Public Information
Find a Builder or Remodeler
Whether you want a complete custom home built or are just looking to replace some drafty windows, Central Washington Home Builders Association can help you find a builder or remodeler. Give us a call at (509) 454-4006 and let us know what you want done. We will provide you with a list of member contractors who specialize in that field.
Check before you hire a contractor
Before hiring any contractor you should find out if they are properly licensed and insured. Unlicensed contractors seldom carry insurance and leave homeowners at risk should anything happen during a project. To make sure the contractor you are planning to hire is properly licensed and insured, simply click on this quick link to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
The Washington State Attorney Generals Office also offers information on how to avoid hiring an unlicensed contractor. Their website can be reached by clicking on the quick link to the Consumer Protection Division.
Maintaining Your Home
Just like a car, most new homes today come with warranties. These warranties provide homeowners with piece of mind about their purchase by offering them specific protections. What some people for get is that a home, just like a car, requires maintenance and it is up to the homeowner to properly perform that maintenance or their warranty will be voided. So what should you do to maintain your warranty?
One of the most important things to remember is that you are responsible for certain routine maintenance items to keep your house functioning properly. These tasks tend to be relatively simple. For instance, many types of heating and air conditioning systems contain filters to remove dirt and dust from the air. A home owner should change these filters when necessary.
Cleanliness is a factor that will make your home last longer and work better. Dust and dirt, if allowed to accumulate, can harm the finishes on blinds, cabinets, countertops, floors, sinks, tubs, toilets, walls, tiles and other items. If dirt does accumulate, make sure to clean it with a substance that does not scratch or damage the finishes.
On the outside of your home, make sure that gutters and downspouts do not get clogged with leaves or other objects. The exterior of your house is built to withstand exposure to the elements, but a periodic cleaning will improve the appearance and, in many instances, prolong the life of siding and other exterior products.
When you bought your home, you probably received a warranty from the builder on workmanship and materials. This warranty applies to problems related to the construction of the home, but it does not apply to problems that arise because of failure to perform routine maintenance. For example, if your roof begins to leak after six months because of faulty workmanship, your warranty would cover that. If you develop a problem because water backed up in clogged gutters that you should have cleaned, the builder is not responsible for repairs. Also, some items, such as appliances, may be covered by manufacturers' warranties and are not the responsibility of the builder.
You should fully familiarize yourself with the terms of your warranty soon after you move into your home. With all the excitement surrounding a move into a new home, most people have little desire to curl up in front of the fireplace and read a legal document. Nonetheless, you should not wait to read your warranty until a problem arises. Set aside an hour to learn what your rights and responsibilities are from the outset.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC provided both consumers and businesses with safety and recall information on everything from toys to power tools. To learn more click the quick link to CPSC.