Tips for moving into an abandoned home?

[Elouera]

We've bought a house which was empty for 5yrs. Any tips or things we should do/check before we turn on the water, gas etc?

get professionals in gas man electrician plumber to do a check for you they will know how to test them safely did anything come up on the survey

Be careful if the floors, we ripped out a kitchen in a house that hadn't been changed in 50 years and the builder went through the floor where the boards had rotted and had wood worm.

Thanks. Would I get a plumber in BEFORE we turn the back water on?

Did you have a survey done before you bought it?
Are there any current safety certificates for the gas appliances?

Is there a garden? We bought a house at auction that had been empty for 7 years and untouched since the 1950s. We found a greenhouse that was buried in undergrowth! I would just say be prepared for it to take longer and cost more than you thought. And always get the bigger skip.

We've had an experienced builder go all through it, but not a survey as yet. Offer accepted, but waiting on paperwork/mortgage to come through etc. Last time we had a survey done, there were so many areas they didn't even check, I'm not sure its worth it? Happy to be corrected though.

Yes, there is a massive garden with overgrown brambles and ivy growing up the side and across the roof. I expect to find all manner of stuff hidden in the undergrowth too, and it will be a massive project.

Just not sure if there are any 'must dos' before turning the water on. I'll ask about a safety certificate, but did think we'd get someone to check that before we move in.

Think about Legionella in empty properties. System needs to be flushed through.

Be prepared for mice on the first night.

We got a complete rewire before we stayed in the house as the electrics needed doing. I would as a minimum get electric/gas and water checked out. Make sure you have a CO2 detector and fire detector for your safety and the builders. Are you planning to move in before renovation or after?

Our house was empty for a year before we moved in. The water board said if the house has been empty for 6 months + the you should always get them out to check the water before moving in

Some good points thanks. We were planning on moving in, then doing the renovations whilst there. We do have the option to stay in our own home or with a relative nearby if we need things done before its safe to move in.

Good point about legionaires and getting the water board to check it out too.

We were planning on moving in, then doing the renovations whilst there.

In that case I would definitely check water, gas and electricity before moving. Also things like rewiring are much easier done in an empty property. Get more sockets than you think that you will need and we got usb sockets so we no longer need adapters to charge phones/ ipads etc.

USB plugs is a great idea I hadn't considered. We are no where near that stage as yet, and wouldn't move there till we have at least the basics to live. Great idea though.

Check the VAT legislation if you can prove it’s been empty that long the reduced rate of VAT will probably apply to the work. You can’t move in before you start the work though.