Buying a new home can be a stressful experience if you are surprised by construction defects. It is best to get ahead of any issues and learn how to utilise the conveyancing report as well as any professional help.
Here are some things you can do to prevent any surprises once you have closed the purchase of your new home.
Employ a professional property inspector
Practically all homes will have things that new owners need to be aware of, even new builds. Once you have had your offer accepted, it would be beneficial to hire a property inspector. They will be able to tell you if they have identified any issues as well as highlight any solutions.
Be sure to compare quotes from different companies, but bear in mind that the level of inspection may be different. If you can afford it, opt for the most comprehensive inspection so that you have a clear picture of everything.
Examine every room properly and document
It is common for the new owners of a property to visit a few times in the run-up to the exchange date, so make use of one of these visits to examine every room properly. You may want to do this before your property inspector comes so you can highlight any concerns to them.
Whilst it may be difficult to see all the walls and floor due to the previous owner’s possessions still being in the home, take pictures of any concerns so you can refer them on.
Review the conveyancing report
Before you fully complete, take time to review your conveyancing report. This will detail everything relating to your property, so it is important you are familiar with it all.
Once you have read it all, take any questions to your legal team for clarification before you sign. This will prevent any issues arriving after you legally own the property as you may not have any legal recourse as you have signed acknowledging everything is in order.
Test appliances and the septic tank
It should have been communicated which appliances will be left behind before your moving in date. You may be able to request a visit before you move in where either the owners or estate agent can run you through how everything works, such as the heating system. If you don’t have that chance, make sure you test everything as soon as you move in.
Your new home may have a septic tank so it is important that you get to grips with it. Your septic tank will need to be pumped regularly, so it is worth finding out when it was last done. You may also want to get a professional to give it a once over and make sure there are no issues. If there are, you may be entitled to compensation so get in touch with a firm of solicitors that specialises in septic tank negligence to see what you could be entitled to.
