Recent Posts

1

Snagging and defects / Re: Sound proofing Barratt ground floor flat ceiling/floor not built as certified

« Last Post by New Home Expert on Today at 11:59:22 am »

This is a great example of why the new home warranty does not give "peace of mind" for those buying new homes and a nudge as to why ALL issues should be reported to the housebuilder before the 2-years are up.

Hopefully, Barratt will step up and help. At least it appears they are being honest.

2

Snagging and defects / Re: Sound proofing Barratt ground floor flat ceiling/floor not built as certified

« Last Post by bruno on November 14, 2019, 10:46:38 pm »

Update:
NHBC has said is now more than 2 years, the issue is not covered by the existing warranty.
Barratt replied to email stating that the acoustic layer is between the structural slab and screed and there is none between the ceiling void. I've asked for further details what exactly has been done.

3

Snagging and defects / Re: DPC Level Around Garage and Path?

« Last Post by AOIS on November 14, 2019, 02:43:32 pm »

No housebuilder named - so no further input!

Sorry, the house builder is Crest Nicholson.

4

Snagging and defects / Re: DPC Level Around Garage and Path?

« Last Post by New Home Expert on November 09, 2019, 09:41:54 am »

No housebuilder named - so no further input!

5

Snagging and defects / Re: DPC Level Around Garage and Path?

« Last Post by AOIS on November 08, 2019, 07:45:31 am »

Having been unsuccessful in trying to insist the builder corrects the issue, I approached the NHBC who advised the following:

The 150 mm height is a recommendation but not a requirement so if the damp proof course is functioning then we would not be able to assist further under the Resolution service.  If the damp proof course is failing then please forward photos for us to review of the damp close up, from further away and a photo of the affected part of the home or garage from ground to roof.
 

This response looks to be a complete contradiction to the corresponding NHBC technical guidelines to which the property was supposed to be constructed and building regulations.

Whilst there does not look to be any significant damp issues at present, my concern is that an issue could arise in the future or be identified during a survey when/if we want to sell the property.

Would anyone be able to advise on possible next steps please?

Thanks in advance.

6

Snagging and defects / Re: Buying a Redrow Home is Draining!

« Last Post by KAC19 on October 31, 2019, 02:41:34 pm »

Thank you very much New Home Expert, that's very helpful and confirms the path we are taking is the right one.  We have all the necessary evidence and paperwork to take to the CCHB.  I am going to wait for the results of my subject access request before proceeding.  I have already informed NHBC as, since moving in 4 months ago, we have had 4 separate incidents with blocked drains!  So have already put them on notice of what is happening.
Thanks again.

7

Snagging and defects / Re: Buying a Redrow Home is Draining!

« Last Post by New Home Expert on October 31, 2019, 10:14:56 am »

First observation is manholes are either necessary or they are not.

Assuming that these are all access manholes for storm or foul drainage, it is inconceivable that any housebuilder would build a manhole that was not required, which given they have offered to take two way would appear to be the case!

Normally, you would be unlucky to have more than 2 manholes on a drive. But nine?
Clearly, given the drawings were revised and you were not informed (and presumably you can prove this) you do have a case if you want to complain using the CCHB. At least it will cost you nothing to do so!

My best guess is that they are covering something up that they want to keep quiet which you need to find out.  Get the NHBC involved would be my advice.

8

Snagging and defects / Re: Impact noise transference: apparently my plot passed tests. Taylor Wimpey

« Last Post by New Home Expert on October 31, 2019, 10:07:42 am »

As soon as I read a post on this I find it is usually Taylor Wimpey.
They do have issues with sound insulation in flats particularly from floors.

The current craze for the dreadful laminate flooring only services to make it worse.

You should get your own independent testing done to check it does comply. Oftentimes, plc housebuilders and their compliance testers collude when issues are reported by buyers.
"make this go away or we'll use someone else"

You could ask if your neighbour could be a little more considerate! High heels indoors?

9

Snagging and defects / Re: New Build Brickwork

« Last Post by New Home Expert on October 31, 2019, 10:02:38 am »

The new mortar is wet. It might takes weeks to dry out properly in this weather.
The darker the mortar the likelihood of more cement so it will last longer and not erode.

The mortar was never going to match 100% unless the whole wall was done.

10

Snagging and defects / Buying a Redrow Home is Draining!

« Last Post by KAC19 on October 30, 2019, 02:30:43 pm »

We moved into our Redrow Home on 5 July 2019. 
We had over 100 snagging problems - one of which was creaking and bouncing floorboards.  This was partially resolved by Redrow about a month later but still have creaks and cracks. 

However, the main issue has been that we have 9 manhole covers on our driveway.  We noticed these the next day and immediately asked Redrow why we had so many.  Their response was "we don't know". 
Our drainage layout plans that we signed for at reservation showed only 5 (still quite a lot).  Redrow have said that architect's drawings were changed to allow for the 9 manholes.  But the drawings we signed for showed only 5. 

The construction director (yes I managed to get him to come round to inspect) showed me the new drawings, but these were dated after we signed our reservation form.  I have been going back and forth with Redrow (and passed round to various different people - technical director, construction director, regional director) but we still do not know why we have extra manholes - worryingly no-one "seems" to know (or they are not telling us).  They have offered to remove 2 (as their full and final offer) but I would like to know if it is worth pursuing this with the Consumer Code for Homebuilders (section 3.1(b)?).  Also we wonder how they can simply remove them, when they "don't know" why they were there in the first place.  This is an abridged version of events as you can imagine.  I have kept all correspondence and notes of conversation etc., and have just put in a subject access request to see if I can uncover the mystery!  Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Thank you.
Karen