New Home Build

lippyg

Hi all,

Apologies if this is the wrong thread but looking for some help. We reserved a new home 4 months ago and have been told the SUDS system is moving so the sewer pipe will run under our back garden. I have asked some standard questions but want to know if I am missing anything, what the financial risks are and could my insurance costs be impacted.

I've asked the builder will I be able to build an extension and building restrictions?
Who will be responsible for maintenance and repairs?
Flood risk?
Impact on re-sale?

Am I missing anything or can anyone give any other advice?

Thanks in advance

Furts

First I would suggest that it is buyer beware and the developer can do anything they wish without consulting with you. I accept that you have reserved but I would expect a clause to protect the developers position.

I suspect that ultimately if you are unhappy with how things are progressing any deposit could be returned to you. The developer would then sell the home to somebody else.

The status of the pipe is important. It sounds as if it has Adopted status which would mean an easement each side of it. This varies with Water Authorities and pipe sizes, but I would expect a minimum of 3m each side of the pipe. This is the area that you need to research, but this should be the role of your solicitor.

With regards to any impact on a future extension, this would be outside any typical contract because you are talking about a hypothetical situation. Further, the developer will not be interested in this - their role is to build and make profits.

Hope this helps.

lippyg

Thanks foe your post.

We have been told we will get full deposit back if we cancel deal as we reserved on different plans and did speak of a sun room at that time.
Will speak to the solicitor on risks.

Furts

Your mention of a sun room does raise a few observations.

A typical scenario would be a new build home is purchased by someone not wanting to undertake maintenance, or DIY, or an extension. These items are usually associated with an older home where prices and value would normally be better, and plot and room sizes may be better.

You would be most unwise to undertake a sun room in the first two years of your new home and should give careful thought before doing this in the next eight years. This is all based on the detriment to a claim on the builders guarantee and on the subsequent, typical, NHBC Warranty.

I am assuming that you are well briefed on this for you say that the sun room was discussed when you reserved. I am sure that you will respond by saying that I am stating the obvious but I thought it better to post and be sure.