Question about the final walk through of a brand new home (staright from the builder).?

Question

-First off, this is a brand new home coming directly from thr builder (Ryland). We will be the first people toever occupy the home.
-We have been walking through the house on a weely basis just to check the progress and mostly because we are really excited about buying our first home. While we walk through, we have noticed little "imperfections" here and there that have caused us a little concern.
-Our final walk through is in about 4 weeks and my wife and I were both curious of how picky we should be?
-For the most part, things look to be in great shape, but there is a door jam where the entire piece of wood is gouged (sp?) and chipped and splintered. On one of the air vents, there is noticeable gap between the vent and the ceiling. There are two small dents (the size of a half dollar) on the very bottom of the aluminum garage door a larger dent on the inside door that leads to the garage.
-Should we expect them to fix even the minorist of impefections? Are webeing too picky?

Answer 1

First off you SHOULD be picky. Start by making what is called a punch out list. This is the list of small or large items the homeowner requires the builder to fix BEFORE signing the final documents to take possession of the property. DON'T be shy!!!!! The builder will expect you to find minor problems with the house and should be happy to repair anything that makes you unhappy. NOTHING IS TOO SMALL! The wood casing SHOULD be repaired and the trim carpenter on your house should be ashamed to have allowed you to even see the trim in that kind of condition. Removing the damaged panel and replacing it with a new one should repair the garage door panel. DON'T let them try to repair the garage door because the door is outside and any repair will be noticeable and also they would need to paint it and that could cause other problems because the original door is either powder coated or baked on.. The metal door leading into the house should be rough sanded and repaired with METAL filler somewhat like the filler that is used on car bodies. REMEMBER "YOU" didn't damage the items in question so DON"T allow the builder to speak to you in a manner that makes you out to be the bad guy because his house has problems. Make sure you check under the kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets also. You may also want to buy a cheap electrical tester for the plugs and fixtures. While testing be sure to check the GFCI's to make sure they also work. Run LOTS of water down every sink and check to P-Trap for leaks. Make sure the sink stoppers work at the same time. Use a piece of plastic wrap to cover the drain in the showers and fill them up and let the water stand in them overnight if possible to make sure the shower pan doesn’t leak. Check the water fittings on EVERY supply fitting at ever sink, toilet and HOT WATER TANK. Look for leakage, dripping, mold or rust. Check the toilets closely for stress cracks and or chips in the porcelain that could cause failure and flooding of your home. If you have a basement BE SURE TO CHECK "ALL" THE WATER LINES AND FITTINGS FOR LEAKAGE. Last but not least set the A/C down low and personally walk the attic and check the ductwork for leakage. I have seen where A/C lines were left completely undone or slashed wide open. Pay particular attention to joints in the ductwork and where the duct board and the flex pipe come in contact with each other. Take the time to contact neighbors within the subdivision that have already moved into their homes because THEY are already living with their homes and can tell you about potential problems to look out for. Because if they are HAPPY with their home they will be open to tell you about how great their hose is and it’s a great way to get to know people in your new neighborhood. If you are at all uneasy about finding things yourself than HIRE A PROFESIONAL to find anything they can. This is the single largest purchase in your life, so you want to be HAPPY not SAD about your purchase. Having major problems come up after you sign the papers could cause you to hate your new home rather than being in love with it. Also if the builder is reputable he will want you to be as happy as possible with your purchase so you will tell all your friends what a great builder you had.

Answer 2

No you are not being picky! That is what a walk-through is for and that is the time to do it. When you buy a house that is coming from the builder, most of the time, you are covered with EVERYTHING. Basically, if a drywall screw comes out and you can see the bubble coming out, then call them and they will come out and screw it back in ,patch and paint for you. Use this time to tell them, like I said, to tell them everything that you want done.

Answer 3

You should definitely get them to fix it. I had a list of things I found wrong when my house was built. The home builder sent the electrician, the carpenter,and the painters back out to rectify the problems.

Answer 4

no you are not being picky.
most of these items are purely cosmetic and can be fixed easily.
if the builder can get away without having to change these items he will.
dont let him tell you that its no big deal or blow you off when you bring them up to him.
one trade will charge another trade to fix the items, its called a back charge (you dont pay a dime extra)

Answer 5

You are paying good money for things to be right. They need to fix them before you move it. Once that happens, you'll never see them again. It's your house and things should be exactly how you want them to be.

Answer 6

this is the biggest purchase of your life. Be as picky as humanly possible now, because they wont come fix it later.
.Congrats on the house!

Answer 7

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER IS YOU HAVE EXACTLY ONE YEAR FROM CLOSING TO REPORT DEFICIENCIES TO THE BUILDER - IN WRITING VIA CERTIFIED LETTER. ALSO BE PREPARED TO TRADE OFF YOUR LESS IMPORTANT ITEMS.. IN THEORY IT SHOULD BE PERFECT BUT A HOUSE (OR A SPACE SHUTTLE) NEVER IS AND NEVER WILL BE.