Maintenance Guide
To help with the responsibility of taking care of your home, we’ve put together this maintenance guide. Give it a read before you move in—it covers all the basics to keep things running smoothly.
If you want to do any work in your community’s common areas, remember to get approval from both the Property Manager and Strata Council first.
Appliances
Inside your home, you’ll find the manuals that came with your appliances. They have detailed instructions on how to use and maintain each appliance, plus warranty information from the manufacturer.
If you haven’t already, consider purchasing an extended warranty for your appliances. See the link below for more details on the extended warranty offered and contact Angela from Midland Appliances at aneale@midlandappliance.com.
Midland Appliances - Extended Warranties
Don’t wait too long: extended warranties may only be available for a limited time and their prices can change.
Cabinets
To keep your cabinets looking their best, clean the doors regularly with a soft, damp cloth and warm water. For stubborn stains, a bit of mild soap can help—just remember to avoid scrubbing or using anything abrasive, as it could scratch the surface. Care for your cabinets like you would for a car finish or a mirror: gentle and careful. Wipe the doors dry after cleaning.
Try not to place heat-producing appliances—like toasters or coffee makers—right under your cabinets and be sure to use your hood fan whenever you’re cooking. This helps protect your cabinets from damage caused by extra heat or moisture, which isn’t covered under warranty.
Concrete
Hairline cracks in concrete walls and floors are normal and nothing to worry about. If you notice any cracks wider than ¼ inch or with noticeable shifting, report them to your Property Manager.
Please avoid using de-icing chemicals on concrete, as they can cause damage and void your warranty. For a safe and effective alternative, try using sand in areas that get icy instead.
Countertops
Your kitchen and bathroom countertops are made from engineered stone. Here are some simple tips to keep them looking great:
- Wipe up any spills—such as liquids, food or chemicals—as soon as they happen
- Clean your counters with mild, non-abrasive soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, scrapers, bleach, ammonia or other products that may damage the finish
- Use hot mats or trivets for hot items from the stove or microwave. Never place hot pots or pans directly on the countertop
- Use a cutting board when chopping or slicing. Don’t cut directly on the countertop
- Be careful not to drop heavy items like pots and pans onto the countertop—this can cause chips or scratches
- Avoid letting water pool, especially at mitre joints, and don’t place appliances that create heat or moisture directly over joints or seams
- Check the sealant (especially around the sink) from time to time and replace any caulking as needed to keep things watertight
Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for more cleaning and maintenance information. In most cases, you don’t need to seal engineered stone countertops because they’re naturally very hard.
Doors & Hardware
Doors
Both interior and exterior doors can shift slightly over time, which can make them harder to open, close or lock. Adjustments are covered under warranty within the first year—send a service request to our Home Care Team and we’ll come take a look. Lifting or pushing down on the doorknob of a sticky door can help until we have a chance to properly adjust it.
For minor fixes after your warranty period has ended, you can use a light sandpaper to sand the area of the door that is sticking. If the door or deadbolt doesn’t line up with the strike plate, you may need to remove and reposition the plate. You can also check that all the hinge screws are tight—but be careful not to overtighten them.
Door Hardware
You may need to lubricate and tighten your door hardware from time to time. If a hinge or latch is sticking or squeaking, a little lubricant can make a big difference. For loose hinges, locks or handles, tighten any visible screws, being careful not to overtighten the hinge screws. Hardware fixes are covered within the first year—if you need help, email a service request to our Home Care Team.
Some hand lotions, hair sprays and household cleaners leave behind silicones or lanolin, which are mildly acidic and can damage lacquer finishes. Wiping your hardware regularly with a damp cloth will help protect it. Rings and keys can also scratch the surface, so try to use a gentle touch.
To remove dirt and grit from your hardware, wash it with mild soap and water, then polish with a clean, dry cloth.
Electrical
Electrical Panel
Your home’s electrical panel is located in one of the bedrooms or in the den. This is where you’ll find the main power shut-off switch and the circuit breakers that control all the different parts of your home’s wiring. It’s important not to block access to the panel—if there’s ever an emergency, you want to be able to reach it quickly and safely.
