Building a New Home or Custom Home (Part 6 of 6)

Building a New Home or Custom Home in Sequim or Port Angeles, the sixth article in a series on Selecting a Builder by Rick Anderson.

Windows and Doors

Test the windows and doors. Pull the windows up and down, and push the doors open and closed. Do the windows go all the way up? Do they close and seal properly? Are the cracks around the door uniformly spaced to indicate that the door is hung well and the doorway is standing properly? Interior doors should open and close easily. But the tighter the house is constructed, the better it will hold up against heat, cold and other weather conditions--and the harder it will be to close the exterior door. Because it is fitted with weather stripping and is meant to be a protection against climatic elements, the exterior door shouldn't close with the push of a fingertip.

Level Countertops and Tight Seams

Do objects on countertops remain stationary or upright? or do they roll or topple because the counter isn't level? Tight seams on countertops will prevent dirt from building up in them, and the countertop materials from being damaged with daily use. If laminate is not properly seamed, for example, it will absorb water and swell.

Cabinetry and Woodwork

Check to see if the cuts and patterns are clean, consistent and well-detailed on the moldings and trims. Are the baseboards set evenly against the floor with no gaps? Do the cabinet doors and drawers open and close smoothly?

Insulation

Ask the homeowner about their heating bills. Have any energy efficient features been installed? Are there drafts from the windows?

Warranty

The builder should offer a comprehensive written warranty. A financially sound builder will offer a quality product at a fair price and will remain in business throughout the warranty period. Also, quality builders will be in the best position to do business with the best sub-contractors and suppliers.

[All photographs used in this series are homes built by Anderson Homes, LLC, as are the homes in the banner of this site.]

(This article written by Rick Anderson and posted by Marketing Consultant Chuck Marunde.)

The Series:
Read Building a New Home or Custom Home (Part 1 of 6)
Read Building a New Home or Custom Home (Part 2 of 6)
Read Building a New Home or Custom Home (Part 3 of 6)
Read Building a New Home or Custom Home (Part 4 of 6)
Read Building a New Home or Custom Home (Part 5 of 6)
Read Building a New Home or Custom Home (Part 6 of 6)