THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Be sure to review all four design packets prior to your design appointments.
• We will also review your electrical needs, so think through your future needs, such as Christmas lights, extra outlets, pre-wiring for surround sound and cable outlets, lighting, etc.
• Areas of the home to think about before your second appointment:
  • Kitchen: backsplash, cabinet color, countertop, cabinet hardware, and sink style
  • Bathrooms: floor and shower tile, countertop, plumbing color, cabinet hardware,
  • Floors and countertops: decide on hardwood or wood-like tile, and whether you would like granite or quartz counters
  • Exterior: brick selection, roof color, garage, and front door
• We will also review your electrical needs, so think through your future needs, such as Christmas lights, extra outlets, pre-wiring for surround sound and cable outlets, lighting, etc.
• We will also review your electrical needs, so think through your future needs, such as Christmas lights, extra outlets, pre-wiring for surround sound and cable outlets, lighting, etc.

TIPS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE

• Choosing exteriors can be overwhelming! Drive through each of our Buffington communities to see what you like and what you don't like. Knowing both can help you narrow down your selections. 
• Select at least 3 exterior options you like in case your neighbor has already selected something similar. Remember: we are not able to repeat the same brick next door or across the street. 
• Look at Pinterest to get ideas for these specific areas of your home before your design appointment: kitchen, fireplace, bathroom, flooring, lighting, countertops, and exterior selections. Knowing what you like will help your selection process go much more smoothly. 

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Safety will be a priority during the entire build process, so you will review and sign a safety procedure document.
• We will review your lot location, floor plan, and the elevation you selected for your home.
• There is a chance we will be visiting your homesite during this meeting, so don't forget to wear closed-toed shoes just in case. 

TIPS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE

• This is a great chance to meet your superintendent and ask questions about the process and timeline. Bring a pen and paper so you can take notes.
• If you've always wanted a TV on your back porch with strands of lights, now is the time to communicate these types of details so the team can properly plan before they start to build.
• You will confirm a few of your selections as needed so be sure to review your design selection sheet prior to your meeting.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• The city needs to inspect the footers and under slab before we can move to milestone #4. We're on their schedule, so this can take time to coordinate.
• Weather delays can be common during this milestone, which could affect your start date. 

TIPS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE

• Take photos throughout the process! As a first photo idea, stand on your homesite before construction begins.
• Make a to-do list and timeline for your move. Include when you'll start decluttering, packing, and complete home projects before selling.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Due to inherent dangers during the framing stage, this is a good time to check out your home's progress from the safety of your vehicle or the road.
• If you want to walk through your home, stop by the model home for protective gear, and a Buffington employee will walk with you. Your safety is of utmost importance.
• It's time to start preparing for your closing. See below for details!

TIPS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE

• Snap a quick picture of your foundation from your vehicle as your home is starting to take shape.
• Here is a helpful guide to help you declutter your current space and give you a headstart when the time comes to pack everything up and move into your new home!

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• We have multiple checks and balances in place to be sure we meet all building standards. This includes inspections by manufacturers, the city, and our own quality assurance director. 
• Our quality assurance director will inspect your home in addition to the city to ensure it meets quality standards prior to moving to the next milestone.
• Your safety is of the utmost importance, so be sure to get protective gear at our model home and walk through your home with a Buffington employee.

TIPS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE

• If you want to swing by your home to measure or check out the progress, it helps to schedule a weekday visit when it's not too busy at our model homes.
• If you haven't started decluttering your current home, now is a great time to start. Check out the blog post in the last milestone if you need a good decluttering guide. 

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• It can take up to 2 weeks to coordinate and complete inspections by the city. While it seems like there's not a lot going on at your home, we've included this lag time in the timeline as we wait for the city to inspect your home.
• After the home wrap is installed, the house can be subjected to the elements. We perform an inspection prior to installing exterior finishes to ensure everything is properly installed.
• If you'd like to visit your homesite, be sure to check-in at the model home to get protective gear and walk your home with a Buffington employee for the safety of you and your family.

