Moving new home is by no means an easy task. There are so many things to remember and so many procedures, policies and arrangements that need to be put into place. After purchasing a property, you need to ask yourself what steps need to be followed so as to make the moving process as smooth and simple as possible.
Typically, there are 6 major items that need to be ticked off your check list before you decide to move into your new home. In this article we are going to discuss the key procedures that should be put into place before your moving day.
1) Compliance Certificates
Anyone who is selling their home is responsible for providing certificates of compliance (CoC). It is important, however, for you as a buyer to know what these certificates entail for new home. When selling a property, by law certificates for electrical, gas and electric fence installations have to be provided by the seller. Only once this has been done can the property be transferred to the new owner.
The seller is expected to carry the cost of the COCs, and it is usually a good idea to conduct a thorough inspection if you are the seller who is wanting to put your house on the market. There are times, if agreed by both parties, that the buyer can pay for the necessary repairs.
All banks in South Africa require these compliance certificates for security purposes before issuing anybody with a home loan. This is so as to ensure that the property being bonded is compliant with safety regulations. A buyer should always insist on obtaining copies of all the compliance certificates before they take transfer of the property.
Electrical Compliance Certificate
A new certificate is not required for transferring ownership of a property if there is already a valid certificate in place. A valid certificate should not be more than two years old and is acceptable provided that no alterations have been made to the installation since the certificate was issued.
Electrical Fence Certificate
This certificate is governed by the Electrical Machinery Regulations and its purpose is to ensure the that the installation of the electric fence has been carried out safely and to standard. These certificates are not valid for a fixed period and once obtained can be transferred from one owner to the next unless there were any alterations made to the fence after installation.
Gas Compliance Certificate
In terms of the regulations that fall under the OHSA, any person installing a liquid gas appliance at a property must have a certificate of compliance issued for that specific appliance. The certificate may only be issued by a person who is registered with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of Southern Africa.
These certificates are required for:
- Built in gas braais
- Stoves
- Hot water systems
There is no mention in the legislation on how long the certificate is valid for, however, new certificates are required after any new installation, alteration, modification and in the event of a change of ownership of property.
2) Take Note of Permanent Fixtures
Once you have decided to purchase a new home you need to make sure that you are aware of exactly what fixtures are included in the sale. Sometimes it may even be a good idea to make sure to specify these fixtures in the Agreement of Sale.
Fixtures can include, but are not limited to:
- Doors
- Keys
- Windows
- Built-in cupboards
- Wall-to-wall carpets
- Bar and kitchen counters
- Plants and shrubs in the garden
It is important to note that anything that forms a permanent part of the property is deemed to be a fixture and should legally be included in the sale. If you are not entirely clear on certain items and whether they are permanent fixtures or not is it important to state it on the Agreement of sale so as to avoid any misunderstanding at a later stage.
3) Try Measure Up Your New Home Before Moving In
Before you move into your new home it is a good idea to measure up all the rooms inside the property as well as your current furniture. By doing this you will know what is going to fit where on the day of your move and be able to better direct your movers.
4) Make Sure your Policies and Insurances are All in Place
Home insurance is always critical so as to make sure that your property is protected in the event of any fire, theft, damage or emergency.
There are three main types of insurance that new homeowners need to consider:
Homeowners Building Insurance
Home insurance is also known as building insurance. This is a policy which is used to cover the building structure of a home against any accidental loss or damage that can be caused by fire, theft or natural disasters such as floods.
Home Contents Insurance
This insurance is taken out in order for you to be covered for your household goods against such things as loss or damage that can be caused by accidents such as burglary, fire, theft, malicious damage, and other natural disasters like storm and flood damage.
Personal Valuables Insurance
This type of insurance is usually good to have for homeowners that would typically carry or wear their valuables outside of their home. It covers items such as laptops, bags, jewelry and clothing.
5) Make sure You Change Your Address with all Relevant Providers
A few weeks prior to moving it is important to contact your utility service providers to inform them of your intention to move premises. When you buy a new home you must Schedule disconnect and reconnect dates for services such as gas, electricity, internet service providers and security system providers.
6) Do Your Homework when Choosing A Moving Company
It is extremely important to choose a moving company bw mover that will give you excellent service at affordable prices. Moving companies are there to ensure that your move is executed smoothly and professionally.
Here are a few tips to help you to source the right moving company for your move:
Find Referrals
Ask friends, family members and even people on social media to recommend a moving company. This should be a company that they have personally used in the past.
Get At Least Three Quotes
Never accept the first quote and try to get at least two to three quotes so as to get a fair price. A lot of moving companies require a list of the items that you are intending on moving so as to get to an accurate amount for their quotes.
Verify their Address
Ask the moving company for a business card or alternatively search their website and then look up the address that is listed. A moving company with a website is normally more reputable than a moving company that has no professionally made website and social media standing.
In some cases, you may even find a few testimonials on their website from other people or businesses that may have used them before.
Watch Out for Scammers
Most reputable moving companies will not ask for a full upfront payment before your moving date. Beware of companies that ask for an upfront cash deposit, unless you know that they are a well-known and highly recommended moving company. The last thing you want to do is to hand over all of your money and have no movers arrive on your moving day.
What Should I Know about Moving on Gauteng before I Move into My New Home?
Moving to a new home in Gauteng? Here are some interesting facts about moving in gauteng to know beforehand. Gauteng, the smallest yet most populated province in South Africa, is known for its vibrant cities, including Johannesburg and Pretoria. The area boasts a diverse cultural scene, bustling nightlife, and numerous job opportunities. However, it’s essential to be aware of the province’s traffic congestion, high living costs, and occasional water supply challenges. Understanding these aspects will help ensure a smooth transition as you settle into your new Gauteng home.
What Should I Do to Prepare for Moving into a New Home?
When getting ready to move into a new home, there are several important postmove tips to keep in mind. First, make sure to thoroughly clean the space before moving in your belongings. Next, update your address with relevant parties, such as your bank, utility companies, and the post office. Additionally, take the time to organize and label your boxes to streamline the unpacking process. Remember to also change the locks for added security. Lastly, take advantage of this fresh start to declutter and donate any items you no longer need or want. Happy moving!
Put BW Movers to The Test
BW movers are committed to give you the best moving experience at affordable prices. Our handpicked team of packers and movers are trained to make the moving process smoother, faster and stress free.
We will pack, carry, transport and offload your belongings while exceeding industry standards with our friendliness and professionalism. Put BW Movers to the test and experience a move that makes you smile.
We Are the Moving Expertise You Can Rely On.
