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Utilities connected in New Build

I am buying a new build property and have been told that utilities are connected but not switched on. How would I go about getting these turned on and is there usually a connection fee?

Comments

  • jennifernil
    jennifernil Posts: 5,821 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    If you are buying a finished house from a builder then the price should include all this and they should arrange it all before you move in.
  • lisyloo
    lisyloo Posts: 30,113 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I find it very hard to believe that the utlities will not be switched on.
    They will need to switch on the electricity, gas and water to check the installations.
    I don't know the details but there are legal requirements for certain tests to be carried out which they couldn't do without supply being switched on.

    Also builders generally use electricity to do their work.

    I think what you have been told is incorrect.
  • lovelldr
    lovelldr Posts: 269 Forumite
    i think that they probably meant that you will need to arrange with a supplier to say that you'll be taking over!

    Also, they could have meant that you need to get the phone line sorted, and you will need to have an aerial installed also.

    Any other things that you don't get when buying a new build (we're buying one, and that's all I've discovered so far...)
  • plane_boy2000
    plane_boy2000 Posts: 1,482 Forumite
    Agree with lovelldr - sounds like a missunderstanding. Usually the builder will notify teh utilities that you are the owner so that they dont get charged for gas etc after you move in, however you will need to pay to have the phone connected - about £70 I think as the builder is not allowed to connect the internal phone box's up to the telephone network
  • lisyloo
    lisyloo Posts: 30,113 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Make sure you get meter readings for all utilities when you move in.
  • lovelldr
    lovelldr Posts: 269 Forumite
    Agree with lovelldr - sounds like a missunderstanding. Usually the builder will notify teh utilities that you are the owner so that they dont get charged for gas etc after you move in, however you will need to pay to have the phone connected - about £70 I think as the builder is not allowed to connect the internal phone box's up to the telephone network
    According to the BT website, it will cost £124.99 to get connected!!! :(

    And as lisyloo says, check the meter when you move in! Although the builders usually will do too, but just best to take a reading yourself!
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