first major things to install in a new home

[bunzor]

Hi,

What are the first things I should be installing in a new townhome in the first week? please help me with my list.

-phone
-appliances
-tv/internet
-central vac
-humidifier (necessary because of winter?)
-central ac (can wait for summer?)
-clean ducts

Thanks

[BuildingHomes]

Garage door opener... I know someone who can install that and a few other things on your list :)

[patrob]

I know someone who can install that and a few other things on your list :)

:D I wonder who that might be :lol: ;)

[gman]

Window curtain/blinds.
Shower curtain
better kitchen vent.
lighting

[CheapScotsman]

a roll of toilet paper :D

[Frankie3s]

The small stuff is ok but wait a while like a couple of years for the major stuff like building a basement until the house settles. In the first year I wouldn't do a thing (like painting or even adding a central vac) until the builder warranty is up. The can be very funny sometimes about fixing things if they think you could've contributed to the problem. This happened to me with my new home.

Garage door should be fine if the spring was tensioned properly (if you have a good builder it will be, if not you'll have to get them to come back and do it. Lazy ba$tard$).

[Dustbunny]

Only install what you need to be happy right away (phone etc.) or things which you need for warranty (humidifier if you have wood floors). Everything else can pretty much wait until you have a chance to get the best prices, see what you really want to spend your money on, and to leave your left over cash for other things you may not think of until you are moved in. For instance if you don't have tools, snow shovels, etc. at the moment you will find you need to buy those right away and it can add up.

Oh yeah, do clean the ducts if the builder hasn't done it. They fill those things with all manner of junk and dust which just keeps spewing if you don't clean them.

[glaswegian]

Like Dustie said, do get the ducts cleaned, you will be surprised what you might find in there. I know our builder provided a voucher for duct cleaning the week we moved in.

As mentioned by someone else above, go to HD and get those frosted papers for your front door and windows to provide immediate privacy. There are always nosey people walking around

Ah...nearly forgot, get extra phone jack and ethernet ports installed, and yes buildinghomes is your man for that. Another cheesy plug mate :D

[bunzor]

Thanks everyone.

We didn't get hardwood, and i dont think we will for a couple of years to come. Does that mean we won't need a humidifier?

Potentially what would void the warranty if we installed a central vac? I really wanted to make sure the floor rugs were cleaned as soon as possible.

Looks like you have a great following here Buildinghomes, its good no know :)

[BuildingHomes]

We didn't get hardwood, and i dont think we will for a couple of years to come. Does that mean we won't need a humidifier?

Potentially what would void the warranty if we installed a central vac? I really wanted to make sure the floor rugs were cleaned as soon as possible.


Humidifier is sometimes good and sometimes bad. It's good because it can increase the humidity your house during the dry times of winter. It can be bad because they tend to get gross and moldy, especially the ones with a drum. Opinions vary.

I have no idea what type of warranty would be voided if a central vac is installed. None.

I think that statement was more in relation to humidity levels in your house if you have builder installed hardwood. If the air is too dry the hardwood can potentially crack.

[eelfliw]

Depending on your neighbourhood, an alarm system may be good to have.

If the area is bad, metal bars on windows & steel outer doors.

[goofball]

if pre-owned, new locks or get them re-keyed
new toilet seats :lol:

[elty]

Bullet proof window? :D

If your town house is small, just go buy a cheapo $100 vacuum which is more than sufficient.

Some builders may have clauses saying if you don't install their overpriced vacuum / AC then you void the warranty in that area.

[BuildingHomes]

Some builders may have clauses saying if you don't install their overpriced vacuum / AC then you void the warranty in that area.

I've heard of that for AC, but never ever for a vac. Doesn't really make a lot of sense since it's just a pipe.

[HappyGoLucky]

Fire extinguishers should be on your list!

[bionicbadger]

take a set of basic tools and keep them there and make sure you have stuff like a drain snake