External rendering issue on new build

[Newbie1123]

I've almost completed a sale on a new build, and after a recent inspection, I've found issues with the rendering on the outside. As you can see in the attachments, there is many wet marks which I'm quite concerned about.
I've yet to receive the warranty documents from the developer which is with BuildZone and wanted some general advice if this could be a more serve issue that just cosmetics??

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[New Home Expert]

First of all Buildzone, in my opinion, is no where near as good as many of the other new home warranty providers. Even the best (NHBC) is poor at settling claims so if you do still buy this house, be aware Buildzone will probably pretty much next to useless in my opinion.

The pattern on the render is where it is wetter than elsewhere.
It really does look like either, cracked blocks under the render or, more likely, small hairline cracks in the render which will get far worse over time.

I would most definitely NOT be buying this house, not even at 60% market value.

[Newbie1123]

First of all Buildzone, in my opinion, is no where near as good as many of the other new home warranty providers. Even the best (NHBC) is poor at settling claims so if you do still buy this house, be aware Buildzone will probably pretty much next to useless in my opinion.

The pattern on the render is where it is wetter than elsewhere.
It really does look like either, cracked blocks under the render or, more likely, small hairline cracks in the render which will get far worse over time.

I would most definitely NOT be buying this house, not even at 60% market value.

Firstly thanks for your reply mate, appericate it.

With regards to the warranty, thanks for the heads up and before this house I'd never heard of them! In your experience and knowledge is there any recourse for these warranty providers trying to dodge claims? Like an independent governance board or is the only recourse through the courts? Just thinking ahead, if it's worth the hassle!

Yeah and it's gotten even worse this past month, although there isn't any actual cracks as far as I can see but you make a good point about the blocks being cracked underneath.

Even with the guarantees that come with a new build such as developers having to fix issues in the first 2 years and warranties for 10 years, would you say that you definitely wouldn't buy something like this if I told you everything else was great?

Thanks again for your help.

[New Home Expert]

The only recourse for warranty providers that dodge claims is the Financial Ombudsman Service.
It takes ages for them to look at and decide, even then it is usually an assessor, rather than an actual Ombudsman, that decides unless you reject the assessor's opinion and appeal.

Best move is to avoid the hassle and not to buy with the more troublesome warranty providers.

...would you say that you definitely wouldn't buy something like this if I told you everything else was great?

How do you know everything else is "great"?  Did you inspect every stage before it was covered up?
Are the joists undamaged and at the right spacings?  DPCs? All insulation installed? No bricks or obstructions in the drainage?
Chances are if it looks this bad now there will be other, perhaps serious issues.

In answer to your question, I wouldn't buy a new home from a housebuilders unless each stage was signed off by an independent inspector I appointed. No plc housebuilder would agree to that and we all know why!

[Maxell]

I would guess the render is too thin.

At best the builder will paint it which will help but your then into a 5yr maintenance cycle .

Ta