Now we know what you are thinking. We are not the first (and certainly not the last) to cover this topic. It was only a matter of time until we addressed new builds.
The standard of newly built housing has come under scrutiny before with most recently three out of four homebuyers saying they would not consider buying one.
New-build properties have been a hot debate for a while now. Research shows that only 2% of all newly built homes reach the market entirely snag-free, meaning 98% of new-build homes face varying severity of defects.
Let’s talk about the ongoing issues faced with newly built homes.
Are they the result of poor craftsmanship and quality control, or are other factors hindering their potential to be of good, worthy quality?
As a home buyer to a newly-built building, there are some things you’re entitled to have. These things bring peace of mind knowing you’ve made a worthy big purchase, modernised home spacing, the latest technology and more. The last thing you certainly expect to have is added costs to your home, faulty electronics, weak mortar, faulty drainage, unfinished fittings, and the list goes on and on.
You quickly realise that the current ease of purchase presents you with more costs once you move in. But this is usually just the beginning. Structural and weatherproofing problems encountered due to poor craftsmanship quality to the building can quickly lead to deterioration early on, and over time amount to more unexpected costs.
These problems don’t only reside in housing. Multiple tenancy dwellings such as apartment blocks often encounter structure and defects in communal areas also. Apartment blocks and towers are built at a large scale and issues often get overlooked until it is too late.
Buying a property is a significant investment for most and with a limited supply in the areas people want to live in, we are all being led into a situation where it is almost expected the build quality will be sub-standard.
In recent years, high profile examples of blocks facing demolition and major repairs, only a short time after completion, have been on the rise due to poor quality control, workmanship or other similar defects. A not-so-great example of this was at Solomon’s Passage in Southwark, completed in 2010 and condemned in 2016.
We believe it is necessary to highlight the dangers!
We go to work and are expected to deliver high-quality standards but yet are made to accept poor quality in the UK new-build housing stock.
Another classic example of poor workmanship can be seen below at a North London property BASSE Solutions recently visited. The building is only three years old.
The roof, a fundamental part of the building, can be seen falling apart. Not only does this have an effect on the structure of the entire building, but it also increases the chances of water ingress (water penetrating its way into the property). You can be sure there will be an increased level of insurance claims made to this property.
The design of this building also plays a big part in the ability to maintain the property. The building above is situated on a hill with a significant incline, bordered on two sides next to the main roads. Access is difficult but also Poor quality control and workmanship have resulted in significant health and safety risks posed to the residents, pedestrians below, and those looking to maintain the building.
So, what can be done?
Since April 2010, all home builders registered with the UK’s main home warranty providers: NHBC, Premier Guarantee, and LABC Warranty, have to adhere to the Consumer Code for home builders. The Code sets out 19 principles that home builders must meet. Moreover, home builders must have a complaints procedure, with information on dispute resolution provided to home buyers. The Code applies to complaints arising within two years concerning defects or damage caused by a breach of technical requirements. Owners can also request site inspection records within 15 years of the final/completion certificate getting issued.
Our approach to dealing with new build problems.
The important thing is to not feel isolated or adrift with the condition of your property. BASSE Solutions has extensive experience and expertise to sort these problems out and get your property into the right condition.
We understand that every house is different and has been individually built. From our perspective, we welcome the work available. However, we do have to comment on what we feel is a lack of professionalism within the industry. Not only does this portray the construction industry in a bad light, but it is also embarrassing to have work rectified in such a short time, especially if it could have just been built right in the first place.
Please contact us if you’re in need of a reactive facilities maintenance and management company you can trust and rely on.
When called upon, we perform extensive surveys, offer our recommendations and be it a reactive or pro-active repair – we will aim to fulfil our promise of providing the best service possible for a building long term.
We can support both property agents and management companies dealing with these ongoing problems at an earlier stage with the use of our supply chain and extensive experience in the building industry.
As a UK based reactive maintenance company, we are available to you 365 days of the year. Get in touch with us today on 03335 677560 and see how we can help!
