We are back with the second part to our blog about "Settling Into Custom Homes"
Know Your Home
Your new home can be a bit
of a mystery to you until you take the time to get to know it. That's why most
builders conduct a new home orientation. This is the time when the builder of custom homes will
show you the location and operation of key systems and components in your new
home. The builder will likely also explain warranties and provide you with
printed and/or electronic versions of operating manuals and warranties.
This is the time to make
sure you know where the electrical circuit breakers, water cutoff valves and
other key aspects of your home are located and how to operate them. Many
builders of custom homes also provide a record of the paint colors and brands, carpet and
flooring choices and other decorative aspects of your home. It's wise to file
this information for future reference. Make sure you know where, when and how
to change your furnace and air conditioning filters. Jotting down filter sizes
is a great idea, too.
Learn to operate any and all systems -- and save the manuals for them. This includes home security, home automation, home theater, garage door openers, water softeners, sprinkler systems, programmable thermostats, appliances and more.
Last, consider determining
the best plans in case of a fire or other emergency. Locating these basic parts
of the house and planning ahead will serve you in the future.
Home Owners Association (HOA)
You may love homeowners
associations or you may be skeptical. Either way, it's important to review your
HOA rules since each community has slightly different regulations. Find out
what you can and can’t do in terms of renovations and decorations. Your HOA
guidelines can also help you figure out what the trash and recycling collection
schedule is, as well as many other important “need-to-knows.”
Make Your Vision a Reality
When you first looked at
your new home, I am sure you imagined what it would look like with full paint,
furniture and accessories. The first few months of living in your new home is
the perfect time to bring that vision to life. Decorate your home in the manner
you imagined so that you love it. You must make your home your own if you want
to feel comfortable in it and proud of it.
Know Your Neighborhood
Your house doesn’t stand
alone; it's part of a whole community! So, don’t wait for your neighbors to
come to you – go out and meet them. Your neighbors can become some of your
closest friends. They can help watch your home when you're away. The benefits are
endless. Have kids? Your new neighbors may, as well. A playgroup or swim team
may be up and running. Other residents may share your interests. Many a new
home community has a vibrant club for movie buffs, travel aficionados, wine
enthusiasts and more. Don't find a group with your interest yet? Start one!
It’s also important to
know your community for practical reasons. “Collect emergency information for
the fridge — know the address and phone numbers of the nearest hospital, police
station and fire station,” suggests Marc Jungers, president of Houston-based
Grand View Builders. If you have pets, it’s a good idea to know where the
closest vet and animal hospital are located. The more you know about your
neighborhood, the more assimilated you will feel.
Housewarming Party
Once you and your family are settled and feeling comfortable, celebrate your home with friends, family and neighbors. Show off all the hard work and effort you put into making your new home beautiful and unique. In addition, as a bonus, some people have been known to bring gifts to these parties.
Once you and your family are settled and feeling comfortable, celebrate your home with friends, family and neighbors. Show off all the hard work and effort you put into making your new home beautiful and unique. In addition, as a bonus, some people have been known to bring gifts to these parties.
Relax
You've moved all your stuff in, contacted the proper places and businesses, and taken the steps to make your new house a home. What’s next? Relax, of course! Enjoy your new home, neighbors and community amenities. Sit back, unwind and bask in the success of creating a home made just for you. -- By Kathleen Ashcraft from New Home Source
You've moved all your stuff in, contacted the proper places and businesses, and taken the steps to make your new house a home. What’s next? Relax, of course! Enjoy your new home, neighbors and community amenities. Sit back, unwind and bask in the success of creating a home made just for you. -- By Kathleen Ashcraft from New Home Source
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