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

Wyndham

evoke wrote: »

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.

I have pressed 'thanks' for this, but I'd also like to say it. THANK YOU! IT'S BRILLIANT!

BadgerFace_2

Is this a new build home inspection? Snag with the lights on, then off too. You'll see the imperfections on the walls a LOT easier as the window lights will throw shadows onto them.

Ulfar

I would also take a spirit level, torch, and ruler. In addition to this take relatives who may know a bit about building, in my case I take father and grandfather. I may miss something but between the three of us we are an estate agents worst nightmare.

If its a house take a step ladder and check in the loft.

Check the basement if there is one.

Make sure you open and close all the windows to see if they are ok.

Spend 15 minutes before the viewing wandering around the outside of the house/flat and local area.

Above all if you feel uneasy about a property walk away.