Real Estate Investor, Property Manager, Stager, Designer at Property Lovers
Answered 8 months ago
A new build is a lot different from an older home in terms of character and charm. With new buildings lacking the personality and unique architectural details that older homes possess, which can at times catch new construction buyers off guard once they've moved in and are working on making the space their home. The point is, like a new shoe, new construction buyers need to break into their homes, because with no previous owner, some of the additional items they would need to make the property feel functional and comfortable include; light bulbs and fixtures, smart home devices, decorative items, storage solutions, and appliances and accessories. New construction buyers do not always have the option of making someone else's junk their treasure - inheriting or repurposing existing fixtures, decors, or appliances that a previous owner left behind. Instead, they get to start from scratch, furnishing the homes with the most basic and essential items, and though this experience can be pretty exciting, the job of turning their blank canvas into a welcoming home can also be overwhelming and expensive. Another reason I will put these items on a quick shopping list for someone moving into a new build is because they help make settling into the home easier. Plus, the faster these essentials are put in place, the faster a sense of normalcy can be established to help ease the transition into the new home and make the space feel more personalized. Additionally, when it comes to comfort and safety for daily living in a brand new home, these items also play a crucial role in making the home more secure and liveable
What are the most overlooked items that homeowners most often want/need on Day 1 in a new build? Rough-in for a central vacuum system and aftermarket gutter guards are common omissions that are invisible when walls and trim are installed, yet expensive to add later. One pre-wiring for central vac that was merely a flip custom saved the owners $2,200 in retrofit fees. What do you think is necessary for comfort, safety, or daily living in a new home? A smart thermostat combined with a whole-home surge protector offers both energy savings and protection for devices, and a foot-activated door opener in the kitchen cuts down on the mess when your hands are full. Any tips on services or products homeowners might consider setting up before move-in day? I suggest putting in a perimeter pest control treatment three weeks before we come out there, termites, ants stay hidden from sight and edge all landscaping beds with weed barrier fabric. What sorts of purchases usually take new construction buyers by surprise after they've moved in? Stocking up with subscriptions to HVAC and refrigerator filters is a twist that surprises some buyers: The house-craft of new builds quickly clogs them. What would you include on a short shopping list for someone moving into a new build, and why? I'd toss in heavy-duty door stops, LED bulbs, an all-in-one toolkit, window screens, water-softener salt, and a programmable thermostat. But the idea is that each of them is something you need every day — protection, light quality, small repairs, insect control, water treatment, and energy management, so you won't be scrambling on Day 2.
Overlooked Day-One Essentials Window coverings & hardware - Most new homes are built without any kind of window treatments (just one of the many ways new construction will nickel and dime you to death), which means homeowners are on their own to find something that will allow them to achieve the perfect amount of light control and privacy. Pest control services--no matter how well constructed, all houses are susceptible to an occasional bug; service will prevent infestations from a variety of insects. Water filtration/softener system - Hard water can take a toll on fixtures and appliances, but putting a simple under-sink filter or whole-house softener in on Day 1 saves the health of all that reside within and warranties. Garage storage solutions - No shelving or ceiling racks, and your boxes and tools are on the floor, a space designed for cars. Comfort, Safety & Daily-Living Must-Haves Smart thermostat - Adjustable control capable of saving energy and, if used properly, money on programs to help the home feel cozy before you even get there. Smoke/CO detectors (upgraded) - Check their placement and battery status. Think about interconnected digital units for whole-house coverage. Lockset replacements - Replacing builder-grade knobs with keyless or SmartLock deadbolts makes life easier and safer. Gather an emergency kit - Flashlights, first-aid supplies, a few simple tools and backup phone chargers should all be in a clearly labeled bin. Services & Products for your Pre moving Arrangement Internet and cable installation — Schedule install at least a week in advance; many providers have 2-4 week wait times. Construction cleaning treatment to the max - construction projects make a huge mess, post clean services make sure the dust settles and the space is ready to live in. Landscaping / irrigation system - Hire a local landscaper to take care of seeding or laying sod and programming your sprinklers so no patches are killed or water wasted. A/C Maintenance Plan - Sign a service agreement prior to moving in, and receive the added relief of priority scheduling and warranty management. Common "Sticker Shock" Purchases Window treatment Accessories, except blinds (curtain rods, blackout liners, decorative panels) Outdoor necessities - Mailbox numbers, house number sign, porch lights, weather rating welcome mat Spare Keys and Lock Boxes - For service people, house sitters or even vacation rental arrangements; or lots of keys, then you think.
