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"Finish" on a New Build - What to look for
Wyndham
Posts: 2,504 Forumite
I'd appreciate some advice of what to look for on a new build in terms of 'finish' which may show other problems that I can't see.
Obvious things like loose items or wonky floors make sense, but I think there may be subtle things I can look for which show that a good or bad job has been done - for example there is something about the screws in a door all being lined up or something (this is a half remembered conversation I had and didn't really understand!)
Any pointers appreciated.... thank you!
Obvious things like loose items or wonky floors make sense, but I think there may be subtle things I can look for which show that a good or bad job has been done - for example there is something about the screws in a door all being lined up or something (this is a half remembered conversation I had and didn't really understand!)
Any pointers appreciated.... thank you!
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Comments
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check the UPVC windows. If they have excessive amount of extra trim (not the frame but the extra sheets of plastic they put around the edges) and for extra wide stips of cork / silicone sealer. Usually a sign of bad fitting.
with doors, check the tops and bottoms, if they have been heavily plained to a slope at on side or another to allow the door to close properly, again this shows bad fitting and wonky frames.
cant think of much off top of my head0 -
Take a spirit level with youEverything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
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Check the alignment of all the doors and check all the locks work with the keys.
Open all the doors fully and see if they stick to the carpet/flooring.
Check the water pressure. Locate the stop cocks for everything.
Check the toilets flush and see how long they take to refill.
Check that you have isolator valves fitted to water supply pipes for toilets, etc.
Check the shower works.
Check the bath/shower trays are sealed.
Check the tiling is grouted.
Check the walls (are they plasterboard or plaster/brick?)
Walk heavily on the floors in every room to see if they flex a lot or creak (this will reveal how many complaints you'll get from those living below you if it's a flat!)
Check the carpets have underlay if you can.
Check all the windows open and close properly and have keys for the locks on them.
Check the intercom door-entry system works (if it's a flat).
Check the NHBC certificate/documentation.
Check the gas/hob works.
Check the boiler works and you get hot water to taps/bath/shower.
Check where the meters are loacted for gas, electricity and water.
Check the quality of the paintwork on wood and walls.
Check the plumbing of any fitted appliances. Make sure there are no loose pipes, particularly waste pipes for things like the washing machine and dishwasher.
Check fitted cupboards (doors opening, shelves, rails, etc).
Check any associated parking space/garage/outbuilding.
Locate outside stop cocks.
Check all of the radiators work.
A lot of the problems won't reveal themselves immediately but will be part of the 'snagging' that occurs after several weeks/months. Make sure you builder agrees to callouts to get snagging issues dealt with promptly and free of charge to you.Everyone is entitled to my opinion!0 -
^ above post seems pretty spot on, covers things to look out for to identify shoddy work and identifies things to look for as standard.
check water pressure as mentioned, crappy showers are really annoying in the long term0 -
If a builder has lined the screws up in a door handle I'd be amazed! and quite frankly does it matter?
I looked round a new build with my fella, his eyebrows had virtually flown off his forehead a couple of times but I hadn't seen a thing, so unless you know the difference between coving being fitted before or after the plasterboard I'd recommend taking someone experienced with you.
There are all the things that evoke has kindly taken the time to type and I'd recommend you take the time to do these and not get embarrased about it.0 -
Check all areas that are not normally visible, under cupboards, behind all stuff
Check the silicon finish on toilet
Evoke pretty much covered everything.0 -
Thank you, really useful stuff here. I'm not sure how much I can check on a viewing though - but maybe I just need to be cheeky?0
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Thank you Evoke. Printing off your list to take with us when we see our new build on Saturday0
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If a builder has lined the screws up in a door handle I'd be amazed! and quite frankly does it matter?
I've seen a new build like that, the owners proudly pointed it out!
Does it matter? Not in itself, but it does show attention to detail that gives you some confidence in the build.I'm a Forum Ambassador on the housing, mortgages, student & coronavirus Boards, money saving boards. I volunteer to help get your forum questions answered and keep the forum running smoothly. Forum Ambassadors are not moderators and don't read every post. If you spot an illegal or inappropriate post then please report it to forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com (it's not part of my role to deal with this). Any views are mine and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.com.0
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