Moving in and renovation guides
Handover inspection, renovation budgets, moving and what to arrange before and after you move in.
Record utility accounts, meter readings and handover photographs
Confirm account arrangements with each supplier and separately record meter identifiers, readings, date and handover parties. Photographs should identify the correct meter and premises.
Moving in and renovation · Read the articleMeasure furniture delivery through doors, turns and the installation space
Record furniture, packaging and route dimensions separately. Door width is one part of the question; turns, lifts and dismantling also need the delivery provider's assessment.
Moving in and renovation · Read the articleRecord fragile items, packaging and handover for a move
List fragile items separately and record pre-move condition, packing responsibility and handover arrangements. An outside 'fragile' label is only part of the record.
Moving in and renovation · Read the articlePack first-night essentials that remain easy to find
Keep sleeping, washing, simple meal and charging essentials together, with a clear custodian and destination so they remain accessible before unpacking.
Moving in and renovation · Read the articleHow do you set a renovation budget? Five things to check in a quote
For a renovation budget, first separate the essential works from the items that can wait, then ask several companies for itemised quotes. Compare the scope of works, material specifications, payment stages, completion date and warranty terms, and set aside a contingency for extras and changes.
Moving in and renovation · Read the articleHandover inspection checklist: what to check in each part of the flat
When you take possession, check item by item, area by area: doors and windows, walls and ceilings, floors, kitchen and bathroom, plumbing, electrics and fittings. Photograph any problem at once, record where it is and notify the other party in writing. For a first-hand flat, you can ask the developer to make repairs within the defects liability period.
Moving in and renovation · Read the article