1

RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

New Home Limited Warranty Policy

Introduction

All of us at RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY would like to thank you for putting your trust in
our company. We have designed and will construct your home to give you many years of comfort and
enjoyment.

Despite our care in building your home, problems may occur and service may be required. We have found
that most problems occur in the first twelve months. To most effectively serve your needs, we ask that
you wait for your ten month inspection to take care of the minor problems.

An emergency situation, however, may arise. An emergency situation exists if a heating, plumbing or
electrical problem is uncontrollable or represents a danger to your family. If an emergency arises, please
call (440) 816-0635, Monday through Sunday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Ten-Month Follow-up

After settlement, additional issues covered by this warranty that occur and need attention are to be
documented by you on a list and turned over to our Ruggiero Construction Company at the 10 month
mark. We will review your list and approve work orders for items covered by this warranty. To expedite
the completion of warranty work, it will be necessary for you to be home for scheduled appointments
(which are during normal business hours of Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.) or to
arrange with Joe Ruggiero to allow access to your home. Cancellation of scheduled appointments or lack
of response to calls made by Joe or the subcontractor to you trying to schedule appointments will result in
the cancellation of the work order by Joe.

Our warranties with contractors expire at one year after settlement, and are therefore very time sensitive.
Please be sure to mark your calendars to remind yourself to do your 10 month list so as to not miss your
deadlines. Work orders for your list must be completed by the 1 year warranty time and extensions cannot
be granted.

Please be aware that drywall cracks and wood trim settlement crack repairs are made one time at your 10
month follow-up. Touch-ups include patching, sanding and painting of the affected areas only. NOTE:
The affected areas after touch up may not blend in with the rest of the area/wall. It is at the homeowners’
expense, if you chose to have the full area/wall redone. We also provide you with any left over paint for
touch-ups at the time of your New Home Orientation.

10-Year Warranty Limits & Exclusions

This limited warranty is in lieu of any other warranty, expressed or implied, is not transferable and is for
the use and benefit of the Homeowner(s) only during the occupancy of the premises within the period of
this warranty. RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY expressly warrants to the original
Homeowner(s) for a period of ten (10) years from the date of settlement that the home will be free from
major structural defects. A major structural defect is defined as being an actual defect in a load bearing
portion of the home which seriously impairs its load bearing function to the extent that the home is unsafe
or unlivable. For purposes of this definition, the following items comprise the structure of the home: the
foundation system, load bearing stud walls, floor joists, beams, columns, trusses and rafters.
 2
RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY will also not be liable for any loss or damage caused by:
a) Changes of the grading of the ground by anyone other than RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY
b) Changes, alterations or additions made to the home by anyone after the date of settlement
c) Dampness or condensation due to the failure of the Homeowner(s) to maintain adequate
ventilation
d) Accidents, fire, explosion, smoke, falling objects, acts of God, lightening, windstorm, hail,
flooding, mud slide, wind-driven water or changes in the underground water table
e) Insect damage
f) Abnormal loading of floors by the homeowner which exceeds design loads as mandated by codes

RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY excludes the following items from this warranty:
a) Variations, minor shrinkage or warpage in stained or painted doors and floors, wood cabinets,
resilient flooring, wood panels, doors and trim
b) Chips, scratches or mars in tile, woodwork, walls, porcelain, brick, vinyl, mirrors, plumbing
fixtures, Formica, glass, fiberglass or other defects not recognized at time of your New Home
Orientation
c) Minor cracking or loss of grouting between ceramic tile and other materials
d) Minor floor variations- minor seams and slight color variations are characteristics of carpet. Color
variations and fading can often result from direct exposure to sunlight. Hardwood flooring may
develop minor cracks and squeaks and can fade from direct exposure to sunlight. Resilient (vinyl)
flooring may “telegraph” slight sub-floor and/or underlayment imperfections and can be dented by
sharp objects such as high heels and chair legs. Ceramic tile will break if impacted by sharp heavy
objects and grout may loosen or discolor with time and need to be repaired.
e) Floor squeaks- much care has been taken to ensure a squeak-proof floor, however, total avoidance
is almost impossible. Often, squeaks will appear and disappear with seasonal weather changes.
f) Insect infestation after date of settlement.

RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY further warrants that it will correct defects due to faulty
construction and/or defective materials, excluding normal wear and tear, brought to its attention in writing
during the period of one (1) year from the date of occupancy of the home by the original Homeowner(s).
No steps taken by RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY to correct defects shall act to extend the
warranty period beyond the initial term of one (1) year. Certain manufacturers’ limited warranties may
extend beyond one (1) year. RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY warrants the following items to
be in proper working order and to be free from defective workmanship for a period of one (1) year from
date of settlement:

a) Heating and air conditioning system

b) Plumbing system
c) Roof
d) Electrical system

Heating & Air Conditioning System

Some points of major importance:

a) Frequent changing of your thermostat setting wastes electricity. Try to leave thermostat at
whatever temperature you select. When you need to raise the setting, do so gradually to eliminate
the activation of resistance heat (auxiliary heat, i.e. green or blue light on thermostat).
b) To regulate airflow to each floor, there are floor and ceiling registers. There are adjustable
dampers (lever) which will allow you to control airflow to meet your comfort needs. When using
the heating system, do not expect the air coming from the registers to feel hot to the touch. Your
home has a forced air heat system that does not produce the surges of hot or cold air that you may
 3
be accustomed to with other types of heating systems. The air temperature is more constant and
should be allowed sufficient time to register on the thermostat. Under normal conditions, it will
take approximately twenty-four (24) hours to completely condition the air in your home.
c) Always keep your furnace filter clean. This is a major cause of malfunctioning units. These filters
should be changed with every heating and cooling season (4 times/year). During the first few
months, filters should be changed once a month to remove the excessive dust, dirt and lint caused
by construction. If you cannot easily see through a filter held in a source of light, it needs to be
cleaned.
d) Regularly check your condensation outflow lines as they may become clogged over time.

Some suggestions for heating and cooling your home:

a) Keep all fireplace dampers closed to avoid escape of heat up the chimney.
b) Close window draperies at night to reduce heat loss.
c) When going away for the weekend or an extended vacation, turn heat down to about 50 degrees F.
This will prevent pipes from freezing and drastically reduce electric consumption.
d) When cooling your home, set your thermostat at least 5 degrees higher than your normal setting.
e) Be sure to check all you’re caulking and weather-stripping around exit doors and windows. This is
a homeowner’s responsibility.

Cooling variations:
Where applicable, the cooling system should be able to maintain a temperature of 78 degrees (measured 5
feet above the center of the floor in the room where the thermostat is located) under local outdoor
ASHRAE specifications. In the case of excessive outdoor temperatures, a 15 degree difference is
acceptable. Homeowner is responsible for minor adjustments such as balancing dampers and registers. All
rooms will vary in temperature by 5 or 6 degrees. This is acceptable under industry standards.

Heating variations:
Where applicable, the heating system should be able to maintain a temperature of 70 degrees (measured 5
feet above the center of the floor in the room where the thermostat is located) under local outdoor
ASHRAE specifications. In the case of excessive outdoor temperatures, a 5 to 6 degree difference
between the actual inside temperature and the thermostat setting is acceptable. Homeowner is responsible
for minor adjustments such as balancing dampers and registers. All rooms will vary in temperature by 5
or 6 degrees. This is acceptable under industry standards.

Noisy ductwork - when metal ducts heat and cool some noise will result. RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY will correct excessively loud noises only.

The following are checklists to review if you feel you have a problem with your furnace. Please go over
these checklists before calling us or your heating and air conditioning contractor.
a) Check to make sure the circuit beaker for your furnace system is on.
b) Make sure the switch is on the side of furnace and the panels on the front of the unit are on and
securely fastened.
c) Make certain that the thermostat is set on the appropriate heating or cooling cycle.
d) Are all of the registers in the open position?
e) Make sure the filters have been recently cleaned.

Electrical System

Maintenance Guidelines: Electrical cautions: Do-it-yourself electrical wiring is dangerous. Improper

electrical repair can endanger the safety of you and your family. Always use a licensed electrician to make
electrical repairs and additions. Always turn off current before doing anything electrical, even to change
light bulbs.
 4

Power failures: If your electric goes out completely, first check to see if your neighbors are also without
power, and if so, contact the utility company. Also, be aware that not every power problem is due to
problems within you home’s electrical system. Utility companies experience a variety of situations that
affect power supplies, including power surges and possible interruptions. Power surges and lightening
storms can cause damage to your electrical system such as G.F.I.’s, smoke detectors, etc. These are not
covered under warranty.

Circuit breakers: Electrical wiring and appliances are protected by safety valves called circuit breakers.
These serve to stop circuit overloading and eliminate having to replace fuses. The main circuit breaker is
located in the panel box. This breaker, if tripped, will cut off all electricity to your home. (The small
circuit breakers in your panel box control different appliances, your heating and air conditioning system
and receptacles). To reset a circuit breaker simply turn the breaker completely to the off position (usually
all the way to the right). Circuit breaker tripping can be caused by several reasons, some of which are
listed below.

Continued tripping: If resetting the circuit breakers and removing appliance plugs fails to solve the
problem, you should then call your contractor. Do not try resetting breakers more than one time. The
continued tripping means there is a problem. This could possibly cause damage to the circuit breaker or
wiring system.
a) Power surge: A surge of power through utility lines can cause tripping, usually at the time of an
outage. When power returns, reset circuit breaker.
b) Thunder storms and the possibility of a lightening strike: If a breaker trips, go to the panel box and
reset the breaker.
c) Defective cord on appliances or lamps
d) Circuit overload due to too many items being plugged into a circuit or a large motor plugged into
the circuit.

