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Author Topic: Reserved a house - front door changed  (Read 16829 times)

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robinsj3

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Reserved a house - front door changed
« on: May 31, 2017, 07:22:11 am »
Okay this is odd. I reserved a house just over 2 weeks ago which is at build stage 6.

I photographed the plot, to show friends and family etc. I saw the house last night (just having a nose), and for some reason the front door has been changed and is now a different design. The original door was a 6 panel style, with two small square panes of glass at the top, the rest solid. The new door is a 4 panel style, with two rectangle panes of glass to the middle.

It feels trivial, but I preferred the original one as seen when I reserved the house. The house has a georgian / victorian type fan light above the door, so will get plenty of light in the hallway.

Am I being unreasonable if I complain to the builder and ask for the original door back?


New Home Expert

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Re: Reserved a house - front door changed
« Reply #1 on: May 31, 2017, 07:36:16 am »
Who is the housebuilder?

It looks like the wrong door for your particular plot was fitted in error.
The sales advisor should have gone through all of the details with you, including brick types, roof tiles and front door type and colour.

If you were sold the house on an "as seen" basis, then you could insist the door be changed back to the one you prefer. This should be no big deal for the housebuilder anyway, but depending on which housebuilder, perhaps it might be!

Be sure to have your new home snagged and inspected (I recommend you call Tim Fee at Snagging Inspections 07768 900200) before you legally complete.
Do not under any circumstances use any solicitor recommended by the house builder.
And please check the new house is not leasehold, if it is do not buy it!
More advice can be found here.
New Home Blog - New Home Expert is committed to providing help and advice for people having issues with their new homes and difficulties with house builders as well as helping potential buyers reduce the risk of possible problems if they do buy.


robinsj3

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Re: Reserved a house - front door changed
« Reply #2 on: May 31, 2017, 08:21:27 am »
Thanks for the reply NewHomesExpert.

The Sales Manager did go through the details (bricks, tiles etc) but the actual design of the front door was not stated. Just the colour it will be painted. I'm not using the builders solicitors - I found my own based on recommendation. The property is freehold.

I really would like to get the house snagged professionally, but I just can't afford the £400+. I know that may be false economy.

The house builder is Davidsons. Have to say so far I've been massively impressed with them, having bought two new builds previously.

New Home Expert

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Re: Reserved a house - front door changed
« Reply #3 on: May 31, 2017, 08:51:04 am »
Firstly, thank you for your kind donation.

A lot of new homebuyers, especially first timers who need it most, think a snagging inspection is an additional expense they can do without.  However, provided an inspection is done before you move in, it will mean all snags and defects can be addressed saving you a lot of hassle and inconvenience.

You might like to check out my DIY snagging page   and external and internal snagging checklists.

Hope everything all goes well for you!
New Home Blog - New Home Expert is committed to providing help and advice for people having issues with their new homes and difficulties with house builders as well as helping potential buyers reduce the risk of possible problems if they do buy.