Month one: capture what transferred
Scan or organise the survey, policy, roof invoices, chimney certificates, appliance documents, planning or listed-building correspondence and contractor contacts. Mark unknown dates as unknown rather than estimating.
Get a baseline roof view
If the purchase survey did not provide the right level of thatch detail, consider advice from a competent thatcher or suitable surveyor. Take a consistent set of exterior photographs so future changes can be compared.
Understand the heating and chimneys
Identify which chimneys are in use, which appliances serve them, when they were last swept or inspected and what your insurer requires. Create the next dates from those sources.
Build your contractor list
A reliable thatcher, chimney sweep and electrician can be more valuable than a generic list of local trades. Save the people who actually understand the property and keep notes about work they perform.
Review after the first winter
Weather and heating use often reveal things that were not obvious on moving day. Add any new observations, repairs or professional recommendations to the record so the second year starts with better information.
- Historic England — Repair or Renew the Roof in an Older Home
- Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service — Thatched living
- Howden — Thatched property insurance
Source guidance can change. Check the current version and obtain property-specific advice where needed.