Is this normal on new developments?

kindofaverage

we are interested in a new development. They don't have a show home in the design we want but are plastering etc one and therefore nearly finishing this style home. we asked if we could just have a quick look in the house for its size but was firmly told no one could enter the houses currently under construction. The only time people could view was when bought ? Sales advisor stated it was a bit off putting for people as people wanted to envisage the space. It was a taylor wimpey development.- Is this normal with new builds please?

bclark

No it's not normal. I am buying on a Redrow development and have been in 3 of ther unfinished houses on the development. They wouldn't let anyone in until they were safe etc but they were certainly unfinished. I also went in a Bovis one at a similar stage.

If they want a sale then the should do everything to make it happen.

kindofaverage

thank you bclarke for the info. we thought it a bit strange at the time. we can understand the health and safety issues etc but even when it is finished???? will probably walk away from them!!!

Building_Surveyor

sounds like a load of bull crap!!! ive just bought a bellway home. viewed it before it was finished. site manager took me round albeit had to wear hard hat, hi vis jacket etc. Wouldnt have bought it otherwise

lindsloo

As long as you are accompanied by a contractor who holds the suitable h&s card and you are wearing appropriate ppe then you can be escorted around the site.

dimbo61

If you like the property then wait a liitle until its nearly finished and ask to view property then.
Take a camera and tape measure and measure up each room and note electric sockets, phone + TV points, take photos.
Do Taylor Wimpy have a showhome elsewhere in the country with the type of house you are looking at ?
Day trip ?

JQ.

dimbo61 wrote: »

Do Taylor Wimpy have a showhome elsewhere in the country with the type of house you are looking at ?

This seems the most sensible solution, after all these are all standard designs. I suspect such a similar property will not be that far away.

kindofaverage

thanks everyone - there is not a show home anywhere apparently for this style. oh well, taylor wimpey have lost a sale and not just on this style of house but on any other one as well, as owners are not allowed in the homes til handover day???? Bizarre

artbaron

Makes you wonder what they have to hide.

lessonlearned

Again - I would point out that I am an ex-build negotiator here.

I'm afraid that on site health and safety legislation has now reached almost ridiculous levels. Whilst no-one in their right mind would allow young children on site, H&S now makes it very difficult to arrange viewings whilst a property is still under construction.

Generally the rule of thumb is if it is a "hard hat" area you may be allowed to go in under supervision, with either the negotiator or the site agent - at their discretion. If the negotiator is in doubt they have to check with the site agent.

Generally the site agent and negotiator meet once a week to discuss progress and any issues. At this stage the site agent will normally tell the negotiator which properties are safe to view.

You will have to wear a high visibilty vest, proper fully enclosed shoes (no sandals, high heels or flip flops, trainers etc) and wear a hard hat.

If the house is surrounded by scaffolding, or if it's neighbours are, then it is a no-go area. Generally once an area is deemed safe then you will be allowed in, always accompanied.

You will never never be allowed to wander around by yourself.

If a negotiator allowed this, they would be sacked.....

The only time you might be allowed this is when a property has become a "stock property", ie it will be build complete and it comes under the care and control of the negotiator, rather than the site agent.

Yes of course you are allowed in to view your property before handover day. It's utter tosh to say you won't be allowed access before then.

When a property is deemed build complete, the purchaser is issued with a 14 day notice. During this period the purchaser inspects their property, central heating systems etc are demonstrated, and this is time you get to complete a snagging list.

Furts

lessonlearned wrote: »

When a property is deemed build complete, the purchaser is issued with a 14 day notice. During this period the purchaser inspects their property, central heating systems etc are demonstrated, and this is time you get to complete a snagging list.

This comment makes me cringe.

The purchaser is paying for a satisfactory product, produced by an expert - that is the builder. The purchaser, who in over 90% of cases is not trained in building, then has to go round producing a snagging list to give to the builder.

The builder always knew these jobs needed attention, but was just trying to get away with not doing them.

Equally, the builder is aware the issue of snagging sheets is his responsibility and part of his job.

With no other product from a can of baked beans, to an electric kettle or a new car would it be routinely accepted, and never questioned, that the customer has to do the checking, quality control and work of others.

Of course it should not be like this - home builders, with government support, are still firmly rooted in the Dark Ages.