Caring For A New Custom House (Building A Custom Home Series, Part 4 of 4)

Perhaps the most gratifying moment in our day comes when we see the look of joy on our customer’s face when they finally get to move in to their new custom home in New Jersey. So much goes into the process when we’re building a home—from design and layout to energy efficiency—but when we hand over the keys, the work isn’t truly over. Now it’s up to the homeowner to take great care of their New Jersey custom house, and in this article, we’re going to go over a few important, common sense tips for caring for a new custom house.

Review the Owner’s Manuals

Just like when you buy a new car, or a new mobile phone, there may be some features in your new home that you may not have been aware of. Reading the instruction manuals of your appliances is a great way to make sure you are using your appliances appropriately. Your owner’s manuals can give you information on how to care for your flooring as well as other surfaces in the home.

Read Your Warranty Agreement

A lot of new construction homes have short-term warranty agreements. The purpose of these warranty agreements is to cover issues with materials or workmanship. It is important to review the warranty within the first year of living in your new home and review concerns that may come up with the builder. For more information about the extra warranties that Barrister provides for our customers, reach out to us directly at (201) 891-7774.

Monitor the Humidity

When the humidity level in your home is less than 60%, you will feel more comfortable. It also reduces mold growth. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests that you keep the humidity level between 30% and 50%, so when you move into your new custom home in New Jersey, buy a humidity gauge for each floor in your house. When summer hits, regulate the humidity in your home with air conditioning. Once winter comes around, use a humidifier to keep the air from drying out, and to prevent frost from getting on the windows.

Replace All Your Filters Regularly

Although furnace filters can last 90 days, it is recommended by experts to replace them every month in a newly built home. You should do this for at least two months because there may still be construction particles floating around. You also must continue to replace all the other filters, such as for your air conditioning system, and even your water filters, as well.

Touch Up the Exterior

After you get the keys to your new home, find out the paint color and brand from the builder. Once a year, inspect the outside of your home. Check to see if the trim needs to be touched up and do so. You also want to check for any cracks or leaks. If you can, plug these up with caulking. It will help you in the long run because it will improve your energy efficiency. You will also save on cooling and heating costs.

Gutter Cleaning

Part of caring for a new custom house is making sure you address issues as you notice them. Gutters can become filled with debris and leaves if left unchecked, so we recommended cleaning your gutters at least semi-annually to avoid damage to the house’s roof and foundation. It may not be fun, but it’s important.

Check for Airflow Obstruction

If you live in an area with heavy snowfall like New Jersey, there is sometimes a risk of carbon monoxide getting back into the home. It is, therefore, important to make sure airflow is not being obstructed. You also want to replace the batteries of your smoke and CO detectors every six months. This is important no matter where you live.

Continue To Examine Your Landscaping

Once your house has been built, it takes time for the soil around your house to resettle. You want to check to see if the landscape is inclined away from the home. This is important because it means rainwater is drained properly. It also means runoff is flowing away from the home. Check out some landscaping ideas here.

Final Thoughts On Caring For A New Custom house

As this article series demonstrates, a lot goes into building a custom home in New Jersey. Deciding on the floor plan has its own processes. Finding a reputable builder is also important, and building an energy efficient home can save you money in the long run.

But just as important as the planning and building stages of your home, is what comes after Barrister steps away and hands you the keys. Once you have built your custom home, it is necessary to care for it.

It’s an exciting prospect, and if you’re ready to start designing your custom home in New Jersey, give us a call at (201) 891-7774 or contact us on our website.