5 easy ways to protect your new home

Whether it’s a first-time home purchase, a vacation home purchase, a multigenerational family home purchase or a downsize to luxury for ages 55+, choosing and building a new home marks a significant investment.

Besides basic homeowners insurance, which is described in more detail below and which lenders require for financing, other easy steps can help you protect your newconstruction home for decades.

Meet the neighbors

By purchasing a home in a brand new community, buyers join a group of people who have at least a few things in common, including that everyone is new to everyone else.

When people know each other, they look out for one another. Ask the sales office in the new-home community if neighborhood interest groups have been formed. Then build community by getting outside for walks, introducing yourself to others or stopping by neighbors’ homes — even during construction if some have already moved in.

Exchange phone numbers and share what you’ve learned about the local area and your favorite places in it. Attend the community farmers market and ask where people live. Offer to help neighbors who might benefit from assistance pulling down their garbage cans or watching their home from your yard if they’re out of town.

Connection is key. Start building it as soon as possible.

Use smart security and detection systems

Likely already offered by the new-home builder, smart home security typically comes in a package of integrated services including home security sensors, cameras and even smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Some manufacturers offer systems that combine smart thermostats with smoke and carbon monoxide detection systems. Others integrate seamlessly between services, allowing the homeowner to access each service remotely, often through a single app.

Motion-activated lighting

Installing motionactivated lighting protects not only the home but the people in it.

Think about which areas will be most useful for lights that turn on as soon as someone enters a room or comes near the house.

If you take the dog for walks in the dark, for instance, consider motion sensors for lights that are on the patios, at the front step, in the garage and outside the garage. Doing so will also help deter other animals or people from coming closer than they should at night.

Inside the home, motion-activated lighting can be helpful in hallways or in rooms that people enter and exit frequently, so that lights are only on when needed. Tip: Set the timers in each space strategically — 30 seconds to a minute or so may be enough.

Plan for messes, accidents and wear

“Oops!” Accidents happen; it’s life. Before moving in, gather all manuals — everything from the HVAC system and kitchen appliances to the windows, doors and cabinets. Talk to the builder or designer about what kinds of regular maintenance will keep these features in top form for the many years you plan to live there.

Purchase productspecific cleaning supplies, replacement items like filters and other tools that will make regular maintenance easier to manage. Mark your calendars with regular schedules for cleaning, maintenance or upkeep.

Learning about all the brand-new, modern items in the new house long before you take full ownership will give you the freedom to enjoy them from day one without having to study their nuances.

Evaluate homeowners insurance policies

If financing your newhome purchase, your lender may recommend a preferred insurance provider. And, if working with the builder’s preferred lender, that company will have excellent knowledge of the best kinds of protection for the new home.

Take time during this process to fully understand which types of insurance are required, highly advised or optional.

Dwelling coverage, for instance, gives the homeowner (and the lender) protection against loss of portions of the structure in the event of damage. It typically covers the actual home itself and any structures attached to it, such as decks, garages, porches and balconies.

Also wise to consider is personal property insurance, which can provide replacement value of belongings inside the home in the event of damage or certain kinds of loss.

Personal liability insurance through a homeowners insurance policy may be required and protects the homeowner in the event someone is injured on your property.

Learn about the costs and benefits of natural disaster-related insurance such as against damage from earthquakes, wildfires, floods and more. The location of the community will help you, and your lender if applicable, determine which are necessary.

Taking the time to prepare in advance will help you enjoy your brand new home from day one.