If too many things are running on the same circuit, the breaker might “trip” to prevent the wires from overheating and causing a fire. If that happens, just turn off a few appliances or lights on that circuit, then go to the panel and reset the breaker.
Each breaker has three settings: On, Off and Tripped. You’ll be able to spot the tripped one—it’ll sit slightly off from the rest and will feel looser when you touch it. To reset it, flip it all the way to the Off position first, then back to On.
If the same breaker keeps tripping repeatedly (and it’s not overloaded), there could be an electrical issue that needs repair. Within the first two years, you can send a request to our Home Care Team for service under your warranty. After two years, we recommend calling an electrical contractor to check it out.
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)
AFCIs are special circuit breakers that prevent electrical fires by cutting off power when they detect a dangerous electric arc. Arcing can happen when wires or cords are damaged.
Arcing is also part of the normal operation of some appliances, which is why vacuums, portable air conditioners and other devices with big motors can sometimes trip the AFCI breaker, even if there’s no danger.
You’ll find your AFCI circuit breakers in the main electrical panel. Each one has a test button, which will trip the breaker if it’s operating correctly. It’s a good idea to do a quick test once a month.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCI outlets are installed in your bathrooms, kitchen and some outdoor areas to help keep your home safe. They look slightly different than normal outlets: square with reset buttons at the centre.
GFCIs work by monitoring the electrical current in the circuit. If there’s an unusual surge—like when an electrical device comes into contact with water—the GFCI interrupts the power to prevent electrical shock.
Keep in mind, one GFCI outlet often controls other outlets on the same circuit. For example, you will typically only have one bathroom with a GFCI outlet, but that GFCI outlet controls the outlets in the other bathrooms.
If any of these outlets isn’t working, try pressing the reset button on the GFCI outlet and then check the outlet again. If it still doesn’t work, there may be a bigger issue. If you’re still within your warranty, reach out to our Home Care Team for help. Otherwise, it’s best to contact a certified electrician.
Switched Outlets
For convenience, some outlets—usually in the living room—are partially controlled by a wall switch. This means one plug in the outlet is connected to a light switch on the wall. You can easily turn a lamp (or other device) on or off from the room’s entrance rather than having to reach for the switch on the lamp itself.
Exterior Components
Decks & Drains
As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to keep your decks and drains clear of debris. Blocked drains can lead to water backup and serious damage to the building.
Clean decks with mild soap, water and a soft-bristled brush. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Be careful when moving furniture and avoid installing heavy equipment or nailing into the deck. Damage from improper use isn’t covered by warranty and could let water enter your home. If you see any damage on your deck’s surface, let the Property Manager know right away.
If you keep pots or plants on your deck, make sure water doesn’t accumulate underneath them since this can damage the deck over time. After rain, it’s normal for some water to remain on the deck for up to 48 hours. If you see standing water lasting longer, report it so it can be checked.
Railings
It’s a good idea to check balcony or patio railings once a year to make sure they’re secure. Let your Strata Property Manager know if you find any loose nuts or bolts so they can arrange maintenance or warranty service.
To Clean Railings, use warm soapy water and avoid abrasive cleaners.
Siding
Your siding can be damaged by the extreme heat of a barbecue. Always keep barbecues a safe distance from exterior walls, cladding, railings and fencing while in use.
If your siding gets dirty, clean it gently with mild soap and water.
Masonry
You may notice a white powdery deposit on bricks or concrete—this is called efflorescence. It doesn’t harm the structural integrity whatsoever and is just a sign of minerals coming to the surface and reacting with water and air. Efflorescence usually appears in the first few months after installation, peaks 15 to 18 months later and then disappears under normal weathering.
If you prefer, you can clean it off with diluted muriatic acid. Make sure to read and follow the manufacturer's directions carefully to keep yourself safe and avoid damaging the surface.
Fire Protection
Smoke & CO Detectors
Your home has smoke detectors and combination smoke/CO detectors where needed. They’re electrically operated with a battery backup.
If a smoke detector beeps for no clear reason, it usually means the battery is low or there’s another issue that needs attention. Check the manufacturer’s manual for more details on what the beep means and how to fix it.
