Be Prepared For Your New Developments "Breaking In" Period

There is a dream a lot of new construction buyers have. It first takes shape in the flawless presentation of the model home with its professionally selected decor and costly upgrades. It continues to thrive with the idea of 'new' being something that is perfect and flawless, fresh off the assembly line like a car or a flat screen TV. The draw of the 'new' is sometimes culturally based and other times just seems like the 'smart' choice. Who wouldn't assume that everything will work effortlessly when there is no wear and tear?

Luckily, new construction condominiums have one year 'fit and finish' warranties that cover the inevitable settlement cracks, shrinkage gaps and the like. But what of the common areas? The parking garage? The building staff?

Just like any collaborative effort, a new development takes time to hit its stride. When you have a new building, new staff and hundreds of new residents all under the same roof things can go south quickly unless homeowners and management are on top of things. Patience is a prerequisite no matter how swanky the development. Even the architect doesn't know exactly how the building and its systems are going to perform until they are subject to daily use and the environment. Window systems sometimes fail, balcony railings 'whistle' in the wind and garage gates close on your trunk because the timer hasn't been adjusted. Frustrating? Yes. Curable? Absolutely.

The dream of a low-maintenance lifestyle is attainable with condominium living. You just have to give the building, its staff and your neighbors time to get with the program. You all had the same dream in that model home after all, didn't you?