What To Expect When Closing On A New-Build Home - Lancia Homes

A practical checklist with simple habits for long-term comfort and peace of mind.

Owning a new home is exciting, but it also comes with new responsibilities. The good news is that taking care of your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The end of the year is the perfect time to pause, take stock, and build a few simple habits that help keep everything running smoothly. This practical checklist offers easy steps to support long-term comfort and confidence.

Give Your HVAC System a Quick Check

Winter can be unpredictable, so it’s smart to make sure your home is ready for whatever the weather brings. Start by replacing your furnace filter (if you haven’t in the past 30–60 days), clear any dust around vents, and listen for any unusual sounds.

If you haven’t scheduled annual maintenance yet, December is a great time. A well-maintained HVAC system runs more effectively, keeps your home comfortable, and can help extend the life of your unit.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With fireplaces, candles, space heaters, and holiday cooking all happening at once, it’s important to double-check safety devices. Push the test button on each unit, replace any batteries that may need it, and make sure nothing is blocking the detectors. It’s also a good time to check or invest in a fire extinguisher.

Checking safety devices is quick, easy, and one of the most important things you can do for your home and family.

Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

Winter weather can bring sudden cold snaps. To reduce the risk of frozen pipes, disconnect garden hoses, check for drafts in crawl spaces or basements, and make sure heat can reach the areas where plumbing runs. If you’re traveling for the holidays, keep your home at a consistent temperature and open cabinet doors under sinks to help warm air circulate.

A few simple steps now can prevent an expensive headache later.

Do a Walk-Around of Your Exterior

Even in cold weather, it’s helpful to walk around your home and take note of anything that may need attention. Look for:

• Loose siding or shingles
• Clogged gutters
• Cracks in caulking around doors and windows
• Areas where water tends to pool

If your home is newly built, it is unlikely you’ll find many problems that often come with age. However, getting into this habit now is a great way to stay ahead of problems. If you do find anything, most of these items can wait until spring to repair, but spotting them now helps you plan and protects your home through the freeze-thaw cycles.

Schedule an Annual Check for Dryer Vents and Exhaust Fans

Dryer vents and exhaust fans don’t need frequent attention, but they do benefit from a consistent yearly check. Setting aside one time a year to clean lint and dust buildup helps improve efficiency and keeps safety top of mind.

Start the New Year with Confidence

When you take time to care for your home at the end of the year, you’re really taking care of your peace of mind. Lancia Homes is here to make homeownership simple, supportive, and enjoyable — not just on move-in day, but for years to come.

Contact us to get more information about Lancia Homes, our model centers, open houses or to ask us a question.