Buying new things
Moving home often means buying new appliances or furniture, so it's a good opportunity to opt for more energy efficient and ethically sound products. One simple thing you can do is to switch to energy efficient light bulbs. Here are some other things you can consider:
- If you're buying new appliances, choosing energy efficient ones will save money and help tackle climate change.
- Buying second-hand, or renovating items like furniture, carpets and curtains, can help save raw materials and energy, and will cut waste.
- When buying timber products like furniture or flooring, check they are from a sustainable source.
Responsibly disposing of old furniture
When you move into a new home you may find that some items of furniture either aren't needed any more, don't fit the space or simply don't suit your new home. Where possible try to avoid disposing of furniture it's surprising what a lick of paint or a bit of refurbishment can do.
However, if you have to dispose of it why not take it to a charity furniture shop or advertise it on one of the many freecycling sites such as Freecycle which match people who want things up with people who want to get rid of them? Many organisations will even collect old furniture from you. Alternatively, make sure you take it to your local recycling depot.
Measure up
Before you move in, ask the seller if you can make an appointment to take some measurements of your new home so that you know your new and existing furniture will fit through doors and into their new spaces. You don't want any nasty hold ups on what will be a busy and stressful moving in day.
- You'll also need to take measurements of the windows to check whether existing curtains will fit them or if you need to buy or have new ones made.
- You may also need to take accurate measurements of rooms if you intend to have new carpet laid before you move your furniture in.
Measuring for curtains
- Decide how much coverage you want. Curtains usually extend about 6 inches above the window frame, 2 to 3 inches on each side, and 2 to 3 inches on the bottom.
- Use a tape measure to measure from the curtain rod to the desired bottom point, and from side to side. Multiply the side-to-side measurement by 2 to allow for generously full curtains.
Links to trades
If you intend to make alterations to your new home before you move in, or if you encounter any problems shortly after moving in you may need to contact a qualified tradesman to carry out the work for you.
- Ask for recommendations from friends or family.
- Visit a professional organisation's website such as the Federation of Master Builders where you can search for qualified tradesmen in your area.
- Alternatively, look for recommended tradesmen online - buildersite.co.uk is a useful online resource where you can read recommendations of tradesmen from other householders. You can also register your job details online.
How to choose a tradesman
previous customers
Ask your chosen tradesmen to provide references or names of previous customers and if possible, try to see an example of work they’ve carried out.
shop around
Don’t just talk to one tradesman, get a number of estimates so that you can compare them.
headed paper
One thing to look for is headed paper with a full address and telephone number. Remember to check whether their quote includes VAT – if it does make sure their VAT number is provided on their headed stationery.
quotation
Be very clear and specific about what you want and don’t get talked into having work done that you don’t need. Ask for a detailed quotation that includes:
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All stages including any preparatory work, when the work will begin, how long it should take and what condition the site should be left in, i.e. clean and tidy with all rubbish removed etc.
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Any specific products or materials – so that you aren’t charged for more expensive ones.
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Agree the final cost before any work starts. Try not to be forced into providing full payment in advance. If you’re asked to pay a deposit, make sure you get a receipt.
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Make sure you know whether you’ve been provided with an estimate or a costing – an estimate isn’t binding but a costing is. And remember to check how long the quote is valid for.
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Finally, don’t sign anything until you’re entirely happy!
Trade Associations
If the tradesman claims to be a member of a trade association and gives a membership number such as a CORGI number, why not visit the website of the appropriate trade association and check their number?
Insurance
Check that they have insurance backed warranty for the work which will cover damage to your and your neighbours’ property. Make sure that either your tradesman or you have cover for death and personal injury.
If you have a complaint
Speak to your tradesman immediately. Put your concerns or complaints in writing. If you still have problems seek further advice and help from a professional such as a solicitor, Citizens Advice Bureau, Trading Standards, or Trade Association. Remember if you are a Co-operative Member, you have access to The Co-operative Legal Services helpline on 0845 603 5459 (Call charges).
Wondering what it will cost?
A good source of online ‘ballpark’ estimates for most home building projects is provided at Whatprice .
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
