Finding House Issues After 4 Years

Dazzler_3000

Hi, I've tried searching for an answer to this but can't seem to find one.


I bought a new property back in 2016 and initially had some problems which were reported but I'm now identifying other problems with the property. I've searched online and can see that 'structural' issues are generally covered for 10 years but I can't seem to find the definition of what structural is - Most of my issues involve doors so I'm not sure if they'd be considered structural.


The issues come under two areas - Problems I've already reported after first moving in and problems identified recently (i.e. 4 years later).


The original problems identified were: Front Door fitted incorrectly meaning that it's now tilting and catching on the frame when closing and some of the stairs move/creak.


They have been out to fix the front door twice but it's still having issues - At what point do I raise this as a bigger issue? Are they going to keep coming out once a year to correct it? Can I request they fix this 'once and for all'?


The issue with the stairs has been looked at by them once. They advised the issue was caused by them hammering in the carpet when it was fitted (which they shouldn't have - The housebuilder fitted the carpet so it's their fault). They've tried to fix it once by cutting a hole under the ceiling in the cupboard under the stairs but now the issue is starting to return.


I think I'm fine with getting them to resolve these issues as they were identified early and are both the fault of the homebuilder.


The new issues identified recently are: the back/patio door locking mechanism 'locking up' and the indoor door handles coming apart.


The back/patio door mechanism is awful. The handle has come loose and it sometimes jams and you can't move the handle or turn the key. I'm not sure where I stand with this, but I don't think it's right that the handle is already breaking after 4 years. Have I got grounds to request they fix this?


The other issue is with all the doors inside. One of the handles came loose and I had to repair it myself about 8 months ago. Now all the other handles are falling off (and I mean pretty much all of them). I've looked at them and it looks as though they only installed the handles using 2 out of the 5 screw slots (which is why they're coming apart). It was a nightmare fixing the one handle myself as the screws had 'rotted away' the wood meaning that I couldn't properly screw a new handle in. Where do I stand with this? Is it common practice to not use all the screws available and will they turn around and just say it's been 4 years so that's your normal wear and tear?


I've already reported these issues but I'm pre-empting them coming back and refusing to fix them so I just wanted to check where I stand.


Any advice would be much appreciated - Thanks you!

Cakeguts

Doors are not structural. You could take them all off and the house would not fall down. Structural is something that could cause the building to be become damaged or in danger of not staying up.

Niv

Your current issues all sound like wear and tear to me, I cant imagine that the 10year guarantee will cover that.


I personally would expect those fixtures to last longer but I guess they put cheap parts in.

RelievedSheff

I don't think you will have any come back on those items. They are all wear and tear items and not expensive to sort out yourself.

After four years you have to expect that some items are going to start to show signs of wear. As a homeowner you have the responsibility in fixing these minor items.

eddddy

Dazzler_3000 wrote: »

I've searched online and can see that 'structural' issues are generally covered for 10 years but I can't seem to find the definition of what structural is - Most of my issues involve doors so I'm not sure if they'd be considered structural.

So you have a 10 year warranty, and the warranty documents should give fairly precise details of what is covered.

For example, if it is a NHBC Buildmark warranty, you can go to this web page and scroll down to get an idea of cover you have in years 3 to 10. (But you need to double-check by reading your policy.)

Which parts of the home are covered in years 3-10?

During the insurance period after the initial builder warranty period has expired, Buildmark is designed to protect your home from damage caused where the property has not been built to NHBC requirements. This diagram shows you the parts of the home that are typically covered...

Link: http://www.nhbc.co.uk/Homeowners/WhatdoesBuildmarkcover/

And warranties from other providers might have less / different cover.

RelievedSheff

Also worth noting that with the NHBC warranty where you do have a valid claim (which you don't) there is a minimum claim amount of 10% of the property value.

phill99

I used to have a contract with a regional house builder and got involved in a lot of this kind of stuff.


The NHBC will not cover your new 'issues'. Your builder 0nly had a 2 year defects liability period so you are well out of that now.


The issues you identify are those that go with home ownership and you need to take it on the chin.


Locks break, handles fall off. Nothing lasts.


It will be down to you to deal with it.


A locksmith or double glazing door service engineer will sort the patio door out and a handyman will sort the door handles out.


But, No. You have no recourse to the builders.

HampshireH

This is all part of the homeownership deal. I think it's lucky they reattend to the stairs after 4 years to be fait