Looking after appliances, heating systems and warranties

Moving into your new build home

When you move into your new build home, there is so much to take in. From the décor and spaces that you can fill with your own items and tastes, to the working elements of your new home, there is much to get to know. It is important from the outset that you ‘test drive’ your home and check that everything is in full working order.

Integrated appliances

There will be a certain number of integrated appliances in your new home, as items such as cookers, toilets and showers will be part of the structure of the building, with plumbed-in, hidden pipework, electrics and wall fixings. It is very important that you make sure that these appliances are in full working order from the outset, as replacing them could be an issue that requires considerable remedial work. It might mean tiles being removed, for example, to access pipework or a power supply, or floorboards or carpeting lifted up.

From our turnkey self build projects, to exclusive new build developments, we offer a variety of specifications on bathroom suites, cookers, hobs, sinks, fridges, freezers and dishwashers. As they are brand-new, these appliances will be covered by guarantees and warranties, so in the event of any problem, they should be able to be easily replaced. You will find details of these guarantees and warranties in your homeowner pack.

Heating and water appliances

It’s important too that you check the heating system works to its optimum performance. These days, heating systems are designed to be hyper-efficient and also environmentally friendly. But any mechanism can develop minor or major faults, irrespective of their type. If a joint on a run of pipework hasn’t been adequately sealed, then it’s going to leak, regardless of how well the rest of the heating system is installed. The whole system – the water supply and the central heating system – is only as strong as its weakest point. This could mean that a leak on a radiator could require the system being drained, which is a bigger job than a simple repair.

If your new build property features solar panels for its power generation, make sure that they are working efficiently and as they should. If you have a boiler for hot water and heating, make sure it’s functioning. Familiarise yourself with its operation – how to set the boiler for various timings, how to override the settings – ask a member of our team at the point of handover, or use the manual, or have a plumber explain it to you when he visits to service your boiler.

Servicing is important and in order to validate any warranties, regular checks should be carried out on the central heating system and boiler. A common fault is leaking radiator valves. These can be difficult to spot, particularly if they are behind furniture. They are harder to notice on carpeted floors, while on tile, vinyl or wooden floors, any leakage from a radiator – or indeed a water pipe – will become obvious quite quickly. If the leak is upstairs, water will also appear on the ceilings of rooms below.   

Get to know your property

Regarding your heating and water system, one thing you should always check is where your stop tap is situated. This is essential in an emergency, as if you have to cut the water supply off due to a leak, this is the quickest way to do it. In an emergency, if you can’t locate the stop tap, you may be able to shut the water off in the road or drive outside your property, where the water meter is often situated under a metal plate that can be lifted on a hinge. This is a last resort however and you should try to locate the stop tap inside the house or garage.     

It’s vital that you make sure that you are happy with all aspects of your new home and you address any issues early on. It’s important both for your own peace of mind, but also for the practicalities of getting anything amiss rectified as quickly as possible. Be aware of any warranties that apply to appliances and material, so you can address any problems and have them repaired, while they are covered, at no extra cost.

Award-winning homes

We’ve been designing and building award-winning homes since 1981. From prestigious turnkey self-build projects, to distinctive developments and exclusive barn conversions, each bespoke home is built to the same exacting standards. We take great pride in every project we embark on to ensure the end result is as pleasing to its new owners as it is to us. This level of pride, passion and professionalism is epitomised in our craftsmanship and build quality, which has been recognised by many local, regional and national awards.

CB Homes is an A1+ member of the National House Building Council (NHBC), registered builder with the Local Authority Building Control (LABC), as well as a member of the Federation of Master Builders.

Each of our homes is backed by our unique and dedicated personalised approach to customer service. This ensures every CB Homes development delivers ultimate peace of mind to its new owner, long after we’ve handed you the keys.

Contact CB Homes today to discuss your next move.