Ground Fault Interrupters (G.F.I.’s): These are special outlets installed to help prevent shock, mainly
where moisture or wet conditions could occur such as bathrooms, garages, outdoor receptacles, basements
and areas adjacent to the kitchen sink. G.F.I.’s are very sensitive to power surges and moisture at the
outlet or with an appliance plugged into one of these outlets. To test these outlets, just push the test button
on the outlet; this should turn off the outlets and possibly others that are controlled by the G.F.I. To turn
the outlet back on, just push the reset button in completely and let it go; this will reset the outlet. If an
outlet controlled by a G.F.I. stops working, try resetting the G.F.I. If this does not work, check to see if
the circuit breaker has tripped. Also, unplug any appliances plugged into G.F.I. receptacles as this is also a
possible cause. If this does not work, please call our Customer Relations Coordinator. Do not plug
refrigerators or freezer into G.F.I. receptacles or those controlled by G.F.I’s since automatic shutoff due to
overload or trouble could cause food to be damaged or spoiled. RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY will not be responsible for any losses due to power failure.

Lighting Fixtures: Do not use a higher wattage bulb in fixtures than what is stated on the fixture. This
could cause damage to the fixture or the wiring above and is not included in the RUGGIERO
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Limited Warranty.

Smoke Detectors: You will find that your home is equipped with smoke detectors on every floor. They
are pre-wired into your electrical system and they have a battery back-up system. Please note that when
electrical power is on and one detector senses trouble, it will also activate all the smoke detectors in the
home. However, in the event that the power is turned off to the smoke detectors and one senses trouble,
only that detector will sound an alarm when on battery back-up. When periodic beeping occurs, the smoke
detectors are letting you know its batteries are dead and need replacing - PLEASE HEED THIS
WARNING.
 5

Telephone and TV Wiring: RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY homes are pre-wired for
telephone service inside your home. This wiring is covered by your RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY Limited Warranty. Upon hookup of your telephone service, if there is a problem inside your
home please let us know. We will not, however, be responsible for any charges or repairs made by others
to phone wiring inside your home. Your TV wiring is an open loop system that runs from the jack to the
basement.

Septic Systems

Septic systems are not self-maintaining and care should be taken not to put grease, bleach, oil or dairy
products in the system. Failure of septic systems due to Homeowner negligence or abuse is not covered
under the RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Limited Warranty. Your septic tank should be
pumped every 12 to 18 months. Septic systems are warranted for (1) year from date of your New Home
Orientation.

Shrinkage & Settlement Cracks in Drywall, Wood Moldings & Flooring, Ceramic Tile

When a house is under construction, a large amount of moisture is present along with up to a 17%
moisture content in the lumber itself. As your home is heated it starts to dry out and materials begin to
shrink. This leads to cracking and separation of drywall seams, trim caulk joints, hardwood flooring
materials and ceramic tile grout joints. We will, on a one-time basis, at your ten month follow-up, make
touch-up repairs to those cracks or separations. Please note that we sand and touch-up only the areas that
were repaired. We do not paint the entire wall. It should also be noted that these cracks and separations
could be seasonal in that expansion can occur during moist months and shrinkage will reappear during
drier times of the year. This is the nature of a wood constructed home. Over time the wood will absorb
less and less water so the situation becomes less obvious. NOTE: The installation and use of a whole
house humidifier not only greatly reduces trim, wall and drywall movement but also makes the home
much more comfortable.

Caulking
If the caulking around your bathtub, shower stall or sink should appear dried out or cracked, remove the
old caulking and replace it. It is extremely important that the areas be checked periodically so that any
crack and voids in the tile joints of the walls and floors of shower stalls and bathroom may be water-tight.
If these areas are not properly maintained, water will, in time, penetrate through the voids and cause
considerable damage to the ceiling below and/or adjacent wall areas. This is a Homeowner(s)
maintenance responsibility. This situation may develop depending on living habits, maintenance and
settling of the house. It is also very important that the shower water be contained in the tub or shower stall
when using these facilities, as the water will cause damage to the adjacent tile on the floor and walls.
These areas will not withstand a steady saturation of water without suffering some deterioration that will
eventually involve considerable maintenance repair. Caulking material can be bought in applicator tubes
or in disposable caulking guns at most hardware stores. Check your windows and doors often for cracked
caulk and then re-caulk them with an exterior silicone caulk. We will re-caulk bathtubs and showers one
(1) time only. After that it is a Homeowner(s) maintenance item.

Condensation
Condensation takes place wherever warm, moist air inside the house comes in contact with a colder
surface such as a window, basement wall or an exposed pipe. A perfectly dry basement can have wet
walls because moisture in the air condenses on cold basement walls. This may lead you to believe
moisture is seeping through the basement walls, that pipes are leaking, or that water is coming through the
window.
 6
Condensation also may be reduced by using the vents included in your home, i.e., exhaust fans in the bath
and dryer vents. Also opening windows and running the furnace fan constantly. Be sure to use these fans.
There is not a window manufactured today that is not subject to condensation. Wood, metal, with or
without storm windows, even insulating glass will show condensation under the right conditions. When
there is a difference in temperature, and the relative humidity is high, condensation will form on the warm
side of the dividing partition, be it glass, metal, masonry or wood.

