New Build - rushed completion date?

cd1992

We are buying a new build property which is due to be build complete in the middle of Jan and the developer want to then rush through the completion before the end of the month. I took a drive past the house today and the interior walls are only just getting put up so looks like they still need to do plastering, jointers work, decorating, kitchen, bathroom and some pluming work.

I have a feeling they are trying to rush the build to get the sale included in their half year accounts which run until the end of Jan.

We have already exchanged contracts, however if we aren't happy with the build quality are we able to delay the completion until they have sorted any issues there maybe with it?

Thrugelmir

Much depends on the resources they have available. Doesn't take long for good tradesmen to get things done.

cd1992

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Much depends on the resources they have available. Doesn't take long for good tradesmen to get things done.

I'm sure it's possible to get the work done and most builders and trademen I know take 2 weeks off over Christmas. I'm just a little concerned that if its not upto scratch if they can push through the sale regardless or can we delay until it's done to an acceptable standard.

anselld

cd1992 wrote: »

I'm sure it's possible to get the work done and most builders and trademen I know take 2 weeks off over Christmas. I'm just a little concerned that if its not upto scratch if they can push through the sale regardless or can we delay until it's done to an acceptable standard.

You have exchanged contracts so once the Builder has given notice and gained the necessary completion inspections/ paperwork you will be obliged to complete or be in breach of contract.

AnnieO1234

If the work can be done as a snagging issue - e.g. Forgotten to tile around the sink unit then completion can take place on notice. If it's something more like the walls are unfinished then they won't be able to get sign off from the warranty company (NHBC et al) until the house is habitable. If they could do it any other way then be sure most builders would given immediate notice and have you complete before eventually building the house around you! Xxx

Mickygg

I had this. Caused 1 years worth of snags. They rushed it through, didn't finish so many things properly.

Whatever you do don't complete until major snags are done. Go and visit the place before you complete.

cd1992

Thanks for the replies.

Sounds like if there are some issues with it that I probably won't be able to hold back then until it's properly finished before we complete the sale.

However would any of the following be strong negotiating positions with them?

- If I was able to drag out the completion period for the full 14 days from the cml form it may push it to Feb which they won't want as it's the next fiscal year. Would I be able to negotiate some incentives from them e.g. Carpets etc if I agreed to complete in Jan as they want? If so what should I look for or expect as a minimum?

- could I threat to again hold off the completion to Feb unless they have all snags sorted?

Any other cards I could play with them?

I am hoping the house is all well and good but I want to have a solid plan in pace in case it's not so I don't let them push me over.

anselld

You will not be in a position to threaten or negotiate. At some point in time they will get completion signed off and then you will either complete or be in breach of contract. You have exchanged contracts, there is nothing further to negotiate.

cd1992

anselld wrote: »

You will not be in a position to threaten or negotiate. At some point in time they will get completion signed off and then you will either complete or be in breach of contract. You have exchanged contracts, there is nothing further to negotiate.

It's not that we won't complete, in as much as if we can legally introduce a delay to take their incentive to rush the job away. Or if the threat of a delay would put us in a stronger position to negotiate getting everything sorted quickly or get some additional extras. They have advised they want to complete in a short timeframe and not wait the full 14 days, so I could really refuses this short timescale and insist on the 14 days pushing it into the next month which they will now want. As they are really keen on having it complete in then the threat posed of pushing it to get to the next month means there maybe room for negotiation does it not?

If everything is fine with the build then I won't have a problem and will be happy to complete at the earliest point. my concern is based on if the house being rushed and not of the quality I expect for the sole purpose of accounting dates.