New build, check everything

broga020

I went to view a new build flat I am buying today, and goodness me, check everything! I found one of the windows is broken and wont open/close properly and I found the corner of kitchen doesn’t have a corner post so you can’t open one the cupboard doors without opening the other first. There were a few other things too. When I pointed this out the agent said snagging was already done and wanted to email the solicitors to chase up the exchange. I flat out refused to exchange until they fix at least the window. 

Goodness me, no wonder the developers don’t like to let buyers view the units until they’ve exchanged!

RelievedSheff

There are always going to be odd bits and bobs that need some attention in a new build. They are put together by lots of different trades, not everything is going to be right first time.

You get a two year warranty from the developer followed by another 8 from your warranty provider. These things do get sorted after completion. 

We moved into our new build in April last year and have had a few minor bits replaced, a double glazing unit with dirt inside thew panes, the front door was bowed and sticking in the frame, the dishwasher socket didn't work, etc. Nothing of any detriment to the structure of the house but little odds and sods.

AdrianC

The "corner post" sounds like a design decision - I HATE that the corner unit in our kitchen does have a fixed corner post. It restricts the utility of it massively - it's got the biggest space but the smallest aperture. But we didn't choose the kitchen units...

I'd far rather the post wasn't there. If that means that a "ledge" is required on the back of one door, like most cupboards and wardrobes, so one door has to be opened first, then that's fine by me.

With that in mind, what's the situation with the window? Could it have an opening restrictor fitted to prevent it being opened very far - either for security or because of proximity to another building, required by PP?

broga020

AdrianC said:

The "corner post" sounds like a design decision - I HATE that the corner unit in our kitchen does have a fixed corner post. It restricts the utility of it massively - it's got the biggest space but the smallest aperture. But we didn't choose the kitchen units...

I'd far rather the post wasn't there. If that means that a "ledge" is required on the back of one door, like most cupboards and wardrobes, so one door has to be opened first, then that's fine by me.

With that in mind, what's the situation with the window? Could it have an opening restrictor fitted to prevent it being opened very far - either for security or because of proximity to another building, required by PP?

The windows are the kind that lean toward you, fixed at the bottom and open at the top. I tried all of them and they opened smoothly and closed properly, except for one which was getting caught on something. It was making a cracking, crunching sound when I opened it back and forth and was wobbling at the top left corner. As soon as I found it, the agent jumped in and said you have to bang it and shut it by using his body then emailed the solicitors to chase up the exchange. I tried the window again, and the same thing happened.

RelievedSheff

So they need to replace a window. Hardly a big deal or of any detriment to the property.

AdrianC

RelievedSheff said:

So they need to replace a window. Hardly a big deal or of any detriment to the property.

Or just adjust a part of the catch.

GixerKate

Surely you as the buyer would arrange snagging?

broga020

GixerKate said:

Surely you as the buyer would arrange snagging?

Yeah, the buyer would arrange it. The agent was trying to tell me the developer had done their own snagging so it wasn’t necessary for me to arrange my own. For sure, I’ll be arranging my own!

AnotherJoe

If they won't fix these faults prior to exchange they are unlikely to get a rush on after ! 

broga020

AnotherJoe said:

If they won't fix these faults prior to exchange they are unlikely to get a rush on after ! 

Yep! 

scottishblondie

AdrianC said:

The "corner post" sounds like a design decision - I HATE that the corner unit in our kitchen does have a fixed corner post. It restricts the utility of it massively - it's got the biggest space but the smallest aperture. But we didn't choose the kitchen units...

I'd far rather the post wasn't there. If that means that a "ledge" is required on the back of one door, like most cupboards and wardrobes, so one door has to be opened first, then that's fine by me.

Our house has a Howdens kitchen fitted by the previous owner.  Their corner units all have those stupid fixed corner posts that stop you from easily accessing most of the cupboard.  I wanted to have it like at our last house where there are 2 doors hinged together to open up the whole thing, but I couldn't get replacement doors in the right sizes (or at all, since the range is discontinued).  In the end I unscrewed the post from the carcass and attached it to one of the doors with metal brackets.  I have to open one then the other, but the QOL increase from actually being able to use the cupboards is incredible.  I'd highly recommend it.