It’s an incredibly exciting time when your new build home is finally ready to move into! There’s a lot to think about when moving into a new build, which is why we’ve put together this handy checklist to make the process as stress free as possible.
Arrange a handover
Before you move into your new home you should arrange a handover with the housebuilder, where they will walk you round your new home, showing you how everything works. This is an opportunity for you to check for any potential problems and ensure that the house matches up with the plans. Don’t be afraid to check everything from taps to light sockets. If you do spot any issues, note them down and take photographs so that you can ask the developer to resolve them before you move in. When you book the appointment, you should also make sure that you schedule enough time to check everything thoroughly.
Before you move in
As you’ll be the first person living at the address, there are a few more things that you’ll need to sort out before moving in. Before move in day, you’ll need to take care of the following:
Get a snagging survey completed: Ideally, you should get a professional snagging survey done before you complete the purchase. However, unfortunately some developers won’t allow snagging inspections to be carried out before completion. In which case, you’ll need to arrange a survey immediately after your move in date.
Measure up: Once the property is legally yours, you’ll be able to start planning the new furniture you need to get and how you can arrange it. Now’s the time to start sourcing some beautiful furniture and accessories that will make a house a home for when you’re finally moved in.
Register your new postcode: As your home has a completely new address, many businesses may not have it registered in their databases. It is your builder’s responsibility to contact the local council and get a new address and postcode created. This will then go live once Royal Mail have been informed.
Order bins and a door number: You can arrange for bins to be delivered to your new home by contacting the local council. If your builder hasn’t already provided the property with a door number, you should order one to be put up as quickly as possible so that postal and delivery services can find you.
Compare removal company quotes: Take the time before you move in to shop around and find the best removal company.
Completion
Before the day of completion, your solicitor should request all necessary paperwork from the builder/ developer. Make sure that they have received the following:
- A copy of the NHBC Foundation Buildmark or other new property warranty and insurance documents
- Details of whom the ground rent or service charge needs to be paid to
- A copy lease if the property is leasehold
- The energy performance certificate
- Guarantees and instruction manuals for all the appliances in the property
Moving day
Moving day is the most exciting part of the process. Just remember to take the time to check the property for any signs of disrepair or damage. You should also check that your utility provider has the correct serial number for your water meters and take new meter readings. Now’s also the time to locate the Stopcock so that you can quickly switch off your water supply in the event of an emergency.
After you’ve moved in
Once you’ve moved in, it’s time to get settled and start enjoying your new home. These are just a few of the things to get sorted as you do so:
Sort out your snagging: Make sure to get your professional survey completed as swiftly as possible, however in the meantime you can start checking for snags yourself. The quicker you can raise issues and get them sorted, the better.
Final paperwork: Within a couple of months of completion, you should receive confirmation that the property has been successfully registered with the Land Registry. If you don’t receive this, you should chase it up with your solicitor.
Don’t panic at the sight of efflorescence or condensation: It’s entirely normal for efflorescence and condensation to appear in new build properties. This is due to the fact that the property is still drying out. You should also avoid turning the heating on excessively to begin with as this can cause cracks as the house is still trying to dry out.
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