Moving into a new build
We wish you all the best in your new home. We've put together some useful information you may find helpful.
Your new build home
We know moving into a new home can be hectic and you may have some questions about your newly built home. We've put together the most common queries that we think you may find useful.
If you still have questions, we'll be on hand to help.
You will find that as time passes, the building naturally dries out and sometimes building materials shrink, which may cause small cracks to appear in your home. This is not a defect unless the cracks are substantial (wider than a £1 coin). To keep cracks and gaps to a minimum, you need to allow all the materials used in constructing your home to dry out gradually.
If you're unsure if you need to report a repair, please contact us here.
If your new home has a garage we recommend not to use this to store any electrical equipment or white goods here as garages are not watertight and susceptible to water ingress.
In your new home, the garden turf might not be laid immediately due to weather conditions. During summer, the turf is laid once customers move in, ensuring someone can water it as this is essential for its successful establishment. In autumn and winter, if the ground is wet or frozen, the garden cannot be prepared for turf until the conditions are dry or unfrozen. We will aim to get the turf laid as soon as possible after you move into your new home, however this is subject to weather.
Your new turf should not be walked on for four weeks after being laid. This is essential for the long-term quality of the lawn. You are responsible for the turf and we highly recommend that the turf is watered daily for the next four weeks after being laid, unless heavy rain occurs.
We will not shave down doors for new carpets being fitted this will be something you are responsible for.
To get internet to your home you will need to set an account up with an internet service provider. For data protection reasons we can't do this on your behalf.
Some popular providers include Sky, BT, Virgin Media and TalkTalk.
For home working you may need to arrange a temporary solution when you speak with your chosen service provider until you are connected.
You might find that your new address details are not yet set up on all relative plans/systems so this may cause delays in arranging deliveries to your home.
If your postcode is not recognised you'll need to arrange for Royal Mail to activate it. Find out how to activate your postcode here.
Your new home will not have any bins therefore our housing team will place an order with the local authority who will arrange for delivery of new household bins.
If you're unsure whether you have a bin on order with us please contact us here.
If you need to report a repair, please contact us here.
The quickest and easiest way to track and report your repair is by using My Livin.
Before reporting any defects, please read through any instruction leaflets, particularly if the fault relates to the heating system.
We recommend not reporting any defects to the contractors or workmen who may be working on the development.
Restricted covenants are rules or conditions written into title deeds which dictate what you can and cannot do with a property.
Should you wish to request permission for alterations including garden sheds, and satellite dishes, please contact us and we will advise if any restrictions are associated with your property.
The surface of the roads and footpaths may not be fully completed when you first move into your home. The final surface layer is often not laid until the development is fully complete to avoid any issues from large trucks or construction vehicles.
Drive slowly and carefully. Unfinished roads may have uneven surfaces, potholes, raised manholes or other hazards that can damage your vehicle or cause an accident. Drive slowly and carefully to avoid these hazards and maintain control of your vehicle.
When walking, wear appropriate footwear. Unfinished paths may have uneven surfaces, so it’s important to wear sturdy footwear with good grip to avoid slipping or tripping. Be aware of your surroundings, keep an eye out for any hazards, such as loose debris, or raised manholes.
You must set up an account with a service provider to connect to a phoneline / broadband. For data protection reasons we can't do this on your behalf.
The supplier you choose may include an initial connection charge or extra charges for connecting a master socket so it may be worth checking the costs when looking for your new supplier. There may be some delays to connections if there is a delay with the site infrastructure connections.
Newly built homes often retain more moisture. This is because new homes tend to be more airtight and have their heating systems installed at the very end of the build. This can sometimes cause condensation which is normal.
Find out more information about ventilation and condensation here.
An air source heat pump is a low-carbon way of heating your home. The air source heat pump takes heat from the air and boosts it to a higher temperature using a compressor, it then transfers the heat to the heating system in your home, and heats the water you need in a hot water cylinder for your shower, bath and taps. Find out more about Air Source Heat Pumps
We recognise that you may wish to make alterations to your home, so it's important that you understand what type of improvements may require our permission or an inspection.
If you would like to request permission or further details, get in touch.