I've taken on multiple home improvement and event planning projects in my quest to bring Muller Expo to where it is today. As I have observed firsthand, blank-slate spaces, or new builds with exactly nothing in them, are often shocking for the homeowner on Day 1. However, the most shocking expressions that I've observed pertained to privacy and light control. Most homeowners in homes under construction do not realize that their stunning, beautifully lit rooms come with zero blinds or curtains installed. This means your first night in the house could be spent exposed to your neighbors. I will always recommend to clients to order temporary shade,like Redi Shade from Amazon, (less than $30 for a multi-pack), way in advance of move-in. They go up fast, and buy you time to think about the permanent option you want. Another quick win in my opinion is a reliable pitcher filter like Brita Longlast if a whole house filter is not installed yet. New builds can come with water oddities from taste to sediment. And do not forget your entry doormats like Gorilla Grip's indoor/outdoor from Target to ensure you are keeping your pristine floors beautiful from day one. These are not glamorous purchases, but they add immediate comfort, privacy, and functionality at the best time you need it most. In order to check out more of what I do: https://mullerexpo.com/
As Managing Director at Frelan Hardware, specializing in royal, high-quality steel door locks, New homeowners miss critical items for their brand-new builds. People frequently regret their decision to keep basic builder-grade locks during the first day of ownership because they wish they had installed secure steel locks and window latches for immediate protection. Premium locks together with smoke detectors and basic cleaning supplies represent my must-haves because they protect your home and lives while maintaining cleanliness. A locksmith should be contacted for luxury lock installation as well as utility and internet setup before moving into your new home to prevent stress. Homeowners frequently discover they need blackout blinds together with shower curtains and trash bins during their first days of ownership. My essential shopping requirements include a Frelan steel lockset together with a fire extinguisher and light bulbs and toiletries and a toolkit. The combination of these items establishes a secure and comfortable and operational home base which enables smooth transition to your new residence. A locksmith should be contacted prior to moving to install high-grade steel locks which provide top-tier security. Measure windows for temporary blinds to ensure privacy. A small toolkit combined with cleaning supplies should be obtained for unexpected repairs and messes. Early booking of utilities will help you maintain connectivity. A first-night bag containing toiletries and snacks should be packed for comfort. My Advice: Your door lock should be more than functional—it should be a declaration of ownership. A premium steel lock functions as both security protection and an assertive declaration of ownership for your new space. Write a personal welcome note by hand on your first day to establish ownership of your new home...
Most new-build owners quickly realise a few "invisible" purchases make Day 1 far smoother. First, organise building and contents insurance to kick in the minute you receive the keys, warranties don't cover everything and lenders expect it anyway. A preventative pest spray is another very important thing you need to buy; termites don't care that the place is brand new, and one visit from an exterminator now is cheaper than repairing nibble marks later. Budget for professional movers (or at least a truck hire), because moving costs creep up faster than a tradie's ladder and catch many buyers off guard. Add temporary blinds, Wi-Fi connection and a basic toolkit to your first night box so you can sleep, work and settle in smoothly. — Barbie Ann Jurolan, Head of Content, Which Real Estate Agent Read more: https://whichrealestateagent.com.au/sell-property/property-settlement-process-explained/ https://whichrealestateagent.com.au/sell-property/building-pest-inspection/
What things in a new build do homeowners often regret not having on Day 1? Plenty of buyers become obsessed with finishes but forget about critical safeguards, the whole-house surge protector that saves the home office electronics from frying in an unexpected spike, or the smart water-leak detectors that tip you off to slab leaks before they become a six-figure disaster. What do you think is necessary for comfort, safety or basic living in a newly built home? It's a luxury trim that derives no small measure of its comfort and safety from smart systems. A Wi-Fi-connected thermostat isn't just for the 21st-century home; you can adjust the temps in your residence from miles away, snag some energy savings, and learn about yourself in the process. Top-of-the-line blackout window treatments save electricity and keep out prying eyes, smart sprinkler systems, surge protector outlets, and a pre-move-in pest-control helps prevent termites and rodents from feasting on your framing or insulation. What are the few things that you would put on a shopping list as a new build owner, not a co-owner, and why? Smart water leak detector—detects leaks and notifies homeowners of the location and severity of a leak to ensure quick, informed action. Whole-house surge protector —protects electronics, HVAC controls, and smart-home hubs. Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat, Manages the heating and cooling from across the room, or across the country. Quality window coverings, shades, or blinds, to control light, privacy, and insulation against heat gain. Pre-scheduled Pest Control Plan - Preserves framing and can finish from day one. Water softener or filter, protects against limescale and extends the life of equipment, as well as enhancing the drinking water.
What are the things that, as homeowners, we regret not having on Day One in a new build? What I've discovered is that people are focused on the finishes and fail to think of the infrastructure that protects both their electronics and their walls. A top-of-the-line surge protector panel in your electrical closet and smart water-leak detectors tucked behind fixtures may save hours of stress and tens of thousands in repair costs should you blow a breaker or develop a slab leak. What you you consider necessary for comfort, security, or daily living in a new home? The idea of comfort and safety today has to do with installing systems that learn and respond, not static decor. A Wi-Fi programmable thermostat that learns from your schedule and the local weather can reduce heating and cooling costs by double-digit percentages, while keeping every room in the house consistently comfortable. High-quality blackout shades, ideally motorized so you never have to hassle with long cords, will improve your quality of sleep, as well as your privacy, especially if you have a bedroom on the ground floor or facing the sun. What would you put on a quick shopping list for someone moving into a new build, and what makes those items important? A smart water leak detector that detects moisture under flooring or behind walls, sends real-time alerts to the StreamLabs app, and comes with a 5-year warranty. A whole-house surge protector that will protect your electronics, smart-home hubs, and HVAC controls from transient surges A simple way to install new machine controls or back up your existing settings forIndexPath to easily Choose configuration settingsachoose one of our optional conduit end caps for extra water protection, while allowing a breathable space to avoid moisture and air buildup. Fully automated blackout blinds, or premium quality blinds to control light, privacy, and thermal insulation without any effort needed. Pre-scheduled pest control that applies to the exterior and foundation prior to moving in, to seal out termites and rodents Water softener or enhanced filtration to reduce scale buildup in pipes, increase the life of appliances, and make drinking water more palatable.
The big two in my mind, beyond basic living essentials like clothes and toiletries, are cleaning supplies and basic hand tools. These will help you deal with any messes that come with moving in, fix anything that isn't quite right, and generally handle any unexpected crises.