Making changes before house is complete

[Ryanmac]

I have recently put a holding deposit down on a new build.
I have got my decision in principal and have submitted my full mortgage application, what I want to know is at what stage can I ask the builder to make some changes to the house?
I want to make some changes to the driveway and would like to mention it to the builder before the paving/tarmac etc is started. I just want to know if I am in a position to be asking for changes to be made yet?

[New Home Expert]

You should ask about any changes now, before you are legally committed to the purchase.
I doubt the housebuilder would be prepared to change the driveway until, you have exchanged contracts but you should be talking about it now as it may be 1) Too expensive for you 2) Not permitted under planning. 

Whatever you are able to change it will cost you quite a bit more than the work costs the builder and you wont be able to add the cost to your mortgage!

[Repton buyer]

Lets not forget - the builder doesn't want to.

We have a bathroom in our new build that is 1017mm x 1860mm (approx.) that Taylor Wimpey have refused to tile. They quoted that NHBC won't issue certificate if they do but I haven't found anything in the NHBC technical guidance to say support their claim.

http://www.nhbc.co.uk/Builders/ProductsandServices/TechZone/nhbcstandards/technicalguidancedocuments/

We also have a shower unit installed the wrong end of the bath so that when the shower screen is installed, you have to climb on the toilet to access the bath. They wont change too (this was before first fix - can you tell the house was designed for disabled people?)

[New Home Expert]

If it is for disability, tiling it may make it 12mm even smaller perhaps under the minimum required size.