New build extras

nicrper

Hi,


I'm a first time buyer looking to buy a new build that will complete around December 2018. There are a number of extras that we have to purchase during the build. As I am trying to save on our initial outlay, could you advise if these 2 extras a better done during the build or externally after completion:


- External TV aerial: we usually watch Freeview channels at our rented house. We were worried that if we get this done after the build, any issues with installation/ the roof would mean we could not go to the developer to fix other issues with the roof in the 2 year period when they fix anything that goes wrong in the house in terms of snagging. Also that this would be better done during the wiring stage of the build. Costs £425 with the developer.



- additional paving in the back garden. We get 3 rows of 5 slabs already included though. £530 through the developer.



Many thanks

whatdoyouthink...

£530 for additional slabs?? Tell them where to go! The slabs they use won't be expensive, the ones in my new build were less than £10 per slab - do it yourself!

Can't advise on the aerial, mine is an internal aerial in the attic, builders left the wire coiled up in there and we had to pay for someone to come and install it at a cost of about £150 - and that was steep.

nicrper

Great, thanks very much for your input on the paving in the back garden, looks like we will leave that out. Didn't know it was that affordable for slabs!



Was hoping someone could share what they did regarding their TV aerial when they got their new build. I think we do need one, it's just a question of whether it would be safer to have the developer do it as it concerns the roof or if it's fine to get it done externally.

Grezz24

i wouldnt get anything extra with a new build, its extortionate! much better to get it done after if its small things like paving etc.

sal_III

The paving definite pass - the price quoted is ridiculous.

For the aerial, depending on location you might be perfectly happy with an portable indoors aerial for £10-15, pointless to pre-pay £425 for roof mounted one. If you end up needing an external, the aerial itself costs like £30 and can be DYI mounted on high on the wall facing the nearest tower, doesn't have to be on the roof if you are worried about roof tiles warranty etc.

Last but not least double check all other charges by the developer. Judging by the cost of their "extras" they are likely taking you for a ride in other areas as well.

Silvertabby

Our TV aeriel is in the attic - but I suppose it depends on how good a reception area you live in.

davidmcn

Unless there's something particular awkward about the installation, £425 sounds way OTT for an aerial, and not sure why it ought to involve the roof? Screw it to a wall/chimney stack, run cable to the living room.

eidand

for your sake, I hope you've done your research on new builds and you have checked your builder to see what others are saying about them. right?

nicrper

Hi all, just wanted to say thank you for the input. It does seem that our developer has increased costs through extras where they can. I did see that we are around 18 miles from the nearest tower in terms of the aerial, so external is necessary I think, but as you all say, we can just get an external one from Argos/Amazon and have it installed for less.



We have gone for the bare minimum on the extras but anything that might be better from the outset, we weren't sure on, so had to ask - haven't had mch practical experience with houses yet. Thanks very much all, much appreciated!!!

Davesnave

I'm further than 18 miles from all 3 local transmitters and my aerial is in the loft. It feeds into a booster amplifier. No problems with Freeview.



When we were rewired, the sparkies terminated the TV cables in the loft and our local TV guy did the rest, also fitting a new satellite dish where no one normally sees it. I seem to remember his bill was under £175 the lot, but I supplied a s/h aerial.


Who wants an aerial stuck on the house externally these days?

nicrper

Davesnave, thank you very much for detailing your set up - really helped to clarify what we would need to do if we don't take the developer's option. I think we won't be going for it as I can see a fair number of TV set up/installers in the area. Many thanks.