You have successfully brought your vision of your luxuriously custom-crafted home to life, from envisioning the layout, choosing the custom features, and experiencing a virtual walkthrough. Now, it’s time to move in and enjoy the reward of all your hard work. Moving into a new custom home is an exciting time. It’s crucial to ensure everything is in order before you settle in. Below is a move-in checklist for your new custom home.
Before Moving Day
Final Walkthrough with Builder or Contractor
Before move-in day, your custom home contractor will have a walkthrough of your new home with you to verify that everything is completed to your satisfaction. This is your time to ensure all items in your contract have been addressed and any punch list items are completed.
Utilities
Before you move into your new custom home, you’ll want to ensure that your utilities including water, electricity, gas, internet, and cable are set up and transferred to your name. Remember to set up your trash and recycling pick-up.
Change of Address
Before moving in, update your address with the post office, banks, insurance providers, employers, subscription services, and other important contacts.
Homeowner’s Insurance
Don’t let insurance be one of the hidden costs of building a custom home. Prepare your policy ahead of move-in and ensure your new home insurance policy is active.
Home Security
Set up any security systems or cameras before you move in to keep your new space safe.
Service & Maintenance Schedule
List out the new home systems, such as HVAC, septic system, and sprinklers, and when they require service or maintenance.
On Moving Day
Moving Company
If you’ve hired movers, ensure you’ve communicated the move-in plan and have a checklist of items.
Emergency Toolkit
Assemble a basic toolkit for immediate needs that includes a hammer, nails, screwdrivers, tape, and scissors.
First Night Box
For your first night in your expertly crafted new home, you’ll want to pack essentials for the first day and night in an easy-to-grab bag. Include toiletries, clothes, medication, bedding, phone chargers, and some food.
After Moving In
Inspect Deliveries
Make sure all your possessions have arrived and nothing is broken or missing.
Room Arrangement
Once all your furniture has been relocated to your new home, the fun of arranging your space can begin. Start with placing larger furniture first and then move to smaller items.
Safety Check
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors if they are not already in place. Locate the main water shut-off valve and familiarize yourself with the electrical circuit breakers or fuses.
Child & Pet Safety
If applicable, ensure that the house is childproofed and safe for pets.
Read More: How to Childproof My Custom Home
Ventilation
Open your windows and ventilate the house if there are lingering construction smells.
Cleaning
Even though your home is newly built, it’s a good idea to clean before unpacking all your belongings to remove construction dust.
Landscaping
Check your yard and outdoor areas and plan for any landscaping or projects to elevate your outdoor living space.
Local Services
Familiarize yourself with nearby services like hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores, and other essential services. Create a list of essential contacts like local emergency services, utility providers, and handymen.
Meet the Neighbors
Introduce yourself to the neighboring homes. It’s always good to know who’s living around you.
Community Guidelines
If your home is within a homeowner’s association or a similar entity, familiarize yourself with any rules or guidelines.
Document Storage
Organize and safely store important documents related to your custom-built home, such as warranty documents, manuals for appliances, contract papers, and any other relevant records.
Home Warranty or Service Agreements
Review any warranties or service agreements for appliances, roofing, and foundations. Know what’s covered and the duration. Familiarize yourself with any custom features, how they work, and their maintenance requirements.
Feedback for Builder
Provide feedback to your builder or contractor. They’ll appreciate hearing about your experience and any suggestions for future projects.
Remember, moving into a new home, especially a custom-built one, should be a joyful experience. Take your time to settle in and enjoy every moment of making your new house a home.
At LaFollette Custom Homes, we want your move-in day to feel like a breeze. You will be able to meet with our team to become familiar with your Homeowners Information Binder, which includes your homeowner’s warranty, maintenance, and care guide. Our Superintendent will lead you through a personalized walk-through after handing you the keys to your new dream home, and we proudly offer ongoing support once you have settled in. Our team will meet with you 120 days after you move in to complete our post-move-in checklist, discuss questions about maintenance and care with your superintendent, and provide helpful maintenance tips and correspondence from our team for as long as you live in your home. Contact us today to learn more about our process.