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Author Topic: Buying a Redrow Home is Draining!  (Read 6033 times)

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KAC19

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Buying a Redrow Home is Draining!
« 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


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Re: Buying a Redrow Home is Draining!
« Reply #1 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.
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Tim Fee Snagging Inspector

KAC19

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Re: Buying a Redrow Home is Draining!
« Reply #2 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.