
• BBQ
• Pool/spa
• Exterior fireplace

Stay safe and don’t take any changes if you smell gas in your home!

Today continues a series about the stages of construction. Our goal is to help you understand the stages of construction, learn about how we do things and what you can expect during each stage. In this series, we will cover 1 additional stage of construction. To see the previous stages of construction, click here.

In Stage 7, the final coat of stucco is applied to the home and readied for exterior painting, the fences are installed, the final grading is completed, the roof is finished and the exterior of the home is completed then painted. The mirror and shower doors are also installed at this time. Towards the end of this stage is the completion of flatwork and interior & exterior trims; this includes plumbing trims & fixtures, HVAC adjustments and electrical trims & fixtures.

Stucco is applied in two applications, a base coat, sometimes called a brown coat, and a finish or texture coat. The exterior paint is applied after the stucco system has cured.

Stucco is susceptible to cracking due to expansion and contraction. Cracks should be expected during the lifetime of the home due to fluctuating temperatures. This is normal and does not reduce the function of the stucco in any way. Your Limited Warranty does not cover normal hairline cracks in stucco. The white, powdery substance that sometimes accumulates on stucco surfaces is called efflorescence. This is a natural phenomenon and cannot be prevented. Consult your home center or hardware store for commercial products to remove efflorescence.

The plumbing trim includes the water heater, tubs, toilets, shower valves, sinks, faucets and garbage disposal. Installation of these items is scheduled after the tile and countertops are installed. Electrical, HVAC, and low voltage trims can begin as soon as the interior paint is done. All finish trims are completed prior to installation of hardwood or carpet.

Drywall touch-up is scheduled to take place after all finish trims are complete. Drywall damage of some sort is inevitable throughout the course of construction.

Fence footers are installed and the masonry fence block is installed. Please be advised that fence heights will vary depending on your lot and neighboring lot elevation changes.

At the exterior of the home, the final grade will be cut once all of the flatwork is complete, scaffolding is removed, masonry fences installed and the home-site are free of debris.

We hope this helps you understand more about the different stages of construction!

There are many features in your new home that you’ll need to make sure to become familiar with.  From your air conditioning to your smoke detectors there is a lot to learn!  Please take a look at the interior and exterior product information we have gathered to assist you in understanding how you’re new home features work. By learning how these products operate, you will be able to keep them working at their optimum efficiency for the maximum comfort in your new home.

Older toilets held 3-5 gallons of water in the holding tank. Per current code these tanks cannot hold more than 1.6 gallons of water. There are many twists and turns in a normal sewer line and some of these pipes may be 50- 60 feet in length. Much like washing leaves down the gutter, a sufficient amount of water is required to carry the waste for any length. Therefore it may be necessary to “flush twice” or hold the handle down after toilet use to push waste down the sewer pipe.

If you have a spare bath that is rarely used, keep in mind that flushing once will only provide enough water to carry the waste in the line a short distance. If this bathroom is not used again for some time the waste may dry and stick to the pipe causing a back-up and overflow during its next use. It is recommended that you flush toilets and run water down bathroom drains that get little use on a monthly basis to prevent the traps from drying up and emitting sewer gases into your home.

It’s not the most glamorous topic, but we hope that we have helped you understand more about the toilets in your home!

Below are some helpful things you might want to know about the doors in your home!

Your home comes with a variety of doors that subject to expansion, contraction, and minor movement with changes in heat and humidity and normal settling of your home. The result can be warping and sticking. This is normal and may correct itself as conditions change. You should allow you home to go through at least one dry and one damp season before you make permanent changes.

The hinges and locks on your doors may require lubrication from time to time for proper maintenance and to prevent squeaks. Remove the hinge pin and rub it with a graphite tube or lead pencil and then replace it. We do not recommend using oil because it accumulates dust.

