Pre-completion viewing - what should I check

nLdn

Hi,

I complete on my first flat purchase next week and have arranged to view tomorrow to check a few details. These tasks are on my list:

• check details of the locks and windows ahead of getting my contents insurance
• Take measurements of stairways and doors ahead of looking for a second hand sofa to tie me over until I can buy new

I wanted to ask - what other things should be on my list while I'm there that would help me ahead of my move next week?

Thanks in advance,

B

P.S. for info, if anyone's interested I had offer accepted at start of september and exchanged a week ago. It's gone pretty quickly. This is in North London and property is chain free.

Hoploz

Is this a new build?

If not then your checks need to be before exchange of contracts.

ThePants999

The basic idea is to try to figure out everything you'd later wish you'd asked. Things like:
- Where's the stopcock?
- Where are the meters, and who are the current suppliers?
- What are the arrangements for rubbish and recycling collection?

Now that you've exchanged and things are definitely going ahead, you can hopefully also press the vendor to reveal things they might not have volunteered before that will help you to know, e.g. "the bathroom door sticks a bit, it's much easier if you lift it as you close it" or "you'll want a draught excluder for the kitchen door" or "the neighbours downstairs get really tetchy if you play music after 9pm".

HouseBuyer77

Do a quick check of the heating too.

This time of year they may already have it running when you visit. If not ask for them to fire it up and check the radiators heat up.

Also see if the hot water works.

You may not be able to do much if it turns out to be a bit dodgy but at least you'll be forewarned. You may find they offer to pay for any repairs (you can of course threaten to pull out or demand a reduced price but at this late stage this could end up delaying things somewhat and would you really pull out over dodgy heating?).

rach_k

I'd ask what the neighbours are like. I doubt they'd tell you anything bad but a little bit of background is nice to have.

Silvertabby

Arrange for the locks to be changed as soon as you move in. You've no idea how many 'spare' keys there are out there.