Welcome to your new home | Golden Homes

What you need to know about your new home

KITCHEN

Benchtop

• Avoid putting heavy or hot items directly on the bench top, as this is likely to crack it. Use a chopping board or trivet. There is often one supplied to be used for this purpose. If cooking for extended periods of time and/or using a heavy pot, this places additional pressure on your benchtop. These benchtops are hollow beneath the hob, so are not designed for this style of cooking.

• Anything spilt on your benchtop with a strong colouring (ie spices) will stain if not cleaned immediately.

Cooktop:

• To avoid scratching your glass cooktop, avoid heavy duty scourers. A microfibre cloth and regular cleaning will be sufficient. If using a ceramic scraper, please ensure this is used on a low angle for best results.

Extractor Fan

• Whenever you’re cooking in the kitchen, utilise the extractor fan to remove smells and moisture.

Dishwasher

• Top Tip: using rinse aid will improve the results from your dishwasher, and keep your glassware extra clean.

• We would recommend deep cleaning your dishwasher every couple of months. See instruction manual below for the best way to do this.

BEDROOMS

Ventilation and Heating

• You’ll be aware we have many seasons in one day in Canterbury. To keep your home fresh and free from moisture, open your windows daily and allow rooms to ventilate.

• If you’re finding winter chilly, we would recommend purchasing standalone heaters for the bedrooms.

LAUNDRY

Washing Machine Installation

• These should be carried out by a plumber or suitably qualified tradesperson. If you choose to DIY this install, you risk flooding your property. This damage will be yours to rectify.

• If you are going to do this yourself, please follow the machines manual, ensure the connection is tight enough, there is suitable ventilation to the motor, the hose is secure and that the transit bolts/brackets have been removed.

• Once connected, run a short cycle without clothes to check for leaks, vibration, or unusual noises.

BATHROOM

Extraction

To avoid mould and moisture build up in your bathroom, follow these key steps for daily use.

• Open windows if available

• Turn on fan 5 minutes prior to using the shower

• Leave fan on for 15 minutes after shower has finished

• Leave shower door ajar, after showering, to assist moisture (especially important if you have a shower dome).

• Wipe up puddles on floor

• Don’t forget to clean the fan grill every 3-4 months

• Utilise your heated towel rails to dry towels and bath mats.

Toilets

A lot of Canterbury’s new subdivisions benefit from a sewer pump system. To ensure this runs as expected, you must ensure the below: The following items should not be flushed down the toilet or sink:

• Nappies, sanitary napkins, tampons

• Gravel or sand, including stones from fish tanks

• Seafood shells

• Plastic, rubber or latex products

• Glass, metal, dental floss

• Kitty litter

• Lubricating oil and grease

• Strong chemicals

EXTERIOR

Your home is brand new, and therefore your landscaping is still growing. Please be aware the lawns will be particularly soft underfoot, and regular watering is required to help establish growth. Depending on where your property is, there can be surface water at times as a result of the area’s water table.

Side gates need to be kept closed to avoid damage from strong winds. If you notice that your gate isn’t latching correctly, please let us know after you move in.

Whenever you’re using your exterior doors, please utilise the hooks/ latches to secure these open and avoid slamming. If cleaning your garage floors, please only sweep rather than wash with a hose.

Your clothesline has a user sticker on the front to ensure proper usage. Please refer to this, or visit the manufacturers website for instructions.

GENERAL

Check and replace batteries on your door lock regularly. These will likely make a sound as the battery is reaching critical level.

Your heat pump is brand new and will work at it’s best (and most cost-efficient) if the filters are cleaned seasonally. This can be as simple as gently vacuuming the filters. You can find the manual for your heat pump below for further information.

HAVE ANY MAINTENANCE QUESTIONS?

For any maintenance queries, please locate the Tapi QR code underneath your kitchen sink. Scan with your mobile phone’s camera app and follow the prompts to report maintenance.

For any after-hours emergencies, you can reach us on 0800 377 277

Please note: our Property Managers do not accept maintenance requests via text. Please use Tapi or email.