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| Building Your Custome Dream Home |
In addition to “green” building products, another important consideration is waste disposal. Reducing waste at the job site benefits the environment. The materials used and wasted during construction and demolition account for an estimated 28 percent of municipal solid waste. Waste disposal can also account for a significant portion of building fees. By simply reducing and recycling job-site waste you can save an outstanding amount of money.
Home Warranties
As with any product, your home should come with a warranty. A warranty will prevent any unpleasant surprises in the first years after your move-in. When having your home built, in a development or on your own land, you will need to be familiar with builders’ warranties. Other warranties associated with a new home include contractors’ warranties, manufacturers’ warranties and third-party insurance coverage to back the builders’ warranties. The information below from Custom Home Key, a custom building resource, focuses on builders’ warranties.
— What’s covered and for how long?
Generally, builders’ warranties will cover such things as workmanship, materials and structural defects. When having a home built, the warranty will take effect either when you close the sale or when you move into the home. The majority of builders’ warranties cover workmanship and materials for one year, however, some builders offer warranties for two years or longer. Structural defects, such as uneven floors and cracks in the foundation, are usually covered for up to 10 years.
Choosing a reputable builder will make your warranty period a much more pleasant experience. Even the most skillful builder will make some mistakes during the construction of your home, but a reputable builder will be sure to fix any problems that are covered by the warranty and while your warranty is still in effect. If you are experiencing minor defects, your builder will probably address them at scheduled times.
In addition, most manufacturers provide a warranty for the products or appliances used in new homes. At the time of closing, you will receive these warranties and owner’s manuals.
— What isn’t covered?
Builders’ warranties generally leave out problems caused by adverse weather, negligence or failure to conduct proper maintenance. Basically, such things as damage caused from lightning, floods and earthquakes are not covered. Animal damage also falls under this category. Furthermore, if you forget to change your furnace filter or repaint your home’s exterior then your builder will not be held responsible. Keep in mind, any defects that arise in items that were not part of the original home will not be excluded under the warranty coverage.
— Warranty claims
When problems arise, your builder may prefer that you call him or her so that specific needs can be addressed. However, in some cases, your builder(s) will give you a list of contractors and their telephone numbers to call directly in the case of an emergency.
Emergencies would include plumbing leaks, gas leaks and the total loss of heat, air conditioning, water or electricity. Also, roof leaks are sometimes considered emergencies, but they can only be repaired in dry weather.
Keep in mind, severe storms may cause roof damage, but that should be reported directly to your homeowner’s insurance company because weather-related damage usually isn’t covered under builders’ warranties.
Be sure to report all defects that aren’t emergencies to the builder. The builder will schedule the necessary repairs and use the complaint to monitor product quality and customer satisfaction. On the other hand, if you notice major structural problems such as uneven floors, cracks in the foundation or drywall, or ill-fitting doors and windows, you should contact your builder immediately to arrange an inspection. These problems can be costly and time-consuming to fix.
Overall, you should now that all warranties have limits. Be sure to ask about the standards to which the builder will adhere when determining the validity of warranty repair requests. You should understand and make good use of your warranty coverage because it is a major part of your home care plan.
Don’t Forget Landscaping!
It’s not uncommon that by the time a custom home is completed, the funds have run out for landscaping. That’s a shame because the landscaping on your property is important. Especially in Texas, trees can provide shade benefits to keep your home cool during the hot summers. Then there’s the resale value – some surveys have put this increased value in the range of 10 to 15 percent. In addition to shade, trees can produce food, firewood or just a beautiful scene. They can also attract birds and other wildlife.
Work with an expert who can help you select tree species that are native to the region and will thrive under local conditions. By planting trees that grow naturally in your area, you can be pretty sure they will be successful. Consult a local nursery for suggestions on trees that will thrive where you live.
