Homeowner Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  I have a plumbing leak, and have no idea where to turn off the water main in my house. Where is it? Help!

A:  In every Wood Creek residence, the main water control valve is located in the utility room behind a white plastic panel. Just push the panel up, down, left or right, and it should pop right out. Also, you may have two panels … the other one usually conceals the shutoff for one of the outside faucets, and both outside faucet valves should be behind both panels. It is recommended that you TURN OFF your outside faucets, remove hoses and open the faucet at the sign of the first freeze and through the winter, to prevent freezing of the pipes in the wall.

Q:  In addition to turning off my outside faucets in winter, what other maintenance items should I be taking care of on a routine basis?

A:  The air filter in your furnace should be replaced on a regular basis, in order for the furnace to operate with peak efficiency. It should be replaced every six months, but certainly on an annual basis.  It is a good idea to also replace your return duct filters every three to six months.  It is also recommended that you have the furnace cleaned and "checked out" at least annually by a registered and competent HVAC service company (they can also replace your filter at the same time). One company that a lot of Wood Creek homeowners have used is Mid-Atlantic HVAC, which can be reached at 410-546-5404, or see their website:

http://www.mid-atlanticheatandac.com/

Q: I have guests visit frequently, and our driveway cannot accommodate all the cars. Is it OK to park on my lawn on a temporary basis?

A: No, sorry, but that is not advisable, for two reasons:

1. It is very likely that action will damage either the sprinkler lines or sprinkler heads, and both are rather costly to repair, ranging from $200 for a head, and as much as $1,200 for line damage that requires digging to repair a leak. Repair of damage caused by YOU will be payable by YOU, not the HOA.
2. The zoning ordinances for all residential communities in the Town of Delmar state, "On single family lots, the parking of vehicles, of any type, shall not be permitted within the front yard other than on driveways providing access from public streets." This ordinance is enforced by the Town's Code Enforcer, Gaylon Bounds, and he has authority to issue a "municipal infraction," which may result in a fine.

Parking is permitted on all streets in the community, except Executive Club Drive.  On Executive Club, we suggest you get to know your neighbors, learn when they will be away, and ask permission to use their driveway for guest parking, if possible. Or, your guests can park on one of the four public lots (near the Bi-State entrance, across from the old models, at the clubhouse, or on Rolling Hills Drive) and be shuttled to your home.

Q:  I understand that the responsibility for cleaning algae off the siding of a home lies with the homeowner. What's the best way to get this done cheaply?

A:  The best option is to hire a powerwashing company (check the Yellow pages) ... this typically ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the volume of area needing powerwashing.  If you attempt to wash your home yourself, you will be liable for any damages done and are subject to the maintenance requirements laid out in the HOA Declaration.