Domestic abuse and flat security recommendations

[worldcupfan]

Hello everyone,

I will be moving to my first ever home with DS and I. It is a maisonette with our own door:

DS will be recently starting up contact visits with his dad due to previous DV. I don't think his dad has changed and still wants to control me but does this via DS. I am worried about his dad finding out where we live. Can anyone recommend any good security systems that I can use in our new flat. Also, I would really appreciate if anyone can recommend any safety measures that I should consider before moving into out property.

Another question! The property has an incomplete fire place with no ledge and the actual fireplace has been bricked up. I live fireplaces and was wondering if anyone can recommend how I could go about restoring the whole fireplace (without the fire obviously).

Ring doorbell & pay the subscription to keep the footage should you ever need it

Ask Mr Google for a security company address in your area. Get them out to survey your flat if you think they can help with security equipment.
I’m thinking burglar alarm with a panic button.

Get a •strong• chain added to your main access door. If the door is wooden, you could add bolts top and bottom.

Never open the door to anyone (or him)you are not expecting. Never! Just communicate through the door or use a slightly open window but don’t open it so wide he can yank it from you. Tune in to body language so if anyone makes a sudden movement forwards you can pull the window shut.

Your home is your castle. You are not obliged to lower the drawbridge for anyone. Develop that frame of mind and be cautious of any knock on the door. Don’t let your little one answer the door either.

I hope all goes well in your new home and that others will contribute some more and maybe better ideas for your safety.

With regard to the fireplace issue, you’d be best to get a builder to survey because the brickwork might not be sound or could be supporting something. Take care! You could open up a disaster if you attempt it without professional advice.

I'd also encourage you to speak to a domestic abuse charity either before or after you move, whenever is safest to do so.

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

@Suetcrust Thank you. Do you think I should get a survey on the whole council property rather than just the Chimney?

I would also make friends with neighbours.But it could be that your ex partner wants contact with your child, not you.In which case he would treat you with respect

Hello again Worldcupfan,
In response to yr query about a full survey and on the premise you are buying … council properties are usually well built, depending on age of course. I’m a cautious type so I would go for a “building survey” but not as far as a “structural survey.” Both cost quite a lot of money!

If you need a mortgage your lender will probably have had a “mortgage valuation” survey done which just tells them that the place is worth mortgaging but doesn’t refer to any issues like damp etc. However it’s a long time since I worked for a surveyor so research a bit on that aspect and what’s been done. Ask questions.

Meanwhile, if you think the place smells & looks free of mould/condensation etc it is probably ok. Check out any loft space you have for insulation depth etc, ask to see guarantees for insulating work done. Ask for double glazing certificates’ work. However yr solicitor should have already done that?

Now, to get to your query again, It probably will be ok to open up the fireplace and create a lovely focal point but it could be a messy exercise so a builder is probably enough for that, not a chartered surveyor. However, an opened up chimney might let cold air in via a down draught? It would probably need “stuffing” with insulation to stop that.

Im probably going off topic here, offering too much information?
Everything you do is a learning curve. It’s exciting making a new home and I’m sure we all wish you good luck. Take it easy.