Photo by Aaron Huber on Unsplash
by Phillip B. Burum, DR Horton,
President, Building Industry Association (BIA) Baldy View Chapter
Homebuyers must look beyond the purchase price when making what may be the largest financial investment of their lifetime. The monthly cost associated with the upkeep and operation of a new home can be dramatically less than that of an older home. In addition to the many technological advancements that are part of the construction process, today’s new homes come stocked with the latest in energy-efficient appliances that protect our indoor as well as our outdoor environments. Homes built in California today are fifty percent more energy efficient than homes built only twenty years ago and use less than half the water of homes built less than a decade ago.
From the hinges on cabinets to state-of-the-art central air-conditioning and heating (HVAC) systems and appliances, today’s new home is a sophisticated network of moving parts incorporating the latest in style, safety, efficiency, and scientific breakthroughs to keep your family safe and comfortable while protecting our environment and your investment.
In addition to the obvious savings related to energy efficiency, one often overlooked benefit of acquiring a new home, and what make today’s new homes such terrific value is that the home, and many of the components within the home, are protected by warranties. Warranties guarantee that your new home and everything in it are built to the highest possible standards of workmanship and materials. They protect and maintain the value of your investment by ensuring that all products perform as promised.
Warranty protections also allow homeowners to set up long-term plans to keep the home running at optimum efficiency while minimizing operating costs.
For this reason, one of the most important phases of a new home purchase is the warranty orientation, more commonly known as the ‘walk-through’. The walk–through is a final inspection in which the homebuyer and the homebuilder's staff will literally walk through the new home to both educate buyers how everything works and inspect for any imperfections that need to be corrected.
The walk-through will begin with homeowners receiving a package of instruction booklets and warranties covering the operations of the home's components such as HVAC systems, appliances, emergency detectors and landscape irrigation in order to detail the new home's coverages and procedures. These documents typically spell out the buyer's responsibilities for maintenance and upkeep. Because new homes are built with the best industry practices and the finest in workmanship and materials, being clear on how to operate and maintain your home's components will ensure optimum performance, long life and cost-savings.
During the walk–through, ask questions. Do not make assumptions or count yourself among the experts just because you have lived in or owned a home previously. For a few brief hours, you have one-on-one focused attention from an experienced professional in home construction and service. Take advantage of their expertise and get to know the ins and outs of your new home.
Your builder wants you to be satisfied with your purchase because America’s Builders strive to build long-term relationships with their customers. Not only does a builder's reputation for quality go a long way toward getting all of the necessary approvals and permits needed to build the American Dream, but homebuilders know that happy customers tell their friends, family and associates who are also potential homebuyers.
Throughout my career in homebuilding, I have had the pleasure of being a small part of delivering thousands of new homes. Although homebuyers come in all shapes, sizes and personalities; I have found that, regardless of prior bias, education, or experience - the homeowners who are happiest in their home took the time to ask questions and understand their home and all of the pieces and parts during and after the walk-through.
The cost of use of a new home is often overlooked when determining the best fit for a specific budget or buyer. The energy efficiency, warranty service, and direct contact to an expert in home construction are all important components of what makes today’s new home the best investment most American’s will ever make. Take note of these ‘extras’ as you start your journey towards joining the fortunate group of happy Southern California homeowners.
The BIA Baldy View Chapter seeks to advance the opportunity to attain the American Dream of home ownership. For additional information on the benefits of homeownership, go to www.biabuild.com on the web.
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