TIPS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE

• Write down any questions you have for your superintendent and bring them with you. 
• This is a great time for you to bring measuring tape and take measurements for furniture or rugs.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• We can experience delays at any point in the process due to weather, materials, or contractors.
• Your safety is of the utmost importance. Be sure to come by the model home to get protective gear and walk your home with a Buffington employee for the safety of you and your family. And don't forget to wear closed-toed shoes.
• The house wrap can be subjected to the elements. Rest assured, prior to any exterior finishes we will do an inspection to ensure it is properly in place before we begin the install.

TIPS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE

• If you want to swing by your home to measure or check out the progress, it helps to schedule a weekday visit when it's not too busy at our model homes.
• If you haven't had a chance to declutter your current home, now is a good time to catch up.
• It's also a good time to start shopping for new decor and planning out what you will need for each room in your new home!

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Other flooring, such as hardwoods or carpeting, will be installed toward the end of the build process.
• Watch out for wet tile and flooring throughout your home when touring it with a Buffington representative.

• During this stage, your home can look a little chaotic. Rest assured, we will have our cleaning team address your home at least three times during the build process. It will all come together beautifully at the end.

• We can experience delays at any point in the process due to weather, materials, or contractors. Your official closing date will be set in the next milestone!
• Be sure to visit the model home to get protective gear before walking your home with a Buffington employee.

TIPS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE

• Please keep in mind that we often experience shortages and delays with various products and it is completely normal for some parts of this milestone to be incomplete as we continue to move along to the next milestones. Rest assured that once we get the remaining product in, we complete the missing part of the installation. 
• This is a great time to create a plan for packing your home. An easy way to keep everything straight is to choose a different color of tape for the boxes in each room. This keeps everything organized and speeds up the unpacking process.
• If you will be adding new decor or furniture to your home, start shopping for your new pieces.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Part of our quality assurance process includes maintaining a punch list of items that will be addressed before the closing. Your superintendent has already started this list for you and will stay on top of it throughout the entire build.
• Many of our trade partners are coming and going during this stage, and some of the installations can get messy. Please know that we have our professional cleaning team lined up to make everything look beautiful before it's time for you to move in!
• Though we've set your closing date, keep in mind that delays are still possible due to weather, materials, or contractors.
• Even if your home is starting to feel more complete, there are inherent dangers on any job site. Be sure to wear closed-toed shoes, and stop by the model home to get protective gear. We encourage you to walk your home with a Buffington employee for the safety of you and your family.

TIPS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE

• Keep in mind that the Field Manager has a running punch list for your home and is working to get those items completed as we get closer to the homeowner's orientation meeting. Rest assured that at the homeowner's orientation meeting, you will create a final punch list of the remaining items together. 

• If you have any questions about your punch list, feel free to communicate with your superintendent. We want this to be a smooth and relaxing experience for you!

• Now is a good time to start communicating with your lender as we finalize your closing date. 

• This is a great time to do a final sweep of your current belongings and donate or give away any items you don't plan to move.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• If your brick and/or stone has not already started or been completed, it should start soon. This is highly dependent on weather, so the installation of brick and stone timelines may vary.
• Your safety is of the utmost importance to us, so be sure to stop by the model home to get protective gear and walk your home with a Buffington employee for the safety of you and your family.
• If you are having an outside home inspector inspect your new home please be sure to communicate that with your New Home Specialist so we can coordinate a good time for your inspector to come by your home. 

