Congratulations! After months of watching your new home transform from an empty lot into your dream space, the papers are signed, and the keys are officially yours. This is a major milestone worth celebrating! But after the initial excitement fades, you might start asking yourself, “What comes next?”
The journey doesn’t end here. Taking a few important steps after closing on your new home that can help you feel settled and safeguard your investment. This guide is designed for new construction homeowners, with tips on everything from securing your property to navigating your builder’s warranty.
The First 48 Hours: Immediate Priorities
Before you start unpacking, focus on these critical tasks to secure your property and ensure it’s functional from day one.
Secure Your Home: Rekey Your Locks
Whether it’s a brand-new build or not, you can’t be sure who might have a copy of your keys, contractors, site supervisors, or others. For peace of mind, call a locksmith to rekey all exterior locks. It’s a simple, affordable step to ensure you’re the only one with access to your home.
Identify Your Home’s Key Shut-Off Points
Emergencies like a burst pipe or a tripped breaker can happen anywhere, even in new homes. Save yourself a frantic search by locating these main shut-offs now:
- Water Main Valve: Usually found in the basement, a utility closet, or crawl space.
- Circuit Breaker Panel: Locate the panel and familiarize yourself with the circuit layout. Your builder may have labeled them for convenience.
- Gas Shut-Off Valve: If your home uses natural gas, the valve is typically near the meter outside.
Snap a photo of each for easy reference. Knowing these locations can turn a potential crisis into a quick fix.
Most builders will show you where these items are located during the final walk-through but it’s worth locating them again for peace of mind.
Test Safety Devices
Your new home likely comes equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, but don’t assume they’re ready to go. Press the test button on each unit to confirm they’re functioning properly. It’s a quick, simple check to ensure your safety systems are in top shape.
The First Week: Getting Settled and Organized
With the immediate security tasks handled, it’s time to manage the logistics of moving in and getting your life up and running.
Confirm Your Utilities Are Active
While you likely started this process before closing, now is the time to confirm all services are active and in your name. Double-check the status of:
- Electricity
- Water and Sewer
- Natural Gas
- Trash and Recycling
Find out your collection schedule and order bins if they weren’t provided. This is also the time to schedule your internet and cable installation. Appointments can book up weeks in advance, so get on the schedule quickly to avoid a long wait without Wi-Fi.
Update Your Address Everywhere
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail forwarding service is a great start, but it’s a temporary fix. You need to update your new address directly with important people and companies to avoid missed bills or lost packages.
Your checklist should include:
- Financial Services: Banks, credit card companies, loan providers.
- Government Agencies: DMV, IRS, Social Security Administration.
- Insurance Providers: Auto, health, life.
- Your Employer: For payroll and tax documents.
- Online Shopping & Subscriptions: Amazon, streaming services, etc.
Start a Punch List
Even the best builders can miss small details. During your first week, keep a “punch list” of any cosmetic issues: paint touch-ups, a sticky drawer, a baseboard scuff. Your builder’s warranty usually covers these, and it’s easier to address them all at once.
The First Month: Mastering Your New Home
You’re starting to settle in, and the boxes are disappearing. Now is the perfect time to establish routines that will protect your investment and simplify your life as a new construction homeowner.
Create a “Home Central” Hub for Documents
The paperwork you received from your builder and at closing is incredibly important. Create a dedicated binder or digital folder to store everything. This central hub should contain:
- Your builder warranty documents and contact information
- The final closing statement
- Appliance manuals and individual product warranties
- Your final inspection report
- Records of any repairs or warranty work
Having these documents organized and accessible will be a lifesaver for warranty claims, maintenance, or a future sale.
Understand and Manage Your Builder Warranty
Your new home comes with a warranty, which is one of the biggest perks of buying new. Take time this month to read through the warranty documents carefully. Understand what is covered and for how long. Typically, warranties are tiered:
- 1-Year Warranty: Covers workmanship and materials, like drywall and paint. This is for your punch list items.
- 2-Year Warranty: Covers systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.
- 10-Year Warranty: Covers major structural components of the home.
Know the process for submitting a claim. Most builders have an online portal or a dedicated warranty representative. Document everything in writing and take photos of any issues you submit.
S&A Homes’ Commitment to Customer Care
At S&A Homes, “Customer Care” is more than a department; it’s our promise. We’re proud of our high customer satisfaction, with many homeowners recommending us to friends and family. From day one, we’re committed to “building it right the first time” and back this up with a proactive care program to address issues early.
A key part of this commitment is our 10-Year Warranty, fully transferable, with no deductible, designed to protect your investment and peace of mind. Our dedicated team makes the warranty process simple and hassle-free. We’re here to ensure a durable, worry-free homeownership experience.
Plan for Regular Maintenance
A brand-new home still requires ongoing care. Proactive maintenance prevents small issues from becoming big problems and keeps your systems running efficiently. Create a seasonal checklist to stay on top of regular tasks. Your plan could include:
- Monthly: Test smoke detectors and clean faucet aerators.
- Seasonally: Change HVAC filters, clean out gutters (especially after construction debris), and test the sump pump.
- Annually: Schedule an HVAC tune-up and inspect exterior caulking around windows and doors.
Setting calendar reminders helps you stay on track with these important chores.
Settle Into Your New Community
Moving into a new construction community means many of your neighbors are new, too. This is a unique opportunity to build a neighborhood from the ground up.
- Introduce Yourself: Don’t be shy! Take a walk and introduce yourself to the families on your street. Everyone is in the same boat.
- Join Community Groups: Look for a neighborhood Facebook or social media group. This is often the fastest way to get local recommendations and stay informed about community events.
- Attend HOA Meetings: If you have a Homeowners Association, attend the meetings to stay informed and have a voice in your community’s development.
Welcome Home!
You did it. By checking these essential tasks off your list, you’re not just moving into a house; you’re setting the stage for a happy, well-managed home. Now you can finally unpack, decorate, and begin the exciting journey of making this new space truly your own.
At S&A Homes, we build new communities across Central and South-Central Pennsylvania. Explore our quick move-in homes or build on your land options by calling 1-855-SAHOME1 or visiting SAHomeBuilder.com.