House hunting is often the beginning of an exciting adventure, however it can often be equally as stressful. To give you a headstart on making the transition as smooth as possible, we have created a checklist to make sure that you are asking all of the right questions, and doing all the necessary checks before moving into your perfect new pad.
Make Sure Your Boiler Works Properly
Having a safe boiler that functions properly is vital. If you notice that there is no hot water in the property, the boiler is dripping liquid, the pilot light is out or the thermostat doesn’t seem to be working, ask the current owner for the an annual gas safety record, just to make sure everything is working as it should do.
Check Your Gas Connection
If you find that the gas connection in your new place is not up to scratch, you may need a new or upgraded connection. This may sound daunting but it is actually quite a simple process that won’t take as long as you might think.
At Utility Smart we specialise in setting up new gas connections quickly and seamlessly. From ensuring that fully qualified engineers lay out all of your pipework and setting up your new gas supply, to installing your gas meter, we will do everything for you to make sure you have a high quality gas supply.
Are There Any Obvious Problems?
There are other important things you need to bear in mind when you’re looking for a new property, too. Firstly, is there any damp? If you can smell it or spot any mouldy spots creeping across the walls, you should look into this further as it could affect the structure of your property.
Secondly, it is important to look out for cracks in the walls. Hairline cracks usually aren’t a problem, but wider cracks could mean that there are serious structural problems within the property.
It is important to check the windows, too. Is any of the paint around the windows flaking? Do the windows have double glazing? These are important questions to ask because you will want to live in a warm, comfortable home with proper windows. If the property you view doesn’t have this, remember to add the cost of new or repaired windows to your budget.
Will the Rooms Work for You?
When it comes to viewing a new property, it is important to measure the walls and envisage all of your furniture in each room. That way, you will be able to tell if each room is big enough and if the rooms can accommodate your family.
You’d be surprised how much room your stuff takes up, too! Vacuum cleaners, towels, ironing boards, spare bed sheets, and boxes of old junk that you can’t throw away are just a few of the items that you will need to store. When you move out, you’ll realise just how much stuff you actually have, especially if you have children. That’s why it is important to choose somewhere with spare rooms or storage spaces that can realistically accommodate all of your things.
Is the Area Right for You?
Finally, it is vital that you check the area is right for you. You can change your interior decor as much as you want, but you will never be able to change the surrounding area. Always ask yourself the following questions before making an offer on a new house:
- Is it easy to jump on local transport if you need to?
- Are you within walking distance of a local shop if you can’t drive?
- Are you close to any noisy pubs, train stations or takeaways that could disturb you in the evenings?
- If you have children, are you close to local schools with good Ofsted ratings?
- Are there fun things for you to do in the local area?
It is also important to check that the property is in an area with mains gas in the road. If you cannot get easy access to the mains gas you need, you may not be able to get gas connected to your new property.
It may seem overwhelming, but if you run through our checklist when you’re viewing new properties, you will find the ideal new home. If you think that you may have to change your gas or electricity connection when you move, get a free quote or contact us today and we will walk you through the simple process.
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