Many homebuyers prepare well on price and mortgages, but small practical details can still cause big frustrations after completion.

Everyday living checks

• Test mobile reception and ask about broadband speeds and available providers before you commit

• Visit at different times (evening, rush hour, weekend) to check noise, parking, light levels and local activity

• Look for practical storage: loft access, cupboards, shed or garage, and where bins will actually live

Services and utilities

• Find out where the stop tap, fuse board, gas meter and consumer units are located, and check they are accessible

• Ask the seller to confirm current suppliers for gas, electricity, water and broadband, and any smart meter arrangements

• Check radiators warm up evenly, run taps to assess water pressure and hot water, and look for obvious leaks around pipework

Documentation and guarantees

• Request installation certificates and guarantees for boilers, rewires, windows, roof works and any extensions or conversions

• Confirm planning permission and Building Control sign-off for alterations such as loft conversions, removed walls or large decks

• Ask for manuals and codes for alarms, appliances, thermostats and smart home systems

Boundaries, access and parking

• Clarify exactly which fences, walls and hedges belong to the property and who maintains them

• Confirm parking rights, permits, allocated bays or shared drive arrangements in writing, not just “understood” locally

• Check access routes for removal vans and future deliveries, especially on narrow streets or shared private roads

Focusing on these practical details, alongside a professional survey, helps you avoid avoidable headaches and settle into you new home more smoothly