Safety checks for your new home

There’s lots to think about when you buy a new home. We’ve listed a few simple safety checks to give you peace of mind before you move in.

1. Electrics 

Surveys can tell you a lot about a home. This includes the state of the roof, any hidden damp patches, and the age and condition of the boiler. But many people don’t realise electrical checks aren’t included in a survey. 

Getting a registered electrician to check your electrics will make sure you’re not paying too much for your bills. And it’ll protect your home and household against any potential damage, like fires or electric shocks.

There are a few red flags you can look out for in your new home. If you spot any, be sure to call a professional straight away:

• Damaged plugs and sockets 
• Visible cables and leads in poor condition
• Damaged light fittings 
• Combustible materials stored around the fuse box or electricity meter 

2. Gas 

Without a Gas Safety Record, it’s hard to know when the pipes and appliances in your new home were last serviced. This means you'll need an engineer to do some checks before you move in. The most common heat-producing appliances which need checking are: 

• Gas fired boiler 
• Gas fired water heater 
• Gas fire 
• Flued cooking range 
• Gas cooker 
• Gas hob 
• Warm air heater 

Once you’ve moved in, your appliances should still be checked regularly by a professional. If not, you could be at risk of a carbon monoxide leak. These are difficult to spot, but can have serious effects on your household’s health. They can even be fatal if they go unnoticed. 

Your home should have a working carbon monoxide alarm fitted before you move in. You can read more about the signs and dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning here.  

3. Damp patches 

If left untreated, damp and mould can end up causing serious damage to your home and health. They can put you at risk of developing allergies, immune system issues, respiratory infections, or even asthma.

Damp can be found in any room of your home. But it’s more likely to appear in basements, floorboards, bathrooms, walls and ceilings, and cupboards with a small heater. It’s a good idea to look out for odd paint jobs, too. Patches of mismatching colours might be an attempt to hide a damp spot. 

Rippling wallpaper is another sign of damp. But it could also mean that the ground below your home is moving, causing the building to buckle. This is called subsidence, and it can be dangerous and costly. If you spot rippling, get a professional involved to check your home is safe to live in.  

4. Central heating

A reliable heating system will keep your home comfortable throughout the year, especially in winter. Here are a few checks you can do to see if everything’s working properly before you move in:  

• Turn the taps on to make sure the hot water works. This will also help you spot any issues with your boiler and water pressure.
• Check the heat from the radiators. If there’s one that doesn’t feel as hot, there might be an issue with trapped air or sludge in the system. This could cause a leak later down the line.
• Ask the previous owners how old the boiler is so you can work out how long it might last. If they’re not sure, check if the boiler is standing on the floor or mounted on the wall. A floor-standing boiler is usually at least 12 years old. 

After you’ve moved in, it’s important to get your boiler checked regularly. Most boiler cover plans will include an annual service.