" A Good Real Estate Agent Knows You're Not Just Buying A House,
You're Moving Into A Community "

Real Estate Planning

      Good Products Make A Quality Home

As a home buyer, how do you really know if you will be getting a quality home? First impressions matter, but it's important to get beyond appearances. The overall quality of your home also depends on the products and materials the builder uses. Quality products and skilled installation can mean increased dependability and satisfaction for you.

When you look at new homes, you want to consider a number of things. Does the builder use recognized products from established manufacturers? Are components like windows, flooring, cabinetry and plumbing fixtures covered by a manufacturer's warranty? What is included in the warranty and how long is it in effect?

Be leery of no-name products. They can mean trouble, from difficult installation to finding spare parts or getting your money back if the product fails. And all products and materials used in your home should be approved by the Canadian Standards Association or a similar certifying organization.

Professional builders are proud of their homes and committed to long-term customer satisfaction. Ask about the major products and materials used by the builder. Professionals are delighted to "show and tell". Here are some suggestions:

The basement

• Is the heating, cooling and ventilation equipment energy-efficient?
• Does the installation look neat and solid?
• Are owner's manuals and maintenance schedules provided?
• Is the name and telephone number of the installer provided for emergency calls?

Bathrooms and kitchens

• Are all faucets repairable? (With poorly manufactured fixtures, you may not be able to repair a drip.)
• Are countertops stain- and scratch-resistant?
• Are fixtures chip- and crack-resistant, and can you match their colours later?
• Are all surfaces of the cabinetry-inside, outside and edges-treated and sealed?

Flooring

• Are carpets guaranteed against fading and staining?
• What type of fibre is used, and is it suitable for the intended use?
• Ask about warranties, including a wear date, for all carpeting, vinyl and linoleum flooring.
• If the home includes ceramic, stone or marble flooring, can you get replacement pieces in case of chips and cracks?
• With pre-finished hardwood floors, does the manufacturer offer a warranty on the finish?

Windows and doors

• Are the windows and doors energy-efficient?
• Are they easy to clean, inside and out?
• Does the warranty cover the seal, outside cladding and hardware?
• Does the manufacturer have a local service representative who can supply replacement parts and repairs if needed?

Also ask about the products and materials you can't see-behind the walls, under the floor and above the ceiling. Manufactured wood products have become much more common for floor joists, ceiling rafters, sheathing, cabinets and so on. These products not only make environmental sense, they are often stronger and more durable. Find out about exterior materials such as shingles and siding. They should come with a performance warranty from the manufacturer. Ask for details.

          Finding the home that's right for you
          Understanding specifications and options
          Permits, inspections and quality control
          Indoor air quality is important for everyone
          Good products make a quality home
          Building products for a better environment
          New Home Warranty protects your investment

Return to Real Estate Planning

Glenys has answers to your questions and more professional tips to make your real estate transaction more pleasurable. Call or e-mail Glenys or click on "Ask Your Own Questions." Glenys can send you information on any Property Listed For Sale on the Multiple Listing Service in the Halifax area. If you would like her to help you locate a home, please fill out her Information Request Form. Surfing the Real Estate Board's web site or MLS.CA and found a house that you like but doesn't give you the civic address. Glenys can also help. Just fill out her Would like an address form, please ! Or perhaps you are considering selling your home in the near future, she can also offer you a Free No-Obligation Market Evaluation Form

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