New build change of bricks

74jax

lookstraightahead said:

As someone living in a house as old as the hills, I find it incredible that you can be told by a builder you're buying one thing, and end up with something different.

it's like ordering a blue dress, and then being made a red one because they've run out of material.

it doesn't matter how or why, it just isn't what you were going to buy.

amazing that builders of new properties think buyers are so gullible. Then again, I would never buy off plan.

If you put in an order for a blue dress, the seamstress couldn't get the material but could get red, she wouldn't make it in red. She would offer you the option to go ahead. Just like this, but in bricks.

OP, are you sure it is still your dream dress, sorry I mean house? 

Slithery

lookstraightahead said:

...amazing that builders of new properties think buyers are so gullible.

But the truth of the matter is that they usually are. If the buyers did their due diligence then this wouldn't happen....

Bradden

If you manage to find out what bricks the others are built in let us know and we can confirm if they are telling you the truth about availability - some of us work in the trade. 

Titus_Wadd

The new build estates near me have a variety of finishes and brick colour; would the developer offer a different brick to the dark alternative.  Could you go back to them and ask which other bricks they are currently using on that development on other plots?  They will likely think they can resell your plot to someone else but to save this sale maybe they would consider a different brick that at least matches some of the others already built?  Present them with an alternative solution rather than rejecting outright.  If the next alternative is a hideous yellow brick you can still pull out.

The finish of the house we bought was a factor in buying it, and the house before that so I do understand your disappointment.

eddddy

To summarise, I guess you have 3, or maybe 4 options:

1. Accept the house with the change of bricks
2. Accept the house with the change of bricks - but maybe try to negotiate some 'freebies' as goodwill gesture
3. Try to persuade the developer to use different bricks
4. Walk away and get your deposit back

If it's a big housebuilding company - I suspect there'll be less flexibility. You'd be talking to a sales person, and the brick supplier contract would have been negotiated and agreed by various teams at head office. A 'lowly' sales person wouldn't be able to do anything about that.

If it's a much smaller housebuilding company - and, for example, you've been dealing with the 'boss', who visits the site in his/her wellies every few days, you might stand a better chance.