Building a home is exciting, and we know that after months of construction new homeowners can’t wait to settle in and live in the home created especially for them.  However, it’s important to plan and make sure your dream house stays beautiful and safe. Here’s how to plan for a successful happily-ever-after in your new home.

• When it comes to home construction, the devil is in the details. The more information you provide your contractor, the easier it is to ensure positive outcomes. Provide your contractor with a list of manufacturer names and styles for fixtures and finishings, as well as any other design elements that will be installed in your home. This list should also include plans and specifications of work so that your builders understand the scope of work required.

• Good homes need good contracts. Review the contract with your builder carefully, and make sure to include contingency plans for any post-construction problems. Include the right to submit a detailed “punch list” with accompanying timeline after construction is completed. This list includes any unfinished or unsatisfactory work the contractor must resolve before final payment occurs.

• Give yourself the gift of time. Building contracts should include a guarantee that your home will remain structurally sound for at least a year. If problems do arise, like a leaky roof or flooded basement, your builder/seller should provide and pay for a service warranty to fix these problems.

Preparation goes a long way in working with contractors and builders on your home. By including these elements in your contract, you reduce the risk of breached warranties, long-term structural damage, and costly legal problems.