Anyone ever bought a new build house?

[Callum_62]

Hi all.

Looking at getting a bgger house and there's alot of new build developments in and around the area we like

Went to look at 3 different estates today and went away with 1 clear favorite due to dimensions of house and what they are offering

As the house is near finished we obviously can't choose what's in it but they are offering as incentives

5pct deposit
All carpets and vinyl floorings
Dishwasher and fridge freezer (integrated)
Oven and hob 4 burner
4 door mirror wardrobe in master bedroom
1/2 height tiles in main bathroom and ensuite
Towel rail in main bathroom
Turf front and back

Its definately tempting us but have never purchased a new build before so it's kind of daunting

The development isn't massive, about 150 houses but we like it's got a lot of greenery and open spaces

Its fairly early in the development though with about maybe 15 houses occupied and about 6 or so to sell

We did see a few young kids today though. Which is a big plus for us

Anyone any experience with new build buying that can share there thoughts?




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[Danderhall Hibs]

I bought a new build about 4 years ago. Love it.

Depends on the builder you buy from - some are small houses and mass produced. I bought from a smaller builder with about 50-100 houses on the scheme (not allowed to call it that though I believe).

Happy to let you know my experience - what do you want to know?

[Callum_62]

I bought a new build about 4 years ago. Love it.

Depends on the builder you buy from - some are small houses and mass produced. I bought from a smaller builder with about 50-100 houses on the scheme (not allowed to call it that though I believe).

Happy to let you know my experience - what do you want to know?This is a barret development

We looked at a Miller homes and walker developments - both of there houses seem on the smaller side for what we would like, bedrooms particularly

Did you buy off plan or was it up already?

We are hoping to get into it before we decide, it's just on the other side of the site fence so no access yet but I want to see the kitchen that's in to see the quilaity

I'm. Surprised at the options they have thrown it... It's about 22k worth all up... Is that normal? Could we try and squeeze some more?

Did you have much snagging issues?

My dad knew of 1 guy years ago that bought one and had hassle so he's firmly against them for life now [emoji23][emoji23]

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[danhibees1875]

Bought a new build about 4 months ago and also happy to answer any questions.

That's a good list of extras you have included there, will save you a fair bit of money as well as hassle.

My development seemed to work quite well at doing a section at a time to completion so you moved in to what felt like a completed street even though they were still working on nearby side streets. A friend of mine was a bit different and they didn't have tarmac on the road infront of their drive for a while and felt a bit more "building site" like - but that doesn't really make much of an impact on day to day life and is temporary.

[Ozyhibby]

Not sure if you have your own finance but if you do then there is usually room to negotiate on price.
Also, hopefully you intend to stay long term? It can be hard to move after a couple of years if the builder is still selling brand new houses on later phases of the development. Not usually an issue but something to bare in mind.

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[Danderhall Hibs]

This is a barret development

We looked at a Miller homes and walker developments - both of there houses seem on the smaller side for what we would like, bedrooms particularly

Did you buy off plan or was it up already?

We are hoping to get into it before we decide, it's just on the other side of the site fence so no access yet but I want to see the kitchen that's in to see the quilaity

I'm. Surprised at the options they have thrown it... It's about 22k worth all up... Is that normal? Could we try and squeeze some more?

Did you have much snagging issues?

My dad knew of 1 guy years ago that bought one and had hassle so he's firmly against them for life now [emoji23][emoji23]

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Walker homes mate - they were very good. We bought off plan but viewed the same house in the showroom out at mid Calder. We looked at loads of houses but I always found something “wrong” with it, as soon as I saw this one I knew it’s what I wanted.

I found the wimpey and barrats houses quite small - wee rooms and narrow hallways. Walker give you a good standard of stuff and no “upgrades”.- I believe Barrats do a lot of upselling on stuff like door handles, taps etc etc.

Good after sales from them as well, there wasn’t loads of snagging but when there was they had a process and it worked - basically the site foreman would come round on the following Wednesday if it needed fixed the tradesman would come the next week to fix.

I’m surprised that you felt the miller and walker homes were smaller as if I was ever to move again it’d be with one of those builders. The miller houses I saw were lovely.