Interior & Exterior Doors:

Look at your doors carefully.  Be advised that security and storm doors will void the warranty on your door and possibly the wall surrounding it. Additionally, glass storm doors add heat which may cause warpage or discoloring of your exterior doors. The operation of the door is affected by humidity levels. Please be advised that your exterior door thresholds need maintenance, keep the finish clean and adjust for weather seal as needed. Interior doors should not warp in excess of ¼ inch, top to bottom. You should be sure to prohibit children from swinging on doors.

Check the finish on your exterior doors several times a year. Doors that receive direct sunlight should be inspected more often. Use touch up paint or varnish as needed. If you notice that the finish is beginning to crack or peel, refinish the door promptly. Unattended, cracking and peeling will progress rapidly and destroy the surface of the door.

Garage Doors

The installation of a garage door opener, unless installed as an available Fulton Homes option, will void any applicable Garage Door Warranty. Garage doors are warranted for proper mechanical operation as installed. The installation of a garage door opener alters the operation of the door, and Fulton Homes cannot be responsible for altered mechanical operation. You should always review and follow the garage door manufacturers cleaning and care recommendations.

Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors require routine maintenance. Perhaps the most important step is to keep the door tracks free of dirt and debris. The door tracks are soft and can become damaged if they are not kept clean. Use a broom or brush to loosen collected debris. Thoroughly vacuum as a part of your regular cleaning routine.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners as they may scratch the frames. After cleaning, apply paraffin (wax) to the rollers to prevent corrosion. If doors no not slide freely, an oil-free silicone lubricant can be used on the tracks. Do not use any oil-based lubricant on aluminum. Oil attracts dust and dirt, which become embedded in the lubricant and may damage the aluminum.

Sliding glass door frames have small weep holes at the bottom to permit water to drain from the track. Keep the weep holes open and free of debris. Avoid flooding door frame tacks. Excessive water can overflow the track and back up into your home.

During high winds, air will penetrate your doors, especially through the weep holes. This is normal. The weep holes are necessary for proper ventilation and you should keep them clear at all times.

A few simple maintenance tasks will ensure your windows provide years of trouble-free service.

Tip: Do not apply window-tinting film materials to double-glazed sliding glass doors. The use of these materials can cause a buildup of heat between the panes of glass. The excessive heat will destroy the seals and permit water condensation to form between the panes.

Aluminum foil also causes a heat build up between windowpanes and should not be used.

Adding window tinting or aluminum foil to your sliding glass doors will void the warranty on your sliding glass doors.

The use of self closing devices on sliding glass doors will also void their warranty.

Like other door types, you should always review and follow the sliding glass door manufacturers cleaning and care recommendations.

If you have any other questions about doors, please leave us a comment!

Today continues a series about the stages of construction. Our goal is to help you understand the stages of construction, learn about how we do things and what you can expect during each stage. In this series, we will cover 2 additional stages of construction. To see the previous stages of construction, click here.

In Stage 6, Tile is installed on the floors, countertops and bath areas. Granite and marble tops are also installed. Additionally, masonry work is completed where specified.

The tile and countertops are installed after the cabinets have been installed. If you have made cultured marble or granite selections, they are measured after cabinets are installed. Typically these tops and surrounds will be installed after they are measured. The finished edges of some marble and granite tiles may need to be routed and polished. This is an expensive and time-consuming process. Marble and granite selections, as well as their availability, will be confirmed at the Design Center Meeting.

The fabrications of granite slab countertops are done off-site and may take several weeks from the measure date to install. The slabs are cut to size, polished and edges are routed before they leave the shop. Sink and cook-top cut-outs are done on-site. Back-splashes and seams are cut and fitted on-site as well. The seams in granite slab countertops may vary in placement from that of a model home or your neighbor’s home. This is due to the size of the slabs you may have selected and the natural stability of the slab.

Please note: granite slabs are selected to best match those samples seen and are a natural material and will never match the color, grain and texture samples seen or those in the model or existing homes.

We hope this helps you understand more about the stages of construction!