Change the batteries regularly—about once or twice a year—to help prevent unwanted beeping. You might need to change batteries more often if there are power outages.
Test your detectors regularly to make sure they’re working properly. You can do this by pressing the button on each detector. It also helps to vacuum the dust from the grill once in a while, which can prevent false alarms and keep them working their best.
Sprinkler Systems
Your home and building are equipped with a fire sprinkler system, which is an important part of keeping your building and its residents safe. The strata takes care of yearly testing and maintenance for sprinklers inside homes and in common areas.
Be mindful that sprinkler heads can go off if they’re bumped or damaged. Make sure you know where your home's sprinkler heads are so you don’t accidentally hit or activate them. Never hang or attach anything to a sprinkler head
If a sprinkler does go off by accident, the fire alarm will sound, and everyone will need to evacuate the building. The fire department and Property Manager will turn off the water once they’ve checked that there isn’t an emergency.
Flooring
It’s normal for floors to creak from time to time—these occasional sounds are not considered a warranty issue. However, if you notice a persistent squeak in the same spot every time you step there, please let us know. Squeaks like this are covered under the one-year warranty.
Extended periods of low humidity can cause wood to shrink more than usual, sometimes leading to loose floor connections. Keeping healthy indoor humidity levels can help prevent this.
Laminate Floors
The TORLYS floors in your home have a durable finish designed to give you years of protection and easy care. A few simple steps will help to keep your TORLYS flooring looking its best:
- Clean regularly with a clean, untreated dust mop or a vacuum with a floor brush wand (not a beater bar or rotary brush, which can damage the finish)
- Wipe up spills quickly with a cloth or sponge. Clean as needed with the TORLYS EcoCare Cleaning Kit
- Protect floors in entryways and other high-traffic areas by using non-skid, non-stain mats. Clean the mats regularly to avoid buildup
- Use protective pads made of soft, non-staining material like felt on furniture feet. These pads should be:
- At least 1” in diameter
- Large enough to support the weight of the furniture
- Free of wrinkles and sitting flat on the floor
- Checked regularly for wear and cleanliness
- For heavy furniture like couches, we recommend coaster-cups instead of felt pads
- Never drag furniture or heavy objects on the floor
- Keep an eye on your home’s relative humidity and temperature to minimize flooring expansion or contraction. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed to stay between 30–60% relative humidity year-round
- Be careful wearing heels on floors, and keep your pet’s nails trimmed
Do NOT use any of the following products on the floors as they may damage or dull its finish:
- Wet mops (for laminate only—okay for hardwood upgrade), metal/silver embedded mop heads or a treated mop that was used for other floors or furniture
- Highly acidic or alkaline cleaners, non-recommended commercial cleaners or polishes, wax or oil-based products
- Vacuums with a beater bar
- Rubber, latex or fibre-backed mats, since they may stain the finish
For more information, see the TORLYS care and maintenance guide.
Carpet
Regular cleaning to reduce soil buildup will help keep your carpets looking great for a long time. Use mats at all entrances to trap outside dirt, and in heavily trafficked areas, place mats or runners on the non-carpeted areas next to the carpet.
The simplest and best way to keep carpets clean? Vacuuming regularly. Soil and dust are made up of hard particles that, if left in the carpet, can damage the pile—almost like sandpaper. Regular and thorough vacuuming prevents this from happening. A vacuum or attachment with a rotating brush or beater bar will clean better than suction alone.
When spills happen, scrape up and remove as much as you can right away. Don’t rub or scrub—the best way to clean is by blotting and using an absorbent towel to lift the spill. Rinse to remove any cleaning product residue. Depending on use and appearance, we recommend professional carpet cleaning at least every 18 months. For more information, see the manufacturer's care and maintenance guide.
Carpet warranties from the manufacturer generally cover fiber loss, not appearance.
Tile
Tile is a tough, long-lasting surface that’s easy to care for. For routine cleaning, use a mild detergent. Don’t use waxes— since the grout between tiles is porous and can absorb liquids, they might cause stains.
