The first thing to say is that the initial time to build a house from 8 August to 27 November is not exceptional. By the time the bad weather started, the home should have been watertight and weather would not delay progress internally. So the home should have and could have been finished by the date you were given. To quote a delay in obtaining materials [stone] shows poor planning and the weather delaying a crane putting on the roof is to be anticipated. Unless the home was a flat in a block, then the time frame was realistic.
Now Miller have failed, this is a fact, they have a requirement in the Consumer Code for Home Builders to keep you fully informed of the progress and any delays:
Code Requirement 3.,2 states:
"The Home Buyer must be given reliable and realistic information about when construction of the Home may be finished, the date of Legal Completion, and the date for handover of the Home."
By all accounts Miller have failed to meet this requirement as the date was neither reliable or realistic.
However, because "weather and other matters beyond the builder's reasonable control make the time needed to construct a Home difficult to predict" the Code suggests the following approach:
"Before completing the foundations and ground floor – give the calendar QUARTER when the Home is likely to be ready.
When the roof is completed and the building weatherproof – give the MONTH when the Home is likely to be ready.
When the Home is decorated and main services are connected – say what WEEK the Home is likely to be ready."
Miller can give themselves whatever leeway they like to cover delays, but the completion date you are given must be "realistic and reliable."
Without question, the delay you have and are suffering is unreasonable. It shows a degree of incompetence within Miller and I can only hope you home is 'perfect' after all the time Miller have required to build it. When they eventually tell you it is finished, please do get it professionally inspected and snagged before you legally complete. I suggest either Brickkickers or SnaggingInspections.co.uk
It matters nothing with housebuilders whether you are renting or have a home to sell. The delay would still occur in either case. Obviously if you were forced to move out because you were selling and didn't want to lose your buyer it would be more of an ordeal.
Meeting with Site Sales and her manager isn't going to get you anywhere. This will be a PR exercise to placate you. You need a meeting with a director who is able to make a decision as to what would be a faor recompense for you being messed about.
Please be aware the maximum you can claim under the Code for inconvenience is £250. You could also claim any other additional expenses that you have incurred because of the delay such as additional mortgages fees, legal fees, storage, loss of deposits etc.
As for what you can get from Miller by way of compensation, I would suggest that any "extras" are thrown in for free, perhaps a turfed rear garden? House builders can hide "extras" used as compensation for their failure, but they can't easily hide compensation payments from auditors and shareholders. As for an amount, I would say less than £1000 but more than £500 would be fair.
This is the first post about Miller Homes and I would like to think that they are one of the 'good guy's in the industry. Please let everyone know how you get on.