New Home Owners And Snagging Forum
Advice on buying a brand new home => House Builders => Topic started by: Paul on July 29, 2016, 06:02:24 pm
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Hi,
I was about to sign today for a new Avant home, but then saw their home builders federation (HBF) score of two stars... The worst in the league and that's put me off. Are they really that bad?
Or should I press ahead?
There's a Taylor Wimpey development round the corner that's a couple of months behind, are they worth waiting for?
Thanks
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The HBF builder Star rating (http://www.brand-newhomes.co.uk/hbf-house-builder-star-rating-scheme.htm) is from the New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey Q1 "Would you recommend your builder to a friend?"
No other house builder has been rated two stars since 2009!
So yes, Avant and their subsidiary companies are that bad, in fact they are worse!
They even made an Operating Loss of £15million in their last submitted accounts to 31 December 2014 (https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/06987861/filing-history/MzEzMDczNjcyOGFkaXF6a2N4/document?format=pdf&download=0), this in the biggest taxpayer s-subsidised housebuilding boom in living memory.
So please do not buy a new home from Avant.
Taylor Wimpey are far from perfect too, but compared to Avant they are streets ahead.
Just be careful and protect yourself.
Ask the right questions (http://www.brand-newhomes.co.uk/questions_to_ask_the_house_builder_when_buying_a_new_home.htm), keep records, photographic, audio recordings and written confirmations, DO NOT use their suggested, preferred or recommended firm of solicitors (http://www.brand-newhomes.co.uk/builder-nominated-solicitors.htm) and be sure not to buy a home due to be finished in May or June or November or December as it will be rushed for their financial half-year or year-end figures. (http://forum.brand-newhomes.co.uk//www.brand-newhomes.co.uk/house_builders_end_of_year_figures.htm)
Finally be sure to follow the advice here (http://www.brand-newhomes.co.uk/advice-when-buying-a-new-home.htm) and get the home professionally snagged and inspected (http://www.new-home-blog.co.uk/why-new-home-buyers-should-have-their-homes-independently-inspected/) before you legally complete.
I have given you a few links to check out. You and anyone considering buying a new home, would be well-advised to spend a few hours reading the information on the main website before going to any sales centres or show homes!
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Thanks for the reply 👍