Paint
Exterior - While the color fastness of paint under conditions of exposure to sun and weather cannot be
guaranteed, wood surfaces will still have the protection of paint. Paint cracks, chipping and
mildew may occur that are not attributable to the paint or its application. Variations cannot be
controlled. Touch-up paint, when applicable, may vary slightly from the original color and does
not necessitate repainting the entire surface. RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY does
not warrant vinyl shutters or siding against fading.

Interior - To avoid damaging the interior painted surface of the home be very careful when cleaning the
walls. Flat wall paint is used throughout the house because it has a more restful and decorative
finish than shiny enamels which may be scrubable but are harsh in appearance.

Doors
A certain amount of expansion and contraction in width is normal due to changing temperature and
humidity. Doors will be wider in the summer and in humid periods and narrower during dry weather
conditions. Therefore, do not be too hasty in adjusting, planning or cutting your door as it will usually
tend to correct itself. If sticking is the problem and it must be corrected, you need only to sand down the
edge that binds until the necessary clearance is obtained. Be sure to seal any raw wood to prevent
moisture damage. On sliding glass doors and bifold doors, minor adjustments may be required. Any track,
pivot or guides should be kept free of all paint and dirt. A little silicone spray applied to the tracks will
allow the doors to operate smoothly. Be careful not to get any spray on the carpet as it may cause
discoloration. These minor door adjustments are the responsibility of the Homeowner.

Garage Doors
Garage doors are adjusted at time of installation and should be fairly water-tight during normal weather.
Occasional driving rain will sometimes cause minor moisture intrusion. At the outside corners of the
garage doors are the motion sensors. If these sensors are bumped out of line it will cause your garage
opener to function improperly. To fix, you will need to realign the laser beam to the other sensor until
you see the green light on the sensor no longer flashing.

Roof
During frigid periods, ice can accumulate on the roof causing problems. As the ice starts to melt during
the day, it can lie on the shingles and in the gutter. Constant thawing and refreezing can raise roof
shingles which can lead to interior drywall damage. This is not the responsibility of RUGGIERO
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.

Gutters and Downspouts

In the fall and spring of each year, you will need to check all the gutters and downspouts for blockage. As
winter approaches, you will need to make sure they are clear to prevent freezing. The extreme weight of
debris could also pull the gutter away from the roof. If the gutter/downspout is clogged, it will cause them
to overflow, running down the face of the house creating a situation for a possible basement leak. It can
also contribute to ice dams. Gutters may overflow during periods of heavy rain. It is the homeowner’s
responsibility to keep gutters and downspouts free of all debris.
 7
Areaways (walk-up basement exits) and Sump Pump (were applicable)
The drain at the bottom of the areaway goes into a sump pump crock (hole) in the basement floor. When
the crock fills to a certain level, the sump pump will start and pump the water outside. The sump pump is
electric and if the electric is off, the sump pump will not work. To check the operation of the sump pump,
pour 5 gallons of water into the crock. The sump pump should turn on and the water level should drop. Be
sure to keep the areaway drain clear of leaves and debris as this will cause a back-up of water which will
overflow in to the basement. Damage caused by any overflow will be the responsibility of the
Homeowner.

Basements and Foundation Walls

Where conditions have warranted, RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY has damp-proofed the
underground portions of your foundation to prevent the trace of water from the surrounding ground.
Always make sure downspouts and gutters are draining in the proper downspout piping along the
foundation. Avoid planting shrubbery too close to the foundation. When doing any work around your
foundation, please remember the ground should always slope away from the foundation of the house.
During the first year we recommend that you allow the ground to settle and compact itself by avoiding
heavy mulching, fancy landscaping, tie walls, decorator bricks or any other items that would trap the
water and not allow it to flow freely away from the house. RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
will be responsible for filling in of any excessively settled areas around or about the foundation walls only
once; thereafter, maintenance of proper grades and swales shall be the homeowner’s responsibility. Any
of the above items could provide for damp or wet basement walls. Note that this warranty does not cover
visible dampness on the walls that does not result in the free flow of water on to the floor. Leaks caused
by improper landscaping or failure to maintain proper grade are not covered by this warranty. When a
deck or patio is installed it can cause some problems. Sometimes water can collect underneath the deck or
patio. Please be aware that if any water does collect causing a basement leak, mildew, etc. it shall be the
homeowner’s responsibility. RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY will fix or repair a problem if
caused only by the original construction - if it is possible to get to the problem. This may necessitate the
removal of your deck or patio so we can get to the problem. We are not responsible for structures or
plantings added by the homeowner. This warranty does not apply if any person other than RUGGIERO
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY or their contractors has made any openings or holes of any kind in the
basement walls or floors.