[Callum_62]

Not sure if you have your own finance but if you do then there is usually room to negotiate on price.
Also, hopefully you intend to stay long term? It can be hard to move after a couple of years if the builder is still selling brand new houses on later phases of the development. Not usually an issue but something to bare in mind.

Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkYeah, this is a fair step up in house size so definately see it as a long term house - 2 extra bedrooms so hopefully the bedroom tax doesn't come into force [emoji23][emoji23]

Do all new builts have a fairly decent size area for affordable housing? Noticed on the plan this build seems to have a bigger area than others

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[Danderhall Hibs]

Yeah, this is a fair step up in house size so definately see it as a long term house - 2 extra bedrooms so hopefully the bedroom tax doesn't come into force [emoji23][emoji23]

Do all new builts have a fairly decent size area for affordable housing? Noticed on the plan this build seems to have a bigger area than others

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There has to be affordable housing on every development. Not sure of the percentage.

[Danderhall Hibs]

And I’d personally be a bit wary of why they’re throwing so many extras in so early in the build process.

[danhibees1875]

Walker homes mate - they were very good. We bought off plan but viewed the same house in the showroom out at mid Calder. We looked at loads of houses but I always found something “wrong” with it, as soon as I saw this one I knew it’s what I wanted.

I found the wimpey and barrats houses quite small - wee rooms and narrow hallways. Walker give you a good standard of stuff and no “upgrades”.- I believe Barrats do a lot of upselling on stuff like door handles, taps etc etc.

Good after sales from them as well, there wasn’t loads of snagging but when there was they had a process and it worked - basically the site foreman would come round on the following Wednesday if it needed fixed the tradesman would come the next week to fix.

I’m surprised that you felt the miller and walker homes were smaller as if I was ever to move again it’d be with one of those builders. The miller houses I saw were lovely.

Your first paragraph is exactly what happened with us. We seen loads and there was always something that we just didn't quite like about them then we seen one and everything just clicked for both of us and we loved it. :agree:

We were with Barratt and didn't feel that way about the extras tbh. There were some things that we had to pay for which in an ideal world I would have just wanted them to be included already and reflected in the price but they were the same things that my friends were having to pay for with other builders. The worst one was downlights IMO which they charge a fortune for.

Barratt actually seemed like there were a few things included which other builders didn't - rear turf, outdoor tap, moving plug socket locations pre-build.

[Callum_62]

Your first paragraph is exactly what happened with us. We seen loads and there was always something that we just didn't quite like about them then we seen one and everything just clicked for both of us and we loved it. :agree:

We were with Barratt and didn't feel that way about the extras tbh. There were some things that we had to pay for which in an ideal world I would have just wanted them to be included already and reflected in the price but they were the same things that my friends were having to pay for with other builders. The worst one was downlights IMO which they charge a fortune for.

Barratt actually seemed like there were a few things included which other builders didn't - rear turf, outdoor tap, moving plug socket locations pre-build.I'm sure they said it's 130quid per downlight

Having a laugh surley!

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[danhibees1875]

I'm sure they said it's 130quid per downlight

Having a laugh surley!

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Yep. From what I gather most builders are half that. Even then I think that's pricey.

We just got some nice lights at a fraction of the cost and so glad we made that call.

I looked into how much it would cost to get them done ourselves down the line. It's much cheaper to just get an electrician to fit them down the line if we decide to go for them (unlikely now tbh). The kicker is that it's much harder/more expensive once the house is actually built to do them. So Barratt have the chance to do them easily and cheaply from the start but still decide to charge through the nose for it. :rolleyes:

[Ozyhibby]

I think when it comes to build quality Cala are usually the best but that’s probably reflected in the price.


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[Colr]

Hi all.

