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Things to do on moving day
Mr.Generous
Posts: 4,048 Forumite
Having just read a thread that makes a couple of vague references to changing locks (just one or two) and a first time buyer saying no one advised them, here are a few things we do upon taking on a new property.
Please feel free to add any advice below that you do, It might help someone!
We try and re visit a property a couple of days before completion to verify condition - We buy dumps and do them up, people can take out stuff like the boiler, the interior doors etc and also try and leave mountains of rubbish. Surprising what a quick call from solicitor with the threat to withhold some funds can do.
So we get the keys, we visit the property. We take out the locks, measure up and get new barrels / new mortice locks. We fit a wireless alarm. We introduce ourselves to immediate neighbours and leave our contact details. We read (and photograph) all the meters and contact all the utility companies that day.
Council tax can wait a day or two. Insurance cover is something you might want to consider sorting before completion, we don't bother due to circumstances.
Before we go home on day 1 we put a few timer lamps in and a TV simulator, If we have to we rig up a blind or curtains on at least 1 window. Even if the place has been empty for a year and never got broken into we don't want it to happen while our stuff is there.
We fix fences / gates etc as a priority over the next few days, and leaking plumbing or roof is also a high priority. Anything to stop further damage and protect the investment.
When you buy / rent a new property you do not know who else has keys. It could be absolutely anyone. A std Euro cylinder STARTS at £4.60, is really easy to change (see YouTube videos if in doubt) and will give some peace of mind. Better locks cost more, but you aren't paying for good looks and designer names, a better lock is all about security so look for anti snap, BS numbers or kitemarks if you want better. Money spent on a lock to protect a house worth maybe £100,000 plus should really be seen as a wise investment.
Toolstation sell a good range (but not all sizes) of cylinders and mortice locks. If its a mortice measure casement width (usually 64 or 76mm) and make sure you get a sash lock or a deadlock as required.
https://www.toolstation.com/shop/p89507
Example ...
Please feel free to add any advice below that you do, It might help someone!
We try and re visit a property a couple of days before completion to verify condition - We buy dumps and do them up, people can take out stuff like the boiler, the interior doors etc and also try and leave mountains of rubbish. Surprising what a quick call from solicitor with the threat to withhold some funds can do.
So we get the keys, we visit the property. We take out the locks, measure up and get new barrels / new mortice locks. We fit a wireless alarm. We introduce ourselves to immediate neighbours and leave our contact details. We read (and photograph) all the meters and contact all the utility companies that day.
Council tax can wait a day or two. Insurance cover is something you might want to consider sorting before completion, we don't bother due to circumstances.
Before we go home on day 1 we put a few timer lamps in and a TV simulator, If we have to we rig up a blind or curtains on at least 1 window. Even if the place has been empty for a year and never got broken into we don't want it to happen while our stuff is there.
We fix fences / gates etc as a priority over the next few days, and leaking plumbing or roof is also a high priority. Anything to stop further damage and protect the investment.
When you buy / rent a new property you do not know who else has keys. It could be absolutely anyone. A std Euro cylinder STARTS at £4.60, is really easy to change (see YouTube videos if in doubt) and will give some peace of mind. Better locks cost more, but you aren't paying for good looks and designer names, a better lock is all about security so look for anti snap, BS numbers or kitemarks if you want better. Money spent on a lock to protect a house worth maybe £100,000 plus should really be seen as a wise investment.
Toolstation sell a good range (but not all sizes) of cylinders and mortice locks. If its a mortice measure casement width (usually 64 or 76mm) and make sure you get a sash lock or a deadlock as required.
https://www.toolstation.com/shop/p89507
Example ...
Mr Generous - Landlord for more than 10 years. Generous? - Possibly but sarcastic more likely.
0
Comments
-
Thanks Mr.Generous useful post.
Although I don't really understand the focus people have on changing the locks. If someone wants to get in the house I can't see £4.60 lock stopping them? Im sure there are some scary stories out there but unless you live in a concrete bunker I am not sure changing the locks makes much difference?
One of the first things I plan on doing is firing up the BBQ and opening a glass of wine!0 -
I disagree, we changed the locks on the first day as our house had been a rental property. We didn't want strangers being able to wander in when they fancied.
Not sure how threatening to withhold funds would work when you've already exchanged. Don't you risk being sued for breach of contract?0 -
I think the OP is talking about scenarios where the seller appears to be in breach of contract.
Spot on. Leaving loads of rubbish - Solicitor calls and says wont be going ahead as planned unless you are prepared to accept £500 held back to clear all the rubbish. House clearance team arrive and empty property day before completion. We exchange and complete same day. No mortgage involved.Mr Generous - Landlord for more than 10 years. Generous? - Possibly but sarcastic more likely.0
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