Good Products Make A Quality Home

As a home buyer, how do you really know if you will be getting a quality home? First impressions matter, but it's important to get beyond appearances. The overall quality of your home also depends on the products and materials the builder uses. Quality products and skilled installation can mean increased dependability and satisfaction for you. 

When you look at new homes, you want to consider a number of things. Does the builder use recognized products from established manufacturers? Are components like windows, flooring, cabinetry and plumbing fixtures covered by a manufacturer's warranty? What is included in the warranty and how long is it in effect? 

Be leery of no-name products. They can mean trouble, from difficult installation to finding spare parts or getting your money back if the product fails. And all products and materials used in your home should be approved..

Professional builders are proud of their homes and committed to long-term customer satisfaction. Ask about the major products and materials used by the builder. Professionals are delighted to "show and tell". Here are some suggestions:

The basement
Is the heating, cooling and ventilation equipment energy-efficient?
Does the installation look neat and solid?
Are owner's manuals and maintenance schedules provided? 
Is the name and telephone number of the installer provided for emergency calls? 
Bathrooms and kitchens
Are all faucets repairable? (With poorly manufactured fixtures, you may not be able to repair a drip.) 
Are countertops stain- and scratch-resistant? 
Are fixtures chip- and crack-resistant, and can you match their colours later? 
Are all surfaces of the cabinetry-inside, outside and edges-treated and sealed?
Flooring
Are carpets guaranteed against fading and staining?
What type of fibre is used, and is it suitable for the intended use? 
Ask about warranties, including a wear date, for all carpeting, vinyl and linoleum flooring. 
If the home includes ceramic, stone or marble flooring, can you get replacement pieces in case of chips and cracks? 
With pre-finished hardwood floors, does the manufacturer offer a warranty on the finish?
Windows and doors
Are the windows and doors energy-efficient?
Are they easy to clean, inside and out?
Does the warranty cover the seal, outside cladding and hardware?
Does the manufacturer have a local service representative who can supply replacement parts and repairs if needed?
Also ask about the products and materials you can't see-behind the walls, under the floor and above the ceiling. Manufactured wood products have become much more common for floor joists, ceiling rafters, sheathing, cabinets and so on. These products not only make environmental sense, they are often stronger and more durable. Find out about exterior materials such as shingles and siding. They should come with a performance warranty from the manufacturer. Ask for details.

CONTENTS:

Finding the home that's right for you
Understanding specifications and options
Permits, inspections and quality control
Good products make a quality home