Looking at getting a bgger house and there's alot of new build developments in and around the area we like

Went to look at 3 different estates today and went away with 1 clear favorite due to dimensions of house and what they are offering

As the house is near finished we obviously can't choose what's in it but they are offering as incentives

5pct deposit
All carpets and vinyl floorings
Dishwasher and fridge freezer (integrated)
Oven and hob 4 burner
4 door mirror wardrobe in master bedroom
1/2 height tiles in main bathroom and ensuite
Towel rail in main bathroom
Turf front and back

Its definately tempting us but have never purchased a new build before so it's kind of daunting

The development isn't massive, about 150 houses but we like it's got a lot of greenery and open spaces

Its fairly early in the development though with about maybe 15 houses occupied and about 6 or so to sell

We did see a few young kids today though. Which is a big plus for us

Anyone any experience with new build buying that can share there thoughts?




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I’ve built a few and my current company buys them as an investment.

I would say that there are a fair few sheisters amongst the big housebuilders.

The industry has become an oligopoly which has precious little interest in providing a good quality product and plenty in passing off any old ***** because they know someone will have to buy it.

There are some good companies in the market but on the whole it is not fit for purpose.

Have a look for Liam Halligan’s writings on the subject. Also Toby Lloyd if you want to get technical.

There’s one company in particular that have a terrible reputation and I would touch with a barge pole.

[Colr]

There has to be affordable housing on every development. Not sure of the percentage.

Usually around 30% but developers try to argue it down. Mix of shared ownership for first time buyers and affordable rent which normally goes to people on the Council waiting list is most common.

[Callum_62]

There’s one company in particular that have a terrible reputation and I would touch with a barge pole.

Can't leave it like that surely


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[GlesgaeHibby]

Can't leave it like that surely


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Persimmon.

I've just bought my second new build with Taylor Wimpey. Very happy both times.

Part of what swung the decision to buy with them again was that the site manager on my current development was the site manager where I bought my first flat. Sub contractors are the same too. Had a few minor snags, but they've been quick to address them all.

You do pay a premium, but there's something nice about being first in a house that's a blank canvas. Also cheap to run with solar panels on roof and we'll insulated.

[Moulin Yarns]

Persimmon.

I've just bought my second new build with Taylor Wimpey. Very happy both times.

Part of what swung the decision to buy with them again was that the site manager on my current development was the site manager where I bought my first flat. Sub contractors are the same too. Had a few minor snags, but they've been quick to address them all.

You do pay a premium, but there's something nice about being first in a house that's a blank canvas. Also cheap to run with solar panels on roof and we'll insulated.

Absolutely never buy a Persimmon home.

I have not heard a good thing about them. Tales of snagging lists into the hundreds of faults.

[Scouse Hibee]

Never bought a new build but have a relative who has, never in my life have I seen such shoddy workmanship. The joiners should be ashamed of themselves, who the **** signs off their work and actually pays them for the crap they pass off? If it’s that easy to get paid for doing **** all right I might consider going back on the tools!

[Wembley67]

Got a Walker house a few years ago, plenty snags but give them their due they were fixed promptly.

The only thing I can warn you about is the gardens. Make sure and if possible have a look to make sure adequate drainage has been put in. The amount of gardens I've had to redo in new builds is staggering, an inch of top soil is apparently sufficient to deal with Scottish rain.

[Colr]

Absolutely never buy a Persimmon home.

I have not heard a good thing about them. Tales of snagging lists into the hundreds of faults.

Amen!!

Read Halligan.

[The Modfather]

I think when it comes to build quality Cala are usually the best but that’s probably reflected in the price.


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We bought with Cala last December. My wife went to speak with Cala and look at the show home, I was away with work at the time so she didn’t reserve it and someone else did. We thought we had missed out so looked at Miller Homes nearby and were close to buying from Miller when Cala called to say the people who reserved never turned up. We’re really happy with Cala , the quality and all other things.

The Miller homes were nice, but don’t think they were to the same standard as Cala. The big difference I found between Cala and Miller was what was included as standard. We had a list of essentials at Miller (fencing, turf etc etc) and a list of nice to haves (heated towel rack etc). We were looking at something like another £15,000 at Miller for our essentials (albeit the house was one box room bigger than Cala). Everything was included with Cala (turfing, fencing, electricity in the garage, heated towel racks etc etc) they also gave us £12,00 odd towards the LBT (although we got that as we were renting so didn’t have to wait on anything selling or part exchanging).

