Survey of new-build house? Advice please.

headintheclouds

I'd really appreciate some advice and I'm certain that some of you moneysavers can help me.

I'm buying a new-build house and the completion date is due to be 28 September. I currently live very near the site so I know they're working on the inside now. I've been watching it from the start of the build.

My solicitor has written to me today to confirm how much money I need to have available for him to pay to the various parties. He's also suggested that I might like to have a surveyor look at the property before we complete. I'm paying cash (owing to an inheritance), so haven't needed a valuation survey.

Should I employ a surveyor? If so, what's the best way to find a good one?
Do I make contact the site office to make an appointment for a surveyor to visit the property, and should I visit with him/her? I have a familiarisation visit scheduled for 24 September.

Thanks in anticipation.

withabix

I assume the property has a new NHBC warranty and is being built by a 'mainstream'/reputable builder?

If so, I wouldn't waste your money on a survey.

Please do ensure that you take out buildings insurance as well though.

headintheclouds

Yes - major building company so NHBC guarantee is part of deal.
Definitely yes to the buildings insurance - especially as my current house has needed it since it was flooded during the recent storms.

Thanks!

Jonbvn

withabix wrote: »

I assume the property has a new NHBC warranty and is being built by a 'mainstream'/reputable builder?

If so, I wouldn't waste your money on a survey.

Please do ensure that you take out buildings insurance as well though.

The NHBC warrantee covers the developer more than you. Other people's experience shows that it is of little value, unless your house falls down.

I would strongly recommend that you get a professional snagging inspection done. Check out www.snagging.org for some horror stories about these "reputable" builders. There are links to the inspection companies on there also.

As an example, on my new build house, they identified more than 120 defects. Some defects were serious, such as replacing radiator valves incorrectly installed. I.e. something I would never have picked-up.

HTH.

headintheclouds

Thanks. Had wondered about a snagging inspection. Do builders get a bit awkward about allowing access or are they used to this now? Should they come with me on the familiarisation visit or do they need a separate appointment?

Canucklehead

Jonbvn wrote: »

The NHBC warrantee covers the developer more than you. Other people's experience shows that it is of little value, unless your house falls down.

I would strongly recommend that you get a professional snagging inspection done. Check out www.snagging.org for some horror stories about these "reputable" builders. There are links to the inspection companies on there also.

As an example, on my new build house, they identified more than 120 defects. Some defects were serious, such as replacing radiator valves incorrectly installed. I.e. something I would never have picked-up.

HTH.

Good afternoon: Great link! I've put it in my Favs for reference....there is no such thing as too much knowledge.:T

Canucklehead

Jonbvn

headintheclouds wrote: »

Thanks. Had wondered about a snagging inspection. Do builders get a bit awkward about allowing access or are they used to this now? Should they come with me on the familiarisation visit or do they need a separate appointment?

Hi,

I got the inspection done separately before completion. The developer didn't like it at all. They refused access first-off. I then pressured the developer that I may have to delay completion, if they refused. They gave in and allowed the inspection before completion.

Note that minor defects are not considered reasonable legal grounds for delaying completion. However, if the inspector finds something very serious (e.g. a dangerous electrical fault) you can delay completion.

The inspection company I used were great VFM.

IHateDida

I have just had Inspectorhome in today and they picked up on loads that we didn't even spot - the chap had come from London and I live in Norfolk!!!!! We completed on Thursday, all our stuff is in the garage still so they could snag everywhere easily. The building company didn't like it but hey....they should have done their job properly in the first place, and seeing as though they came after I had completed, they couldn't do much about it. I spent £297 on my snagging (if you haggle over the phone - they will give you the internet price for an inspection asap instead of a week) and to me, it was well worth it. They are doing a report for the customer care department - and there is loads they picked up on which really needs to be sorted eg. the guttering allowing water to sit in it as its not at an angle, shocking finishes where they obviously didn't think we'd see them etc....