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Frequently Asked Questions and answers for new homeowners

Q: I just moved in to my new home and it seems dusty, do you provide cleaning services?

A: Before any new home is delivered, we send in a professional cleaning crew to prepare the home. Cleaning occurs multiple times throughout the building process. With all new construction, you should expect more dust than usual for the first year of new home ownership. This is completely normal and we do our best to clean as much as possible before your closing date. Additional cleaning services after closing, including air ducts are at the owner's expense.

Q: There is a temperature difference from one room to another in my home, can this be fixed?

A: Unless you have multiple thermostats or a split system, this may occur in your new home. If you only have a single thermostat located on the first floor, the upper floor may become hotter due to heat rising. You can balance or tune your HVAC system throughout the year by adjusting the vents in each room. As a builder we are responsible for finished rooms within your home not exceeding a 6 degree variation in temperature.

Q: My AFCI breaker keeps tripping, what do I do?

A: Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters help protect against damage resulting from arc faults. However, these can be sensitive and are prone to nuisance tripping. Many electronic devices fool AFCI devices into thinking there is an arc even when there is not, this leads to nuisance tripping. Some common devices are treadmills, televisions and coffee makers. Try moving these devices to a different circuit or only using them one at a time. If the problem persists, contact the electrical contractor located in the closing binder for your home to diagnose the issue.

Interior Walls

Q: My drywall is cracked, will you fix it?

A: Be sure to note any drywall cracks in your new home so that we may repair them during your one-year service appointment. We do not provide finishing paint work to drywall repairs.

Q: I see nail pops and hairline cracks, will you fix these as well?

A: Nail pops are fixed at your one-year service but not painted, hairline cracks are part of the settling process of a new home and are not addressed in the one-year service.

Cabinets and Counters

Q: My cabinet doors or drawers are not closing properly, can this be fixed?

A: Email our service department at: service@designhomesco.com and we will send out someone to inspect and repair the cabinets if necessary. Sometimes just a small adjustment needs to be made to keep them working properly.

Q: My countertops or windows sills have scratches in them, are they under warranty?

A: It’s important to note any visible defects before you close on your new home. As a builder, we are responsible for their condition until the time of closing. Once you take ownership as a new home owner, we are not able to replace or repair them under warranty.

Flooring

Q: I have a squeaky floor, can it be fixed?

A: When constructing a new home, our installers follow all recommended procedures whether it’s gluing, screwing, nailing or any combination depending on the type of floor. We go above industry standards and attempt to correct any noticeable squeaks. However, many factors can cause squeaks like temperature variations and changing weather conditions.

Q: My flooring is uneven, can it be repaired?

A: If the floor has a variation of more than 3/8” over a 32” span than yes, we will do what we can to bring it back within that standard.

Exteriors and Landscaping

Q: What do I do about dead grass, trees, or landscaping?

A: Be sure to note any of these items at or before the time of closing. We will replace or correct any landscaping issues prior to closing on your new home. Once you have closed and taken ownership of the home, it’s your responsibility to maintain the health of the landscaping and the grass/sod/seed.

Q: I forgot to water my grass/sod/landscaping and now it needs to be replaces, who do I contact?

A: We provide contact information for all of our contractors in your closing binder. This is the binder we provide you at the time of closing that contains all the information on your new home. Keep it somewhere safe! If you can’t find it, email our service department at: service@designhomesco.com and we will try to figure out who to ask.

Concrete

Q: My new concrete has cracks in it, what happened?

A: First off, don’t be alarmed. All concrete will crack, it’s the size of the cracks that matters! It takes new concrete over a year to fully cure and during this process some shrinking is to be expected. On your sidewalks and driveways you may notice control joints or channels that are installed. These help but don’t always prevent cracks from forming. Small hairline cracks are expected and will not affect the structural integrity of your concrete.

Q: My new concrete has larger than 'hairline' cracks in it...Now what?

A: Depending on where the cracks are located, this may still just be cosmetic. However, If the cracks are outside of the acceptable building standards, we as a builder will bring them back up to code. Email our service department at: service@designhomesco.com and we will send someone out to inspect it.

Q: How do I maintain my new concrete drive, sidewalk, or patio?

A: Be sure to avoid parking any heavy trucks or machinery on your new driveway. If you are using a moving company, be sure to let them know to avoid parking on your new drive! It’s also important to protect your new concrete with a sealant. This will prevent water from oversaturating prior to the freeze-thaw cycle. Late summer is the best time to apply the sealant. Your new concrete should be at least 30 days old before you apply sealant. Be sure to avoid using any de-icing chemicals or salt on your driveway during the first year as well.

Q: My concrete has color variations, what happened?

A: The time of year and weather conditions when your concrete is poured will have an effect on the final appearance. This is completely normal and to be expected. For instance, If your home was constructed during the colder months, calcium chloride is added to the mix to speed up the curing process. This has a tendency to darken the concrete

Windows and Doors

Q: There is frost on the inside of my windows, are they defective?

A: Due to weather conditions and interior humidity, this may occur and is not an indication of any defects. The chances of this happening during the first year of a home are increased due to the excess moisture in the building products. Be sure to check the settings on your humidifier if you have one attached to your furnace. Adding a dehumidifier to the home may also help prevent this.

Q: My exterior doors are not closing properly. What do I do?

A: During the first year of ownership, your home will settle and this may occur. Email our service department at: service@designhomesco.com and we will send someone out to correct the issue.