Seal your grout joints once a year with a clear liquid silicone sealer. Try it on a hidden spot first, as it can sometimes change the grout colour. You can find grout sealers at most hardware stores.
To keep your shower tiles looking their best, use a squeegee to wipe away excess water after you shower. This helps prevent stains and reduces moisture in your bathroom.
Garage Doors/Parkade
If you ever have any problems with your overhead garage door, let your Property Manager or Strata know right away so they can arrange for service.
Glass Shower Doors & Mirrors
Using a typical store-bought window cleaner is a great way to keep your shower doors and mirrors clear and shiny. To help prevent soap scum from building up, try wiping down or using a squeegee to remove water from the glass panels after every shower. If you start to see hard water spots, it’s a good idea to clean the glass more often.
Your shower enclosure has been caulked to keep everything sealed properly. It’s a good habit to check the caulking seams every few months for any signs of wear, as worn caulking can lead to leaks and bigger issues down the line.
If you see that the caulking needs replacement, carefully remove the old caulking with a sharp knife. Replace it with a good quality silicone caulk that’s made for bathrooms or kitchens. Your local hardware store will have plenty of options. Caulking repairs are covered under warranty within the first year—send a service request to our Home Care Team and we’ll come take a look.
HVAC
Energy Recirculating Ventilator (ERV)
Your home is equipped with an energy recovery ventilator (ERV), which is always on, continuously drawing fresh air in and pushing bathroom air out. Good ventilation helps keep your home healthy by removing extra moisture and humidity—which in turn reduces the chance of condensation on windows and mildew in the bathrooms.
There are ERV vents located throughout your home and it is recommended that they be left open at all times to ensure the proper function. The ducting for the ERV system should be inspected annually for excessive dust build up, if necessary it should be cleaned by a HVAC trade.
To keep everything working properly, remember to clean the two filters inside your ERV every two to three months, and replace the OA filter every six months. Use a filter that matches the original in size and performance standard. While you are cleaning your filters, it's a good idea to vacuum the energy recovery core at the same time. Checking all filters regularly will help you keep an eye on dust buildup and ensure proper air flow in your home. For more information in instructions, see the manufacturer's manual.
Bathroom Exhaust Fans
The bathroom exhaust fans are part of your ERV system and are always running to move moist air outside. To increase the speed of the fans, just hit the timer button in the bathroom.
We recommended turning the fan up during showers and baths, and keeping it on for at least 30 minutes afterward. In cold weather, you may need to run the fan for longer to clear condensation from the exhaust vent. If not, this moisture can gather and drip—sometimes making it look like you have a leak. This is not covered under warranty.
To ensure good ventilation, check your exhaust fan often. Clean the vent grilles every three months or whenever they look dusty.
Range Hood Fan
Run your range hood fan every time you use your stove. This removes moisture and byproducts from cooking, especially if you use a gas range. Turning the fan on before you start cooking helps it work better and leaving it on after you finish clears remaining humidity and odors.
Remember to clean the hood fan and metal filters regularly. You can remove the filters and soak them in the sink with mild soap. Grease left to build up on the fan or filters can be a fire risk, so regular cleaning is important.
Landscaping
The Strata Council and your Property Manager (along with their landscape maintenance contractor) will take care of all the ground plantings on Common Property. As a homeowner, you’re responsible for making sure the landscaping around your home gets enough water to keep plants and trees healthy.
If you have any questions or concerns about landscape maintenance, please reach out to your Strata Council or Property Manager. For more details, you can also check the Landscape Maintenance section.
Plumbing
It’s a good idea to become familiar with your plumbing system as soon you move in, paying special attention to the location of your water supply shut off valves. You’ll find shut off valves for toilets and sinks close to the floor underneath the fixture, right where the water line comes through the wall or floor. The main water shutoff is usually behind an access panel in a closet—sometimes in an entry closet, other times in a bedroom closet, depending on your floor plan. This location was pointed out during your homeowner orientation.
If you ever have a plumbing emergency, it's critical to shut off the water supply to the affected fixture right away to mitigate damage.
