Joists showing in ceiling (or covered with plaster)

[ian]

We are coming to the end of our 2 year warranty with Crest Nicholson and on the whole they've been pretty good with the snags, but one they are claiming is not a snag is when a joist (or big screw) has not been put in deep enough and has been covered by plaster (so you see a blob), however one of the blobs has come away to reveal the joist. Surely this is not acceptable? (I have found 8 in total, around the property, Crest say unless there are 4 in a row it is not a snag!)

Here is their response:

This would be a nail pop, which would only be classed as a build defect if more than four in one row.

(Attached are photos of one covered and one which has been revealed)

[New Home Expert]

In the old days yes, they were referred to as "nail pops", where nails were not driven in sufficiently by the tacker.  But for many years (at least on good sites!) plasterboard ceilings have been fixed using screws and a cordless screwdriver with a clutch.  Reason being, it all but eliminated the common issue of fixings popping the filler when joists defect.

You state that on the whole Crest have been good at fixing snags, yet they are digging in over something so minor as this?  It matters little how many "nail pops" there are. One is a defect.
There is no 4 in a row rule!

Having said that, it is easy for you to dig out the filler and nail/screw and add a new screw and re fill when you next decorate.

[ian]

Thanks for the reply, much appreciated. So should I pushback on them? I was thinking of maybe getting an independent snag check done, if so would they more likely accept its findings?

Thanks again

[New Home Expert]

Two years is a bit late for a professional snagging inspection.
You could try to force Crest to do these but they are minor and are common.
Unless there are other more serious issues I personally, would not bother after 2 years.