First things to do post completion

changup

Dear forum members,

We are set for completion this week post which we need refurbishment / renovation done before we move in (renting at the moment). What are the immediate things we should do after completion? I have listed few here, please advise any more - 
1. Council tax
2. Utilities
3. Boiler service plan
4. Change locks on externa doors (should we do this now or can this wait as we are not moving in yet, just trying to prioritise spend?)
5. Change of address (should we do this now or near to move-in date?)

Thanks in advance.

Kind regards.

AdrianC

CT and utilities immediately.

Change locks - if you're going to, do it immediately. It's not expensive. If you can't even DIY that, then your refurb is going to be VERY expensive...

Boiler service - before winter. Up to you whether you get a "plan" in place or just pay for work as and when needed.

Change of address - when you move.

Irishpearce26

Everything you have listed is key, maybe do a mail redirect so you get an idea of some of the areas you need to update your address but are easy to forget about.

Boiler plan? I would just use a local gas engineer, much more reliable than the big companies and at a competitive price. That way you build a relationship with them in the event you need an engineer asap they are more likely to help you out.

TonyMMM

Changing the locks was top of the list when I bought my current house (in 1996) .....one of these days I'll actually get around to doing it !

MaryNB

Check the boiler settings, especially if it's an immersion type heater. You don't want to be heating water every day in a house you don't live in. If you're still refurbishing it in a few months make sure it's set so the heating comes on low to prevent pipes freezing. Best to do it anyway but a bigger risk if the house is left empty. 

changup

Thanks all for your expert advice.

user1977

TonyMMM said:

Changing the locks was top of the list when I bought my current house (in 1996) .....one of these days I'll actually get around to doing it !

I've never done it either. Burglars don't tend to go around with bunches of spare keys.

charliewhisky

Definately take the meter readings...a friend just moved into a property and got clobbered for a large bill, but was able to prove readings when he moved in and is in the process of sorting it out.

Cakeguts

Change the locks. There have been threads on here where sellers have returned to the property after the new owners have moved in and let themselves into the house to look for something that they had forgotten to take with them. 

changup

charliewhisky said:

Definately take the meter readings...a friend just moved into a property and got clobbered for a large bill, but was able to prove readings when he moved in and is in the process of sorting it out.

Thanks, that's really important one, will definitely do that.

dimbo61

Change the barrel on the front and rear doors with a Turnlock barrel if possible.
Once you have one fitted you won't return to looking for a key every time you need to unlock the door.
Better fire safety as well.
Kids/Teens can often lock you out accidentally.
You really don't want to be looking for a key in the event of a 🔥 fire.
Take photos of the meters and you should be able to find which energy provider the property currently has