New Build Check List

MaebyJade

We have been given a completion date (28th June) for our new build home by the developer. I walk post the property on the way to work and it looks like there is still a lot to do so I was surprised when they called to tell me the date. Anyway, the lady from the developer stated that completion had to take place before the end of June because it was the end of their financial year.

Being the paranoid person that I am, I'm worried we may be moved into a house that has been rushed and corners will be cut to meet this date. The house has a NHBC guarantee which offer some comfort, but can I request a copy of their inspection report which they carry our prior to moving in?

Also I would very much appreciate any tips/advice to make sure the house has been built to a decent standard.

Thanks

Chengy

MaebyJade wrote: »

We have been given a completion date (28th June) for our new build home by the developer. I walk post the property on the way to work and it looks like there is still a lot to do so I was surprised when they called to tell me the date. Anyway, the lady from the developer stated that completion had to take place before the end of June because it was the end of their financial year.

Being the paranoid person that I am, I'm worried we may be moved into a house that has been rushed and corners will be cut to meet this date. The house has a NHBC guarantee which offer some comfort, but can I request a copy of their inspection report which they carry our prior to moving in?

Also I would very much appreciate any tips/advice to make sure the house has been built to a decent standard.

Thanks

Any chance your in Dartford? I am in the same position too, the end of June.

I think if you google snag list, you will be able to find some helpful tips.

norm_

Refuse the completion date until works have finished, don't sign off until you are happy with the quality of work done. Once it's signed off as completed the developer has little interest, afterall they have your money.

Newbiebuyer2016

Completing next week on a new build and I believe my solicitor had to have a the paper where the builders signed it off? It might have been in the conditions of your mortgage too? I can't remember where it cropped up but it did.

Anyway we had a look last week and there are some issues that need rectifying.

Are you with Barrett's? They have a defects policy which i believe runs for 2 years?

MaebyJade

I'm in Manchester and the builder is Linden Homes (Galiford Try). Thanks for the advice, I'm considering paying for new build snag inspectors, it's going to be about £500. Anyone ever use one of these companies? Is it worth the money?

mleach101

MaebyJade wrote: »

I'm in Manchester and the builder is Linden Homes (Galiford Try). Thanks for the advice, I'm considering paying for new build snag inspectors, it's going to be about £500. Anyone ever use one of these companies? Is it worth the money?

Not used one yet but definitely planning to when I complete in July. I've had them recommended to me by a number of people who didn't use one. My view is that yes it's £500 but for that you get a survey from a qualified person, who will also present their findings to the builder directly in an unemotional way which hopefully makes it harder for the builder to argue.

Where you may struggle is getting it done prior to completion (which it sounds like it'd be your preferred option) as the builder controls access to the property until this point however you could use their deadline as a bargaining point to get them in early.

MaebyJade

mleach101 wrote: »

Not used one yet but definitely planning to when I complete in July. I've had them recommended to me by a number of people who didn't use one. My view is that yes it's £500 but for that you get a survey from a qualified person, who will also present their findings to the builder directly in an unemotional way which hopefully makes it harder for the builder to argue.

Where you may struggle is getting it done prior to completion (which it sounds like it'd be your preferred option) as the builder controls access to the property until this point however you could use their deadline as a bargaining point to get them in early.

I've done some research online and found a decent professional snagging inspectors, so will be giving them a ring first thing Monday morning. The more I read about this sort of thing the more it sounds like a very wise thing to do.

On your second point, I have a home demonstration booked for the 26th. If Linden Homes refuse access before then, I'll just take the inspector with me on that date and he can do it then.