Snagging and warranties on new build

Vestra

I have recently reserved an already complete new build flat, it is offered with an ICW warranty rather than NHBC. Straight away should I be asking why ICW and note NHBC? Does anyone have any experience with ICW as there is limited information online regarding them.

I am thinking I need to arrange a snagging survey, having recently visited the property there are a couple of things I noticed (shower door not properly closing, patio doors difficult to lock and minor paint defects). If a snagging survey picks these up and others, what obligation does the developer have to actually make these right? Also when would the right time be to arrange the survey given the flat is already complete.

Thanks in advance!

davidmcn

Survey now and check that everything's fixed before you exchange, would make the most sense.

eddddy

Vestra wrote: »

I have recently reserved an already complete new build flat, it is offered with an ICW warranty rather than NHBC. Straight away should I be asking why ICW and note NHBC? Does anyone have any experience with ICW as there is limited information online regarding them.

Trading Standards appear to have audited ICW and appear happy: https://www.tradingstandards.uk/media/documents/commercial/code-audits/icw-audit-november-2017.pdf


(Although the standard of writing and grammar in that audit report is terrible. If it wasn't on Trading Standards own website I would have assumed it was fake.)

Vestra

eddddy wrote: »

Trading Standards appear to have audited ICW and appear happy: https://www.tradingstandards.uk/media/documents/commercial/code-audits/icw-audit-november-2017.pdf


(Although the standard of writing and grammar in that audit report is terrible. If it wasn't on Trading Standards own website I would have assumed it was fake.)

Also it looks like the scheme is new in the report and there were no customers to report on... anyone else have any thoughts on this scheme? Or thoughts on this being a red flag for them not using NHBC?

Sibz

Can't add anything regarding ICW/NHBC.

But for survey, as David says above, before exchange would be best, a 2nd best would be getting the stuff done before you move in if poss.

The items you listed are common and the patio doors locking thing will likely be down to the house settling (we are experiencing this also - and they worked perfectly well before). If you aren't using a professional snagging company it is likely you will encounter further issues down the line. It is maybe more pertinent to establish if the developer is worthy of your trust.