New construction is going up again across Marvin, from Heritage at Marvin and Marvin Commons to Broadmoor at Marvin and Cottages at Marvin Gardens. A brand-new house still needs attention: small defects show up as the house settles through its first year of seasons, and most builder warranties put deadlines on reporting them. This checklist helps you get the most out of year one.
Know your warranty
Many builders follow a common pattern: about one year for workmanship and materials, about two years for major systems like plumbing, electrical and HVAC, and about ten years for major structural defects. Terms differ by builder and by contract, so find your own warranty and write down:
- When each coverage period starts and ends
- How to submit a request (online portal, email or form) and whether it must be in writing
- Whether the builder does a scheduled 60-day or 11-month walk-through
- What's excluded, such as normal settling cracks, landscaping or items you changed
- Separate manufacturer warranties for the roof, windows, appliances, HVAC and water heater, and whether you must register them
Before you close: the walk-through
- Bring painter's tape and mark every scratch, dent, gap or paint flaw you find.
- Open and close every door, window, cabinet and drawer. Run every faucet, shower and appliance.
- Test every outlet, switch, light and the garage door.
- Look at the yard: grading should slope away from the house, and downspouts should drain away from the foundation.
- Get the punch list in writing, with a date for each item.
- Consider an independent home inspection, even on new construction. A second set of eyes often catches items the builder's walk-through misses.
The first year, season by season
| When | What to check |
|---|---|
| First month | Register appliance and equipment warranties. Find the main water shutoff, breaker panel and HVAC filter sizes. Change the HVAC filter after construction dust settles. |
| First heavy rain | Walk the yard and the crawl space or basement. Look for standing water near the foundation, gutters that overflow and wet spots on ceilings. |
| First summer | Note rooms that don't cool evenly. Check that the AC condensate line drains and that no water collects around the indoor unit. |
| First winter | Watch for drafts at doors and windows, and for drywall cracks or nail pops as framing dries out. |
| Month 10 to 11 | Make a complete list for your warranty request. Many owners hire an independent inspector for an 11-month inspection so the list is ready before one-year coverage ends. |
Keep a home file
Save your contract, warranty, plans, paint colors, appliance model numbers and every service request with its date. Photos of problems help. The file is useful for warranty claims, future repairs and an eventual sale.
Compare notes with neighbors
In a new neighborhood, many homes share the same builder, plans and subcontractors, so one owner's problem is often everyone's. Comparing notes helps neighbors spot patterns and report them clearly.
This is general information, not legal or professional advice. Your builder's written warranty controls what is covered and for how long, so read it closely and keep a copy.
Get paid to get quotes
Founding members can book 45-minute meetings with vetted local vendors and get paid $200 to $300 per meeting, with no obligation to buy. When several neighbors need the same job, we negotiate one group rate.