Congratulations, you have just purchased a new build property! You’ve gone through the long process of house hunting, making an offer, and finally closing the deal. Now that you have your keys in hand, it’s time to start thinking about settling into your new home.
Moving into a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming. With all the excitement of having a brand new, never-lived-in-before home, you may also feel a bit lost on where to start. But don’t worry—I’m going to share some insider tips on things to do after purchasing your new home.
Designing Your Space
Creating a custom home that reflects your personal style is all about the details. From hand-picking fixtures to coordinating colors, every choice you make adds up to a unique space that’s all yours.
Selecting Custom Fixtures and Finishes
Start with the basics: fixtures and finishes. These are the details that give your home its personality. Choose knobs, faucets, and lighting that complement your home’s design and enhance functionality. When you’re browsing options, think about:
- Style: Modern, rustic, classic? Choose fixtures that match your vision.
- Practicality: High-usage areas need durable choices, like stainless steel or brushed nickel.
- Upgrades: Sometimes, the standard just won’t do. If you want that high-end feel, upgrading to designer brands can make all the difference.
Upgrading Your Appliances
Your appliances should be as smart as they are sleek. Here’s what to consider:
- Energy Efficiency: Look for ENERGY STAR® rated appliances to save on utilities.
- Smart Features: Modern appliances come with features that make life easier, like refrigerators that can make a shopping list for you.
- Integration: Make sure your appliances can integrate well with your home’s design and floor plan.
Choosing the Right Color Palette
Colors set the mood. They can make rooms seem larger, cozier, or more energetic.
- Neutral Tones: They’re timeless and give you flexibility for future changes.
- Accent Colors: Use them to bring personality and depth to different spaces.
Think about how paint, tiles, and flooring options will work together. Test out samples in different lights to see how they’ll really look once they’re in your home. Your choices here will set the tone for your custom home, so take your time to customize it to your taste.
Before You Move In
Before you get swept up in the excitement of decorating your new space, there are a couple of critical steps you should take to ensure everything is in tip-top shape.
Scheduling and Understanding Home Inspections
Your new build may look perfect, but scheduling a thorough home inspection is a must. Even new homes can have issues concealed beneath the shiny façade. An inspector will look for structural defects, electrical issues, and plumbing snafus that might not be immediately apparent. They’ll provide you with an inspection report which is your blueprint for any fixes you need from the builder before move-in. Prioritize getting this done before your certificate of occupancy is issued, as this document indicates your home is safe and in working order.
Reviewing Builder and Appliance Warranties
Wrap your head around the warranties you’ve received:
- Builder Warranties: Often come with a limited warranty covering materials and workmanship. This can include windows, roofing, and HVAC systems, typically for one year.
- Appliance Warranties: Your new appliances come with their own warranties. Make sure to register them and understand what’s covered.
Highlight any coverage for structural defects, as those are big-ticket repairs, and confirm the process for submitting claims. Having all of your warranty information sorted and understood can save you a headache if something malfunctions down the line.
Exterior and Infrastructure
When you’ve purchased a new build, it’s a must to examine the exterior and critical infrastructure. This ensures long-term durability and maintains the curb appeal of the home, from the roof to the foundation.
Roof: Check that the shingles are properly installed with no missing pieces and that flashing is correctly applied around vents and chimneys. Remember, a solid roof is your first defense against the elements.
Gutters: Ensure gutters are securely attached and downspouts are directing water away from your home’s foundation. Clogged or poorly installed gutters can lead to water damage and soil erosion around the base of your house.
Landscaping: Start with assessing the slope of your yard; it should divert water away from your foundation. Choose plants that complement your home and grow well in your climate, considering how roots might affect your home’s structure over time.
Siding, Driveway, and Deck: Inspect your siding for gaps and the driveway for cracks that need sealing. If you have a deck, check for loose boards or railings. These are more than just aesthetic issues—they can affect longevity and safety.
Your garage is an extension of your house. Make sure its construction is sound, with a properly functioning door. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected problems down the line. Keep an eye on details; they make a difference in protecting your investment.
Interior Detailing
When you get the keys to your new build, it’s time for the fun part: making sure every inch is up to scratch. Interior detailing is crucial; it’s all about checking for defects and adding those final touches that transform a house into your home.
Walls: Grab your eye for detail and inspect the drywall for imperfections, like nail pops or obvious seams. Changes in climate can cause shrinkage and result in small imperfections, commonplace in new homes. Use blue painter’s tape to mark any areas that need attention.
Floors: Look for any inconsistencies in the flooring whether it be hardwood, tile, or carpet. Inspect the transition areas between different materials for smoothness and ensure the baseboards are properly sealed to the floor.
Kitchen: This space is the heart of your home, so check all the cabinets and countertops for any nicks or scratches. Open and close every door and drawer to ensure smooth operation. Also, make sure all your appliances are correctly installed and functional.
Bath: The focus here is on plumbing fixtures and tile work. Run the water in the sinks, showers, and tubs to double-check for leaks and ensure proper insulation. Look over the grouting and caulking for uniformity and sealing.
Planning for the Future
When you’ve got the keys to your new home, it’s just the beginning. Ensuring a smooth future means understanding how to maintain your property and weighing factors that influence its long-term value.
Regular Maintenance: Your home is your haven, but it does require upkeep. Remember to:
- Inspect your home seasonally to nix small issues before they become big problems.
- Schedule professional maintenance for your HVAC systems to promote energy efficiency and safety.
- Understand warranties provided by your builder, especially those covering your roof, appliances, and structure, giving you peace of mind if something goes awry.
Homeowners Association (HOA): If you’re part of an HOA, get familiar with their rules on property appearance and maintenance—staying in good standing keeps the community looking sharp and reduces potential friction.
Considering Long-Term Resale Value
Resale Factors: Think ahead to a potential real estate transaction in the future. Protecting and boosting your home’s resale value can be done by:
- Enhancing Energy Efficiency: Install energy-efficient appliances or upgrade insulation to attract future buyers interested in a lower carbon footprint and utility bills.
- Customization with Care: Make the space yours, but keep potential buyers in mind for customizations that are too personal. Neutral wins can enhance your home’s broad appeal.
Your Legal and Regulatory Checklist
After you’ve sealed the deal on your new home, you must tackle a few legal and regulatory tasks to ensure you’re fully compliant and have all your ducks in a row.
Complying with State Laws and HOA Rules
Every state has its own set of laws pertaining to real estate that you need to follow. You also need to check if there’s a Homeowners Association (HOA) in your community. If there is, you’re likely bound by its rules and regulations. Be sure to:
- Research and understand state laws related to new homeownership.
- Review your community’s HOA regulations—these could dictate anything from paint colors to the maintenance of your lawn.
Navigating Paperwork and Legal Requirements
Real estate transactions come with a mountain of paperwork. Keep track of these essential documents:
- Certificate of Occupancy: This confirms your house is deemed habitable.
- Legal documents such as the deed and title to your property.
- Contingencies in your contract, which might include quality checks or the sale of your previous home.
Make sure all your paperwork reflects the reality of the deal and that all state law requirements are met. Keep copies of everything, and don’t hesitate to seek legal advice if something seems amiss.
