Inspecting your new home before taking possession
When you buy a brand new home, you have an opportunity to make sure you are satisfied with your purchase before you take possession of it. As your home gets close to completion — usually a few days before you are due to move in — the builder will take you on a tour of the house. There are two reasons for doing this. First, the builder wants you to inspect the home in detail to make sure everything has been done right and according to plan — this is usually also a prerequisite for the builder’s new home warranty. And, the builder wants to familiarize you with the systems and products in the home and how to operate, maintain and service them. Your builder will use an inspection sheet that you will be asked to sign at the end of the tour. Anything that requires attention or correction should be noted on the sheet, even very minor imperfections. That way, there is no debate later about who is responsible. Minor corrections are usually made before you move in; anything else will be dealt with afterwards as quickly as possible. Here is a list of some of the items you should take a close look at during the walk-through.
Outside
• Siding: should be even, level and clean; no awkward seams; no nails showing; no gaps in the mortar between bricks; weep holes intact • Windows and doors: verify placement, colour and styling details • Caulking: check around windows, doors and electrical outlets for even application • Paint and stains: look for even coverage and proper colour • Shutters, trim and other decorative elements: verify colour, styling details and secure installation • Fascia, soffits, eavestroughs, down spouts: check for right
colour and secure installation • Roofing: verify material, colour, style; also duration of manufacturer’s warranty • Stairs, railings: check styling details, colours, solid installation • Lights, electrical outlets and doorbells: check placement and test that they work • Garage: doors should open and close easily; exterior doors should be self-closing • Grading around the house: should slope away from the foundation to divert moisture • Driveway, walkways, sodding and other landscaping: check to see whether the work has been done according to specifications? If weather prohibits completion now, when will it be done?
inside
• Walls and trim: confirm colour; check for even paint coverage, no visible seams, no nail pops, no nicks and scratches, smooth grouting between wall tiles • Flooring: verify selection and installation: colour and grade; minimum of squeaks and spring; no ragged seams or edges and no gaps or scratches; even
grouting between tiles • Windows: should open and close easily, have proper screens and no cracked panes • Doors: must be well-fitted and properly hung for easy opening and closing; check glass or mirror panes for cracks or nicks; test locks on outside doors • Cabinets, drawers, closets: check for smooth operation; proper configuration of shelving and dividers; confirm handles and knobs • Countertops: no nicks, scratches
or uneven seams • Faucets: turn off and on to verify smooth operation; no leakage or drips • Plumbing fixtures: check for chips or scratches; look for caulking around all fixtures; run water to verify good drainage; flush toilets • Electrical, cable and other outlets: verify placement and test if they are live • Light fixtures: turn on and off to
see if they work • Basement: no cracks in the walls or signs of leakage; a floor drain in the lowest part • Upgrades and options: refer to the contract to make sure nothing has been overlooked
getting to know your new home
A brand new home incorporates the latest systems and products. Knowing how to operate the systems and take care of your home will contribute to years of problem-free performance and enjoyment. It will also avoid invalidating the builder’s or product manufacturers’ warranties due to improper use. In addition to a personal demonstration, professional new home builders often provide a homeowner’s manual with detailed information on the home, including basic maintenance inside and out.
product manufacturers’ warranties
Many of the products and materials used in your new home come with a manufacturer’s warranty, as well as maintenance information. Your builder will pass these materials on to you, along with any warranties by subcontractors for products and services that went into the construction of your home.
the first year in your new home
Moving into a brand new home is a great experience. Both you and your builder have worked hard to arrive at this point, and now it’s time to enjoy the rewards. As you get ready to settle into your new surroundings, it’s a good idea to review the processes that will help to ensure that your first year in your new home is a truly satisfying experience.
after-sales service
What happens if a problem emerges after you take possession? Make sure you are familiar with your builder’s after-sales service process in detail. What’s covered by warranty during the first year and what’s not? In subsequent years? Who is your key contact? Does the builder schedule regular follow-up calls during the first year when you can discuss any accumulated work, or should you contact the company as the need may arise? You should also have an idea of the response time you can realistically expect. Outside of the rare emergency requiring immediate attention, a builder may have to arrange service calls around construction schedules as well as the availability of subcontractors. The vast majority of service calls are dealt with professionally, within a reasonable timeframe and to the homeowner’s satisfaction. If needed, the third-party warranty program, which backs the builder’s warranty, can step in to resolve any dispute and ensure that the required work is done.
typical first-year changes
A brand new home typically experiences some drying out of materials and settling during the first year, which may result in minor changes. This is completely normal, does not indicate a defect in your home and should not be a cause for concern. Most changes are related to moisture, as materials used in the construction of your home continue to dry out. For instance, drywall may develop nail pops or hairline cracks, or small shrinkage cracks may appear in basement walls or garage floors. Occasionally, hardwood flooring may develop a few squeaks as the wood dries out; however, it is important to remember that solid wood products, from floors to doors, will continue to contract and expand throughout the lifetime of your home, in response to humidity levels inside and out. Talk with your builder about any changes that might occur, and how to best deal with them.