M/I Homes – Dallas: 5-Time Builder of the Year
Learning all the ins-and-outs of your new construction home can be intimidating. That’s why we asked Brent Lee, our Vice President of Construction in Austin, TX, his advice for our homeowners’ most asked questions about New Home Orientations in Austin.
What is a New Home Orientation?
A New Home Orientation (NHO) is a meeting at the end of the new home construction process where the Construction Manager and buyer walk the home room by room to go over the function of the home and the systems within (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, irrigation etc.).
This meeting typically takes place a week or two prior to closing and serves as a final chance to point out any issues with the home that the builder needs to address.
The Construction Manager will also introduce the Warranty Program, instruct how to use it, and provide a copy of the Customer Care Manual to help new homeowners feel comfortable with how to take care of a new home.
What, if anything, does the homebuyer need to do to prepare?
Customers should be encouraged to prepare a list of any questions, concerns, or topics they’d like to discuss prior to the meeting. This ensures that anything the customer wants to cover will be addressed.
This is the buyer’s chance to bring a new construction home walk-through check list so they can ask all the questions they can think of to discuss with their Construction Manager.
When is this meeting typically held?
The meeting is typically scheduled for 7–14 days prior to closing to allow time to address any outstanding issues found during the NHO.
How long is the New Home Orientation?
It varies, but typically 1.5–2 hours.
Who all is present at the New Home Orientation?
The Construction Manager or similar party and the buyer attend this meeting.
Third party inspectors, family members, and real estate agents may be present as well but are not required to attend.
Any third-party inspections should be conducted 14 days prior to the NHO date.
What are the main topics that are reviewed?
- How the home and mechanical systems work together and how to operate them
- How to request warranty service after closing
- Any outstanding cosmetic issues that need to be addressed
What are the takeaways for the homebuyer?
After completing their NHO, homebuyers should be confident operating and maintaining the systems within their home, know how and when to file a warranty claim after closing, and finally, be excited about moving into their new home!
For any additional information or questions, reach out to your New Home Consultant or Construction Manager. Congratulations on your new home!
*This information is specific to the Austin region and is subject to change. Timelines, programs, and other information mentioned in the above may not be applicable in other areas.
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