METCALF MOVING BLOG
5 Things to Know About Moving Into New Construction
Moving into new construction isn’t the same as moving into an existing home. Everything is shiny and new, but do you know if it works?
Start by going through the home and inspecting anything you can see. You can save yourself a lot of problems by testing everything in the beginning.
Use these five ideas to help you cover more ground.
1. Find the Circuits
First, you should figure out which rooms are on each electrical circuit. Then, create a map of your home’s electrical circuits. Then, it only takes a little time, and you can use the circuit map forever.
If you’re not sure how to map home circuits, you should know it is relatively simple. First, turn on lights and television, then turn off all the circuits. As you turn on each circuit alone, it should be obvious which ones connect to each room.
Label each circuit on the breaker box. Pay special attention to the ones with appliances like the fridge. You may want to minimize the use of those circuits for other things, so they don’t overload.
2. Turn on the Lights
For this test, you’ll need a few standard light bulbs and a small lamp. First, turn on each light and confirm that it works. Next, adjust dimmer switches to check their functionality. Then plug the lamp into each outlet and turn it on.
If any light doesn’t work, write down the room and type of light. Do the same for any outlets that don’t turn on the lamp.
While you look at lighting, make a note of rooms with only one light. You may need to add a floor lamp or extra lighting.
3. Test Plumbing
Like the lighting, you’ll want to test out the plumbing. First, turn on every faucet and check to see how long it takes to get hot water. Then, run the shower, looking for leaks and proper water pressure.
If you plan to adjust the water heater’s temperature, now’s the time to do it. Just remember that the temperature should be at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit to kill bacteria.
Don’t forget about the faucets outside. If your home has a new sprinkler system (and it’s not the middle of winter), turn it on.
4. Check the Floor
The best way to check the floor depends on the type of floor. For carpet, you want to confirm that the flooring is tight against the pad. Bubbling or rippling waves of carpet indicate a loose installation.
Hard flooring may have gaps or uneven spots. When you want to check if a floor is level, grab a level tool or a board and set it on the floor. If it doesn’t sit flat, you may want to bring in a pro to consult.
5. Open Doors and Windows
As you walk through the home, test all the entrances and exits. Doors should open easily and close fully. Windows should be relatively simple to slide or crank open.
If any door won’t open or stay closed, you may need to rehang it. Call a professional window installer for any window that won’t open.
Home Sweet Home
Moving into new construction allows you the opportunity to be the first to use something. But, of course, you’ll want to make sure that it works. For more information about planning your move, contact us for a quote.
