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Owner's Resources

Owner’s Resources

Below is a comprehensive guide to help guide you from understanding your contract to home maintenance.
Common documents and links you may need during the process:

Understanding the Billing Contract

When purchasing a new home, the contract includes various important documents. Here’s a concise list to help you understand each component:

Key Documents

  • Purchase Agreement
  • Blueprints and Specifications
  • Option and Color Selection Sheets
  • Lighting Schedule and Site Drawing
  • Limited Warranty

Price and Allowances

Total Cost: Stated in the contract and subject to change based on your selections and change orders.

Allowances: Budget for items like carpet, cabinets, and appliances. If costs exceed the allowance, you pay the difference.

Commence and Complete Construction

Preliminary Tasks: Approved loan and permits are required before construction begins. Delays may occur due to labor shortages, weather, or change orders.

Change Orders

Impact: Changes can delay the schedule and increase costs. Limit change orders to avoid complications.

Conformance With Plans and Specifications

Builder’s Rights: The builder may make necessary changes due to code revisions, site conditions, or supplier issues. Substitutions of equal or better value are standard.

Plan Ownership

Intellectual Property: The builder typically owns the house plans, even with custom changes. Limited use may be granted at a significant cost.

Site Visits

Restrictions: Due to safety regulations and insurance liability, site visits are scheduled at specific stages.

Non-Interference

Communication: Direct any input to the builder, not the workers, to avoid confusion and ensure proper handling.

Inspection and Acceptance

Final Review: Before closing, you will inspect your home to confirm it meets all standards and includes the ordered items.

Signing the Contract

Enforcement: The contract is enforceable once all parties sign. Review all paperwork carefully during the signing meeting, which can take a few hours.

By understanding these components, you can navigate the billing contract confidently and ensure a smooth start to building your new home.

Maintaining Your House

Protect Your Investment & Your Family By Maintaining Your Home Throughout the Year
As a homeowner, you’ve made a significant investment in your future and your family’s happiness and well-being. Protecting and growing the value of that investment while avoiding costly repairs requires performing regular maintenance.
Different seasons come with unique risks and responsibilities for homeowners. With our seasonal home maintenance checklists, you can prepare your home for each upcoming season and rest assured that your home will remain an asset to your family.
Spring Tasks
Lubricate rollers and guides on garage door and opener
Seed and feed lawn
Test GFCI receptacles
Use wood conditioner on all wood cabinets
Change furnace filter (monthly)
Check drainage swales for proper rainwater flow
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Clean gutters and downspouts
Inspect air-conditioning unit for proper operation
Inspect dryer vent for lint and debris
Inspect exterior paint, stain, siding, putty, and caulking
Inspect shower and tub caulking and re-caulk as needed
Inspect weather stripping on all doors
Lubricate door hinges with silicone spray
Summer Tasks
Re-caulk control joints in driveway
Test GFCI receptacles
Change furnace filter (monthly)
Check drainage swales for proper rainwater flow
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Clean fireplace and chimney
Have carpet cleaned
Inspect backsplash caulking and re-caulk as needed
Inspect downspouts and splash blocks for proper drainage away from home
Inspect shower and tub caulking and re-caulk as needed
Fall Tasks
Re-caulk control joints in driveway
Test GFCI receptacles
Change furnace filter (monthly)
Check drainage swales for proper rainwater flow
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Clean fireplace and chimney
Have carpet cleaned
Inspect backsplash caulking and re-caulk as needed
Inspect downspouts and splash blocks for proper drainage away from home
Inspect shower and tub caulking and re-caulk as needed

Home Care Guide

Important Notice
As a homeowner, you’ve made a significant investment in your future and your family’s happiness and well-being. Protecting and growing the value of that investment while avoiding costly repairs requires performing regular maintenance.
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