Property Questions
“Moving in to a new home is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do, but it can also be incredibly stressful” says 2020 Planning Group, John Russel . Before you pick up the keys to your new property and say goodbye to the previous seller (or agent) there are a few things you’ll need to be clear on to save any last minute dramas:
- Where’s the stopcock (you’ll be glad you know this if there are ever any plumbing problems!)
- Where are the electricity and gas meters, and how do I pay for the supply? (some properties have pay as you go meters installed so you’ll need to know this in advance to save being caught out without any heating or lights.)
- When’s bin day? You’ll probably have lots of rubbish to deal with when you move in, so it’s good to know how long you’ll have to live with it.
- Is there any leftover paint anywhere? “If you’re keeping the colour scheme the same as the previous occupants you might still want to add a fresh lick of paint here and there. It’s much easier to get a perfect match if you can use leftovers” suggests You Choose Windows.
- Where did you buy the tiles and light fittings? Again, you might want to put your own stamp on the property and start afresh, but if you’re happy with the status quo it’s good to know where things came from so you can replace any damaged items easily.
- Where do the kitchen cabinets and handles come from? See above.
- Do the electrical items have warranties and instruction manuals? There won’t always be cookers and white goods left over, but if they are it helps if they’re in good order and you know how to operate them!
- Who are the phone, energy and internet providers? As the new bill payer you’ll need to make sure everything is in your name and you will have coverage when you move in.
- Where’s the thermostat? Few things are worse than moving into an empty house in the dead of winter and not being able to turn up the heating, so make sure you know where to find this important little dial.
- Can I buy the freehold? If you’re buying a leasehold flat you might actually be entitled to buy a freehold at a reasonable cost. Ask your agent for full details before you move in.
You’ll also have to ask yourself some questions too, such as “Can I make any savings elsewhere?”
“The cost of living is high, so this could be a great time to save money on household bills. Before you move in, go online and visit some comparison sites to check whether you’re getting the best deal for your money. By spending an hour or so comparing quotes you could end up saving yourself thousands on gas, electricity, home insurance and broadband” says RS Construction.