TIPS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE

• It's time to start packing up some of your non-essential items! 
• If you want to swing by your home to measure or check out the progress, it helps to schedule a weekday visit when it's not too busy at our model homes.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• You will learn how to use your fireplace, open windows, and work your thermostat. You will also locate important items, such as water shutoffs, breakers, and gas pilot lights. 
• Our goal is to find all the punch items before your meeting and have them addressed prior to your orientation. We will take a final look together to see if there are any items that need to be added to your punch list.
• If there are items left on your punch list at time of closing, we will implement our '30 Day Post Close List' which we all sign in agreement to get the items addressed within 30 days of closing. 
• Keep in mind that you will have new sod, but don't forget that it is not weed-free, so you might want to schedule a company to address that or plan to do so yourself after you move in! 
• You are so close to receiving your mailbox keys! Depending on which city your community is located in, your mailbox keys will either be given to you at closing or will be available for pick up at your local post office. 

TIPS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE

• Plan to wear proper walking shoes as you will be walking around the outside of your home. 
• Plan for your orientation to take at least an hour or two, so you don't feel rushed. It might be helpful to find a babysitter and turn your phones to silent so you can soak in all of the information! 
• This is an opportunity to get familiar with your house and look for any last-minute items for your punch list, so come ready to look at the details.
• You will be covering a lot of information during this session, so take lots of notes as you learn about all of the bells and whistles of your beautiful new home.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Your official closing date is set! We could still run into delays in the process due to weather, materials, or contractors. We will keep you up to date.
• You will continue to see any back-ordered items or items that had to be re-ordered installed between now and closing.
• Final paint touch-ups will be one of the last punch items addressed.
• As always, your safety is of the utmost importance to us, so be sure to stop by the model home to get protective gear and walk your home with a Buffington employee for the safety of you and your family.

TIPS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE

• Do not schedule movers on the same day as your closing. Give yourself from wiggle room in case your closing gets moved for some reason. 
• This is a great time to finish shopping for any new decor items you'll need when you move into your new home.
• You could order "new address" cards to mail to friends and family. That way you can have them shipped to your current address before the move.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Pardon our dust! Your home might look like a complete mess, but it will all come together in a matter of hours once we start the cleanup process. Rest assured, you are in great hands with our team. Your beautiful home will be ready in no time.
• Even during this stage, there are inherent dangers on any job site. Be sure to stop by the model home to get protective gear and walk your home with a Buffington employee for the safety of you and your family.
• Your superintendent will coordinate with his punch list, and you will review anything outstanding on it at your Homeowners Orientation (HOO).
• Anything you would like to add to the punch list will be added to it with your Field Manager at your HOO. One thing to note is that we are not able to accept any outside punch lists before the HOO, as several of those items will likely be addressed by the time of the HOO. The only punch list that can be accepted is the one made at the HOO with your superintendent so that there is a clear and clean paper trail.
• You will continue to see any back-ordered items or items that had to be re-ordered installed between now and closing.

TIPS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE

• Be sure to give yourself a "moving cushion". It is normally best to wait to schedule movers until after your closing day. It is a good idea to schedule movers and living arrangements for the days following your closing. If at all possible, try not to schedule anything on the day of closing that cannot be easily rescheduled (movers, living arrangements, rate locks, etc.).  
• Remember to take lots of pictures. Soon you'll be moving into your home, so it will be fun to have some before and after pictures once you get settled in.

• If you plan to schedule movers and deliveries it would be best to wait until you have a better idea of your closing date. Remember, it is always best to give yourself a few days of moving cushion in case any delays occur. It is a good idea to schedule movers and living arrangements for the days following your closing. Try not to schedule anything on the day of closing that cannot be easily rescheduled (movers, living arrangements, rate locks, etc.).  
• Reach out to all of your utility and internet providers so they can get you on their schedule. Many providers need a few weeks to be able to service a new home. We have a list of local providers available for you!

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• All real estate and Buffington Homes documents need to be signed and completed prior to closing.

• Ask your salesperson when you will receive the certificate of occupancy. 

• Once you have the certificate of occupancy, switch over your utilities. You have 7 days from the date of closing to switch these over.

TIPS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE

• Make final arrangements for your move-in day! Delays can occur, so we recommend scheduling your movers to arrive a few days after closing to ensure the best experience possible.
• Remember to set up services such as lawn care and house cleaning, if that's something you need.