Foundation walls are subject to a wide variety of stresses and strains. Because the base of the wall is in
the ground, it maintains a fairly constant temperature. However, the top portion extends out of the ground
and may be subject to extreme seasonal temperature changes. These changes can cause foundations to
expand and contract leading to cracks. Sometimes these cracks can cause leaks but usually they are minor
in nature and require no repair. In the event a crack leads to a water problem, RUGGIERO
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY will repair the crack if the leak occurs in the first year of warranty. The
foundation walls of your home are interlaced with reinforcing steel rods called “rebar” so minor cracks in
no way affect the structural integrity of your home. Most foundation wall cracks that do not leak are
easily repaired with concrete caulk available from any hardware store. RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY will not be responsible for any cracks that do not leak.

Due to the inevitable natural settling of foundation backfill soil and the settling of foundation walls, we
cannot guarantee that you will not experience minor water intrusions during your first year of ownership.
If leakage should occur during this time period, we will correct the cracks and or cause of the leak. If any
portion of your basement is finished, however, we will NOT be responsible for any damage or repair of
any materials including, but not limited to, flooring drywall, framing or trim materials. Any costs of these
repairs may be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy.
 8
Concrete Basement & Garage Floors
Minor cracks in concrete slabs are common and will not affect the overall strength of the floor in any way.

Cracks may appear due to:

a) Temperature changes which create shrinkage
b) Settlement of the ground below the slab which create stresses and resilient cracks

Basement floors are warranted for one year only. Cracks exceeding 3/16 inch in width with 1/8 inch in
vertical displacement shall be repaired.

Garage slabs are warranted for one year only. Cracks in excess of ¼ inch in width or ¼ inch in vertical
displacement shall be repaired.

These repairs are made by patching or any other recommended manner. However, please note that these
repairs may not match in color, and we cannot be held responsible if they don’t match. Basement floors
shall be swept and/or vacuum cleaned prior to occupancy. Some deep discoloration may occur (usually
brown mud stains) if the basement was muddy during the time of construction (a normal occurrence). The
stains are usually very deep and almost permanent and have no negative impact on the quality or
durability of your basement floor. RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY is not responsible for
removing any deep stains or discoloration from any concrete floors or slabs.

Concrete Patios, Leadwalks & Steps

Due to certain uncontrollable conditions, it is impossible for RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY to prevent cracking, pitting, popping, scalling or spalling in concrete walks, driveways,
porches, patios and steps because of the nature of the material. Additionally, because of the variables in
the production, drying and curing of concrete work, and the effects of weather, certain discolorations
and/or variations in color of concrete may occur; and we cannot be expected to break up concrete and
replace it due to these minor variations. RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY uses only quality
materials and the most accepted and proven methods to assist in the prevention of these events and hereby
expressly disclaims and revokes any and all warranties, either express or implied for the above mentioned
variables associated with the end result of concrete work. There are some cases over which we have no
control, such as severe frost, unequal subgrade settlement, expansion and contraction, utility ditches and
aggravation from the use of salt and/or other chemicals for the melting of ice or snow. While homeowners
themselves may not apply salt and/or chemicals intentionally to the concrete surfaces, they are brought in
from the highways under automobiles and in melting, drops onto the surface of the concrete causing
scaling.

It is the policy of RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY not to replace or repair concrete walks,
driveways, porches, patios and steps with minor cracks, discoloration or scaling caused by weather
conditions. Cracks ½ inch in width will be repaired by surface patching if they occur within the first six
months of occupancy.

When winter weather approaches, with it comes the hazards of snow covered and icy walks. The best
protection is through the removal of snow and ice as promptly as possible. If a thin layer of ice cannot be
removed, use fertilizer to melt the snow and ice. It is safe for concrete surfaces and will nourish the
surrounding grass, shrubs and trees. Sand or kitty litter is another good product to use.

Be sure to provide an outdoor mat to prevent the fertilizer from being tracked into your home. Another
mat just inside the front door will give added protection for your foyer floors.

DO NOT USE SALT in any form. Repeated thawing and freezing with salt and chemicals can damage
concrete, brick, mortar and macadam. Salt will also kill the grass, shrubs and trees.
 9

Storage
Attic - Attic spaces are commonly used for storage, but you should be careful not too much strain on your
attic floor. Also, attics are susceptible to extremes of heat and cold because attic walls usually are
not insulated. Materials stored in attics should not be combustible or perishable under these
extreme temperatures.

RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY does not cover any structural damage to the truss rafter
system. We do not recommend the use of your attic for storage as it was not designed for that reason.
Articles stored in attics compress the insulation and reduce its insulation value. The clear area affected by
the truss construction and the extremes of the heat and cold above the layers of insulation also make this a
reason for not storing items in the attic. Your attic has ridged openings to allow warm moist air to escape.
These openings should remain unobstructed all year round. If they are closed, harmful quantities of
moisture may accumulate.

