Change in Layout/Floor plans

PoorDady

We blocked a new build property 4 months ago and contract was exchanged around 3 months ago. From the beginning to up until today, we had a layout/ floor plan of our first home in mind with the help of every bit of documents that the builder supplied to us including:

a) floor plan in builders advert
b) builders brochure which include the layout
c) detailed floor plan issued after blocking the property
d) site layout especially the layout of the lounge and kitchen
e) copy of construction issue supplied to us

Though aforementioned first two points helped us to make our mind on new house, we were aware of some acceptable/marginal changes at the end. But the srl c), d), and e) are supplied to us between blocking the property and contract exchange.
In addition, based on the communication (email/phone) we had since blocking the property, builder agreed to inform us every stage of development or any degree of changes. This agreement was also mentioned in their code of conduct to buyer (which they mailed around 4-5 weeks ago).

Now, as far as we are aware, there was:
a) no change in regulation and/or a proposal for re-planning the layout in that site
b) no update was received from builder on any property layout/regulation/re-planning/floor plan change.


In a nutshell, following are what we witnessed when we visited the property just before plaster (this is the very first they allowed us to view the property and it's progress).

On the ground floor:
a) we could see lounge where we were expecting kitchen
b) stair to first floor where we were expecting WC
c) exit door from kitchen where we expect exit from lounge to garden
d) we could see windows where we expect brick wall
e) the exit door from the lounge to garden is uneven

On the first floor:
a) we could see a bedroom where we expect ensuite master bedroom.
b) The position of bath room on first floor completely at wrong side
c) The location and direction of wardrobes in both bedrooms first floor are positioned wrongly.

We could find more structural differences, but we are literally lost and heart broken.

We are first time buyer and not sure how to approach this issue.
a) what are the legal implications we might face if we don't continue to proceed with this buying?
b) we paid close to 25K including the deposit ( this is help to buy scheme supported)
c) what are the implication we might face in future if we decided to proceed with this buying ? Such as planning related, mortgage or remortgage related or selling perspective ?

Very sorry I miss to include any vital informations. Though the builder I mentioned here is top 5 in UK, I didn't mention their name since they are yet to respond my email.

Every bit of information you write on this thread is very much valuable to me.

Thanks in advance.

anselld

It is not what you were expecting, but is there actually anything wrong with the as-built layout? Presumably it is the same square footage same number of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.

The builder will not have changed the layout accidentally. There must be some reason why they think the new layout is an improvement over the original plans, at least from their viewpoint.

davidmcn

PoorDady wrote: »

We could find more structural differences, but we are literally lost and heart broken.

Not "literally", surely?

We are first time buyer and not sure how to approach this issue.
a) what are the legal implications we might face if we don't continue to proceed with this buying?

Those will be determined by your contract. So, tell us what it says about the specification and changes to it. Or refer to the advice that your solicitor gave you at the time.

b) we paid close to 25K including the deposit ( this is help to buy scheme supported)

Is this a question? It doesn't affect the answers to the other ones.

c) what are the implication we might face in future if we decided to proceed with this buying ? Such as planning related, mortgage or remortgage related or selling perspective ?

None at all, provided that what is built corresponds with the statutory consents.

exiled_red

Is the house the mirror image of the house you thought that you were getting? It could be that you havee the opposite side to what you were shown on the plans (for example semi-detached houses are often mirror images of one another, as are flats on opposite sides of a building).

Do you have a problem with the new layout other than it being different to what you thought it would be? Was the layout/plan you were shown for your house or just an example of the ones being built in the development?

Regarding what to do if you don't want to go ahead you would firstly need to see what the contract you signed says and probably get legal advice. If you buy the place as if the property is the same size and the rooms are the same size I doubt the mortgage company would change their opinion, similarly any future buyer would buy the house as when you come to sell it is so I don't see that making any difference.

I would have a detailed look at the new layout and roomsizes etc and see if any of the changes are likely to pose you any problems or discomforts other than it not being what you expected and to make your decision from there.

Tygermoth

Check that the plans are not 'flipped' - this should have been mentioned but they do the plans one way and they are noted as being the flipped way for building.

We came across this when we were buying ours. The living room and kitchen were shown as kitchen to the back and living room to the front - when in fact the plans were to be built flipped. we were not totally happy with this as french doors in the kitchen were beneficial with the houses layout, no so much so in the living-room.

They then made larger changes to the layout when there were issues with the driveway and garden being higher than the house. We emailed in and requested remedial works be done as the house we were buying was of little resemblance to the plans we agreed.

They told us to fly a kite. We demanded our money back as there had been major changes and they complied smugly telling us that someone would by it so it was no great loss.

The house was due to be completed in July. Currently it and its neighbours (all had the same issue) are still at the building stage we pulled out at. That may have something to do with me shopping them in to the council as the changes they had built didn't comply with local planning regs

kinger101

If the plans are flipped, no problem. If the layout is totally different, it's misrepresentation. I'd be demanding a refund plus all fees incurred to date. I'd be doing this extremely loudly in their sales office in front of other potential customers.