6 critical things builders often forget when you’re moving into your new home

Introduction

Moving into a newly built or newly renovated home is exciting. The process from start to finish may have taken months or even years, so when it’s finally time to move in, you’re excited and busy with organising the move. We have gathered a list of common things that may be forgotten in the lead up to a handover - some things you should check yourself, other things check in with your builder about:

1. Smoke Detectors
   It’s worth double checking your smoke detectors are working for two reasons. Obviously, the safety of your household, and second, because some insurance policies may not cover you for fire if your smoke detectors are not appropriately commissioned and tested. In Australia, smoke detectors need to be hard wired into an electrical circuit to comply with regulations.Get your electrician to sign off on them before the building is handed over.

2. Data Connection
   Establishing early on where data and electrical connections need to be will ensure these are installed in the right place. Having a plan with your builder or their electrician early on will help avert the need to make haphazard adjustments down the track. There is nothing worse than digging a trench through a new garden or running a grey conduit on the face of a newly renovated house.

3. Check the roof has adequate overflows
   Rather than waiting around for a torrential downpour to test out your new roof, use a garden hose to test the roof drainage and overflow system. The roof may drain well in normal conditions but over time either torrential rain or a blockage in the downpipe (or a combination thereof) may mean that the gutter will back up and start to overflow. One way to avert future disaster is to test the overflows by purposely blocking downpipes and filling up gutters with a garden hose. By simulating what happens when the gutters are full, you can check for issues and rectify them in advance. Ask your builder to check the drainage system is functioning even before they finish the exterior cladding - it’s totally in their best interest to do this. You can read our previous blog about common issues with modern style roofs to learn more.

4. Plumbing and Drainage for Appliances
   Check that the plumbing works generally so any issues can be fixed before the builders move on to the next job. The easy things to check are the taps and toilets, but often missed is proper connection of appliances. Ask your builder or their plumber to run the dishwasher and washing machine for a regular cycle before you move in so they can check for any unanticipated leaks. Additionally, check inside cabinets for any signs of moisture before you fill them with your kitchen items.

5. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System
   Ask your builder to test the heating and cooling systems to check they are working well. Get the floor heat turned on early so you know it runs. If it’s summer, get the AC cranked for the guys working inside and if it’s winter, get the heating on. Sometimes the construction team may be hesitant to get things going - they feel like they may be using something that wasn’t meant for them so reassure them that it’s ok to get the house feeling more comfortable while they're in the finishing stages - although they do need to be aware of excessive dust clogging filters.

6. Defects list
   Documenting the condition of the building at handover is important for two reasons: the first is to ensure that there is a record and a plan of what needs to be done in the future and second, any damage needs to be attributed to the appropriate party. This may sound petty but if you find damage to a wall following your move it is important to know whether your builder or your removalist is responsible. Most of the time it doesn’t even matter, but by documenting the condition of the house upon handover you remove potential for awkward conversations and any finger pointing that may ensue.

Remember, thorough preparation can save you from headaches later on. If you have any questions or need assistance with your new home, feel free to contact us at Ballast Point for further guidance and support.

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