Moving into a new build home
Make sure you know where the stop cock, gas valve and fuse board (sometimes referred to as a consumer unit) are.
In case of an emergency it will help you to know where these are. Please refer to your handover documents which shows where these are located in your home.
Your new home needs to be kept well ventilated to allow moisture to evaporate as the structure dries out.
Some ways to help this are by:
- Leaving trickle vents (slotted vents in the window frame) open.
- Ensuring the kitchen and bathroom extractor fans are switched on.
- Keeping kitchen and bathroom doors closed when in use.
- Avoiding drying washing on the radiators.
- Leaving a small gap between the furniture and wall to allow air to circulate.
We've put together some more information damp and mould in new build homes
Run any drinking water taps for 2-3 minutes before using them for the first time, to flush out any micro bacteria that may have started to grow in the system.
During your first year in your new build home, we ask that you don’t paint or wallpaper the walls.
TVs mounted on walls or shelves being installed should also be avoided during the first year as this would involve drilling into the walls
- Please register your meter readings with the supplier on day one.
- You will find details of the meter readings, serial numbers and suppliers on your handover form.
- You can change your supplier at any time without asking VIVID.
In some new build homes you may have an Air Source Heat pump.
- Air source heat pumps (ASHP) work by regulating the temperature in your home with fresh air from outside. This means that there is constant air flow running into your home, and the system is set to maintain a temperature of approximately 19 Degrees
- The most noticeable difference, especially if you’ve lived in a property with gas central heating, will be the lower working temperature
- ASHPs run consistently, with no need to turn them off
- They are more efficient when operating 24/7, as turning the unit on from a cold start uses more energy
- The systems are the same with a hot water cylinder and radiators (unless underfloor heating is fitted) but the radiators will feel considerably cooler when you touch them than those heated by a gas boiler
- A heat pump works a bit like an inside-out fridge. It captures heat from outside and moves it into your home, using electricity to do so. Because of the low working temperature of the system, the best and most economical way to run the system is by keeping the room thermostat at a constant and comfortable temperature
- We don’t recommend making any changes to the main settings as these have been set by a specialist. If these are adjusted, this could cost you more in fuel and cause the system to fault
Here's the different parts of the system:
- The heat pump - this is the box that sits outside your house and extracts energy from the outside air
- The internal heating system - this is the water system that runs through your existing pipes, heats up your home and makes it comfortable. Hot water travels throughout your home, carrying warmth to radiators. Once the water cools down it makes its way back to the outdoor unit to be reheated, completing the cycle
- The water tank - this stores heated water, offering a constant supply for household appliances such as your shower or taps. If all the hot water in the tank is used, you will have to wait for the tank to re-fill with heated water. There is an over-ride button like an immersion heater and using this may cost you more
Make sure that there's plenty of air around your heat pump. This means regularly checking for leaves or rubbish caught at the back and side of the heat pump and pruning back any plants growing too close to the unit or its pipes. In very cold weather make sure to clear snow from the air source heat pump.
There’s a weekly flush of the water tank to help keep the source clean. Using the hot water during this cycle may cause a fault code to appear on your home unit. If you have concerns about any fault codes on your home unit, please refer to your manufacturers guide and contact us if needed.
- Your system will run 24/7, all year round
- Do not adjust the main settings on your unit, only use the room thermostats
- Radiators will not be hot to the touch
- For maximum efficiency with your heating, doors and windows should remain closed
- Keep the unit outside your home clear from vegetation
- Altering the system will cost you more in running costs
- Telephone outlets are provided in your home. You will need to arrange a telephone connection from the range of suppliers available in your area, for help please visit Openreach. You'll be responsible for any connection charges incurred by your chosen supplier.
- In houses a length of cable has been provided in the loft and brought through to an external soffit ready to receive a satellite dish should you wish to install satellite services. You are responsible for providing any additional equipment and installation costs needed to do so.
If you move into a new build property, your address may not be registered with the Royal Mail. To check or activate your postcode, you'll need to contact Royal Mail directly on 08456 011110 or through their website
- You need to ensure your new turf does not dry out, or it will die.
- We recommend watering the whole area in the morning or evening each day for the first few weeks, until it is fully rooted.
- Also avoid walking on the grass for the first few weeks too to allow the turf to settle and it’s best to not let pets soil the turf, as this could kill it.
- Turf is a gifted item (not part of your purchase price) and so won't be covered under the defects warranty.
- The presence of leather jackets, caterpillars, moths or butterflies in gifted turf will not be treated by us or the developer
You're strongly advised not to store items in your loft. Your home is settling down and storing items in your loft could cause damage to the structure and could affect ventilation causing damp / condensation. If you do store items in your loft, then any defects will not be rectified by VIVID.
- Some ovens need you to set the timer before the oven will work.
- Get rid of any chemical residue by “burning off” your new oven. Turn on the fan in the ventilation hood and, if possible, open a nearby window. Set the oven to high heat, between 204 to 288 degrees Celsius. Let the oven run at this temperature for between 30 minutes and an hour.
- Your new home will have a shallow bath installed to conserve water.
- The water temperature is limited to 48 degrees to avoid scalding.
- Both these features are in accordance with building regulations.
- Some items are gifted to you and we won’t repair them if something goes wrong. This generally includes turf, sheds, ovens, hobs, flooring and toilet seats.
- You'll need to register your appliances with the warranty provider when you move in.
In houses, the external waste bins may be provided by the developer, please check your Handover Sheet when you move into the property.
If the developer doesn't provide the external waste bins, please speak to your local council who can arrange this.
If you're in a block of flats or have a shared bin room, the external waste bins will be provided.
