Unless you’re purchasing a new build, your new home will likely have (at least) a few imperfections. But, if you don’t want to pay various unexpected repair bills upon moving in, you should carry out all the necessary checks.

We’ll outline some of the most important checks to make in this blog post, so, as always, let us know if you find this useful or have any questions.

1. Doors & windows

Checking the home’s doors and windows are up to scratch is important for two main reasons:

Security

Insulation

You want to ensure your new home is safe and secure and don’t want to burn unnecessary money on heating bills.

Insurers can be very specific with the types of locks they cover, so make sure the door and window locks are up to standard. If not, be prepared to budget the cost of new locks to ensure you’re adequately protected upon moving in.

Mortice locks are very popular among insurers, so if the house is equipped with this type of lock, you should be fine.

Locks aside, you’ll also want to ensure that all windows and doors open and close properly and the frames are in good order; otherwise, this is another cost you’ll need to be aware of.

1. Boiler

Make it a priority to find out the boiler’s manufacturer and model name, age, and servicing history.

Having an unreliable boiler is a serious safety concern, first and foremost. Boilers should be checked annually to monitor CO2 emissions and ensure that flues are clear so it runs efficiently.

It may be the case that the boiler need to be replaced, which isn’t exactly cheap, so be prepared for this before moving in.

1. Radiators

Firstly, check that there are enough radiators and they are the right to keep you sufficiently warm throughout the Winter months and check they’re in good working order.

Also, make sure the radiators are in good working order. If not, or if you want any of them replaced or moved, this will involve disruptive and expensive work.

You may install underfloor heating instead of having radiators around the house. If so, ask if it’s already been considered and whether there are any factors to be aware of which may make this an issue.

1. Electrics

Make sure all the lights work by turning them on and off. If any don’t seem to work, find out why. While it is possibly just a dead bulb, there may be underlying factors to be aware of.

Also, ensure there are enough plug sockets for all your needs. If you do all of your ironing in the kitchen and don’t have a wireless iron, then make sure there are the necessary plug sockets in the kitchen. Similarly, you may want a plug socket in your room if you find yourself scrolling social media before bed.

1. Plumbing

Ensure the tap water flows well and the toilet flushes with enough power to dispose of any contents.

Test the warm water to ensure it gets hot enough, and also check that the taps aren’t dripping (which is a bigger problem if you’re on a water meter).

When it comes to the shower, again, check that the spray of water packs enough power. Otherwise, you’re in for an infuriating anti-climactic shower in the morning.

You’ll also want to check no nasty smells/odors are coming from the drains – another sign that the plumbing may need to be checked.

1. Damp

You’ve almost certainly heard about the risk of dampness, and perhaps you know some signs to look out for.

Reasons for dampness in a property include poor ventilation, lack of damp-proofing, or the exterior of the building being in a poor state. Not noticing it before moving in can pose a significant health risk and cost a lot of money.

Damp staining, discoloration, condensation or peeling wallpaper, and a musty smell are all signs of dampness.

1. Neighbors

This point may just be one of the most important. Find out who your neighbors would be and say ”Hello,” so make sure the relationship starts as well as possible.

Make sure you can see yourself living with your neighbors before deciding to move. It may bite you if you don’t factor this in when deciding to move there.

We hope this article comes in helpful!

Remember, if you’re located in or around Glasgow and want to avoid the typical stress of moving home, contact us here, and we’ll be delighted to discuss the specifics of your move.