Purchasing a new home is an exciting process. It can also be a bit overwhelming, particularly right before you move in. The best homebuilders in the country provide homeowner orientations to help simplify the process — and better prepare people before keys are in hand.
Use this list of need-to-know info to get ready for your homeowner orientation.
What is a Homeowner Orientation?
A homeowner orientation is a buyer's final walkthrough before they officially move into their new home.
A Construction or Customer Care team member typically guides these home demonstrations. They’re designed to acquaint customers with their new home to start them off on the right foot (which can be especially helpful for first-time buyers).
How Long is a Homeowner Orientation and When Do They Take Place?
Homeowner orientations generally last between one and two hours, depending on the size of the home and questions asked.
It’s common for orientations to take place one to two weeks before closing, though this may vary depending on the home and builder.
What’s Included in a Homeowner Orientation?
Most homeowner orientations include the following three steps:
- Home walkthrough
- Basic maintenance tutorials
- Warranty discussion
These steps may differ depending on the builder and the home. The person conducting the orientation — sometimes the sales professional, sometimes the construction manager, and sometimes both — uses a checklist to help the buyer stay on track and ensure consistency from one home to another.
What Should I Expect During a Homeowner Orientation Walkthrough?
During a homeowner orientation “walk,” the buyer(s) will join the Construction or Customer Care team member as they demonstrate the home.
In this step, the host will show the homebuyer the ins and outs of their home. They’ll review the interior and exterior while explaining essential operational information related to your utilities, including how the breaker box works and where to find the water line and valve.
A few other walkthrough items you can expect include:
- Introduction to your appliances (including oven, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher)
- Tips about energy efficiency
- How to operate your door locks
- Where to find your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
What Maintenance Tips Will I Learn During My Homeowner Orientation?
There’s more to caring for your home than simply knowing how to shut off the power!
Your host will also talk through some of the most common maintenance tips you’ll need to know when you move in. And while you won’t be able to cover every little detail during your homeowner orientation, some of the most common homeowner best practices include:
- How to operate and program your thermostat
- How to change your HVAC and air filters
- How to operate your irrigation system (sprinklers)
- How to set your alarm codes
- How to set your garage door remote and sensors
- How to maintain your water heater
- How to care for your home as the seasons change
- How to test/reset your GFCI receptacles
- How to maintain your home’s foundation
What Warranty Information Will Be Covered During the Homeowner Orientation?
One of the most important components of your homeowner orientation is the warranty discussion.
During this essential step, you’ll review the warranty information associated with your home, including what’s covered, how long your coverage lasts, and how to submit warranty requests. Your host will also explain what constitutes an urgent request and how to get in touch with local vendors.
