It’s an exciting time — your builder has finished construction on your new home and it’s time for the final walkthrough!
All too often, homeowners let their initial excitement take control and they forget to ask some important questions about their new house. When you have to do a final walkthrough on a new construction home, these are a few of the top questions you must ask your builder.
When will repairs be completed?
As you walk through the new home, you need to look closely at everything. This is the perfect time to be detailed oriented, so keep your eyes peeled as you and the builder explore the home together.
Open every door and window. Check that each appliance functions. Study the walls, floors, countertops, and other surfaces for poor workmanship or obvious imperfections.
Essentially, you’re looking for any items that need to be repaired. It’s very likely that you’ll have at least a few small repairs that need to be completed. Ask the builder exactly when repairs will be completed and who will be completing them. You should also get everything in writing so that you can hold your builder accountable if necessary.
What kind of maintenance does my new home need?
Different homes need to be cared for and maintained in different ways depending on the structure’s features and where it was built.
For example, due to the climate, a house in northern Minnesota will have a different yearly maintenance checklist than a home in Arizona. Each home will have its own unique features, too. The Arizona house might have solar panels on the roof, and you’ll want to learn how to keep those in proper working order. Foundation care might also vary drastically from one home to the next depending on the type of soils found in the region.
Maintenance is incredibly important overall, but it also has an impact on whether you can use warranty coverage for any needed repairs and replacements. Oftentimes, improper maintenance voids that coverage.
Is there any warranty coverage on the home?
Next, you need to understand how your new house is protected. Ask your builder about the warranty coverage on your new home. The types of coverage you might have include:
- Structural warranty coverage
- A warranty on workmanship and materials
- Systems and appliances warranty coverage
Many states require a certain degree of warranty coverage on newly constructed homes, though oftentimes builders will include more thorough warranty plans within the price of the home. You want to make sure your home is properly protected from any unexpected repairs or replacements… especially since it takes time for issues to appear.
Maintaining a new home
Ensure you can always use your home’s warranty coverage by performing regular maintenance. If you aren’t sure where to start, these resources will help you get going:
Creating a Maintenance Guide for Your Home
Preventative Home Maintenance Checklist
HVAC Maintenance and Upkeep Tips for Homeowners
Reading these articles might even help you brainstorm some more specific questions for your next new home walkthrough. And remember, there’s no such thing as a bad question. A home is a massive financial investment and you should feel empowered to ask your builder for the information you need to be a successful homeowner.
Are you ready to safeguard your new home, your wallet, and your sanity? Find out how Structural Warranties and Service Agreements from 2-10 HBW protect your home from the inside-out.
