Most people assume that their relationship with the homebuilder ends when they get to the point of actually moving in to a newly-constructed home. In reality the homebuilder often remains a part of the new home experience for up to a year after the closing date on the sale. In order for the buyer to get the most out of this ongoing relationship, there are specific questions that you should ask your homebuilder.
New homeowners may feel awkward approaching their homebuilder after the sale is complete, but this should not be the case. According to Eric Manzanares, the Regional Sales Manager for the Polygon Northwest home construction company, the builder “should be there for the customer to ensure that the expectations set out within the purchase and sale agreements have been met, and all of the customer’s questions have been answered.” Remember: the builder works for you. Take advantage of that relationship.
What Can You Expect Post-Closing
Ask about the details of your homebuilder’s post-closing service program. Homebuilding companies vary on the services provided and the length of time in which those services will be available. Expect a minimum of 30 days of service, with many companies offering six months to a year of service. Some companies even offer an extendable program, providing service to the homeowner for as much as three years following closing. You also need to know the specific services included in your homebuilder’s plan. What home issues will they fix? Which problems are the responsibility of the homeowner? Will the services change over the period of the service program?
As many newly-constructed homes have special features unfamiliar to the buyer, it is important to ask your homebuilder for a walk-through or orientation prior to moving in. In a newly-constructed home, you do not have the benefit of a previous occupant’s experience when it comes to the quirks of any house, so make sure to use the builder’s knowledge to fill in any gaps.
Be sure find out about switching utility services when you talk to the builder. Prior to closing, the homebuilding company maintains responsibility for any connected utilities. Find out if the company handles the transfer of electricity, water, sewers, and other services into your name or if you need to take care of such transfers yourself.
Warranties and Punch-Lists
Ask if your home has a warranty and what inspections have been done to ensure the home’s condition. Get the homebuilder to go through that warranty with you. Find out in detail which issues are covered and which are not. While problems of gross negligence should be covered in any warranty, companies differ greatly in their treatment of lesser house faults and future repairs. If you are concerned about the length of the warranty, find out if you can extend it. You also need to find out if your contract allows for an independent inspection of the home. You should take full advantage of that inspection as soon as possible. A reputable builder will not try to pass off shoddy workmanship, but an outside inspection ensures that this is the case.
Be sure to question the homebuilder thoroughly about your new home’s readiness for occupancy before you close. Sometimes builders fall behind schedule, and you do not want to close blindly on a house that will be incomplete for months to come. If the builder looks to be too far behind the agreed-upon schedule, find out when you have to close – it may be to your benefit to defer closing to a later date. If the home is ready for occupancy but still requires essential work from the builders, ask your homebuilder to provide a timeline for completion and determine how you will deal with unacceptable delays.
By asking the right questions and staying on top of the situation, you can expect to have a good relationship with your homebuilder. That relationship is the key to moving in and getting settled in your new home.
Images courtesy of Chris Baker and Ivan Petrov.
