What Checks Should I Do When I First Enter A New Property?

When you first enter a new property, you should check for any property damage, take meter readings and run security checks like changing the locks.

Moving to a new property comes with lots to think about - from changing the locks, to checking the meters and doing a thorough onceover to check the property’s condition.

With so much to think about, why not make your move as simple as possible. If you’re planning a move, our team of professional movers make it seamless and affordable - with prices starting from just £199 per move. 

 

What Checks Should I Do When I First Enter A New Property To Make Sure Everything Is In Good Condition? 

 

When you first enter a new property, you’ll first want to check that everything is in good condition.

The house is usually empty at this point so it’s a great time to do a full onceover of the property to check the property condition and any issues or damage that there might be. 

This should include checking for: 

Leaks - look around the sinks, toilets, showers and baths for any potential leaks as well as any damp patches in the house that could indicate broken pipes.

Damp patches or mould - when looking around the house, keep your eyes peeled for damp patches or mould. These should be inspected as soon as possible as they’ll need to be treated and could be the sign of a more serious problem.

Pests - Pests like mice or insect infestations must be dealt with by professionals and require someone to come in as soon as possible.

Floors and walls - Check the floors and walls to see if there’s any cracks, peeling paint or wallpaper. These may require fix-ups before you get settled so that everything is in good condition. 

Windows - Ensure that the windows open, close and lock properly. You could also check for any gaps as this could affect ventilation and condensation.

If you’re trying to move house on a budget, addressing any minor issues immediately will stop them from growing into a more serious, expensive problem in the future.

 

What Checks Should I Do When I First Enter A New Property To Make Sure Everything Works Correctly?

 

You’ll want to make sure that the property is functioning as it should be. To do this, you should test all switches and sockets around the house. If there are any issues, it means that the electricity doesn’t work in certain places and you’ll need to get an electrician in.

If the house comes with any built-in appliances, such as the oven, the dishwasher or any whitegoods, you should check that these all work.

Also make sure to run anything - all the taps in the house to check both hot and cold water function, ensuring that all toilets flush correctly and checking drains for any clogs.

You’ll also need to remember to find the fuse box and water valve so that you know how to turn the electricity and water supply on and off.

 

What Checks Should I Do When I First Enter A New Property To Save Money? 

 

As the average cost of moving is already high, you’ll want to keep costs as low as possible once you move in. There are certain checks you should do when you enter a new property to make sure your house is running cost-efficiently. 

 

Take Meter Readings

As soon as you can, you should check the meter readings and make a note of them. Then you can contact whoever your current suppliers are to let them know that the property has a new owner. This will ensure that you don’t end up paying for the last homeowner’s usage. Make sure to take gas, electricity and water readings (and that you know where to find all the meters!).

 

Check Insulation

Poorly insulated houses can lose you money due to letting out heat and wasting your utility bills. If you have a loft, you’ll want to check that there is sufficient insulation there to avoid losing heat from the top of the house.

Also check the walls and windows as they are also places where heat is easily lost. If you address your insulation as soon as possible, you could keep your energy bills lower in the long term.

 

What Safety And Security Checks Should I Do When I First Enter A New Property? 

 

When you first enter a new property, you’ll want to make sure it is safe and secure by carrying out the following steps.

 

Change The Locks

As the new owner of a home, it’s always advisable to change the locks. You have no idea who still has keys to the current locks so it’s always a better idea to put new ones in to ensure maximum safety.

This should be for both the front door and back door locks (if you have one). It can also be a good idea to get locks on your windows, too. While you’re at it, you could also get additional keys cut to have a spare key or give a key to a family member or friend for extra security.

 

 

Security Systems

If there is an existing security system, you’ll need to make sure that you know how to work it and what the code is. It could be a good idea to change it to a new code, too. If you don’t have a security system in place, you may want to invest in one.

 

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

When first entering a new property, you should test any smoke & Carbon Monoxide alarms. They may need their batteries replaced. Checking immediately can mean that you can replace the batteries as soon as possible.

 

What Else Should You Do When You First Enter A Property?

 

After carrying out all relevant checks, you may want to make a to-do list of anything that needs to be addressed, check your inventory to make sure that all your items are accounted for and carry out a deep clean before unpacking your belongings.

 

Move To A New Property With Ease With The Box Co.

 

If you’re moving to a new property, there are various checks to carry out to make sure everything is ready for you to start your new chapter there. At The Box Co., we offer flexible, affordable moving services with professional movers.

With moves starting at just £199, we’ll get your belongings from A to B, safely and efficiently - so that  you have one less thing to worry about.

We even offer a full packing service, unpacking your belongings at your new home and assembling any furniture, so you can get settled into your new property as quickly as possible.

Contact us today for a personalised moving quote.