Help Buying New Build From Private Builder

misslee1888

I am in the process of buying a house. The house is one of 4 houses in the street. The guy that I am buying the house asked the guy who built the other 3 houses to build the kit for the house, then he (the guy that I am buying from), arranged all of the subcontractors, Brickeys, electricians, plumbers and managed them himself. He was originally doing this to move in himself, but personal circumstances meant that he could not. Now this guy is saying that he is not the builder and that this is just an ordinary sale. The house isnt finished yet, but I am told that it will be and I think that it probably will.

The way that I see it is that there will be not time for me once I move in to find and report any snags. This could mean that the day after we move in it could rain heavy and the roof could leak, or the lock on the windows something could be wrong that I don't notice before I move in and it would mean that I would have to fix it myself.

Am I right in saying that this guy is the builder and that we should have a short time after we move in to report any issues. I would much rather walk away than have not comne back on anything that may not be done properly.

Can someone give me some advice on this??? Please

Thanks

pinkshoes

Normally on new builds, you have a 6 month (or more) snagging period to report any "faults" and get them fixed. I presume this 6 months starts from when the house is completed, so you SHOULD be entitled to this.

Try and find out who the builder is, and ask them directly, as they should be able to tell you.

Doozergirl

You need a NHBC or Zurich 10 year structural guarantee with the house (don't touch it without one) and you should have 2 years to report less major faults.

I'd want some reassurance that he's going to be around to fix things, or that the insurance policiy is comprehensive enough to keep you secure.

misslee1888

Should he have an insurance policy to cover any future issues. Are there any documents that I can show him to prove that he is obliged to give me the assurance that he will fix any issues.

Doozergirl

He's not obliged to do anything! But if he doesn't, he's going to have trouble selling. I actually wonder whether a mortgage company would lend on a new build without a 10 year policy?

What's he offering you?

Richard_Webster

Look as if the house is unmortgageable.

As Doozergirl says, he should provide NHBC or Zurich cover or have had the work supervised and inspected by an architect, chartered surveyor etc and have a certificate from that professional backed by indemnity cover. If these are not present then no mortgage lender is going to lend on it.

If you are a cash buyer you could offer him a lower price, because you would have to own the property for a bit before the need for the certificates/NHBC etc is less important.

As a conveyancing solicitor I believe the information given in the post to be useful but I accept no liability except to fee-paying clients