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Show HFjMjne fcSfr-,,- . BuMers . essential in Walk-throu- gh " an The h inspection of your new home prior to settlement, is Are the basement "walk-throug- dow wells clean eled? V an essential part of the Roof necessary work. The most efficient way to handle a h is with a checklist. The list should include everything that needs attention with a timetable for repairs. Be aware, however, that some items may have to be corwalk-throug- rected after settlement. For instance, if your walkthrough is in winter, the builder may have to wait until spring to make landscaping adjustments. You and the builder should agree on repair dates for such items and both of you should have signed copies of the checklist to prevent misunderstandings. Ask a lot of questions h during the and take notes on the answers. Ask about warwalk-throug- ranties that Cover faulty workmanship and any limitations on coverage. Also ask about manufacturers' warranties and operating manuals for each appliance. Find out how to operate the furnace and air conditioning equipment and how to win- and grav- Structure Are the shingles flat and tight? Is all flashing secure in place? purchasing process. During the walkthrough, you and the builder will conduct a final inspection to identify any problems that need correction. Therefore, it is important to schedule the walkthrough long enough before settlement that the builder has ample time to do any home-buildin- g Do I .nmi J. Bradley Simons care for carpeting and floor- ing. If minor problems are overlooked or arise, do not expect your builder to send workers to your home every time a problem arises after settlement. Your builder will probably want to correct minor problems at some time, such as 30 days after move-iRequests for these repairs should be made in writing. Usually, only emergency requests are handled by telephone. h Your checklist should contain the following items. However, no single list is applicable to every property, so be thorough when developing your own list. post-settleme- nt n. walk-throug- OUTSIDE Grading Does the ground around the foundation slope away from the house? Does water form puddles in swales? Are there signs of erosion? gutters, down- spouts and splash blocks drain away from the house? Exterior Appearance Are all windows and doors sealed and protected by weatherstripping? Are the trim and fittings tight? Are there any cracks? Does the paint on surfaces and trim cover them smoothly? INSIDE DoorsWindows Area all doors and windows properly sealed? Do they operate easily? Are the doors and windows the type specified in the contract? Is all glass in place and riot loose or cracked? Are all screens in place? Finishes Is the painting satisfactory in all rooms? Even closets and stairways? Are the trim and molding in place? Did the. painters miss any spots? Are bathroom and kitchen tiles installed properly? Floors Do the carpet seams match? Is the carpet tight? Is it the color and style you ordered? Are there any ridges or QremRLdje seam gaps in vinyl or tile? Is it what you ordered? Do the floors squeak? A Master Are wooden floors properly finished? Do the Appliances major appliances operate properly? Do all faucets and other plumbing fixtures, including toilets and showers work properly? Do all electrical outlets and fixtures work properly? (Take along a hair dryer to Planned , Community 800 South 200 East Payson VT3 "few $ AUSTIN U $146,700 test.) Do heatingcooling and water heating units operate properly? Test door bell, garage door, intercom system. Are there any nicks, cracks or burns on any surfaces, including cabinets and countertops? Does the fireplace draft and does the damper work? BasementAttic Any cracks in foundation walls or in the floor? Any indications of dampness or leaks? There are thousands of elements in a new home. It is not unusual for some things to be amiss. You and your builder working together, can schedule for the items to be corrected. For a listing of local professional builders and remodelers, visit the Utah Valley Home Builders Association Web site at www.uvhba.com J. Bradley Simons President of Utah Valley Home Builders Association it-i- I i THE CHALET $131,200 THE HAMPSHIRE wbasement $164,900 THE RUSHMORE wbasement $166,900 TOWNHOMES 2 AND 3 BEDROOM FROM $96,000 LOTS Green Ridge Pointe 800 S. 200 E. Payson GARDEN Continued from 6 both children and adults. Larger stepping-stone- s accommodate different strides gracefully, but youH still need to take some care before setting the stones. Ask other family members to walk back and forth along the path to test the spacing. If the stepping-stone- s are too heavy to move .easily, cut pieces of . - cardboard or newspaper the size of the stones to help you position them. In a lawn, stepping-stone- s can be set just below mowing height or lower, flush with the ground. Stones set flush are easiest to traverse, but if the surface of the stepping-stone- s is slightly above ground level, grass will be less likely to creep over the stones. Slightly raised stones also show up better in the grass. Where drainage is a - problem, raised stepping-stone- s will help keep your feet dry on muddy days. It is best to set the stones in a bed of sand. Pack soil and sand around each stone until it sits firmly in the ground, even when you step on an edge. You may need to reset a stone or two after a few days of use or after the first rainstorm. If the path cuts across a lawn, your job is done. In a short time, the grass will make perfect green frames around your work. A path of stepping-stone- s also provides niches for groundcovers. Chamomile, thyme, various interesting sedums and mosses of every description will thrive in the spaces between the stones and help soften their edges. A path planted with fragrant herbs will give you a reason to linger on your way. low-growi- a garden writer in Kansas City, Mo. Custom Building Lots On Prestigious East Side From $28,900 - $45,900 Only 4 Remain! GEORGETOWN C Jean Tanner i22l SUMMIJ Marty Ross is - 225-72- 72 |