Location on your property is another important consideration. Choose spots with adequate sunlight and water, and make sure the trees are protected from possible pests. A mesh fence can do much to prevent animals from injuring your saplings. Try to estimate how long the tree will take to become fully grown and what the tree will look like at full size.
Home Warranties
As with any product, your home should come with a warranty. A warranty will prevent any unpleasant surprises in the first years after your move-in. When having your home built, in a development or on your own land, you will need to be familiar with builders’ warranties. Other warranties associated with a new home include contractors’ warranties, manufacturers’ warranties and third-party insurance coverage to back the builders’ warranties. The information below from Custom Home Key, a custom building resource, focuses on builders’ warranties.
— What’s covered and for how long?
Generally, builders’ warranties will cover such things as workmanship, materials and structural defects. When having a home built, the warranty will take effect either when you close the sale or when you move into the home. The majority of builders’ warranties cover workmanship and materials for one year, however, some builders offer warranties for two years or longer. Structural defects, such as uneven floors and cracks in the foundation, are usually covered for up to 10 years.
Choosing a reputable builder will make your warranty period a much more pleasant experience. Even the most skillful builder will make some mistakes during the construction of your home, but a reputable builder will be sure to fix any problems that are covered by the warranty and while your warranty is still in effect. If you are experiencing minor defects, your builder will probably address them at scheduled times.
In addition, most manufacturers provide a warranty for the products or appliances used in new homes. At the time of closing, you will receive these warranties and owner’s manuals.
— What isn’t covered?
Builders’ warranties generally leave out problems caused by adverse weather, negligence or failure to conduct proper maintenance. Basically, such things as damage caused from lightning, floods and earthquakes are not covered. Animal damage also falls under this category. Furthermore, if you forget to change your furnace filter or repaint your home’s exterior then your builder will not be held responsible. Keep in mind, any defects that arise in items that were not part of the original home will not be excluded under the warranty coverage.
— Warranty claims
When problems arise, your builder may prefer that you call him or her so that specific needs can be addressed. However, in some cases, your builder(s) will give you a list of contractors and their telephone numbers to call directly in the case of an emergency.
Emergencies would include plumbing leaks, gas leaks and the total loss of heat, air conditioning, water or electricity. Also, roof leaks are sometimes considered emergencies, but they can only be repaired in dry weather.
Keep in mind, severe storms may cause roof damage, but that should be reported directly to your homeowner’s insurance company because weather-related damage usually isn’t covered under builders’ warranties.
Be sure to report all defects that aren’t emergencies to the builder. The builder will schedule the necessary repairs and use the complaint to monitor product quality and customer satisfaction. On the other hand, if you notice major structural problems such as uneven floors, cracks in the foundation or drywall, or ill-fitting doors and windows, you should contact your builder immediately to arrange an inspection. These problems can be costly and time-consuming to fix.
Overall, you should now that all warranties have limits. Be sure to ask about the standards to which the builder will adhere when determining the validity of warranty repair requests. You should understand and make good use of your warranty coverage because it is a major part of your home care plan.
Don’t Forget Landscaping!
It’s not uncommon that by the time a custom home is completed, the funds have run out for landscaping. That’s a shame because the landscaping on your property is important. Especially in Texas, trees can provide shade benefits to keep your home cool during the hot summers. Then there’s the resale value – some surveys have put this increased value in the range of 10 to 15 percent. In addition to shade, trees can produce food, firewood or just a beautiful scene. They can also attract birds and other wildlife.
Work with an expert who can help you select tree species that are native to the region and will thrive under local conditions. By planting trees that grow naturally in your area, you can be pretty sure they will be successful. Consult a local nursery for suggestions on trees that will thrive where you live.
Location on your property is another important consideration. Choose spots with adequate sunlight and water, and make sure the trees are protected from possible pests. A mesh fence can do much to prevent animals from injuring your saplings. Try to estimate how long the tree will take to become fully grown and what the tree will look like at full size.
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With three military installations in San Antonio, you’ll ...
