How long do I have?

Flugelhorn

NHBC don't cover the first 2 years, so will refer it back to the builders who may decide it is not a defect but "shrinkage" or something like that. Hopefully they will sort this out for the OP but am aware of lots of developers being very slow and not in a hurry to sort problems

user1977

Have you looked under the bath yet...?

cmbrookes

UnderOffer said:

When did you move in exactly? If some months ago you may find this plumbing issue is for you to rectify, unfortunately new build or not, leaks do happen. We had this with our boiler/tank that leaked into a downstairs room. Home was only 18 months old but not covered.

NHBC, I thought this covered structural issues, roofs, windows etc., rather than internal problems? I’m sure someone can clarify. 

My solicitor says I’m covered for all defects for 2 years after issue of certificate then the next 8 years is structural only. I moved in 14th October 2022.
See extract below.

cmbrookes

Flugelhorn said:

NHBC don't cover the first 2 years, so will refer it back to the builders who may decide it is not a defect but "shrinkage" or something like that. Hopefully they will sort this out for the OP but am aware of lots of developers being very slow and not in a hurry to sort problems

Extract from my report on title 

Flugelhorn

Have a look under the bath 

" Your builder will provide this initial warranty and agrees to repair defects that do not comply with NHBC's Technical Requirements. This would not include wear and tear or maintenance issues"

cmbrookes

Flugelhorn said:

Have a look under the bath 

" Your builder will provide this initial warranty and agrees to repair defects that do not comply with NHBC's Technical Requirements. This would not include wear and tear or maintenance issues"

Yes I’ve looked and so has an on site plumber. The plumber has noted that there is no leak under the bath but he’s noticed that the taps were not sealed enough so he’s sealed them better. I think the issue is still occurring. He hasn’t looked under the floor boards where the pipes seem to run.

So where it says that the developer will be responsible to remedy ALL defects in 2 years….if these are not maintenance issues then what are they? It can’t be wear and tear as I’m the first person in the house and I’ve only been in since October 2022.

Flugelhorn

I think they would say that a defect is something they haven't done properly or at least to the defined standard.

if there is no leak under the bath then you need to have a look a bit further, we moved into a house that was 9 years old, clearly someone had not noticed that the sealant at the bank of the sink wasn't as good as it could be (shrinkage) but had still splashed water around - there is a line on the kitchen ceiling  below this - unfortunately it doesn't take a lot of water to make these marks 

cmbrookes

Flugelhorn said:

I think they would say that a defect is something they haven't done properly or at least to the defined standard.

if there is no leak under the bath then you need to have a look a bit further, we moved into a house that was 9 years old, clearly someone had not noticed that the sealant at the bank of the sink wasn't as good as it could be (shrinkage) but had still splashed water around - there is a line on the kitchen ceiling  below this - unfortunately it doesn't take a lot of water to make these marks 

Thank you for your comments. I’ll take away what you’ve said. 

cmbrookes

Just thought I'd post my update on here so I've contacted the NHBC and in writing they have confirmed that it is the liability of the developer to rectify any defects (snags) which occur under the buildmark scheme for 2 years after issue of certificate. This includes any defects internally, after 2 years they are liable for structural defects for the next 8 years.

GixerKate

Its the date of the issue of the certificate that is the problem as I believe it is issued at the point HA have taken ownership not yourselves.  A few people have had the same issue on the estate where I am, one owner moved in with only 4 months left of the 2 year snag period, after that it was their own responsibility to fix things to the property.