A-HOUSE e-Community

Check List for Your New Construction Home

Many first-time homebuyers choose to purchase new construction. As with any new home, you should expect to "break the house in." But you do not want unexpected expenses that you might have avoided by simply performing a careful pre- purchase inspection. The biggest single question we get from clients closing on a new home is "What do we look for?" when we do our final walk-through before closing on our newly constructed home. Well, although most newly constructed home will include a one or two-year warranty, we also recommend that you consider hiring a home inspector. Even the most reputable builder can occasional have oversights. We also suggest that you work with a buyer’s agent so that they can help you manage the process of working with a builder to insure your expectations are fully met. The following is a list of items you should nevertheless check before closing on new construction:

Certificate of Occupancy – The first thing is you want to see if your local county has issued and occupancy permit. This lets you know at the least your house passes local code requirements.

Grading – You want to check and make sure that your ground will drain water away from your foundation. You can simple check this by using a hose. Look for signs of erosions and places where water run off pools and collect.

Roof and Gutter – The shingle should lay flat and tight. Make sure that the gutters and spout direct water away from the house.

Exterior Appearance – Make sure that the doors and windows are sealed with weather stripping. Insure that trim and fittings are tight. You want to look for cracks. Also make sure that the paint covers all surfaces smoothly.

Doors and Windows – You want to make sure doors and windows open easily. Look for loose or cracked glass.

Interior Finish and Surfaces – Make sure painting is complete in all rooms, closets, and stairways. Look for missed spots. Make sure that all molding and trim is in place. Look for nicks, scratches, burns on all surfaces such as your cabinets and counter tops.

Floors – Make sure that the carpets are tight and that the seams match. Vinyl tile and linoleum should not have any ridges or gaps. Make sure that you wooded floors are properly finished.

Appliances, Fixtures, and Plumbing – Turn on all of your appliances and make sure that they operate properly. Operate all faucets, showers, and toilet to make sure they work. Check each electrical outlet by plugging in something such as your cell phone charger, hair dryer, or other small electrical apparatus.

A/C and Heating – Turn on and make sure that the A/C can and heating unit can produce both heat and cool air. Make sure that the water heater can produce hot water.

Other Systems – Test your door bell. Makes sure the dampers and draft work on your fire place. Open the garage door and any other options you may have such as securities systems.

Basement and Attics – Look for dampness or leaks. Look for any cracking in the floor or foundation. Look for any defects in components such as floor joist, I-beams, support columns etc.

If this sound like you need an engineering degree in construction, then you definitely need to hire a home inspector. But do not hesitate to follow your inspector on their inspection and ask them about each of these areas. An additional set of eyes from a trusted friend does not hurt either. After all you are the one who will have to live in your new home and you want it right the first time.

Thursday Homebuyer's Meetings

Please come to this Thursday's homebuyer meeting. The meetings are designed for first-time homebuyers and for investors. Certificates are given to attendees which first-time homebuyers can use to fulfill the education requirement of many down payment assistance programs. The meetings will be every Thursday from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at our offices in Buckhead. For more information or to register, please email us at meetingahousebuyer.com. Space is limited so don't procrastinate, get the lowdown on homebuying in Atlanta!

Homebuyer Club Meeting: January, 2003

Join the Homebuyers Club, get help, learn new information, and have brunch with us two Saturday mornings each month, starting at 10:00 a.m. The Homebuyers club meets at the Atlanta FanPlex located next Turner Field. The initial enrollment fee is $10 and is only $5 thereafter to cover the cost of your light brunch. To reserve a seat please e-mail us at clubahousebuyer.com. UPCOMING TOPIC: THE STEPS TO HOMEOWNERSHIP.

A-HOUSE stands ready to serve all of your mortgage and real estate needs.  We are educators, originators and buyers' agents focused on getting the most out of home ownership for buyers.  If you want to purchase or refinance a home, please give us an opportunity to serve your needs by applying online at www.ahousebuyer.com.  We will walk with you through the homebuying process from start to finish.  Join our alliance and achieve the American dream - home ownership!

Steve Holland
President
A-HOUSE Program Alliance, Inc.
(404) 872-3396, ext. 204
(404) 876-9087 Fax
P.O. Box 50451
Atlanta, GA 30302
shollandahousebuyer.com www.ahousebuyer.com
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee