The First Month in a New Property: What to Do and In What Order

The first weeks establish records, catch defects and set up systems. A sequence that prevents later difficulty.

The first month in a property is when defects surface, records should be created and systems should be understood. It is also when everyone is busy unpacking, which is why these things are so frequently left undone.

Before stage one

Ideally begin before furniture arrives, since an empty property is far easier to document and inspect.

• Handover documentation received and reviewed.
• Meter readings recorded with photographs.
• Utility accounts transferred or opened.
• Insurance in place from the date of ownership.

Stage 1: Document the empty property

Photograph every room, including floors, walls, ceilings and fittings, before anything is moved in.

• Deliverable: A dated photographic record.
• Owner: Owner.
• Approval gate: Completed before the first furniture arrives.

Stage 2: Locate and understand the systems

Find the main water shut off, the distribution board, air conditioning controls and drainage access, and confirm you know how to isolate each.

• Deliverable: A note of key positions and how to operate them.
• Owner: Owner.
• Approval gate: You can shut off water and power without searching, which matters in an emergency.

Stage 3: Test everything methodically

Operate every tap, drain, switch, socket, door and window, and run each air conditioning unit.

• Deliverable: A defect list from actual testing.
• Owner: Owner.
• Approval gate: Testing completed within the first days, while any defects period is at its most useful.

Stage 4: Report defects in writing

Raise every defect in writing with photographs, referencing the applicable defects period or warranty.

• Deliverable: A written report with a response requested.
• Owner: Owner.
• Approval gate: Reported in writing, not verbally, and dated.

Stage 5: Establish maintenance records

Create a file for the property covering documentation, warranties, service records and any work performed.

• Deliverable: A property file, digital and physical.
• Owner: Owner.
• Approval gate: Started now, since retrospective assembly rarely happens.

Stage 6: Plan the first year of maintenance

Schedule servicing for air conditioning before summer, check drainage before the rainy season, and note the replacement horizon for major equipment.

• Deliverable: A maintenance calendar for the year.
• Owner: Owner.
• Approval gate: Scheduled rather than left to be remembered.

Handovers between stages

The window that closes fastest is the defects period, and it closes quietly. Owners who test systems in the first weeks catch items while someone is still obliged to address them; those who test in month eleven usually find the obligation has expired.

How you know it is finished

The first month is well handled when the property is documented, systems are understood, defects are reported in writing, records are established and the first year of maintenance is scheduled.

If you are buying a finished property, Domira can inspect it, verify the documentation and price the findings with you before you commit.