David Willson - New House with snags - How to speak with a developer?

[infer]

We reserved a new house couple a weeks ago (the house didn't have a roof at the time).
Last week we have had a site walk before completion (house is ready) and I have found few thinks that we definitely don't like. Unfortunately Site Manager is not interested to change/fix them.
Could you please advise how to speak/force them to get it sorted out?

1) Door handle hits the radiator and you can't open the door to a full 90 degrees angle - both bathrooms are the same


2) Alarm cable to the garage looks like not an outdoor grade and is not protected from a mechanical damage


3)Pipes  under a kitchen sink are fitted in a way that there is no space for anything in the cupboard. It's not as on plan, when the main water pipe should be closer to the wall - the same like a drain. Site Manager said that he doesn't have to stick to the plans.


Could you advise please how it looks like in terms of a building regulations?

Thanks a lot
Jakub

[New Home Expert]

It is inconceivable that a house "without a roof a couple of weeks ago" is now "ready".
I am not surprised you have found a couple of things you don't like - there must be 100's of snags and defects!  Whatever you do, get your new home professionally snagged and inspected BEFORE you move in!

1) Door handle/door hitting the radiator. Presumably this can be moved the 60mm required further back from the door. Not a big job for the housebuilder and should be done.
2) The whit cable is probably a Telephone cable for the alarm. The other cables should be buried, the ducting should be directly under to junction box, the ducting should be below ground, the cable is too long and on the surface. Some of the air brick is covered by the render bead (or looks like it!)

3) The cold water main is required to be 750mm below ground as a precaution against freezing. Some inspectors insist this includes when it comes up to the floor it must be 750mm away from the outside wall. (see graphic) I suspect this is what David Wilson have done, although the plumbing pipework is untidy to say the least.  You should also note that neither waste pipe from the washing machine ior dishwasher is connected. The first time these are used you kitchen will be flooded.!

The water main can be closer to the back of the kitchen unit provided the water pipe is insulated from the bend underground to the top of the floor.

You can see why you need a proper professional independent snagging inspection.
I suggest either Brickkickers.co.uk or snagginginspections.co.uk

[infer]

You can see why you need a proper professional independent snagging inspection.
I suggest either Brickkickers.co.uk or snagginginspections.co.uk

Hi saying a couple of weeks ago was a big short-cut. We've reserved a house in October.

I've contacted both "snaggers" and I'm really curious what kind of power they have to convince DWH to sort things out. DWH refused moving pipe as they don't have stick to the plans. This is exactly what they told us.

Thanks
Jakub

[New Home Expert]

You have a perfect right to a new home without faults.
The Professional snagging inspection will give you a thorough report, which DWH should take seriously.
After all the inspector is doing the site manager's job for him!

I would suggest that you tell the site manager:
1) You will not legally complete on the house until your inspection report are 100% rectified.
2) If the site or the regional office continue to act in such an unreasonable manner write to the Barratt CEO David Thomas e mail david.thomas@barrattplc.co.uk

As for the pipe, you bought a house built to those plans. If they refuse to move it you can say that you have been mis-sold. Ask them for a letter saying outright they are not moving the radiator and don't have to stick to the plans. Tell them you want this so you can complain using the Consumer Code Adjudication Scheme.  My guess is the radiator will be moved.

I must say that this is not the action I would expect from a house builder that prides itself on its customer satisfaction score!

[Penny]

Definitely, get the services of independent snagging specialists, I bet they will pick up a lot more snags than you realised were there! A professional snagging inspector will make a detailed report for new homeowners to give to the builder to get issues rectified. 

[FenMan48]

I would suggest you read my entry on DWH before you give them your money.
Only advice it is always your choice.