What should I check about utilities before choosing a home?

Photograph electricity and water meter numbers and readings with permission; compare them with recent bills and the seller’s account details. Ask each provider what documents and balance arrangements apply to a new contract or account change. A bill or lawyer’s general assurance is not a universal no-debt certificate.

Test water pressure and ask about outages, storage and shared supplies. For drinking-water quality use the responsible provider’s current information, not whether neighbours buy bottled water. Ask how wastewater is handled and request maintenance records for any private system. Have an engineer or appropriate service technician inspect installations, heating and hot-water equipment. Test calls and uploads indoors using the intended internet/mobile service.