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A picture is worth a thousand words

Taking pictures to commemorate a new home being constructed is a good way to record your history. Some may take a picture or two, perhaps one of the home site and one of a framed house, with the last of the project finished. But what better way to not only remember your beginnings, but also document your new home's progress?

Here's a few reasons for wielding a camera for the picture-happy homeowner-to-be:
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Memories
Going from an empty home site to a finished property will always be reason enough to say it all with pictures. New homes are stuff American dreams are made of, and it is always nice to look back on the creation of a place in which we share our lives. The years spent decorating a new home is a labor of love and a commitment we take seriously. Have you ever noticed how neighborhoods with brand new homes seem to "fuss" in comparison to those, perhaps 10 or 30 years old? That's because the first owner of a new home tends to take a great deal of pride of ownership as first occupants.

Most people don't buy new homes with the intent to move very soon, so they pour their hearts and souls into their new nests. Take all the happy pictures you can of this stage of your life, for these years and that energy will be nice to reflect on someday.
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Construction questions
Are you more than a bit confused by the way they are wiring the electrical options you ordered for your family room? Rather than stop and bug the building superintendent each time you have a question, why not take a few snapshots, attach your questions on a piece of paper, and leave it with your sales consultant to research. Some builders are nervous about buyers poking around the construction site unsupervised, so ask a sales person first.
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Design center choices
Why not use a camera and photograph the carpet, tile, cabinets and appliances, so that there is no confusion at the walk through that what was installed was what you chose? If there are elaborate features, options or upgrades, this is a great way to keep them from fading from memory before the home is finished. It's also great entertainment to view these shots while biding your time during construction. After all, you have such wonderful taste . . .
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The final walk through
Video taping the walk through with the construction person or customer service representative can help document important facts to remember. And how about those little "items" you want to point out? Although they may be documented on paper a little proof may go a long way with a warranty department several months down the road.

Documenting your new home's creation, quirks, and glowing glories may sound a bit over-wrought to some. But perhaps if one looks at it as insurance as well as memories it may begin to make sense. Most builders won't mind, the good ones will have nothing to hide anyway. You get the satisfaction of having tangible illustrations for future use with one of the biggest investments most of us ever make.