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.

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