Plumbing
Cut-off Valves - There is a cut-off valve at each plumbing fixture; behind all toilets, and under bathroom
vanities. There are access panels to the soaking or whirlpool tubs.

Fixtures and Drains - Each plumbing fixture in your home will have a drain trap. This is an S-shaped
piece of pipe designed to provide a water barrier between your home and the danger of sewer gas.
The traps hold water that prevents the air-borne bacteria and odor of the sewer gas from entering
the house. If any fixture is used infrequently, water should be turned on at regular intervals to
replace evaporating water and ensure that the barrier remains intact. Traps, because of their shape,
are also the point at which the drains are most likely to become clogged.

Drains- If the drain pipe from a tub, sink or shower stops up, first use a plunger. Be sure the rubber cup of
the plunger covers the drain opening and the water comes well 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 good than sporadic, separate plunges. We generally do not recommend drain cleaners
as most are harmful to the pipes and are dangerous to skin and eyes.

Toilets- Never overload your toilet or try to flush disposable diapers, paper towels, napkins, metal objects,
dental floss or any materials other than those intended to be flushed through the toilet, as they
most surely will clog the line and cause overflow. We recommend that each Homeowner purchase
a toilet plunger to be used in the event there is a stoppage. It is the Homeowner’s responsibility to
unclog toilets. If the plunging does not solve the problem, please call your contractor.
However, if the plumbing contractor unclogs the line and no defect was present, there will be a
service charge. Toilet seats and covers will be noted on the initial walk-thru as to their condition.
These items are excluded from any further warranty past the day of settlement. Leaks in toilets
can be attributed to a number of sources. Most toilets have a water chamber, flush valve, overflow
pipe, float and ball valve. If the water chamber is leaking, the water may only be condensation
forming on the outside of the tank and dripping to the floor. This could be due to high humidity. If
water leaks into the bowl through the overflow pipe, try bending the rod 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 ball valve. The connections 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 seat will let water leak into the bowl.
If the ball valve or ball seat is dirty or rusty, clean it. If the ball is worn, replace it.
 10
Faucets- The faucets, like all plumbing with moving parts, are more apt to require repair than non-moving
fixtures. Cleaning the aerators will be the most frequent task in maintaining your faucets. An
aerator is the screwable piece at the mouth of the faucet. This attachment to the faucet adds proper
air to the water as it leaves the faucet, reducing splashing and providing more savings because less
water is used. Rinse the washers and screens, replace them in their original order and put the
aerator back in the faucet.

Winterizing the Pipes - All exterior faucets should be turned off and drained. We suggest sometime
in November before a good frost occurs. Cut-off valves are located in the basement. It is the
responsibility of the homeowner to make sure all exterior pipes are properly winterized. Be
sure to disconnect all garden hoses prior to winterizing outside faucets.

Hot Water Heaters- Your home has an energy efficient gas hot water heater. This appliance is a great
user of gas and the temperature setting should be 120 degrees or less. Be aware that 20 to 25
minutes of back-to-back showers will deplete the supply of hot water. Hot water heaters normally
collect small quantities of mineral deposits and dirty water. This can easily be removed by first
turning off the circuit breaker then turning off the water intake valve to the heater and opening the
valve at the bottom of the heater and allowing the entire tank to dry itself clean. A garden hose can
be hooked to the drain to make the process easier. Under no circumstances should you turn the
circuit breaker back on until the tank has been completely filled with water. The internal heating
elements will burn out in seconds if not covered by water. Depending on the size of your home
and the location of the water heater, it may take several minutes of running water too get fully
heated water to come out of the faucet or tub filler or showerhead.

Noisy Water Pipes- There is a natural tendency for the water pipes to creak and make noise when hot
water is first run through them. This is a regular occurrence and cannot be changed. Reducing the
water temperature may help somewhat. Also we have installed a pressure balloon on the water
lines to help prevent the noise.

Exterior
Siding - Cracks or dents in vinyl or aluminum siding will be repaired by RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY only if noted on the New Home Orientation.

Brick facades - Minor discoloration of brick facades may occur due to efflorescence (or leaching out of
lime deposits naturally contained in some brick materials). This is a natural occurrence and
diminishes over time.

Chimneys, Woodstove Flues & Fireplaces

Insufficient draw or downdraft - Trees too close to the chimney or high winds can cause down drafts.
Some homes are extremely air-tight and a window may have to be opened slightly in order to
maintain an effective draft. RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY will only repair
problems caused by improper construction or design.

Chimney separation from home - Some minor separation is normal and should be expected within certain
guidelines. RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY will repair separations in excess of ½
inch in any 10 foot measurement. This is a one year covered item and is not considered a structural
item.

Fireplace bricks - Heat will cause some cracking and should be expected.

