A quick hello

[airyfairy76]

Hi Everyone
I came across this forum a couple of months ago, having reserved a Taylor Wimpey apartment back in February and hopefully completing next month.

It is rather an unusual build in that it is a conversion of an existing ten year old building that used to be used as their sales office and conference suite (block built you will be glad to know, and I have already tested the soundproofing with my new downstairs neighbour by stomping around and shouting lol - pretty good!), which has caused them no END of problems to convert

It has been an interesting journey - not without delays. joined really to look for information on snagging, as although I have already picked up on issues during frequent site visits, that will be the next big process for me.

Just as an amusing anecdote, although I didn't use their brokers (oh buy did they try!), I did use one of their recommended conveyancing firms (I KNOW, but I didn't know at the time). HOWEVER, it was a new firm they had recently started recommending and they actually didn't give them an easy ride. Particularly when the sales office asked me to exchange, even with queries outstanding, because, I quote, "It's half year on Friday". Conveyancer was having none of it. It actually took five months to exchange from point of reservation. And then the sales office said "I don't think we'll be recommending them again....".

So it doesn't always work in their favour - hope that gave you a chuckle on a Monday morning

[Admin]

Hi, and Welcome to the forum.

Were you lucky after using Taylor Wimpey's choice/recommend/suggested firm of solicitors.
They were obvious oblivious to the fact that Taylor Wimpey expected, having recommended them, they should do what Taylor Wimpey wanted, not what was best for you the buyer and their client. No wonder they are off the list now.

You do know you are moving into an end-of-year new home at the worst possible time.
I suggest you get it professionally snagged and inspected and book the inspection soon as these chaps get very busy in December for obvious reasons.

Final piece of advice is to check the NHBC warranty bearing in mind the block is already structurally ten years old.

[airyfairy76]

Hi - thanks for the welcome

I have already checked about the NHBC - it will have the full ten year cover from the date of completion.  The paperwork is with my conveyancer regarding that.

I know it's end of year - was actually meant to be August and delayed. Unfortunately, back in February when I reserved, I had no way of knowing, but I will be duly cautious.  They have actually been working on it since around July, so considering it is only a fit out, at the moment it doesn't seem to be a rush job (my kitchen was in about six weeks ago).

The main issue is the adjacent building - the architectural designs for the roof were wonky, and they've had to hand whittle trusses on site or some such thing, the delay is primarily because the roof has to be done and scaffolding down before they can complete on buildings nearby - H&S.
 

[New Home Expert]

Remember, there is no substitute for professional snagging inspection.
Some new home buyers may be tempted to use friends or others "in the trade" but I only recommend Martyn Maxwell at Brickkickers as I know he will pick everything up and knows all the NHBC standards and building regulations.  He has been snagging and inspecting new homes for over 10 years - he knows all the doges and all the excuses!

Use whoever you like - it is after all your home.

Whatever you decide, get the inspections done before you legally complete and before your own contractors start working in the house.

Altering/adjusting factory manufactured roof trusses on site is never permitted. Whether "fettling" was required or not.
"Where there's a will there's a bodge!"

[airyfairy76]

Luckily (for me, not necessarily the purchasers of flats in that building), the roof issues only affect me in terms of delaying completion 

And noted, thank you.  I most certainly will endeavour to have all snagging done before my flooring guy goes in. 

Thanks again!