Everyone knows that buying a new property can be as expensive as it is stressful, and there will always be one factor you may not have considered. Mould doesn’t always make itself obvious right away, and structural issues could take a long time to make themselves known.
So how do you locate a problem and, more importantly, how can you solve it without feeling like you need to take out another loan or even remortgage? Here’s a list of things to take care of before you sign on the dotted line.
One Last Look
You can never be too careful when it comes to making sure that a new property really is your dream home. Likewise, you can never ask too many questions – don’t worry about annoying your estate agent. It’s a big step, and you want to get it right.
Make sure you ask for evaluations on issues like mould, damp and asbestos. It’s more than likely your house will be free of all of these – in the case of asbestos, its use in construction was almost entirely outlawed by 1999. However, as the old saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry and taking the time to obtain reliable assurances about these issues could end up saving you a fortune further down the line.
Cleaning and Moving
It’s up to the old tenants to clean up after themselves before new ones move in, so you’re going to have to do the same yourself! Obviously you’ll want to give the old place a thorough going-over before you leave, but there are options if you’re feeling in desperate need of help.
Cost will always play a part in choosing a removal company, but some businesses are willing to offset the price of their services against the unwanted items they are able to reuse. Furthermore, choosing an ethical clearance company can ensure that your former possessions both save you money and help communities who depend on donations, like the Mass Massaer Niane school in Dakar.
Parking
Once you’ve settled on a moving date, those vans will need somewhere to go, and it’s unlikely they’ll all fit in one driveway. Getting used to parking restrictions in a new area is always a tricky business, but it’s better to be well-informed than to chance it, and be lumped with a ridiculous fine. So keep an eye out when you revisit the property – take notes, work out how much space you’ll need, and phone the council ahead of moving day to get a permit if you need to.