Closing day on a new construction home is one of the best days in the buying process. But it is also just the beginning of getting the home set up the way you want it. The weeks that follow closing involve more logistics than most buyers expect, and a little planning goes a long way.
Whether you are moving into a Henry Walker home in Kaysville, Holladay, the Millcreek area, or Southern Utah, this checklist covers the practical things to handle before, during, and in the first 30 days after your move-in.
Before Moving Day
Get Utilities in Your Name
Transfer utilities before you close so you have power, gas, and water on day one. Your Henry Walker Homes sales contact can tell you which utility providers serve your community. Rocky Mountain Power, Dominion Energy, and your local water district are the typical providers in Northern Utah. Set up accounts before you take possession.
Update Your Address
The USPS address change tool at usps.com handles mail forwarding. Update your bank, employer, insurance providers, vehicle registration, and any subscription services at the same time. Doing it all at once is far easier than tracking down missed pieces over the next several months.
Document the Home Before Your Belongings Arrive
Walk through every room on the day you take possession and photograph walls, floors, fixtures, and appliances. This gives you a clean baseline record in case any warranty questions come up later.
Measure Your Space Before Moving Furniture
If you are buying new furniture or moving existing pieces, measure rooms and doorways before moving day. Henry Walker Homes floor plans are designed with livability in mind, but doorway widths and room proportions vary, and finding out a couch does not fit after the delivery truck leaves is an avoidable headache.
Moving Day
Be Present for Delivery Walk-Throughs
If appliances, furniture, or other items are being delivered on moving day, having someone in the home who can document the condition of items on arrival protects you if there are damage claims later.
Locate Your Main Systems
The Henry Walker Homes team will walk through the home’s systems with you at your final walk-through. Your first day in the home is the right time to locate your main water shutoff, breaker panel, and HVAC filter location before you need them in a hurry.
Consider Rekeying Your Locks
Many new homeowners choose to rekey exterior locks after closing. Even in a brand-new home, keys may have been in the hands of subcontractors and tradespeople during construction. It is a simple step that some buyers find gives them peace of mind.
Your First 30 Days
Register Your Appliances and Systems
Major appliances, HVAC systems, and water heaters all have manufacturer warranties that are typically registered separately from the builder warranty. Look for documentation in the home’s warranty packet and register each item online. It takes only a few minutes per appliance and matters significantly if something needs service down the road.
Review Your Henry Walker Homes Warranty Documentation
Henry Walker Homes provides warranty coverage on your new home. Read through what is covered, how to submit a warranty request, and who to contact. Reach out to our team if you have any questions about coverage or need to report something.
Let the Home Settle Before Making Modifications
New construction homes go through a settling period in the first year. Some minor cracking in drywall corners and caulk lines is normal and expected as the structure adjusts. Most builders schedule a warranty walk-through around the 11-month mark to address items that have come up. Start a running list now so you are prepared for that appointment.
Get to Know Your Community
If you are in a Henry Walker Homes community with an HOA, read through the community rules early. Introduce yourself to neighbors. If the community has shared amenities, familiarize yourself with how they work and what the policies are.
Leave a Google Review
If you had a positive experience with the Henry Walker Homes team during the buying process, a Google review goes a long way. It takes about two minutes and helps other buyers who are researching builders make a more informed decision.
Setting Up Your Home for Long-Term Performance
A new construction home is a significant investment, and how you maintain it in the first year sets the tone for how it performs long-term.
Set Up HVAC Filter Reminders
Changing your HVAC filter every one to three months, depending on the filter type and how dusty your environment is, keeps your system running efficiently. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a dirty filter is one of the most common causes of reduced HVAC efficiency. Set a recurring reminder so it does not slip.
Run Your Drains Periodically
Run water in every sink, tub, and shower periodically during the first few months, especially in rooms that are not being used regularly. P-traps can dry out in infrequently used bathrooms and allow sewer gas to enter the home.
Check Caulking Around Wet Areas
New construction caulk can shrink slightly as it cures. Check tubs, showers, and sinks in the first few months and apply a small bead of silicone caulk if you see any gaps forming. It is a simple fix that prevents water from getting where it should not.
You Are in Good Hands
Henry Walker Homes does not disappear after closing. If something comes up in your new home that needs attention, the team is reachable and the warranty process is there for a reason. Getting in touch is always the right first step.
If you are still looking for a new construction home in Northern Utah or Salt Lake County, explore our active communities or reach out directly to start the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do on closing day for a new construction home?
Before your belongings arrive, walk through every room and photograph the condition of walls, floors, and fixtures. Locate your main water shutoff, breaker panel, and HVAC system. Make sure utilities are transferred into your name so you have power and water on day one.
How long does a new construction home take to settle?
Most new construction homes go through a settling period in the first year. Minor drywall cracking in corners and small caulk gaps are normal. Most builders, including Henry Walker Homes, schedule a warranty walk-through around the 11-month mark to address anything that has come up.
Does Henry Walker Homes have a warranty on new homes?
Yes. Henry Walker Homes provides warranty coverage on its new construction homes. For details on what is covered and how to submit a warranty request, contact the team directly.
Should I change my locks after moving into a new construction home?
It is a personal preference. Rekeying exterior locks after closing ensures that only you have access, since keys may have been in the hands of tradespeople during construction. Many new homeowners choose to do this as a precaution.
When should I leave a Google review for my builder?
The best time is after you have settled in and had a chance to experience the home, typically two to four weeks after closing. At that point, you will have a clear sense of both the buying process and the move-in experience.
References
U.S. Postal Service. “Change of Address & Mail Forwarding.” usps.com
U.S. Department of Energy. “Maintaining Your Air Conditioner.” energy.gov