The only issues we’ve had have been with our turf and a dead tree as it’s basically just builders waste under there. We’ll get the tree replaced and have been treating the grass, although that’s a common new build problem and not unique to Cala.

[Callum_62]

How did people sell there previous house?

Has anyone used part exchange or part exchange xtra (they market your house first and if it doesn't sell it reverts back to part exchange offwr)

I'm guessing these things usually work in builders favor but must take some of the stress away from selling in a chain

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[overdrive]

Do they actually provide good value? I’m looking to move and new builds seem to be initially more expensive than a comparable existing property, plus you then need to outlay more on kitting it out, whereas at least with an existing property you get at least some of that included, eg carpets, kitchen appliances, etc.

[Callum_62]

Do they actually provide good value? I’m looking to move and new builds seem to be initially more expensive than a comparable existing property, plus you then need to outlay more on kitting it out, whereas at least with an existing property you get at least some of that included, eg carpets, kitchen appliances, etc. Based on my limited experience you can get quite a lot added in, so the price listed for basic shell isn't what u actually pay

Certainly the one we are swithering over isn't that much more expensive than an older house a few mins drive from it. That might be with basic kitchen and carpets but then the older houses near by would need upgraded too

Guess you shop around and compare

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[Hibbyradge]

Make sure there's enough storage.

Don't believe if they tell you that they're not going to build on that open space in front of your property ...

[Callum_62]

Make sure there's enough storage.

Don't believe if they tell you that they're not going to build on that open space in front of your property ...Yeah I can see how you can over look these things.

I'm actually pretty happy with the dimensions and storage - certainly compared to what we are in (3 bed built in 2000 or so)

Master bedroom is 3.2m x 5m which definitely beats out alot of other sites

Kitchen dining is 5.2 x 4.3m

Big under stair storage too but could do with a better cupboard upstairs to be fair

It has a hot water cylinder which takes up a cupboard... I've noticed alot if newbuilds with 4 bedrooms and above use a hot water tank instead of a combi boiler

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[GlesgaeHibby]

Make sure there's enough storage.

Don't believe if they tell you that they're not going to build on that open space in front of your property ...


:agree: Took us a while to find a house that ticked that box. So many had bedrooms with no built in wardrobe, or no logical space to put one. Some had built in wardrobes that were too small for double bedrooms, but had decided to add a Jack 'n' Jill ensuite to make it 4 bathrooms.

[Danderhall Hibs]

:agree: Took us a while to find a house that ticked that box. So many had bedrooms with no built in wardrobe, or no logical space to put one. Some had built in wardrobes that were too small for double bedrooms, but had decided to add a Jack 'n' Jill ensuite to make it 4 bathrooms.

Some builders don’t have wardrobes at all - it gives the impression the rooms are bigger than they are. When I bought with walkers all rooms had a double wardrobe installed - look great and the room is the size as listed.

[Callum_62]

Agree re wardrobes.

The master in the one we looked at has a 4 door built in wardrobe [emoji106]

Seen some at not far over 3m and no wardrobes [emoji849]

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[Danderhall Hibs]

Agree re wardrobes.

The master in the one we looked at has a 4 door built in wardrobe [emoji106]

Seen some at not far over 3m and no wardrobes [emoji849]

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Makes a massive difference mate - my master bedroom has similar - double folding doors with a walk in wardrobe - so much space. Got good cupboard space as well - big cupboard upstairs and 2 in the utility room.

Loads of houses (when I was looking) had hardly any and if they did they were mental - in the living room behind the couch or half size doors that you’d basically have to kneel down to go into.

[Jamesie]

Bought a Barratt new build flat in 2007. I'm still living in it, so it can't have been that bad, although a few points worth noting:

(i) If doing it again I'd be inclined to instruct a quantity surveyor or similar to inspect the interiors to see where corners have been cut and where snagging issues arise. I thought I'd done a good job on this myself, but years later found annoying issues arising such as, for example, the TV aerial and telephone sockets in the master bedroom being connected to absolutely nothing - clearly corners were cut by the builders. That said, this place was put up in 2007 at a time when the housing rush was at its worst and flats were just being literally thrown up, so things may have improved since then.

