Dispelling a New Home Myth

Too often I hear, "We are going to build a new home so that we don't have to worry about fixing anything." While this may be generally true, it is not always the rule. Case in point, here is a run down of how we spent our weekend:

1. Replacing the wax ring on one of the toilets because it was leaking slightly.
2. Cleaning the septic filter because water was backing up and causing the pressure relief valves to let water into our basement...after only two months of having a newly cleaned septic tank.
3. Attempting to repair the dishawasher that wasn't draining. (This one is still not fixed and will require a professional.)

These seem like little things, I know. But it is WAYYY more annoying to spend your weekend stuck at home doing these chores when you have a brand new house, and appliances, and are under the impression that everything is  new so you don't need to worry about it. If you buy an old house, you expect to be fixing things around the house, not so with a brand new build.

Yes, things are warrantied for the first year. If it breaks, your builder should come back and fix it for you. In the year we have lived here, we have had basement flooding from a number of different leaks having to do with well pumps and septic filter back-ups, pipes that weren't completely sealed, sink holes, walls replaced due to water damage, flooring issues, etc. but there are some things that are just easier, and quicker, to do yourself, even if it means sacrificing a perfectly beautiful weekend to get it done.  Frustrating? Yes!

The moral of the story is that just because you have a brand spanking new house doesn't mean you won't still be able to enjoy the general upkeep/annoying chores/"joys" of home ownership. :)