Fireplace brick veneer - Some cracking is common and should be expected within certain tolerances.
Cracks in brick greater than ¼ inch in width will be repaired by pointing up or patching
 11

Creosote or resin build-up or creosote seepage through chimney - creosote seepage is caused by the
burning of improperly seasoned wood or improper use of the fireplace. RUGGIERO
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY is only responsible for defects caused by construction code
violations.

Gas Fireplace – Gas fireplaces are more commonly used in new construction due to convenience and
safety. Remember to read the owner’s manual supplied with your fireplace on the operation and
maintenance for the unit.

Lot Grading and Drainage

Ground settlement around the foundation is a normal result of the back-filling process and normally does
not disrupt water drainage away from the structure. RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
will fill in excessively settled areas around the foundation one time only during the first twelve
months but is not responsible for removal or replacement of shrubs, grass, etc.

Poor lot drainage - After normal rainfall, water should not stand in yard within 10 feet of dwelling for
more than 48 hours. These standards will vary upward due to frost, snow or saturation.
RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY is responsible for establishing proper grades and
swales; after that, the purchaser is responsible for maintaining them.

Landscaping
You as the homeowner are responsible for your lawn and landscaping within 4 month of your move-in
date. The ultimate care and maintenance of the lawn and shrubs is the responsibility of the Homeowner.
It is very important that you keep the ground moist at all times until the grass has established roots
and is about 3 inches high. This is especially vital if the lawn has been seeded in the summer months.
The lawn will require reseeding, fertilizing and watering by the Homeowner over the first year or two
of its life in order to become well established. It is also very important not to re-grade or fill in draining
swales. This could cause improper water drainage.

RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY reserves the sole right to determine lot clearing boundaries
and tree removal during construction. Removal of dead trees, branches or undergrowth in undisturbed
areas of the lot shall be the responsibility of the homeowner.

Trees on Wooded Lots

While your house is under construction, care was taken to save trees and to avoid injuring the remaining
trees. However, trees are fragile and changes in the water table, grade and compaction of the roots may
weaken your trees.

Despite our efforts to leave only healthy trees, some may eventually die. RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY will not be responsible for removing dead trees, brush or debris outside of the area of
disturbance before or after settlement. This is a Homeowners’ responsibility, as we cannot guarantee
continued tree life.
 12

Driveways
Concrete Driveways are installed with a coating of cure/sealant to try and prevent staining or minor salt
damages. The driveway is inspected and approved by local building officials and any maintenance after
the date of settlement shall be the responsibility of the homeowner. Maintenance can include keeping it
sealed with concrete sealer. This is best if applied in the fall. Please be sure to read instructions on
application.

Bowed Walls, Trim Separations and Openings at Bottom of Interior Doors

All wood materials are subject to contraction and expansion due to humidity and drying out of the
product. This will usually lead to some separation of wood trim from walls and/or floors. RUGGIERO
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY will re-caulk separated trim one time only either at the 1 month or 10
month service inspection. Unfortunately bowed walls may result because of the movement of wall
studding. RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY will repair one and one time only any wall with a
bow of more than ¼ inch for any 32 inch measurement or 3/8 inch within a 4 foot measurement (floor to
ceiling or wall-to-wall). The installation and use of a whole house humidifier not only greatly reduces
trim, wall and drywall movement but also makes the home much more comfortable. Passage doors from
room to room will have an opening between the bottom of the door and the floor not to exceed 1-1/2
inches. Closet doors shall not have an opening in the same area of more than 2 inches.

Flooring
Cracks between hardwood floor boards - some separation is normal and should be expected within certain
tolerances. Separations exceeding ¼ inch will be repaired by filling or replacing at the option of
RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.

Nail/staple pops through resilient flooring - only nail/staple pops which have broken through the floor will
be repaired or replaced at the sole discretion of RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY (not
responsible for discontinued patterns or colors or for variations in color).

Ridges/indentations in sub-flooring - minor ridges or indentation are common and should be expected
within certain tolerances. Ridges or indentations in excess of 1/8 inch (measured with a straight
edge perpendicularly over the right and the deflection measure no more than 3 inches from the
ridge) will be repaired and affected floor covering will be repaired or replaced (not responsible for
discontinued patterns or colors or for variations in color).

Gaps in seams of resilient flooring - minor gaps are common and should be expected within certain
tolerances. Gaps in excess of 1/8 inch will be repaired or replaced at the affected area (not
responsible for discontinued patterns or colors or for variations in color).

