What should I do on my first day?
Read the meters, find the stop tap and test the smoke alarms. Then walk round with a notebook, before the boxes and furniture go in. NHBC's guide says cosmetic damage must be reported within seven days of completion, because later it may be impossible to prove who caused scratches, chips or dents. Protect the new floors from dirty shoes on moving day. Under the Quality Code, the builder is responsible for snags in the first two years, and the Code asks you to report them as soon as possible.
Meters and energy suppliers
Read your meters on the day you move in. Citizens Advice says to give the readings to the current supplier, so your first bill is accurate. You will automatically be on a "deemed contract", the supplier's standard tariff, until you choose otherwise. If you don't know who supplies your gas and electricity, you can find out online.
Internet, water and council tax are yours to set up too. The NHQB says you will usually need to arrange your own broadband, and register with utility providers.
A trick we used a photo of each meter, with the date showing, on the day we got the keys. It settled one disputed first bill in a single email.
Insurance
MoneyHelper says you should have buildings insurance in place from exchange of contracts, and that a mortgage lender will require it. It suggests getting contents insurance at the same time. The HomeOwners Alliance warns that a new post code which isn't live yet can cause problems getting insurance.
Should I change the locks on a new build?
It is worth thinking about. The Master Locksmiths Association says tradespeople, site staff and estate agents have all had access to the keys of a new build. It suggests checking your home insurance first, as insurers may require a minimum standard of lock. The MLA represents locksmiths, so it has an interest. Weigh it up for yourself.
Council tax, address and bins
A new home may not have a council tax band yet. If yours doesn't, gov.uk says to contact your local council. When you start paying depends on the council. Dorset Council, for example, charges from the date on its completion notice, or from the day you move in if that comes first.
Your builder arranges the new address and post code with the council. The HomeOwners Alliance says it goes live when Royal Mail is told post can be delivered. If you know your address is ready before Royal Mail does, Royal Mail suggests telling it directly. Changes can take up to five days to show on Royal Mail's Postcode Finder, and longer to reach other companies.
Bins vary by council. Uttlesford says the developer will normally order and pay for them. Chesterfield advises checking with the developer before buying any. Ask the builder first, then the council, and find out your collection day.
Alarms and the stop tap
Gov.uk advises at least one smoke alarm on every level, tested at least monthly. Test yours in the first week, along with any heat and carbon monoxide alarms. The electrics page has more.
Find the stop tap before you need it. Thames Water says it is usually just after the water pipe comes into the house. Common places are under the kitchen sink, in an airing cupboard, under the stairs or in the garage. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water. The before you drill page covers what else is in the walls.
The handover pack
Your builder should explain how the home works at the demonstration, and where to find the manuals, contacts and warranty details. The Consumer Code says you should be given the warranty details at completion.
Register the appliances. The NHQB says this helps make sure the makers' warranties are activated, and that for an appliance fault it is often best to contact the maker directly. Servicing the boiler, heat pump and alarms usually becomes your job once you move in.
How long does a new build take to settle?
NHBC says a new home generally takes around nine months to a year to dry out. Keep the heating steady rather than turning it right up, as heat speeds up shrinkage. The year one page explains what is normal.
Living on a building site
If the development isn't finished, expect some disruption. The NHQB says roads, paths, lighting and landscaping are often finished later, once heavy construction traffic has reduced. Expect mud in winter and dust in summer.
Builders registered with the NHQB should give you a Schedule of Incomplete Works at completion, with expected dates for finishing. Keep children away from active work areas and moving vehicles, and report safety concerns to the builder.