Not every new build is beset with a range of issues. However, some homeowners do experience difficulties they had not anticipated.
In 2019 the BBC reported a growing list of complaints that some people issued regarded their freshly built homes. Given that construction has recently ramped up on homes and that more people are looking to buy, it’s hard to imagine the list shortening in the three years since.
Still, it’s important not to be without hope. Warranty claims had begun to fall in 2019, which means the quality of builds was improving. That said, potential problems can arise and should be resolved at the earliest opportunity, ideally reported within the first two years. Consequently, there’s little time to waste when fixing things.
Here are some things you should do if you discover that your new build home has problems.
Hire a Surveyor
Many people hire a surveyor before moving into a property. However, their services can be utilized at any time.
At first, you may only have mild suspicions about problems in your new build. Leaks may materialize out of nowhere, unexplained drafts may appear, and access to hot water may be sporadic. It can all lead to a bigger series of headaches if these issues are only chalked up to bad luck.
Hiring a surveyor will give you a better understanding of any issues on your property. They’ll conduct a snagging survey and operate independently. You’ll also be able to gauge whether minor faults can lead to something bigger if they’re not permanently fixed. Their findings are widely regarded as credible, enabling you to provide hard evidence to builders and developers in the event of potential disputes.
Enquire About Warranties
It’s easier to find out where you stand if you know where your builders stand as well. That way, problems don’t trickle down from one party to the next.
The 10-year new build warranty is for builders and developers and covers them against structural problems of their own making. It focuses on latent defects; issues with the property that pre-sale inspections may not have reasonably caught.
Safeguards like these are commonplace, and many lenders refuse to do business without them. Still, because they’re not legally mandatory, it’s worth doing a few double-checks to ensure any potential issues of this nature can be quickly resolved. There are cases of people purchasing homes without a warranty, and that’s a situation that should be avoided entirely.
You should have received the details of your developer’s warranty coverage. This typically includes a breakdown of the warranty, how long it’s valid, and any contact details if you have follow-up questions.
Revisit Your Paperwork
Of course, you can’t review your developer’s warranty coverage if your paperwork is disorganised. Many problems in life can be solved by simply referring back to any paperwork you have stored.
Create digital copies of everything. Emails and letters you either receive or send should be stashed to keep a record of logistics and deals made. Remember, it’s all evidence, and it may help settle any disputes around repairs and responsibilities.
If you live with others or have overseen the purchase of the new build with a partner, then they all must do the same. After all, some people can dispose of the odd letter thinking it’s taking up space or tedious admin. Communicate the importance of being organised and holding each other accountable.
Remember, it’s important to report new-build problems within the first 2 years as that’s often when builders are primarily responsible for fixing major and minor faults. If you’ve lost important documentation, it can cause critical delays in this process, so staying organised is really important.
Remain Calm
You’re never out of options to fix common problems with a new build house. Therefore, your composure counts for a great deal, as you can make fixing things a lot easier for yourself by simply remaining calm.
Many warranties can still cover major defects in the 3 to 10-year range. Any repairs costing less than £1500 are typically excluded at that stage. After 11 years, you’ll be expected to utilize your own insurance policies, giving you a healthy breadth of time to resolve things.
Conclusion
Try to be prompt but without panic. Problems in new build properties can often spiral out of control. One defect can cause another, and eventually, it can seem like you’re simply trying to keep up with a never-ending list of issues. Time spent worrying is time wasted in these situations, so holding your nerve will help you eventually get ahead of these issues.
Additionally, problems in your property can also feel incredibly demoralising and isolating. Practice mindfulness techniques. Depending on the extent of the issues, you could temporarily move out and stay with a loved one who’ll provide support. In the end, a genuine belief that everything will be okay is vital, both for how fast you fix your property and your general well-being.
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