Gaps in carpet seams - carpet seams will sometimes be very apparent and should be expected within
certain tolerances. Seam separations greater than 1/8 inch shall be repaired or restretched once so
seams are less visible.
 13
HOMEOWNER MAINTENANCE LIST
This list is furnished to assist new homeowners in recognizing those types of maintenance activities which
are not warranted and should be handled by the homeowner in order to properly protect your new home.
The list below is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all normal homeowner maintenance
requirements.
1. Replacing faucet washers beyond thirty (30) days after settlement.
2. Cleaning sump or ejector pumps and crocks (where applicable).
3. Checking circuit breakers.
4. Changing light bulbs or fluorescent tubes.
5. Repair or replacement of threshold or weather stripping.
6. Repair of glass or glazing.
7. Damaged concrete or asphalt due to the use of salt, de-icers as well as gas or oil leaks.
8. Grout or caulking around tubs, sinks or vanities.
9. Normal concrete cracks.
10. Furnace filter changes or cleaning of coils.
11. Furnace blower motor lubrication.
12. Flushing hot water heater.
13. Condensation and icing during cold periods.
14. Turn off water supply to outside hose bib(s) in cold weather and bleed the water from the hose
bib(s) to prevent freezing.
15. Any repair of material failure caused by homeowner alterations i.e. a roof or siding leak
caused by antenna installation.
16. Control of erosion from discharges from downspouts or sump pump.
17. Removing foreign objects from gutters and downspouts. Rain gutter overflows against
foundation walls will erode grading adjacent to the foundation and may cause basement leaks.
18. Re-caulking of interior and exterior joints due to normal weather.
19. Adjusting bi-fold door units.
20. Repair of minor cracking of wall surfaces, trim, etc. due to normal settlement or normal
material shrinkage.
21. All grading (except major re-grading) around the house foundation resulting from normal
consolidation of backfilled soils.
22. Shrubbery or tree replacement.
23. Dead tree removal.

Certain warranty items are often misunderstood or misinterpreted. In an effort to effectively clarify our
warranty coverage, we hereby offer a more detailed explanation of the following items:

RESILIENT (VINYL) FLOORING: Although a durable and economical form of floor covering, resilient
flooring has certain characteristics which cannot be warranted. This flooring can be dented, cut or
ripped by sharp objects. Any minor floor variations will “telegraph” through the flooring. Over
time, seams and ridges may appear where glue has loosened or subflooring has contracted or
expanded. RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WILL NOT WARRANT any vinyl
flooring beyond the time of pre-settlement inspection.

HARDWOOD FLOORING: Pre-finished hardwood floors have a durable polyurethane finish but are not
totally immune from scratches, warpage, shrinkage, squeaking, fading or denting. RUGGIERO
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WILL NOT WARRANT any hardwood flooring beyond the time
of pre-settlement inspection.

DRYWALL: Although we screw and glue our drywall, the wood frame of your home is subject to
movement due to expansion and contraction of the wood materials. We will spackle nailpops, and
cracks specifically due to settlement on a ONE TIME ONLY basis at your 10 month follow-up.
 14
RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY sands and paints repaired areas only. Issues
concerning the quality and or appearance of drywall finish work must be addressed prior to
settlement when contractors responsible for the work can come back to correct their work before
retainages are released.

DEAD TREES OR SHRUBS: While we attempt to preserve as many existing trees and shrubs as
possible, invariably some trees or shrubs will die at some time after settlement. RUGGIERO
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WILL NOT GUARANTEE THE SURVIVAL, REPAIR OR
REMOVAL OF ANY TREES OR SHRUBS.
ADDITIONAL GRADING, TREE REMOVAL OR TOPSOIL INSTALLATION: Limits of lot clearing
is determined by county regulations and our civil engineer. Additional grading after initial lot
clearing, tree removal, fill dirt or topsoil installation ordered by the purchaser(s) SHALL BE AT
THE EXPENSE OF THE PURCHASER (S).

WOOD TRIM SEPARATION AND COLOR VARIATION: Like all wood products, trim materials are
subject to cracking and separation. Clear finished trim such as oak railings and shoe moldings will
often have fairly distinct color variations from one piece of wood to another. RUGGIERO
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WILL RE-CAULK SEPARATED TRIM ONE TIME ONLY
AND WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR COLOR VARIATIONS IN CLEAR FINISHED
WOOD PRODUCTS.

DRIVEWAYS: Once your driveway has been installed and approved by you at your New Home
Orientation, RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
ANY EROSION OR ADDITIONAL GRADING.

PRESSURE-TREATED DECKING ON PORCHES OR SUNDECKS: Like all wood materials, pressure

treated lumber is subject to warpage, shrinkage and fading. This is a natural characteristic of wood
especially in an exterior setting. Liquid wood preservatives assist in controlling this process but
will not totally eliminate the problem. Once approved by you at your New Home Orientation,
RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY
WARPAGE, SHRINKAGE OR DISCOLORATION OF ANY PRESSURE-TREATED WOOD
PRODUCTS.
 15
WE HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE OUR UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE ABOVE
WARRANTY COVERAGES AS WELL AS THE ENTIRE RUGGIERO CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY.

Lot______ Community__________________________

_____________________________________________ ___________________
Purchaser Date

_____________________________________________ ___________________
Purchaser Date

_____________________________________________ ___________________
Ruggiero Construction Company Date