Moving into a new home in St Albans is an exciting time because everything is brand new and should be of the highest quality. To ensure you get everything you have paid for, use our new build home moving checklist to ensure you are happy before you settle in.
At the handover stage
Before you move into the property, it’s a good idea to arrange a ‘new home demonstration’ where the builder can show you how to use certain features. Let them know before you start that you will be checking every aspect of the property and that you may need 1-2 hours to ensure you do a thorough job.
This will ensure you know how to turn the central heating on and off, activate installed security systems and other appliances included in the build. Check each one to ensure everything works and ask as many questions as needed.
Walk around the property and check that it matches the build plans. Test out taps, toilets, plug sockets and switches and look out for potential leaks. Also, run your eye over:
- Bathroom and kitchen tiling
- Windows and doors (ensure they open and lock)
- Floors and skirting boards (check they are finished to standard)
- Fitted cupboards and draws
- Walls and ceilings (look for cracks, dents, holes etc.)
- Radiators (ensure they are securely fixed and painted)
- Loft insulation (including the water tank)
- Garden turf (check no rubble is hidden underneath)
- External areas (paintwork, drainage, brickwork, garages, roofing)
Make note of any issues and take photographs, then ask the builder to fix them before you move in. Send the issues directly to the building company rather than relying on the person showing you around.
Before you move in
Because you will be the first people to live in the property, there are some additional things you’ll need to do before you move in:
- Snagging list
A snagging survey should be carried out by a professional as soon as you have moved in. This will highlight any structural issues that need to be fixed.
- Internet installation
Plan ahead for your internet as it can take a number of weeks before an engineer is allocated to install your broadband.
- Postcode planning
The builder has to update the local council with address and postcode details. Once Royal Mail are told it will go live, but you can also do this yourself, as you may struggle to get insurance in the meantime.
- Organise your bins
Ask the local council to deliver wheelie bins to your address and find out when collection dates are.
Moving in
Take a look around your home to ensure anything you highlighted has been fixed. If not, raise them again before you sign any forms as afterwards, it will be hard to prove you were not the cause.
Take a look at your gas, water and electric meters and verify that your provider has the correct serial numbers on their system. Also, be aware of where the stopcock is in case you ever need to stop water from coming into your home.
Try to avoid overusing the heating system after you have moved in. The house will still be drying out and too much heat can lead to cracks developing in the walls and ceilings.
Looking to buy a new home in St Albans?
If you’re looking to buy a new build home in St Albans, Daniels can help. We have over 25 years of experience in the St Albans property market and are well equipped to help you find your dream home. Contact us today for more information on available new build homes and developments in St Albans. Alternatively, browse available properties online.