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"Finish" on a New Build - What to look for

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!
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Comments

  • Tr1pp
    Tr1pp Posts: 277 Forumite
    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 head
  • Doozergirl
    Doozergirl Posts: 33,979 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Take a spirit level with you ;)
    Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
  • evoke
    evoke Posts: 1,286 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary Combo Breaker
    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!
  • Tr1pp
    Tr1pp Posts: 277 Forumite
    ^ 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 term
  • mlz1413
    mlz1413 Posts: 2,926 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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.
  • freyuk
    freyuk Posts: 22 Forumite
    Check all areas that are not normally visible, under cupboards, behind all stuff

    Check the silicon finish on toilet

    Evoke pretty much covered everything.
  • Wyndham
    Wyndham Posts: 2,504 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    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?
  • Wyndham wrote: »
    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?

    It's not cheeky imo to give a property a good going over, let's face is this is probably the biggest purchase you'll ever make
  • Thank you Evoke. Printing off your list to take with us when we see our new build on Saturday :)
  • silvercar
    silvercar Posts: 48,097 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Academoney Grad Name Dropper
    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.
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