New build concerns

[BabadiBabada]

We recently got a bid accepted for new build property still being finished by a (small) local builder. Since our last visit to the property we have been contemplating on a few issues that got us concerned:

- Brickwork - while it is not so apparent up close, from a distance there are different tones in the brickwork. Any idea why this happens? Possible mortar problems? (pictures attached)
- Garden - The grass was recently laid but we were amazed that the surface was left uneven and we can clearly see the lines between patches. Overall it looks like a poor job. (see photos)
- Power sockets - Some of the power sockets were recently added and you can easily look at it and say it's uneven.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any help!

[New Home Expert]

Grass does not grow much in the winter and will take time to bed in.
Difficult to prepare the surface if it is too wet.

Bricks are different colours and some banding does occur. This does not look too drastic.

By what you have already said, get your home professionally snagged and inspected before you legally complete (hand over all the money) 

Buying from a small housebuilder I hope your warranty provider is the NHBC not one of the minnow that accept any builder.

[BabadiBabada]

First of all thank you for replying, your helpd is much appreciated.

The warranty is provided by BuildZone, which I gather is not very popular. Is there a way I can convince the builder to switch to NHBC? Is this possible at all, and if not, what additional action can I take to protect myself and avoid problems further down the line.

Thanks for clarifying on the brickwork. Regarding the grass, we are passing this on to our solicitor to raise the concern with the builder. I can understand the challenges posed by the weather but I would expect the surface to be flat as a minimum.

[New Home Expert]

In my opinion, I think it would be more accurate to say Buildzone warranty is not very good.

Tell the builder you will only proceed if you have an NHBC warranty. If he is not registered with the NHBC then this should act as a a big RED FLAG warning not to buy the home.

No doubt you will be told all new home warranties are pretty much the same and that Buildzone has been providing warranties on new homes for X number of years.  NHBC is not perfect by any means, but it is the biggest provider (80% of all new UK homes covered by NHBC),  has been around for 75 years and is best for homeowners.

Assuming you haven't exchanged contracts you should probably cancel.