New build/conversions-'extras' from builders?

Dawn248

It seems like I have a new question each week! This time I'm asking if I can ask the builders for anything extra before exchanging contracts on my new flat.
It's a conversion where developers take an existing building and put in as many 'luxury' apartments as they can. I'm instructing solicitors tomorrow and wonder if it's too late to bring up some concerns or ask for a few things to be done.
The place isn't even plumbed in yet and there are few bits that need finishing off such as bath panel not fixed, end of kitchen worktop is raw and needs trim, the paint is like undercoat on the walls. There is no hole drilled through the unit under the sink to allow me to plumb in my washing machine.
Those are the basics but I would like to ask for the airing cupboard to have shelves fitted and ask if they will add curtain fittings (if I provide or pay for them), though I can get this done by someone else of course.
In making an offer already am I accepting things as they are or can I reasonably ask for the snags to be fixed?
Thanks.

teddysmum

Builders charge high prices for extras (especially cookers etc), so it will probably be cheaper to get a handyman to doe the shelving and curtain rails (I doubt that the builders would consider the latter within their responsibility, as it's decoration).

Hoploz

It would be reasonable to ask for some bits and bobs like shelves in the cupboard and certainly to finish worktops off etc. Not sure how far down the line you are but carry on with the contract stuff, then when you get nearer to exchange, visit and see how it looks at that point. If things are outstanding, do a list of things they need to finish before you are prepared to exchange (the biggies) and ask whether they might be able to do the other things for you as well. Then inspect prior to exchange. And check (in writing) what the procedure will be for snagging after you've moved in.

comeandgo

Curtain rails are well out of normal housing extras. Can you ask any of the joiners if they would be willing to do the extras in their own time and you will pay them. Again shelves have to be made and fitted, joiner can do it.

Dawn248

Hoploz wrote: »

It would be reasonable to ask for some bits and bobs like shelves in the cupboard and certainly to finish worktops off etc. Not sure how far down the line you are but carry on with the contract stuff, then when you get nearer to exchange, visit and see how it looks at that point. If things are outstanding, do a list of things they need to finish before you are prepared to exchange (the biggies) and ask whether they might be able to do the other things for you as well. Then inspect prior to exchange. And check (in writing) what the procedure will be for snagging after you've moved in.

Great advice! My issue has been not knowing at what stage to bring things up so this is really helpful, thanks.

Dawn248

Thanks for all the replies, really appreciated.