What Are The Most Common Issues With a New Build?

When you decide to buy a house, the attraction of a brand-new home and the new mod-cons can mean common issues can be easily overlooked. For this reason, it’s essential to be aware of potential pitfalls that may lurk beneath the surface. From badly fitted windows to poor insulation, new builds can come with their fair share of costs and challenges that you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find. In this article, we will delve into some of the most common issues with new build properties and how to tackle them head-on.

Common Issues with New Build Properties

Badly Fitted Windows and Doors

Sometimes, the installation of windows and doors in new builds may fall short of perfection. These issues can often be easily fixed, but poor fitting can lead to draughts, leaks, and even security concerns, which can be a burden for new homeowners.

Brickwork Pointing

Faulty brickwork pointing can result in cracks and gaps appearing, which can lead to water ingress and dampness. A small amount of water may not cause too much damage, but it can cause damage to walls inside the property, which can affect the structure of the property over time.

Cracks in Walls

While some settling is normal in new constructions, which can cause small cracks, significant cracks in walls may indicate underlying issues with the building’s foundation or structure, so should be investigated.

Poor Insulation

Poorly insulated properties can lead to energy inefficiency, higher utility bills, and issues for occupants, especially during extreme weather conditions.

Garden Drainage

It is not uncommon for developers of new builds to fill gardens with rubble, but this can affect garden drainage. Poor garden drainage can cause waterlogging, making outdoor spaces unusable and potentially causing damage to landscaping and foundations.

Poor Plastering and Decorating

Uneven plastering and poor quality decorating can detract from the aesthetic appeal of your new home and may signal shoddy workmanship in other areas of the property.

Badly Installed Fittings

New homes often come with brand new fixtures and fittings, whether it be kitchen cabinets to bathroom fixtures. However, they could be installed poorly, which can not only detract from the look of a room, but can also affect functionality, requiring costly repairs or replacements.

Faulty Pipes

Issues with plumbing, such as leaks or water pressure problems, can disrupt daily life and cause water damage if left undetected.

What can I do to identify issues with a new build property?

Before committing to a new build property, it’s always worth conducting thorough inspections and hiring a reputable surveyor to conduct a ‘snagging survey’ and assess the property’s condition and look out for signs of problems. This gives the developer time to fix any defects before the completion date.

Dealing with New Build Problems

If you encounter issues after moving in that you weren’t aware of before moving in, be sure to document them, take photos where possible and report them to the developer as soon as possible. Most new build properties come with a warranty, which covers structural defects and other design, workmanship or material issues for up to 10 years.

Understanding the 10-Year Warranty

The 10-year new build warranty is often referred to as the National House Building Council (NHBC) warranty or Local Authority Building Control (LABC|) warranty. This warranty offers protection against structural defects and other specified problems. It typically covers the first two years comprehensively, which is the defects insurance part of the policy and then structural issues are covered for 10 years from completion. Be sure to fully understand the terms of your warranty, including what is and isn’t covered.

In conclusion, while new build properties offer modern fixtures and fittings and the promise of less maintenance, it’s essential to be proactive in identifying and addressing potential issues. With careful inspection, effective communication with developers, and an understanding of your rights under the warranty, you can navigate the complexities of buying a new build property with confidence.