Moving into a house which has been empty for 6-9 months.

R.O.S.S.I · 11 Feb 2015 at 22:00

What would be wise things to do when we get the keys next week?

I was thinking giving the heating a blast on full and also opening all windows to get some fresh air in the house and circulate air through it a bit.

I'll also be making a note of what the leccy and gas meter say but aside from the bills side of things, are there any practical things you would recommend doing when you first get the keys?

Akagi · 11 Feb 2015 at 22:07

Unlock the door, step through door, close door, put keys down, put kettle on, make tea, sit down with tea, drink tea.

HangTime · 11 Feb 2015 at 22:28

I'd run the tap for a bit before filling the kettle.

Mr.Stu · 11 Feb 2015 at 22:36

Bleed rads, balance system, check for leaking valves all round. Kick out any squatters.

kaptainmarc · 12 Feb 2015 at 03:15

What you said

bleed rads

have a clean around

Then do the new house dance .. job done

spoffle · 12 Feb 2015 at 03:16

Acme said:
Unlock the door, step through door, close door, put keys down, put kettle on, make tea, sit down with tea, drink tea.

What if you don't drink tea OR coffee?!

R.O.S.S.I · 12 Feb 2015 at 06:29

Acme said:
Unlock the door, step through door, close door, put keys down, put kettle on, make tea, sit down with tea, drink tea.

I like this order of events. I think i'll make this a priority.

AHarvey · 12 Feb 2015 at 06:43

was the water turned off over the winter? Empty houses, no heating and water systems can equal big leaks so it will definitely worth checking that all out.

Other than getting to know where you gas/water shut off valves are, electric board/fuses etc there's not much else to it.

It'll be a little dusty so a good clean and enjoy it

Participant · 12 Feb 2015 at 06:50

Take a big dump in the downstairs toilet with the door open.

R.O.S.S.I · 12 Feb 2015 at 06:50

I'm not sure if the water has been off in all honesty. I know the heating has been on a couple of times as the vendor has put it on when we've viewed it last.

R.O.S.S.I · 12 Feb 2015 at 06:51

Participant said:
Take a big dump in the downstairs toilet with the door open.

One does not have the luxury of a downstairs loo good Sir!

Ronty · 12 Feb 2015 at 08:07

If it has a cold water storage cistern I'd give it a check, make sure a squirrel or whatever hasn't been doing backstroke in it and died.

a1ex2001 · 12 Feb 2015 at 09:18

Open every window and door for a couple of hours no matter how cold it is then close them up and wack the heating on.

Kimi · 12 Feb 2015 at 12:26

Thats not really that long, should be alright, just do a systems check and see where you are.

HazardO · 12 Feb 2015 at 12:41

Evict the squatters.

the shadow · 12 Feb 2015 at 13:00

bitslice · 12 Feb 2015 at 13:07

Find the stopcock
Label the trip switches in the consumer unit
Change all the door locks, you don't know who has an old key.
Take a bottle of wine round to your neighbours to say hello, ask about any local issues.
Check under the patio flags for bodies.

SickAsAParrot · 12 Feb 2015 at 16:28

Dump caravan on front yard.
Park vans in front of neighbours houses.
Tie up large dogs in back yard.
Install large speakers, open windows and play same track over and over again.
Instead of thinking things in your head, yell them all out at the top of your voice.
Get many tattoos, shave head, answer door with no clothes on.

Grimley · 12 Feb 2015 at 16:45

Get rid of the sold/let signs ASAP. These notify the local thieves that the property is occupied = new stuff = potential place to burgle. Install an alarm & change the locks too, you never know who else has keys to your new place.

Deus Ex · 12 Feb 2015 at 18:16

Invite the neighbours round for a swingers party.