Each drain in your home has a U-shaped pipe called a p-trap directly underneath it. The p-trap holds water, creating a barrier that stops sewer gases from entering your home. If a tap or toilet isn’t used very often, the water in the p-trap can evaporate and the barrier may break, letting odors in. To avoid this, simply run water in taps or flush toilets that aren’t used regularly every few weeks.
Because of the shape of the p-trap, drains can sometimes become clogged with debris or hair. You can use a tool called a “snake,” available at any hardware store, to help clear simple clogs. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes and drain seals. If a clog won’t budge, it’s best to call a professional plumber.
If you notice green or blue stains on bathroom fixtures, don’t worry—this is common in new homes and happens when copper in the fixtures oxidizes. You can scrub this residue away with gentle regular cleaning. Avoid scouring pads or abrasive cleaners because they can damage enamel or acrylic surfaces. Baking soda is a great option instead of products containing bleach.
Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks
Using a mat or sink insert for washing dishes can help protect against scratches from pots and pans. For cleaning, you just need a soft cloth, soap and water, stainless steel polish, or a mild detergent. Avoid using abrasives or scouring pads. For more information and cleaning recommendations, see the manufacturer's cleaning guide.
Faucets & Taps
Cleaning the aerators will be your most frequent faucet maintenance task. To do this, unscrew the aerator from the mouth of the faucet, remove any debris, remove and rinse the washers and screens, then put everything back in the original order. It’s a good idea to check each aerator 30 days after moving in and then every few months after that.
For tap handles, just wipe them with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid soaps, acids, polish, abrasives, harsh cleaners or rough cloths, as these can damage the finish or plastic parts.
If you have a dripping faucet with a single lever handle, there isn't a washer to replace. Instead, the cartridge may need servicing. If your faucet is still under warranty, you can reach out to our Mosaic Home Care Team for service.
Hot Water
The hot water to your home comes from the hot water tank located in your entry vestibule. Every hot water tank has thermostats to control water temperature. To save money on your electricity bills and for safety reasons, the thermostat control has been pre-set from the factory to a normal position. Any adjustments should be carried out by a qualified professional. The manufacturer's manual provides specific maintenance recommendations, see the following link for more details: Manufacturer's Operation Manual
Showers & Tubs
The glossy surfaces of your shower base and tub are non-porous, so they resist dirt build-up. Use a gentle cleaner made for high-gloss surfaces to keep them looking great, and avoid anything abrasive. Be careful not to drop heavy items that could chip or scratch the surface.
Toilets
Never flush hair, grease, lint, diapers, rubbish, tissue, personal hygiene products or Q-tips down the toilet. These items can easily block your toilet or sewer lines and cause plumbing issues.
Your toilets are high efficiency dual flush models. Sometimes you may need to flush twice for solid waste—this is completely normal. If you do get a blockage, it will be up to you as the homeowner to clear it.
Use toilet cleaners according to their manufacturer’s directions. Never mix toilet cleaners with bleach or other products and only use them in the toilet bowl. If you’d like a gentler option, baking soda works nicely—just add some to the water and brush as usual.
Outside Faucets (Hose Bibs)
As soon as overnight temperatures dip below 3°C, you'll need to winterize your hose bibs. To winterize your hose bib, do the following:
- Shut-off the water supply to the hose bib (shut-offs are located in your hot water tank closet)
- Remove any hoses or other attachments
- Turn the hose bib to the open position so that any water can drain out
This process can be reversed when overnight temperatures are consistently above 3°C.
Windows
Your windows only require a little attention to stay in great shape. Clean the tracks where the window slides and lubricate them with a silicone spray. Make sure the drains (weep holes) at the bottom of the window track stay clear so water and condensation can escape.
Excessive condensation needs to be dealt with. Leave the windows open until the issue is located and solved. As a starting point, make sure you’re using your home’s ventilation system properly—see the HVAC section for more details.
To clean window glass, use water and mild cleaning products designed for windows. Avoid abrasive cleaners that may cause scratches, solvents, abrasive pads, putty knives or any products that might break down the rubber gasket material.
Check the caulking and seals around your windows once a year. If you notice any wear, repair or replace them.
Your windows may be fitted with childproof locking mechanisms. Make sure children are supervised whenever windows or doors are unlocked.