The first year after building a modular home is mostly about allowing the home to settle, keeping up with seasonal maintenance, and monitoring items covered under your warranty. While modular homes are built to extremely high standards in a controlled factory setting, there are still a few normal adjustments homeowners should expect during that first year.
Small settling cracks, landscaping changes around the foundation, humidity fluctuations, and regular maintenance are all part of protecting your investment and helping your new home perform its best for years to come.
What to Wait on During the First Year
Some projects are best postponed until your home has had time to fully settle.
Wait to Paint Your Walls
It is usually best to wait about one year before painting interior walls. As the home settles through seasonal changes, small nail pops or hairline cracks can appear around seams and corners. This is completely normal in any new home. At Excelsior Homes, we do a one-time overall repair for settling-related cosmetic issues during the first year, so waiting to paint can help prevent needing touch-ups later.
Wait Before Final Grading and Planting Grass
The ground around a new home often settles after construction, especially around the foundation and utility areas. Waiting before completing final landscaping gives you time to monitor low spots that may need additional fill or grading. Pay close attention to drainage during the first year. Water should always slope away from the home to help prevent moisture problems around the foundation.
What to Stay on Top of During the First Year
While some projects should wait, there are other maintenance items homeowners should stay ahead of right away.
Some projects are best postponed until your home has had time to fully settle.
Review Your Warranty Before It Expires
Most new modular homes include warranty coverage for workmanship and materials during the first year. Take time to inspect your home carefully throughout the seasons and make note of anything that may need attention.
Check for:
- Small cracks or gaps
- Trim separation
- Caulking around windows and doors
- Minor plumbing leaks
- Exterior sealant issues
Addressing small problems early can help improve energy efficiency and prevent larger repairs later. To better support our customers, Excelsior Homes also has a dedicated repair technician available for warranty-related service items.
Schedule a Plumbing and HVAC Walk-Through
Your heating, cooling, and plumbing systems all require routine maintenance. During your first year, it is a good idea to schedule a walk-through with your contractors so they can explain recommended service intervals and maintenance schedules.
This may include:
- Changing furnace filters
- Cleaning air exchangers
- Servicing HVAC equipment
- Monitoring drains and condensate lines
Understanding these systems early helps homeowners avoid preventable issues later on.
Change Furnace Filters Frequently
After a new build, some construction dust and particles may still circulate through the HVAC system. We typically recommend changing your furnace filter monthly during the first several months after move-in. Clean filters help improve indoor air quality and allow your system to run more efficiently.
Regulate Indoor Humidity
Humidity control is one of the most important parts of maintaining a new home. We generally recommend keeping indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%, depending on the season. Proper humidity levels help:
- Prevent mold and condensation
- Protect flooring and woodwork
- Reduce frost buildup on windows
- Minimize gaps or movement in flooring materials
A simple humidity gauge on each level of the home can help you monitor conditions throughout the year. During the summer months, air conditioners and dehumidifiers help reduce excess moisture. In winter, humidifiers and air exchangers help maintain balanced indoor air.
Check Intake and Exhaust Vents
Make sure exterior intake and exhaust vents remain clear of debris, snow, or damage throughout the year. Blocked vents can affect airflow and, in some cases, create safety concerns. It is also a good habit to replace smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries every six months.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutters should be cleaned at least twice per year to remove leaves and debris that can cause drainage problems or roof damage. Proper water management is especially important during the first year while the ground around the home continues to settle.
Read Your Owner Manuals
Every appliance, flooring product, countertop material, and window system may have specific maintenance recommendations. Taking time to review the owner manuals helps you understand proper care requirements and avoid accidentally voiding warranties.
The First Year Is About Protecting Your Investment
A new modular home is an exciting milestone, and the first year is an important time to learn how your home responds to seasonal weather, settling, and everyday use. Most first-year adjustments are minor and completely normal, especially when homeowners stay proactive with maintenance and inspections.
Modular homes are built to last, and with regular upkeep and attention to small details early on, your home will continue to perform beautifully for many years to come. If you are considering building a modular home or have questions about the process, our team at Excelsior Homes is always happy to help.
