Defect advice

[gowersquirrel]

Please can I have some advice.
I'm the second owner of this property and it's outside of the builder's warranty so only NHBC is relevant. I have four fairly large issues I'd like resolved. These are:

The floating floor in my kitchen/diner and living room is bowing in the middle and creaks badly. There is a 5mm drop below the skirting board to the intersecting internal wall between the rooms as per the photo attached.

The rear external render has cracks appearing along I presume board joins and these are getting worse. See photo.

My garage has a leak at the join between the house and garage pitch roof where there is a clear hole. See photo.

My tarmac driveway has dropped causing large pools that collect water.

Are these matters I could take to NHBC? Any advice gratefully received. The property was built in 2015.

Kind regards,

Rob

[New Home Expert]

Unless any of these had been previously reported to the housebuilder within the first two years, I doubt eh NHBC will be any help.

I believe render is covered from years 3-10 but the minimum claim value of £1,550 may mean it won't be dealt with by the NHBC either.

A full structural survey when you purchased is always advisable - even for a nearly new house.

Please name the housebuilder as a warning to others.

[gowersquirrel]

Thanks for the prompt reply,

I believe the floor was reported to Wainhomes as was the driveway. I suspect the floating floor may  then have been screw fixed by the developer to prevent movement. I don't believe the garage hole was reported however. Is there a cost for applying to NHBC to make a claim? Also does the £1500 minimum amount relate to a single defect or can it be cumulative? All matters have deteriorated since I purchased, particularly the floor and render.

I might do a freedom of information request to the developer to see what snags were raised.

[New Home Expert]

There is no cost to make a claim with the NHBC.
But there is a minimum claim value, above which the cost of the works will be met by the NHBC below this £1,500 figure, the NHBC pay nothing.

As for the minimum claim value that's a moot point.  I heard one story of a homeowner with defective lintels which the NHBC tried to make each one a separate claim so they all were below the £1500!

If they play that trick, you can always complain about the NHBC to the Financial Ombudsman.
Be sure to let the NHBC know you will do this and are serious if they play up!