Recent Posts

71

General discussion / Re: Heating

« Last Post by raini on October 24, 2024, 08:34:38 pm »

I’m looking into this as well, and from what I’ve gathered, the color of the expansion vessel (red or grey) doesn’t necessarily affect its function, but the type might. It could be that the developers are correct about the switch to grey vessels, though it’s worth verifying with another professional.

72

Snagging and defects / Re: DPC with raised grass verge DWH

« Last Post by New Home Expert on October 21, 2024, 10:44:34 am »

This is because in order to comply with Part M building regulations (Mobility access) the main door needs to have a level threshold ie ramped. DPC will always be under to door threshold so the ramped up grass either side is done to hide the bedding etc under the paving slabs. 

Most times the dpc is not bridged and splashes from the ground on to the brickwork above the dpc during rain are unlikely if there is also a porch over the front door.

If you get damp brickwork in this area and green mould, report it to David Wilson Homes. They shoudl lower the ground either side to 150mm below the door threshold, perhaps tidying up the paving edges with some low level bricks.

73

Snagging and defects / DPC with raised grass verge DWH

« Last Post by Waxza on October 11, 2024, 11:52:36 pm »

Question about level of DPC: please see picture attached.
I’m unsure if this is acceptable. On the whole the DPC is at the correct level around the house. However, near the front door the grass ramps up to the front door flags and goes above the level of the DPC or just touches it. You can see the level of the DPC to the right of the picture and how the grass ramps up to its level.
This is a new build DWH home. Any thoughts on whether there is a case to argue here or what remedial action might be required?

74

Welcome - Member Introductions / Re: Hello

« Last Post by New Home Expert on September 09, 2024, 08:14:53 am »

In a new home mould is to be expected to a certain extent as the home will have been soaked with rain during construction.  It is obviously more likely if the home was built in wetter months, and rushed for completion, especially at end of year figures.

Other causes could be a leaking pipe water mains or drainage, or leaking seals around bath or showers, leaking gutters or downpipes, dirty wall cavities and cavity bridging, finished ground levels above dpc.

Cures for lifestyle issues are:
1) wash the mould off with bleach solution.
2) Ensure the home is warm.
3) Ensure it is ventilated, open windows and use extractor fans.
4) Move obstructions which inhibit air circulation such as beds and chairs away from walls.
5) Avoid drying clothes indoors on radiators
6) Buy and use a dehumidifier.

Bellway are not terrific at sorting issues and will first claim it is a "lifestyle issue" and due to the home drying out after construction.  It is important to write a letter to the regional office so the complaint is logged.

75

Welcome - Member Introductions / Hello

« Last Post by DigsySE18 on September 04, 2024, 10:44:52 am »

Hello all
I've just moved into a new Bellway home in St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex. Overall I'm very happy with my new home but there is an issue with mould...I've joined this forum in the hope of getting some tips on how to deal with this, and what others' experience is of dealing with Bellway.

76

Snagging and defects / Re: Internal wall doesn’t run straight

« Last Post by New Home Expert on September 03, 2024, 09:02:25 am »

First thing to do is check the sales plans. I doubt this is shown.
I suspect this is boxing in something, pipes probably or the wall hasn't been set out correctly from the other side and this jut out is needed to fit in an en-suite or airing cupboard.

I doubt he site manager has seen this yet or if he has, he isn't that bothered about quality.
To make it even worse for you the window is now not central between the walls. The radiator will also be offset from the centre of the window or the room.  Worse, you have no room for curtains to hang down when open on the left hand side.

If this is not shown on the drawings them you must insist it is put right.
No you are not being awkward, this will be your home and no doubt is costing you hundreds of thousands of pounds.  Tell them you will give them a one star rating if they don't give you a good quality new home.
AS I always say.. "The squeaky wheel gets the oil" so complain and be a nuisance.

Please name the housebuilder.

77

Snagging and defects / Internal wall doesn’t run straight

« Last Post by HastyNoodle on August 17, 2024, 09:38:38 pm »

Our new build is at about 75% complete and on my last visit I noticed the wall separating the bedrooms isn’t straight (attached photo on the left, it juts out a couple of inches) they’re such small rooms that I feel it will make a difference and will be annoying. Do you know why they’ve done this? I’m guessing that I won’t be able to make them make it straight or can I?
Thanks!

78

Snagging and defects / Re: MAJOR drainage issue- moving out and compensation

« Last Post by New Home Expert on August 10, 2024, 12:01:47 pm »

Only you can decided if the level of compensation is agreeable as only you can put a value on the inconvenience and cost.
It will depend on a number of factors such as the total duration which is unknown until work has finished and the standard of your alternative accommodation. (If you have a Mercedes and crash it, your courtesy car might only be a Vauxhall  Corsa!  It will still get you where you wnat to go but not as nice!)

Remember you are paying for:
1) Mortgage
2) Insurance
3) Services Electricity Water Gas and Broadband.
4) TV Licence

You will need your post re directed.
Your garden might get trashed during the works too!

As you are asking for information, perhaps you should "pay it forward" and tell the forum who the housebuilders are, the works involved and the amount of compensation you have been offered!

79

Snagging and defects / MAJOR drainage issue- moving out and compensation

« Last Post by Frustrated on August 07, 2024, 08:11:35 pm »

Hello
Just looking for a bit of advice… we have a new build house that completed over a year ago. We got a call out of the blue from the builders to say that our neighbours have been having issues and we both need some MAJOR remedial work doing. These repairs involve us being moved out of our home for 8+ weeks. The builders are covering alternative accommodation, removals and storage. We have had a figure through for compensation but have no idea what is a fair sum. Has anyone had any previous experience with this situation and can give us some idea of figures they received for both compensation and alternative accommodation costs?
Thanks

80

General discussion / Re: Cracked Foundations on new build!

« Last Post by New Home Expert on July 06, 2024, 10:12:18 am »

The NHBC does indeed stand for National House Building Council.  They are the same as Premier Guarantee and offer warranties on new homes and nothing else. They will only act when the home has an NHBC warranty.

The Premier Guarantee Warranty is a structural warranty.
https://www.premierguarantee.com/our-services/structural-warranties/new-homes-warranty/
They may be trying to fob you off by implying that it doesn't cover subsidence caused by non-construction on issues (storms, tree roots etc) but if standards have not been followed, a claim is justified.
It's a long process, but you could make a claim using the Financial Ombudsman Services as The Premier Guarantee is an insurance product.  Be sure to have independent valuations of your increase in insurance premiums and reduction is market valuation due tot he underpinning history.

Again I suggest that Linden buy the house from you as the easiest option and you walk away.
The alternative is many years of battling both Linden and Premier.
see Tweet below!  Worth your while you contacting Yvette.