Moving into a New Construction? Everything You Need to Know
Moving into a new construction home is an exciting milestone, as these brand-new homes bring the allure of pristine conditions, modern amenities, and even customizability if you’re involved with the building process. However, as with any other move, moving into new construction also comes with a unique set of considerations and steps to ensure a smooth, successful transition.
Feeling unsure about what you should know and the steps you should take when moving into a new home? Discover our comprehensive guide to help you navigate moving into a newly constructed home!
Steps to Take When Moving into a Brand New Home
Ahead of your move-in date, there are some important steps to take with your new construction home. Learn from these nine crucial steps below!
- Communicate with the Builders
First and foremost, effective communication with the builders is a must throughout the process. From the initial construction phase to the final handover, maintaining regular contact with your builders ensures you are up to date with the home’s progress and any potential delays. Builders can provide essential information about the materials used, warranty details, and maintenance tips for your new home, which is why this line of communication is essential.
As you go about the process, it’s important to clarify any questions or concerns you may have before moving in. Understanding the construction process, the materials used, and any potential maintenance requirements can help prevent issues down the line and ultimately make your life easier. Additionally, be sure to inquire about the line of communication for reporting any problems that may arise after you move in.
- Schedule Utilities Start Dates
Before moving in, ensure all necessary utilities are scheduled to start on your move-in date. This includes electricity, gas, water, internet, and any other essential services. To have a smooth transition, contact the utility companies at least a few weeks in advance to set up your accounts and schedule service activation. Doing this in a timely manner will prevent any disruptions or delays.
Having utilities ready when you move in is crucial. Not only will it make the transition more comfortable, but it will also allow you to test all systems and appliances immediately. A few days before move-in, confirm with each utility provider that services will be active on your move-in day to avoid any miscommunications or setbacks.
- Complete a Pre-Occupancy Walkthrough with Builders
A pre-occupancy walkthrough is an essential step in the process of moving into a new construction home. During this walkthrough, the builder will guide you through the property, explaining how everything works and pointing out key features. This meeting provides the ideal opportunity to inspect the home thoroughly and ensure everything is completed correctly.
Pay attention to the quality of workmanship, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or raise concerns. Keep an eye out for any cosmetic issues, such as paint finishes, flooring, and cabinetry. It’s also the perfect time to learn about the location of important features like the electrical panel, water shut-off valves, and HVAC system. These are important aspects of homeownership, so covering all your bases with your builder will set you up for success in your new home.
- Test Your Plumbing
Once you have access to the property, one of the first things to do is test the plumbing. Run water through all faucets, check the flushing mechanisms on toilets, and ensure that there are no leaks under sinks or around fixtures. Identifying any plumbing issues early allows these issues to be promptly addressed by the builder.
Testing the plumbing also involves checking the water pressure and the functionality of hot water systems. If you notice any irregularities, such as low water pressure or slow drainage, report them to the builder immediately. Proper plumbing is crucial for your daily comfort and convenience.
- Test Your Outlets
Electrical outlets are another critical aspect to check before moving in. To do this, bring a small device, such as a phone charger or an outlet tester, and verify that each outlet is functioning properly. This is also a good time to check that all light switches work and that there are no issues with the electrical wiring.
When you test the electricity, you should also ensure that all GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets, typically found in kitchens and bathrooms, are working correctly. These outlets are designed to protect against electrical shock and are an important safety feature in any home. If you encounter any problems with the outlets or switches, inform the builder so they can make the necessary repairs as soon as possible.
- Run The HVAC System
Understandably, the HVAC system is one of the most vital aspects of your home, as it exists to maintain a comfortable environment. Before moving in, run the heating and cooling systems to ensure they are working efficiently. During this process, test the thermostat, and check that air is flowing properly from all vents. If the home has multiple zones, verify that each zone is operating as expected.
It’s also a good recommended to change the air filters. Clean filters improve air quality and help the HVAC system run more efficiently. As with any other problems, if you notice any issues with the heating or cooling systems, report them to the builder so they can address the problem before you move in.
- Clean Before Move-In
Even though the home is new, construction can leave behind dust and debris. Sometimes, a cleaning will be completed prior to move-in, but it may not entirely rid your new home of these aspects from construction. A thorough cleaning before you move in is essential to ensure a clean environment. Focus on areas that may have accumulated dust during construction, such as windowsills, light fixtures, and air vents.
If you want to avoid handling the task yourself, consider hiring a professional cleaning service for a deep clean. They can take care of tasks like cleaning carpets, polishing floors, and sanitizing bathrooms and kitchens. Starting off in your new home with a perfectly clean environment is a great way to have a fresh start in the space.
- Be Vigilant During the Final Walkthrough
The final walkthrough is your last chance to ensure everything is in perfect condition before you take ownership of the home. During this walkthrough, pay close attention to the details and make note of any issues or unfinished work. Bring a checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything important, as it can be easy to forget every aspects to look for.
Take this time to check for any cosmetic issues, such as paint touch-ups, flooring imperfections, or cabinet adjustments. Test all appliances, faucets, and fixtures to confirm they are working correctly. If you find any problems, document them and discuss them with the builder to determine how and when they will be fixed.
- Take Note of Issues that Arise
Even after a thorough inspection in even the most well-built home, it’s possible that some issues may arise after you move in. Keep a detailed record of any problems you encounter, no matter how minor they may seem. This record will be helpful when communicating with the builder or warranty provider.
Most new construction homes come with a warranty that covers certain defects and repairs. Understanding the terms of your warranty and knowing how to file a claim is important, so be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions. Promptly reporting any issues and following up with the builder ensures that necessary repairs are made in a timely manner.
Move into Your New Home with Confidence
With these steps, you can ensure your new home is in the best condition possible before move-in day. Then, all that’s left to do is enjoy your new space. Welcome home!
Looking for a trusted moving company to help you move into your new space? Count on RLD Relocation & Logistics, Northeast Ohio’s trusted movers since 1978. Our team offers a comprehensive menu of moving, packing, and storage services to meet all of your relocation needs, allowing you to experience a seamless transition to your new space. Request a free quote online or call us today, and discover how RLD can transform your upcoming move!
