New build HomeBuyers or snagging survey?

Mark10

Hi,

My wife and I are first time buyers, and are in the process of buying a new build from Croudace Homes.

We need some advice on the survey side. Any would be appreciated.

We understand the lender will require a valuation survey, and that a full structural survey would be overkill given the 10year NHBC guarantee.

However, we're unsure whether we need a Home Buyers report and/or a snagging survey. Clearly, money is tight at the moment.

It appears that Croudace have a good reputation, so we would expect them to make good any teething problems. They also offer the standard 2 year guarantee.

Thanks in advance,
Mark

Furts

Hi Mark10

With money tight, if it were me I would be evaluating what you are taking on. A snagging service?...it depends on where your knowledge and common sense lies.

Ask your future neighbours what snagging issues they have experienced, and what action Croudace offered.
Ask if the Site Manager and staff have been efficient, do they appear committed, is there an after sales procedure and call out facility.
Does the site appear tidy, well organised and well presented?
Are all materials well stacked?
Does the Site Compound appear secure?
Are the roads clean or muddy? etc

Basically you are weighing up Croudace on your particular site. Their reputation means nothing - it is based on previous sites, and all developers have good and not so good sites.

Is yours a property towards the end of the development ?- if so Croudace may be more concerned with moving to the next site than dealing with aftersales concerns.

Inspect the property thoroughly on every item before completion, get all the items in writing and make it a condition of sale that these are attended to prior to completion. Then check that they have been done.

Any defects that occur after moving in, notify to Croudace immediately, in writing. You need an audit trail should things turn sour , and also to show Croudace you are a serious consumer (that is, "do not mess me about.")

Hope this helps

Furts

Just an after thought. I believe a Homebuyers Report on a new build to be a waste of money. A full survey is a different matter, but you have said money is tight.

scottishblondie

I moved into my new build house just before Christmas. A home buyers survey would be pretty pointless IMHO, and a full structural survey is OTT unless you have some reason to be worried.

I'm relying on common sense and a thorough approach to checking everything in the house. I also downloaded a couple of snagging checklists that I found via Google in case there was anything I had't thought of.

In the first 1-2 weeks I produced a 2 page long list of snags for the builder to fix. I expect to find more as time goes on.

Mark10

Hi Furts,

It's a development about 1/3 through, with very few neighbours so far. I would expect the sales office and site manager to be available for some time to come. The active site otherwise appears fine to the untrained eye.

The advice on the HomeBuyer's is very welcome.

Thanks
Mark

Mobeer

Find some overly fussy and very house proud friends to help with snagging.