By Relocation.com Staff
When moving into a newly-constructed home, you might think that all of the issues are covered. Your new home is fresh and pristine, after all, so why would there be any problems? Unfortunately, even in a brand-new home, you need to be prepared to deal with the difficulties of moving.
Prepare and Research:
Begin to prepare to move into your newly-constructed home well in advance. Research your homebuilding company to find out exactly what you can expect when it is time to move. Tour the model homes available at development sites, and talk to sales and construction representatives to find out exactly how the models will compare to your own home. By carefully researching your homebuilding company ahead of time, you can avoid headaches at move in. After you home is built, check to see if your sales contract allows for an independent inspection. Discuss any issues and defects with your homebuilder before the move-in date.
Know Your Move-In Date:
Have a clear move-in timeline, and make sure that your plans match those of your builder. Nancy Chapin, a Residential Sales Consultant with Re/Max Eastside Brokers of Bellevue, Washington, cautions that “developers want to get to the point of certification of occupancy as soon as possible, because that’s when they get paid.” Even after your home should be ready for occupancy, you might need to wait for electrical, landscape or painting work before you can comfortably inhabit your new home.
Don't Expect Perfection:
On moving day, try not to expect perfection. Be sure to carefully look around the house before your movers arrive and make note of any small imperfections you find. Note places with scratches or chipped paint before the move, and record the issues and locations to discuss with the homebuilding company. Check and re-check all of your appliances for functionality and correct utility connections. If there are major problems in the house, you want to know them before the movers bring in your belongings.
Know the Dimensions:
Get room dimensions from your homebuilder so that you can plan where to put your furniture when the movers arrive. Measure the height and width of doorways – you want your furniture to make it into the rooms. If you have curved hallways or spiral staircases, make a note of those locations in which movers might have trouble carrying large items.
Consider Special Care:
Because you want to keep your newly-constructed home looking new for as long as possible, consult with the homebuilder about features that need special care. If you have concerns about the safety of hardwood floors or ceramic tiling, ask the movers to bring floor coverings for those areas. Pad easily-hit corners and delicate features if you expect a lot of moving traffic in those areas.
Work Together:
Work with all parties to make sure that the move goes as smoothly as possible. You can talk to your homebuilder about damages occurring before and during the move. If you have issues with your homebuilder, discuss them with your real estate agent or with the building inspectors. Problems with the individual contractors at your house can often be resolved by talking to the sales and customer service representatives at the homebuilding company.
You will probably have some moving issues, even when your home is newly-constructed. Keep your expectations realistic and work to resolve any problems in the moment, and those problems will not keep you from your new home.
Your Next Move: