what do upon completion?

wannamakeamil

We will be completing soon fingers crossed. We just need to agree dates. How do you arrange the utilities (Elec,Water,Phone) and insurance aspects when moving. Did you change the locks on the first day of moving in?
Any other tips would be welcome.

Fizog

Completion usually takes place at midday. That's the magic time solicitors aim for. So you would need to arrange with utility companies for transference of ownership on that date, you will need to take note of meter readings as soon as you move in for your own records. I've never changed the locks but if you feel safer and can spare £100 for the fitting go ahead. Make sure you have access to tea/coffee mugs and a kettle. Removal men seem to run on the stuff. Be prepared to get a takeaway as you will be knackered and make sure you can find bedding and wash things easily for the same reason. If you are lucky it will go swimmingly but be prepared for a bit of stress!!! Pay the PO to redeliver mail for at least 6 weeks and introduce yourselves to the neighbours Asap who hopefully inform you of the local hotspots and facilities, bin days etc. Fingers crossed for your completion and best of luck!

HugoSP

I agree with all the above, but would like to add....

Changing the locks is a good idea. You don't know who has keys to your house these days, but don't lose sleep over not having done it the same day.

Utility companies tend to rely on figures given by leaving and entering clients. Agree the figures with those leaving your house.

Ask the vendors to point out any perculiarities of the electrical and plumbing system. One house I moved into had a boiler switch at skirting board level, so when a piece of furniture was moved against it the boiler got switched off. It was good to have that pointed out.

Ask them to show you how the CH etc works.

Ask them to confirm that all they want from the house has been taken and check the fixtures and fittings list against what is left in the house, if it's important. Some houses I've bought I only wished the previous owners could have stipped it bare, as it would have saved me the trouble However I suspect your situation is different.

HugoSP

I agree with all the above, but would like to add....

Changing the locks is a good idea. You don't know who has keys to your house these days, but don't lose sleep over not having done it the same day.

Utility companies tend to rely on figures given by leaving and entering clients. Agree the figures with those leaving your house.

Ask the vendors to point out any perculiarities of the electrical and plumbing system. One house I moved into had a boiler switch at skirting board level, so when a piece of furniture was moved against it the boiler got switched off. It was good to have that pointed out.

Ask them to show you how the CH etc works.

Ask them to confirm that all they want from the house has been taken and check the fixtures and fittings list against what is left in the house, if it's important. Some houses I've bought I only wished the previous owners could have stipped it bare, as it would have saved me the trouble However I suspect your situation is different.

You may like to have cleaning equipent with you when you go, or organise a cleaner at a convenient time. When I sold my mother's house some years ago I organised a cleaner at our expense to go and give it a good clean for the new owners. It cost us around £30, and she was actually recommended to us by the people buying the house, so if it wasn't up to scratch they were to blame

prutter

Just to add, changing locks shouldn't cost £100.
You just need a new barrel with keys (from B&Q or similar). Should cost around a tenner and do it yourself. Is pretty straightfoward - should only take 10mins or so....