When to bring up snags on refurb flat? Builder "signing off" work this week.

Dawn248

I've had a call from the EA saying the developer has now finished the building containing our new flat and the building inspector is apparently "signing off the work" this week.

I have a list of things our surveyor picked up that need finishing. I was going to bring them when we get to exchanging contracts but wonder if I should bring them up now?

I'm worried that if the developer decides the work is finished and the builders move on it'll be more difficult to get them to "make good" (i.e. finish the place to the mediocre standard they promised!)
They recently accepted my reduced offer based on the survey so I don't want to be annoying, also don't want to have things half done. I'm tempted to whip out my list of issues now and email them to the EA.

Advice please? )

Cakeguts

You don't have to buy something that you are not satisfied with. If it is finished properly you will need to be annoying before you find yourself lumbered with something that you are not happy with.

Dawn248

Thanks for your reply. Yes I was a bit sarcastic about the flat I'm buying!:))
It's not ideal but all I can afford using the settlement from my divorce.

The flat has some finishing up that needs doing and I'm just asking if I should raise the issues now before the building inspector signs it off or wait till exchange?
I'm assuming it won't be long to exchange now so don't see the point in waiting but advice would be appreciated.

AdrianC

I presume this is a new-build, with BC signing it off?

So the "finishing up" is just snagging, right? Some of it may yet be finished off between now and completion. BC won't be concerned with minor cosmetic snagging - their concern is with major structural issues. They'll have been monitoring the build throughout, and the final sign-off should be a formality.

DumbMuscle

They have accepted a reduced offer based on the survey - I would expect that to mean that they expect you to make it good (because that's why you're paying less!). Have they said that they will fix any of the issues?

Dawn248

Hi, thanks for posting.
The reduced offer wasn't anything to do with snagging-it was based on the surveyors valuation of the flat because of the location (on a busy main road), its size and market value. I haven't raised any of the issues yet.

As AdrianC has said the building inspector is only concerned with major issues, I guess I hold off until I get a date for exchange then revisit the property myself and give them a list of anything that needs doing? It's just stuff like bare plasterboard in areas, tiles that need re-fixing in the bathroom etc.

Thanks again:)