Getting Ready To Move 
Into Your New Home

Congratulations, you have just bought a new home! You have signed a contract with your builder and you have obtained the necessary financing. And you can now focus on the many pleasant tasks involved in moving into your home.

Making Selections

Often, when you buy a new home, the actual construction of the house does not begin until after you have signed a contract with the builder. This practice allows you to choose many of the finishing touches. The flexibility and the selections offered vary from one builder to another. The most common choices include:
 

Exterior finishes
cladding: brick and/or siding
roof, fascia and soffit: colour
trim and garage door: colour
 

Interior finishes
flooring (carpet, ceramic tile): colour and pattern
kitchen cupboards and bathroom vanities: style and colour of counter tops and knobs/handles
bathroom fixtures and tiles: colour and pattern
Shortly after you have a firm contract, your builder or representative will set up an appointment with you to make the final selections for your home. At that time, you may also be able to upgrade some of the standard features, if you did not already do so when you negotiated the contract. Types of upgrades offered vary from builder to builder; ask your builder or representative about your options.

Following The Progress Of Your Home

You naturally want to be involved and informed as your home is being built. Generally speaking, builders welcome your participation and enthusiasm and you should feel free to contact your builder from time to time to inquire about the progress of your home. However, for safety reasons you should not visit the construction site unless accompanied by the builder or a representative. Instead, call and make a special appointment.

Shortly before taking possession of the house, you and the builder will conduct "a pre-delivery inspection tour" of the home. Take note of everything that is not to your satisfaction. 

Taking Care Of The Moving Details

As you get closer to the moving date, you need to take care of a number of important "little things". Getting started early means a smoother transition for your household.

Change your address at the post office
Notify utilities, the telephone company, employers, credit card companies, etc. 
Arrange for movers
Buy new appliances
Make daycare arrangements in your new neighbourhood
Take care of school registration
and . . .
On The Closing Date

On the date set in your Agreement of Purchase and Sale, you will take possession of your new home. If you plan to move in to your new home on the closing date, you have a busy day ahead of you!

On this day,  payment will be made to your builder, reord the property in your name and obtain the keys to the house and the deed for you. As soon as this has taken place, you are the rightful and proud owner of the home and you can begin to move in. 

When you step into your new home, you will immediately want to check that all services have been connected. You may also wish to conduct a brief inspection of the house to ensure that no last-minute damage has occurred since your pre-delivery inspection and that agreed-upon minor repairs have in fact been done.

After-Sales Service
Your builder wants you to be happy with your new home-after all, satisfied clients are a builder's best marketing tool.  Also, contact your builder at any time if you run into problems that require immediate attention. 

Maintaining your home
Regular upkeep and maintenance ensures that your home will remain in peak condition. Don't hesitate to ask questions! Then you can relax, confident that you will be able to enjoy your new home for many years to come! 

CONTENTS:

Inspecting your new home
Getting ready to move in
Taking care of your new home