After months of searching for the perfect community, finding just the right builder, and choosing options to fit your needs, your new house is finally underway. Now, you’re on the next leg of your journey into a wonderful life in your new build home.
The builder has set the expected completion date, so now you have to prepare for the first year in your new home. There’s a lot to consider and it can get overwhelming at times. That’s why Brunswick Crossing has compiled a list of things to expect in the first year living in your new home.
Closing
You’re on the last hurdle before the house is yours: Closing. However, it’s no simple task. Leading up to closing, you’ll visit the home and do a final walk-through with the project manager. This is your chance to familiarize yourself, ask questions, and review warranty and service instructions. Before closing, you’ll also want to review your HUD-1 settlement statement, which includes terms and conditions, the exact monthly mortgage payment, and closing costs.
Gather all your paperwork, including proof of homeowners insurance, a copy of your contract, bank documents, a government-issued photographic ID, and more. Also be prepared for a variety of people in attendance at your closing. Expect attorneys, a title company representative, a bank or lender representative, and a settlement agent. When the day comes, you will sign a lot of documents, transfer funds, update the deed of the house to your name, and provide mortgage and title fees.
Moving
Moving can be another daunting task in the process of homebuying, but it doesn’t have to be. Before your home is completed, print out the floor plan so you can mark it up! Decide how you’ll use each of the spaces. This will help you choose what furniture to keep and where to put it.
If you’re not receiving much luck in enlisting the help of friends and family, hiring movers might be a good next step. Ask for recommendations from friends and your Realtor. Check the references and license of your movers before making the decision. And, carefully look into the protection they offer.
It’s never too early to start packing. You’ll need plenty of boxes and packing paper so ask around to find where you’ll get the best prices. Packing is also an excellent opportunity to take inventory of your home and donate any unwanted items. As you carefully fill up your boxes, label them with the contents and what room they belong in. Your labeled boxes along with the marked-up blueprint will be massively helpful for the movers.
Warranties and Maintenance
Builder warranties are often included on new build homes. They cover permanent aspects of your home such as plumbing, electrical work, and flooring. There may also be warranties on other aspects of the house such as windows, heating, HVAC systems and so on. Be sure to keep track of the length of your warranties and what is covered so that you know when to make a claim that could save you money.
One of the perks of a new build home is that your appliances are oftentimes new and energy efficient. However, this doesn't mean you should neglect regular maintenance. In fact, this is the perfect time to jump on your maintenance to proactively avoid big repairs. Some areas of your home to keep an eye on include your gutters, HVAC filter, water tank, basement sump pump, pest control, and so on.
Upgrades and Landscaping
A new build home often comes with a landscaping package, such as seeding or sodding. However, you may want to consider adding a little more to your landscaping. Local nurseries can help you pick out just the right plants to liven up your space. In planning your landscaping, don’t forget to plan for entertainment space, whether it’s a fire pit or an area to play games.
Builders offer many excellent upgrades as the house is being built that you can enjoy as soon as you move in. For instance, if your home’s plan doesn’t already come with it, consider adding a kitchen island. An island offers a great space if a formal dining room isn’t your go-to place for every meal. Or, you might plan for roughed-in plumbing and electrical. For those times when you’re interested in adding a bathroom to your basement or installing new appliances to your kitchen, roughing in the plumbing and electrical when your house is still in process is much easier. Light fixtures are something you may choose to upgrade yourself later on, so when making plans for your new home, ensure all your rooms have enough lighting.
Are you ready to move into the home of your dreams? Brunswick Crossing has a model to fit your needs and lifestyle. With flexible floor plans and features, you’ll be able to build the perfect place to call home. View our virtual tours and see the opportunities available to you in a new home. Check out our available models below, and register for pricing and incentives today:
