Hints and tips
Its great fun getting to know your new home, and you are bound to have lots of questions. Our Aftercare team have come up with some handy hints and tips to help you along the way.
Your home needs to settle too
During the first year, your new home will be adapting to the different seasons and temperature changes, just like we do! Materials such as mortar, plaster and wood will dry out throughout the year causing shrinkage or slight cracks. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
Any cracks that are thicker than the depth of a £1 will be picked up at the final inspection which is completed around 12 months after you have received your keys.
Top tip: To make sure your new home dries out properly, keep the temperature consistently warm using your thermostat and open your window trickle vents.
Making it yours
We know that you'll no doubt be excited to start decorating your new Persona home, there are a few things you should know:
Wallpapering - your walls need to dry out and settle, papering your home too early could not only ruin your paper, but could also affect how your new home adjusts. Save your efforts and money until you've had your first year in your new home before you start papering.
Hanging items - take extra care when choosing where to hang your artwork, mirrors and shelving - there's a lot going on behind the walls,including wiring, pipes and other things that keep your home running. Make sure you find the right and safe location before getting started.
When its warmer than usual
During the summer months, when we are lucky to have increased temperatures, uPVC doors and windows may expand and become difficult to open or close. This is not a defect and you will find that when it becomes cooler they will work as normal. You could try placing a wet towel over the frames to try to speed up the cooling process.
Keeping it green
To make sure your garden is in tip-top condition and healthy for the summer months, follow these steps:
Water your grass daily if you can, to make sure it stays healthy and can "knit" properly to the soil.
Avoid putting any furniture on the grass to make sure it grows evenly.
We all know your pets need to go outside, but if you can avoid letting them on the grass this will also help.
Your garden and drainage have been designed and provided in accordance with planning requirements. General localised water logging isn't a defect, however if water logging breaches the threshold, or enters the home, contact the Aftercare team - they'll be ready to help.
Keeping warm and cosy
With all new homes, your heating system may have ups and downs with pressure - it's quite common. The best way to make sure you stay on top of it is by checking your user manuals and topping up your pressure. This should help, but if not give the Aftercare team a call, they will be happy to help.
When the lights go out
Sitting in the dark is never fun, so knowing where your fuse box is when your electrics have tripped is certainly helpful.
Make sure you check out where your fuse box is located and take a look at your user guide so you know exactly what you are doing. All sorts of things can trip your electricity; an appliance, power outages, a bulb blowing and so on. Resetting the electric switch on the consumer unit will usually get things up and running again - but if this doesn't fix the problem getting in touch with the Aftercare team.
Keeping it dry
Condensation is caused by steam or water vapour contacting cold surfaces such as walls, ceilings and windows. With a new build, condensation can also come from the moisture in the building material. The best way to avoid condensation in your new home is by:
Opening your windows or trickle vents to allow trapped moisture to escape.
Covering saucepans when cooking to reduce the amount of steam.
Using your extractor fans where possible.
When cooking or taking a bath, keeping your doors closed will stop the moisture from spreading room to room.
Avoid drying clothes indoors, especially on radiators.
Heating your home evenly and consistently.
Keen to find out more?
Whether you’d like to book a viewing or simply have a quick introductory chat, our helpful advisory team would love to hear from you.