Mainstream property developer question

JamesN

Hi All,

Looking at trying to find a decent new build. I was wondering though, is there a place that has reviews or comparisons of all of the big developers. I've tried googling but not getting the right results.

Essentially, I googled one of the developers for a property I was looking at and I had pages and pages of poor reviews for lack of quality and poor workmanship.

Obviously, this is something I would want to try to minimise so thought it best to ask the question.

Many thanks in advance.

domcastro

My friend's in the business. She said Berkeley homes were the best. Redrow are quite good. But avoid Persimmon and Charles Church as their last lot of new builds didn't even get NHBC certificate

princeofpounds

Frankly, it is very site-dependent. Each site will have different specifications, budgets, architects and project managers. Even different sub-contractors.

That is not to say builders don't have general reputations, but you'll find the variance from site to site is usually more important.

Doozergirl

princeofpounds wrote: »

Frankly, it is very site-dependent. Each site will have different specifications, budgets, architects and project managers. Even different sub-contractors.

That is not to say builders don't have general reputations, but you'll find the variance from site to site is usually more important.

I'd agree with that.

Ultimately these homes are built purely for profit and don't use the very best of materials. New build is not where you get what you pay for, but until we develop a culture where you can custom build, you don't have a lot of choice.

We see the most ridiculous corner cutting behind the walls when we work on newer builds. Push fit plumbing systems, the cheapest of stud walling systems that makes it very hard later adaptation, massive gaps behind walls which make the rooms smaller but makes it easier for people only working on it for a matter of weeks to bung pipes etc over the floors instead of within them etc. Cheap, lightweight brick that smashes when you remove it and can't be reused.

The actual workmanship will be a matter of the quality standards on site and the individual tradespeople.

princeofpounds

but until we develop a culture where you can custom build,

Yes it's such a shame the planning system kills individual builds. You get a much better quality of housing in Germany, France, the Netherlands, where individual builds are common.

JamesN

Doozergirl wrote: »

I'd agree with that.

Ultimately these homes are built purely for profit and don't use the very best of materials. New build is not where you get what you pay for, but until we develop a culture where you can custom build, you don't have a lot of choice.

We see the most ridiculous corner cutting behind the walls when we work on newer builds. Push fit plumbing systems, the cheapest of stud walling systems that makes it very hard later adaptation, massive gaps behind walls which make the rooms smaller but makes it easier for people only working on it for a matter of weeks to bung pipes etc over the floors instead of within them etc. Cheap, lightweight brick that smashes when you remove it and can't be reused.

The actual workmanship will be a matter of the quality standards on site and the individual tradespeople.

Thanks for all the info guys. All really useful points.

Do you think that tends to be the case for all new build sites then? Kind of puts me off getting one if i'm going to have no end of problems. What does the NHBC warranty cover, is it just structural things or is it not really worth the paper its written on?

Doozergirl

The NHBC gives you two years of the builder to carry out snagging works. Anything that goes wrong as a result of their workmanship.

Beyond that you have up to 10 years covering major structural defect. Whether it is worth the paper is a good question. It's better than nothing, certainly.

Are all developers like that? The big ones, yes. They answer to shareholders. Are some better than others? I'm not sure. They're selling the same product, ultimately, like the bigger supermarkets. What do you care if they use cheap bricks or pushfit. That isn't the question the buyer asks.

Will the house outlive you? yes.

JamesN

The developers I'm considering are crest Nicholson, bovis and bellway. When you Google them for reviews you get all these nightmare stories. Would you all go for a preowned home then? We are looking to stay there for about 8 - 10 years.

Zippy-Wallet

I would say that if you know how to handle the developer it can be a good purchase. You get the house you want, without the hassle of being in it when a new kitchen is being fitted or other DIY undertakings.

Always use your own independent solicitor, mortgage advisor and professional snagger. Ask for regular site visits during the build to knock on the head any issues before it goes too far - constant contact will enable you to see the customer care and willingness to make you happy.

Ensure you complete on your timescale; do not let the builder dictate the completion date. Once the house is complete do a full inspection, with your snagger. Only once you are happy then exchange and finally complete.

The people who tend to fall foul in the new build process are those buying around Christmas or end of year. This is the time when bonuses are paid, figures are released so the companies pressure site contractors to finish, purchasers to complete in one of the worst times of year for builds to take place.

As with purchasing anything, a little savvy and research can go a long way to making the purchase pain free. You are spending a huge amount of money; you're the boss!

Zippy-Wallet

Also be aware that most people only go on the internet for a good moan, the others are snuggled in their new home!

inatdeepend

Zippy-Wallet wrote: »

Also be aware that most people only go on the internet for a good moan, the others are snuggled in their new home!

Just exactly what I was going to say... And you can't verify everything you read on the internet so exaggeration is often used.