When you buy
Running in your new home
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Just like a new car, a new home needs to be 'run in'. It needs to adjust to the rigours of being occupied and there are ways you can help this process. By following these simple guidelines you can significantly reduce the chance of problems occurring.
Why does my new home have to be run in?
Every new home contains up to 1500 gallons of water. This is because many of the materials used in building a home are mixed using water e.g. concrete, mortar, screed and plaster. You may not be able to see it or feel it and it won't do you any harm but it does need to evaporate away. This process is known as 'drying out'.How long is the drying out period?
There is no set period for drying out. How long it takes will depend on the home's construction and the time of year you move in. Usually it takes about six months plus.How will the drying out affect my home?
As the home is lived in and heated the timber and plaster will shrink causing small cracks. These are not structurally important and can be permanently cured in the normal process of redecoration. Because such cracks are inevitable your builder is not legally bound to rectify them. Also, as the new building begins to dry out, vapour will be drawn out of the materials, and may cause condensation. However, you can minimise cracking and condensation by following the advice given here.page 1 2