LandSmith Construction

120 Seale Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone: (650) 328-4663
Fax: (650) 328-1833

info@landsmith.net

Living in Your Dream Home in the Mountains

by LandSmith Construction

Mountain living is typically broken down into two areas when dealing with a new home. One is your utilities and the differences between urban and rural areas, the other is the climate and how it impacts your home.

The beauty of the surroundings of our mountain area is what draws people here, but as with all areas, climate and conditions here may vary greatly from what you are accustomed to, depending on where you have previously lived.

We have 4 full seasons, from hot dry summers to very cold snowy winters (depending on elevation) and everything in between. These extreme changes can wreak havoc on unprepared homes and their owners.

Your new LandSmith home has been prepared for these extremes by insulating foam wrap on all exterior exposed pipes and exterior walls are 2x6 with R-21 insulation and R-38 in attic for extra insulation.

A periodic check and repair on exterior water lines will prevent all but the most severe cold related problems. If exterior pipes do freeze, as long as the pipes have not broken, just let a few hours go by to thaw the lines and all will be fine. If a pipe has broken, shut off pump at the pressure tank, shut off ball valve and call for a repair.

Understand that you are your own utility company as to water, septic, and propane. A clear understanding of all components is essential to a trouble free system. Your understanding of these basic systems is critical to a long and trouble-free mountain home living experience. But don’t worry too much, LandSmith is always just a phone call away to assist you with your new LandSmith home "break-in period".

Heating and Air Conditioning

Your new system is what is called a "split system" where the furnace and fan are separate from the air conditioning compressor.

Your compressor is outside the home and sitting on a pad usually by all the other utility components. The compressor has a "quick disconnect" electrical box by it that aids in repair and safety. During winter months, it should in the "off' position. There are varying types of disconnects, so switching to off/on, may be different from one home to another, so make sure when you do the your walk through with us that we go over this with you.

When turning on the AC for the first time, make sure the disconnect switch is in the "on" mode, then simply set thermostat to "cool”, fan switch is set to "auto", and desired temp.

We highly recommend that you change the filter within 1 month after moving in, then go to the standard filter change intervals as per manufacturer specification. Please read all information provided with your system carefully to insure long service life.

Well and Components

Your well and components will require periodic maintenance and repair. Fractured granite hard rock wells are a different animal than water table wells. The fractures that feed the well can vary from season to season depending on longer term weather trends.

Expect to see fluctuations in production of water and periodic pump adjustments as these fluctuations occur.

You will also need to do an annual inspection of all well components. Hire a licensed professional to do this for you each year. LandSmith can recommend a local experienced service professional.

Septic System

The maintenance of your septic system depends on your soil type and flow rate. Typically your system consists of a septic tank and two leach fields.

If you have a large family, with lots of guests, you will find that you may need to service the system more frequently. Leach fields can become saturated over time, again depending on soil conditions, requiring that they be alternated.

Have a licensed professional check your system annually and you can be sure of a long trouble-free septic system life.

Plumbing

Your new plumbing pipes and fixtures will require maintenance and monitoring. You have probably already experienced the needs of various fixtures, washer replacement to prevent slow leaks, and proper cleaning. The plumbing pipes in your home should be essentially maintenance free, however leaks can occur, especially if an exterior pipe freezes.

If you ever see signs of leakage in the walls or elsewhere immediately shut off your water and call a licensed professional. Water can do undue damage to your new home if left unchecked. Always shut off you main if you plan on leaving the home unoccupied for an extended period of time.

Telephone and Television

Your home has been pre-wired for satellite and phone in each bedroom and 1 TV jack in living room / game room and one phone line in kitchen.

The phone line is Cat3 (3 pair) and TV is RG6 all run for satellite connection. The phone jacks have been pre-wired for single line hook-up.

Get started building. Call, write, fax or email us:

LandSmith Construction

(650) 328-4663
(650) 328-1833 fax
Construction@LandSmith.net