Congratulations on buying your first home! We know there is a lot to think about and that the road to get here may have been challenging, which is why our quick guide should help make things more simple as you take these final steps. Check out our other first time buyer guides for more advice!
So, what do you need when it comes to utilities and bills?
- Electricity
- Water – in and out
- Gas
- Phone line
- Internet
- Insurance
- And possibly TV licenses, delivery service updates, bank accounts and many other services!
Prices for electricity, gas and water will vary on the number of people living in your house, the type of property you are living in, the size of your house and the property’s energy rating. The more efficient your home is, the cheaper your bills should be. The cost of living will vary with inflation as well.
When you first move in, you will automatically be transferred to the old homeowner’s energy provider. This could be on a ‘standard tariff’, which is worth investigating, as this can be an expensive option.
To set up gas and electricity in your new home you need to:
- Find out who the supplier is – ask the developer if it’s a new build. If it’s not a new build you could ask the previous owners. If these aren’t options then contact the Local Distribution Centre for your area for electricity. For gas look for online services where you can simply pop in your postcode!
- Locate the gas and electric meters, and take readings as soon as you move in. You might also want to take this opportunity to find the stopcock for the water.
- Find where the fuse board is and examine the trip switches; make sure they’re all in the ‘up’ position, and investigate any issues as they arise.
- Get your meter number and contact the supplier. Are the meters billed monthly, quarterly or pay as you go?
- Find out which tariff you are on, then work out if the tariff is good or if you need to find a better deal.
You also might want to consider how you pay for your bills and whose names are on the documents. If, for example, your partner is usually busy during working hours when phone lines are open, would it be better to have your name logged with suppliers, or at least both of your names? Often when calling to sort something out, a company will want to speak to the home owner or person who’s name is registered with them.
Are you employed or self employed? Who has regular money in their account, or who has enough money to always ensure direct debits go out safely?
Do you have joint finances or Separate? Would it be helpful and make life easier if you had one set account that enough money was paid into each month for direct debits to come out? This is worth having a discussion about, especially if you are buying or renting your first home with someone.
When moving into your first home, take the stress out of the job with the finest home removal company in Surrey and Sussex! Contact Plain Sailing Removals to find out more.
