Linden Homes Enhance service

buddabudda

Has anyone used the "Enhance" service from linden homes when buying one of their new builds? (Enhance is basically the "upgrades" department where you can spec better quality floors/kitchens etc than the standard ones)

I'm off to their "Enhance" studio tomorrow to see whats on offer and I just wondered if anyone on here has used the service and what their opinions were.... eg was it good value, good service, did you get any discounts? They claim VAT isnt payable on many of the items, is that true? Does that mean they just jack their prices by 20%?

All info gratefully recieved

Furts

When I worked for one of the major house builders there was pressure exerted to push extras. The builder screwed down all suppliers on price, then put a standard mark up of 42.5%. Basically, the customer was milked.

In the case of kitchen appliances there was no opportunity to show a VAT saving - this is VAT Law.

The moral is to look closely at the prices and value.

dumpallhere

Building trades: VAT when constructing new houses and flats

The problem is that most of the big builders will not allow third party contractors to supply and fit for a buyer before completion, leaving the buyer with little choice - either get the extras from builder at their price or agree to completion of an incomplete house (and then get the extras done from where you like .. with no VAT exemption possible).

As mentioned by Furts, it is naive to think that the builders will see you the extras without a good margin of profit. And if you ask them about VAT they will confidently tell you that the VAT exempt items are indeed VAT exempt .... but not that the prices include that much (and probably more as indicated above) as their own profit margin.

Surrgirl

Hey Buddabudda
How did you get on in the enhance studio?
I have just reserved a linden homes property, keen to hear how expensive it is and whether it was any good? (I've just reserved a 2 bed, 2 bath flat) was the show room in London?
Thanks for any advice you're able to offer...

Mobeer

Went to the showroom in Caterham.

Asked for an electric hob in place of gas - this was cheap and suits me better.

Had 2 wardrobes fitted - pricey but built to measure and very nicely finished, glad I got them.

Had shower fitted over bath - a bit expensive but my preference. It was convenient to get this fitted before completion. Was originally fitted wrongly but redone by Linden Homes \ Enhance.

Had alarm system fitted - had issues about how this was done, eventually settled after much discussion.


My main advice would be beware of going too far - there are a lot of options available. I recommend you work out a list of what you need and what you want. Then get an estimate of what these would cost if done separately.

Karndean flooring is nice for bathrooms and kitchen - I managed to get the basic one thrown-in and it's much nicer than vinyl.