What to Expect When You're Moving in to an Active Construction Site
Moving into your new home while construction is ongoing can be a unique and sometimes challenging experience. We put together some helpful tips, so you can feel prepared when moving into an active construction site.
1. Communicate with your Builder: Be sure to keep an open line of communication with your builder and understand the construction schedule. The health and safety for all community members will always be important on site. You may be excited to visit your new home prior to your move-in date, however it is important to remember you should never be visiting the site on weekends or after hours or without the consent of the builder on site. This is to ensure that proper protocols are in place, for safety.
When preparing for moving day, you will want to make sure you understand access roads to and from site. Talk with your builder to understand the best route to take. Your builder will work proactively to ensure the items outstanding in your new home are completed in timely manner, which may require the assistance of sub-trade partners and third-party vendors. If you have any questions regarding the process to complete, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team addressing your concerns.
Knowing when areas around your home will be completed will help you plan your move and schedule any necessary services needed.
2. Plan for the Basics: You will want to ensure that important necessities such as water, electricity and heat have been successfully set up in your ownership and turned on, for your possession date (even if you are going to be renting out your property). It’s also important to check all appliances provided by the Builder (if applicable) to ensure they are functioning as designed, such as the Fridge, Dishwasher and Stove.
Notify your builder immediately in the event of any issues, so they can notify the appropriate parties and rectify as needed.
3. Be Prepared for the Unfinished Areas: It’s important to keep in mind that not all areas around your new home will be completed by the time you move-in. Items such as grading and exterior painting are weather permitting and completed under separate timelines. Landscaping will be completed according to the design and drawings, with approvals by the municipality. Items will be completed as scheduled by the builder and their sub-trade partners.
Reach out to your builder directly If you have any questions or concerns while these items are completed within your new Community.
4. Be Prepared for Dust and Debris: Until items such as landscaping have been completed on site, dirt and dust is likely to build up on the exterior of your home and personal items, such as your car. You will want to adhere to proper maintenance regarding your furnace filter, as it may be more prone to collecting dust while the site is still in active construction. Debris from materials being used on site can also be swept up and travel through natural exterior elements such as wind and other various weather conditions, creating potential hazards.
Your builder and the team working on site will also be working proactively to limit the debris to the best of their ability. Make sure you take the necessary steps to protect your belongings and your family until construction is completed around your home.
5. Check for any Safety Hazards: The health and safety of all persons on site, is a top priority. You will want to be aware of any potential hazards, while the site is still in active construction. Be mindful of potential nails when driving through high traffic areas. Make sure that you and your family are aware of the safety procedures in place and take necessary safety precautions, as needed.
Before your official move-in day, discuss with your builder or Customer Experience Concierge about potential guidelines in place, for those planning to visit or move-in, to be best prepared.
6. Be Aware of the Noise: Noise on a construction site can sometimes feel disruptive and may interrupt your daily activities. Discuss the schedule with your builder for work being completed in the area and try and plan your move-in accordingly, if needed.
Remember to be patient and flexible during this process as unexpected hiccups may happen. Work with your builder and all site members to ensure a smooth and safe process for everyone on site and within the Community, always.
With a little bit of extra preparation and patience, you'll be able to move into your new home, even while construction is still in progress, and enjoy the journey of creating your dream home.