Have you ever thought about all the things you need to consider before buying a new home? Well, at Hexo Electrical Testing we’re determined to ensure all homeowners understand the importance of household safety. Especially when it comes to electricity! Did you know that in 2019, there were 14,186 household fires caused by electrical faults or appliances?
Buying A New Home
Despite this, many homeowners admit to not getting the electrics checked before buying a new home. This is because one in five people believe that electrics are included in home survey reports, when they’re not. Along with some electrical safety tips, this article should help you understand what you should consider before buying a new home.
Choose a realistic location
It goes without saying that some parts of the UK are extremely expensive for buying a new home. While we’d all love to be able to buy in a sought-after location where we’ll see property appreciation, this isn’t always possible. Stick to areas you can afford and be sure to check out the neighbourhood in advance. Take a look at the area’s crime levels and local school results to ensure you’re moving somewhere suitable.
Always attend an in-person viewing
While you might want to head to auction and buy a home you’ve never seen, this could be a mistake. Buying blind can lead to extra costs and expensive issues. Before buying a new home, attend an in-person viewing. And, if possible, view the house more than once, at different times of the day. If you visit at night, you’ll be able to spot noisy neighbours. Likewise, visiting during the day will allow you to inspect the home thoroughly.
Look out for signs of neglect
When viewing a property, make sure you keep an eye out for any obvious signs of damage. This can be everything from damp to cracks in the walls. Yet there are plenty of issues that might not be so easy to spot. Old or faulty wiring can be extremely dangerous and should be fixed as soon as possible.
If you’re selling a home, consider getting the electrics checked. After all, the state of the property will have a large bearing on its value. If you’re buying a home, book a separate survey for the electrics. A regular property survey won’t cover the electrics, so make sure you have an Electrical Installation Condition Report carried out.
Create a realistic budget
Buying a new home is exciting, but it’s also a huge responsibility. So, before you’ve picked out paint colours and created a Pinterest board for interior design ideas, be sure to create a realistic budget. Purchasing a property involves a lot of fees and hidden costs, so it’s important to budget accordingly to avoid any shocks or nasty surprises. From legal fees to stamp duty and surveys, many people buying a new home become tripped up by unexpected costs. Remember to include essential surveys, such as an Electrical Installation Condition Report, in your budget. Be prepared and don’t scrimp on safety.
How we can help
At Hexo, we offer electrical surveys to home buyers and sellers in London and the surrounding areas. We offer two different options of report, either a standard Domestic Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), or an enhanced Homebuyers Electrical Report.
The Domestic EICR involves dead and live electrical testing as well as a visual inspection. Any defects with the fixed electrical installation will be highlighted by severity and we will provide you with a quotation for any necessary remedial works.
The Homebuyers Electrical Report encompasses a Domestic EICR but also includes a written statement by the inspector and goes into more detail about the age and condition of the fixed electrical installation. We also send you a quotation for remedial works if they are required or recommended.
Whichever side of the buying process you’re on, we can help. To find out more, get in touch with us by emailing info@hexoelectricaltesting.co.uk, or calling 0207 315 4151. Prices for our Home Buyers Electrical Report service can be found here and it’s easy to make a booking.