New build meter readings

[JonTomo]

I'm looking for some advice. 
I moved into a new build property and there were a few issues on handover that needed sorting and although I signed for the property on the 14th July, I didn’t move in until the 1st August.  Another story …but not what this is about.

The issues comes from the utility readings. The site manager who completed the handover gave me credit on the readings on the handover sheet. This was to compensate for me not being able to move in straight away and they would be using the utilities in this time. As it turns out he made a catastrophic error and essentially documented readings which will last about 2 years. He put extra zeros on the handover sheet.  Clearly the meter readings haven’t even reached this point yet but Eon the energy provider have sent me a bill with the meters starting at Zero.

I’ve explained the situation to them and they have told me it’s a 3rd party dispute which I need to take up with the builder.

My main question is, is the handover sheet a legal document and do the building company have to honour the readings agreed and documented on the handover sheet?

Thanks in advance

JT

[New Home Expert]

Wow what a mess - and good luck with Eon in the future - they are dreadful in my own experience.
Presumably you have a smart meter fitted which is why the readings on your bill started at zero (ie Eon know the actual real reading)

Firstly, why did you legally complete when you home wasn't finished 100%?  It was of no benefit to you. In fact you would be paying a mortgage on a home you were not able to live in.
Did you get paid anything by the housebuilder to do this?

This should not be possible with CML certificates issued by the warranty provider confirming the home is 100% complete, and the mortgage loan can be released.  My guess is you were  arm-twisted  to legally complete, even though you knew your home wasn't finished so the housebuilder (who are they by the way?) could have it for their year-end figures. Basically this could be regarded as mortgage fraud if you needed a mortgage.

Most site managers round up handover meter readings on the day by the near unit or two as it is a bit of goodwill.
He was trying to compensate you in advance for electricity and gas and water?) the site would be using, presumably in finishing your home. Unless a lot of overnight working was required and it was very cold in July the cost of utilities would be minimal.

To sum up, you are being charged for all the utility costs since the meter was fitted, including whatever cost the builder used.  You should claim the difference from your housebuilder through the Small Claims Court if necessary.
Presumably you also took the meter readings when you did eventually move in?

[JonTomo]

Thanks for the reply. You are correct in that my arm was twisted when we had to complete.
My mortgage offer ran out on the 15th and we completed on the 14th July.

When I saw that the house was still a building site, I rang my solicitor who informed me that they have a certificate that states the property was ‘habitable’. She told me that if I pulled out now I would lose my deposit of £30,000.
They had me over a barrel. We didn’t want to move into the property in the condition it was in so we gave them another 2 weeks to finish off. The site manager wanted 4!
No compensation was offered.

The builder was Barwood Homes. I heard they have improved their practices, but the experience I had with them was extremely negative. 

[New Home Expert]

Did you use Barwood Homes' suggested/recommended/preferred solicitor?
New homebuyer's biggest mistake. They work for the builder's interests not those of their client the homebuyer.