So I am right, it is Barratt!
This is what the other buyer wrote to me:
"I have a leaking extension vessel which all my neighbours have had changed as they have all been faulty! I report mine and the house is under 5 years and I send them the service log and they tell me they won't do anything as they don't accept British Gas Homecare Service as it doesn't service cylinders!
How is any normal person supposed to know this! It's states clearly on the check list the cylinder has been checked! I want to post this over the media as this must affect lots of potential new home owners."
....and what Barratt said to the other buyer:
"Good Morning Ms *****
Please see attached a copy of the Welcome Letter sent to the original owners on 29th June 2012. I have highlighted the section relating to the maintenance of the boiler and cylinder in RED.
As its stated in this section the boiler and cylinder need to be service annually, British Gas have marked the paperwork to say they have looked at the cylinder but they have never serviced this, part of the cylinder service is they would have re pressurize the expansion vessel and report any defects present.
If you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact me on the telephone number below.
Regards
Mrs Angela Gordon
Customer Service Supervisor
Barratt & David Wilson Homes East Scotland (A trading name of BDW Limited)
Telford House, 3 Mid New Cutlins, Edinurgh EH11 4DH
Tel 0131 442 5719
It is clear from what you say that there is an inherent fault with the type Barratt use and they know about it.
Under the warranty, the builder must attend to this if the house is under TWO YEARS old.
After that you will have to arrange the work and pay for it. Not what you want to hear.
Your only option is to write to the NHBC and make a claim under the warranty.
Although I think you will be wasting your time.
Have you signed the petition for a New Homes Ombudsman?
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/167660