Housing: New Build Issues!!!?

Question

I've just bought a new build house, off plan, but keep hearing horror stories about new builds.
What issues should I look for when being shown around the house for the first time? Should I immediately test things like washing mashine, shower etc??

Any stories (good and bad) about your new build, or any tips you may have for us would be greatly recieved!!

Thanks!!

Answer 1

You asked this in the UK section.



New houses come with a guarantee so if there are problems it should be covered.



One major problem many owners have is shrinkage of plasterwork, the other is the pavements/roads either not being finished or adopted by the local authority prior to moving in.



Your home should be inspected and a snagging list detailing all faults by the company prior to you getting the keys but there is nothing to prevent you from completing your own.



Get an expert to carry it out for you if you dont know what to look out for some are simple things like making sure windows fit/dont hit guttering when opened and have keys for the locks to other more complicated matters that you would miss if you are not trained to look out for.



Normally refered to as snagging services, they do charge or you pay for a downloadable form so you do it yourself.



There are two main categories of complaint.



Poor finish



Poor skills



Dont check one door you have to check them all and every window you have to open it close it etc look at the handles locks and paintwork.



In the kitchen are all the cupboard doors on the right way and do all the electric sockets work if it comes with white goods do you have all the manuals.



I could go on but there are lots of snagging problems, every house is different so its important to check everything.



Another good point to make it when you hand in the list of repairs if you have not been contacted with a reasonable length of time for them to come and rectify the problems go into the sales office when they have clients and make a fuss.

Answer 2

When you buy a new build you usually deal with the builder, or somebody representing the builder. You probably won't have buyers agent so nobody is looking out for you. There are probably no contingencies in that contract that will help you. You walk through the new home, fall in love, sign a contract, done.

Its new, what could be wrong??? right???? just as many things could be wrong as an existing home! You have a one year warranty that may or my not help you.



If you just bought, you now own. What ever is wrong (if anything) you will have to deal with through the warranty or maybe even through court.



I would still have it inspected to get a professional opinion, just in case there is a problem and you do have to go to court or pressure them to do some warranty work.



If you do find problems check with your neighbors to see if they have the same problems. If there is a common problem through out the development there will be strength in numbers.

Answer 3

2.5 miles is a good distance away, but there is a reason why this land is vacant from residential dwellings. You are better off buying the land for commercial purposes rather than housing since air ports have a habit of expanding and could cause an incurable defect to the property making it very hard to sell to a residential buyer.

Answer 4

I work for a builder, and have had 3 homes built for me. Have an inspector go with you when you do your walkthrough, they will be able to point things out to you that need to be fixed. Then the builder will have a list of all the things that need to be fixed.



Also, if you have a crawlspace/basement, check for mold.



If the drywall is not up yet, and you are doping a pre-drywall walkthrough, again, take an inspector with you, and take a camera, take pictures of everything, from walls to ceiling so that when you have to fix something, you know where everything is.

Answer 5

Once the papers are signed and the property goes to settlement/closing/escrow, - good, bad or indifferent - that property is yours. YOU ARE THE ONE responsible for paying for all the good and bad things which happen to that property.



When you go into a property, "kick the tires". Take a flashlight AND LOOK in all those dark places: closets, attics, crawlspaces, etc.Turn on the faucets and flush the toilet. If the water pressure is low, you'll notice it by the reduction in the water flow.



When you decide that property is the property you want to submit a written offer on, one of the clauses or conditions should be the property is subject to a home inspection, which you pay for.



It pays to get a home inspection by a reputable home inspection service.



Many times, qualified home inspectors bring matters to every one's attention - Buyer, Seller and lender. Home inspectors help to clear the path for a smoother settlement/closing/escrow or to completely cancel the deal. Its well-invested money



Thanks for asking your Q! I enjoyed answering it!



VTY,

Ron Berue

Yes, that is my real last name!

Answer 6

make sure to test for mold!!!