Before you consider getting a home it is important to seek the professional service of a mortgage advisor like Peak Mortgages. This will entail having access to exclusive deals from builders and getting assistance in completing documentation to ensure quick processing. Also, the service of a mortgage advisor is important to assist you in considering all the fees and features of a mortgage, and not just the interest rate.
Moving into a newly constructed home right away is not appropriate, because new does not translate to flawless. This may be due to minor defects or snags, which when detected, should be reported to the builder. So, after seeking the service of a mortgage advisor before getting a home, it is advisable to also seek the service of a snagging company.
There is a possibility of some things getting unintentionally overlooked during the construction of a new home, or there can be a miscommunication between you and the contractor. Either way, it is important to make a snagging list, which you could do yourself with the assistance of your mortgage advisor, or hire the service of a professional snagging company such as www.newbuildinspections.com
Snagging involves inspecting a new home for faults, poor craftsmanship or other factors that might cause the property to violate building regulations. If you opt for the service of a snagging company, during or after the construction process, the snagging inspector will search for anything broken or damaged. The overall quality of the building, inclusive of the fittings and decorating finish will be assessed during snagging.
Whether the snagging process is carried out by a snagging company or yourself alongside your mortgage advisor, here are five things to look out for when moving into your new home.
Heating
When moving into a new home, you will want to make sure that the heating system works. You have to thoroughly access the radiators to see if they all have thermostatic valves fitted. You will also have to look out for chips, paint splashes, damages, and leaks on their pipe-works. In addition, look out for the gas safety certificate and relevant user manuals for all heating appliances in your home.
Doors and Windows
It is very important that every door and window in your home can open and shut properly. You have to check that trickle vents are present in the windows and that the external doors are fitted with draught-proofing. Another thing you want to look out for is if the locks and latches work correctly with all keys present. Especially with the doors, check if the hinges squeak and if the handles work properly. Also, make sure to check that there are no splashes of paint on the doors and windows.
Electrical
In the aspect of the electrical of your new home, you will be looking out for faults in the lighting and sockets, and if they all work. Check if the lighting and their switches are adequate, well fitted, and compliant in wet areas. Also, look out for if the smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and fan insulators are present and well fitted. In this aspect, another thing you want to look out for is if the electrical sockets are in uniform and if the phone lines work properly.
Plumbing
In regards to plumbing, you should look out for leakages in the pipes and see that they are free from dents and have units cut neatly to allow access for pipework. See if soil pipes and vent pipes are connected, and free from paint splashes. In addition, look out to see if all taps work properly and if the toilets flush properly as well.
Walls, Ceilings, and Floors
For the walls, ceilings, and floors, check if they are well levelled and free from cracks. Check to see if they are obvious bumps or unfinished screw pops that could dent their outlook. As well as this, check to be certain that the floorboards are well secured and do not creak. Make sure the walls especially are straight and square.