Moving into a new home is incredibly exciting. While an existing home may be new to you, choosing a new build home means you’ll be the very first owner. This can come with some benefits, but there are also a few points to bear in mind on moving day.
If you want to ensure your new home starts as positively as possible, make sure you note down these top tips.
Check everything
The very first thing you should do is check that everything works properly. Go around your home, test the plumbing (like your taps, showers, and toilets), and check for any damage or scratches.
If you find any defects, such as dents, chips, or anything else, you should take pictures and send them to your site manager or builder immediately. By doing this soon after you move in, you can avoid any claims that you caused the damage.
You should also ask your site manager to explain how the heating works, and where to find your gas, electric, and water metres.
Let things settle
Understandably, you’ll want to decorate as soon as you move in; nothing’s nicer than making a home feel like yours. However, it’s best to hold off for at least a year, as this gives your home time to settle and dry out.
You might also spot settlement cracks developing. This isn’t a cause for concern, as they form naturally when your home settles into its foundations and the materials dry out. Of course, if a crack is visible both internally and externally, or it gets wider than 5mm, you may need to seek professional advice.
Take meter readings
Many new build homes come with smart meters, and these should automatically take and send your readings for you. Despite this, we recommend you take your own readings on your first day.
This can be crucial for making sure you only pay for the energy you have used, and not anything needed during the building of your new home. We also recommend that you shop around for energy providers, as this is the best way to get a good deal on your energy prices.
Make it your own
While you shouldn’t do any major decorating, you still want the home to feel owned rather than a showroom. Adding personal touches and accessories throughout your new home is a great way to achieve that.
First, give the entire house a deep clean, with a special focus on the kitchen and bathrooms. Afterwards, we recommend putting up some photos, indoor plants, and other personal touches.
