February 2024

ISSUE 28

News Bites

The COCLT Planning for 2024

The COCLT plans to go into contract on over 40 homes in 2024. We plan to build throughout Columbus and Franklin County. Areas will be announced as we go into development contracts. Spread the word to those you know who might be looking for a home by directing them to our orientation. As we schedule drawings, they will be listed HERE on our website.

Spring Clean Up

We have heard from some homeowners who are interested in the community clean up event in Franklinton. Let us know if you are interested in participating. Bring your family and friends. Everyone is welcome.

Welcome Home

Please join COCLT in welcoming homeowners who have recently closed

on their new homes.

Moving Toward Spring!

Looking to make some improvements to your home? This year's Central Ohio Home and Garden Show takes place February 17 - February 25 at the Ohio Expo Center. It will feature over 300 exhibitors in the home improvement and landscaping industries. Get a chance to talk to the experts to help make your house more of a home.

New Construction Builder

Warranty Process

The COCLT offers homeowners information and guidance on your home warranty. The warranty service request form given at closing indicates your warranty end date. It is intended to be used for structural defects in the wiring,

piping and ductwork in the electrical, plumbing,

heating, cooling, ventilating and mechanical

systems.

New Construction Limited Builder Warranty Process.

The New Construction Builder warranty process ultimately starts when the COCLT accepts a completed home from the builder. Since the COCLT works with several different builders, the available warranties may differ.

At closing, the homeowner is provided a binder with all warranty information and forms, including the Builder's Emergency Vendor List. The Builder's Emergency Vendor List provides the homeowner with an extra layer of peace-of-mind and contacts for specific emergencies. Keep this binder handy for future reference.
The homeowner should keep a running list of all non-emergency items they feel should be covered to be reviewed by the Builder. Emergency items related to plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, or garage door should be directed immediately to the appropriate vendor listed in the COCLT Homeowner Binder.
The COCLT will contact the homeowner when approximately 2 months remain in the builder's warranty period.
The homeowner should submit their warranty list with specific details of each item and photos (if applicable).
The COCLT will send the warranty list to the builder/developer to determine if an item is covered under warranty or will be a homeowner's responsibility. A final warranty walk through will be conducted.
The builder will refer the homeowner to applicable vendors to complete final warranty items before the warranty end period.
After the 1-year craftsman's warranty has expired, the homeowner will be responsible for any repairs or maintenance going forward.

The builder warranty process will be much smoother if you keep a running list of the items you would liked reviewed by the builder/developer. This is your chance to better understand the components of your home and how to maintain them over time.

Homeowner Tips

Storage Wars

One great advantage of being a homeowner is having more storage space to organize your household items. Here are some creative and cost effective ways to keep your house organized and free of clutter.

Repurpose Items

Mason jars from condiments and other products can be decorated and transformed into useful containers for pencils and beauty care items.

Stick to Your Space Budget

If you have a certain space you want to organize and there is an overflow of items, consider donating those items to a local charity.

Ask Friends and Family

There may be specific items you need to organize your space. Asking friends and family may help you discover items they are storing that would be of good use.

Subscription Services Overload

Do you ever wonder where that $11.99 charge in your bank account came from? Many times, as a homeowner and consumer, you may subscribe to a streaming service or other personal service.

From gym memberships, food delivery, and magazine subscriptions monitoring these expenses can be time consuming. Here are some tips to keep you organized with the various subscription services available.

Check your email inbox for renewal notices and notices about price increases.

Set up calendar reminders to avoid automatic renewals.

Write down all your current subscriptions and due dates.

Decide which subscriptions best benefit you and your family and stick to it.

Look Before You Grind

Sometimes it seems there is more that you should not put in your garbage disposal than you can. Here are some things to avoid and some tips.

Avoid fatty foods (cooking oils, grease, butter).

Avoid starchy foods (rice, pasta, beans, oatmeal).

Avoid fibrous foods (banana peels, potato peels, celery, carrots).

Avoid hard materials (bones, nuts, fruit pits, seafood shells).

Avoid coffee grounds and eggshells.

Use plenty of cold water when operating a garbage disposal.

Don't turn off the motor or the cold water too soon.

Never use drain cleaners or bleach.

Don’t attempt to sharpen the blades.

Community Partner

Homeport

Another great community partner is Homeport who offers a variety of programs. This non- profit housing developer was founded in 1987. Homeport provides housing counseling, credit and budget consultations, and various other programs.