(ii) negotiate, and negotiate hard. I was fortunate to be living at home at the time so could afford to walk out of their show room as often as I wished, and my flat was also the last one to be sold on the development so they were keen to get rid of it. For the sake of not being able to choose my kitchen and bathroom colours I happily saved up to £20k on the purchase price paid by some of my neighbours for exactly the same property.

(iii) you won't know who your neighbours are: probably less of an issue with houses than flats, but I only discovered after buying my flat that Barratt had sold about 30/40 properties to one individual who runs them as party flats and now tries to purchase any other properties that come on the market. That means the two flats on the landing below me are both effectively AirBnBs, but to be fair these are more commonly let to families / workers than stag dos etc.

[Future17]

Bought a Barratt new build almost three years ago and really happy with it. There was a few snagging issues which is to be expected; most were sorted relatively quickly, the only one which wasn't was drainage in the garden which took over a year to resolve (to the extent it has been anyway). The only extras we paid for were in relation to the kitchen - we organised everything else ourselves including carpets/flooring etc.

They've just finished building on our site and, even though another builder is building in the area, a couple of properties on our site have sold for about 15% over what they were bought for 3/4 years ago.

The only real downside I can think of is the issue of settlement with regards to decoration. It's pretty much pointless painting or papering a wall for the first 18-24 months as the house is still "moving" and definitely don't tile an upstairs floor.

[Hibrandenburg]

Make sure there's enough storage.

:agree: Even better if you can get a house that has a cellar. Mine is divided into 3 rooms and has exactly the same amount of floor space as the other 3 levels. I completely renovated it before moving in and installed lighting, heating, subterranean windows and extended the electrical circuit to 4 double sockets per room. The largest room I converted into a recreation room with bar, sports equipment and home cinema, the smallest room is a utility room and storage and the middle sized room has been converted into a bedroom which not only allowed us to turn a bedroom on the first floor into a walk in wardrobe but also provides us with a cool sleeping alternative in the summer when temperatures rise to the mid 30's. I absolutely detest cluttered up living areas and the cellar means we can keep the other 3 living levels absolutely clutter free but still have easy access to all that stuff you need occasionally but don't want cluttering up your house.

[Jones28]

:agree: Even better if you can get a house that has a cellar. Mine is divided into 3 rooms and has exactly the same amount of floor space as the other 3 levels. I completely renovated it before moving in and installed lighting, heating, subterranean windows and extended the electrical circuit to 4 double sockets per room. The largest room I converted into a recreation room with bar, sports equipment and home cinema, the smallest room is a utility room and storage and the middle sized room has been converted into a bedroom which not only allowed us to turn a bedroom on the first floor into a walk in wardrobe but also provides us with a cool sleeping alternative in the summer when temperatures rise to the mid 30's. I absolutely detest cluttered up living areas and the cellar means we can keep the other 3 living levels absolutely clutter free but still have easy access to all that stuff you need occasionally but don't want cluttering up your house.

That sounds ****ing amazing man. Come and do my house.

[Hibrandenburg]

That sounds ****ing amazing man. Come and do my house.

I used the term "I" loosely. :wink:

I got professionals to do the heating and windows due to me being afflicted with a condition called duo lefthanditis. Everything else was easy.

[Danderhall Hibs]

How are you getting on with this mate?

[Callum_62]

Offer made on Friday on a house we really like. Waiting to hear back from the developer on what they think.

Its basically a "match what the new build site up the road was offering us - so very interesting to see if they accept or laugh us out the park

Certainly the sales advisor suggested we could get alot of what we required but head office have to approve

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[GreenLake]

I bought a new home in LA in 2015 and an old home (1990's is an old home in Florida) a couple of months ago. Obviously we have more repairs to do on the older home but we were surprised by how much work we ended up doing on a brand new house over the last 5 years. Workmanship is possibly not as good here considering how many casually trained workers end up hanging doors and fitting windows. I had to adjust a lot of non-closing doors after a few months.

[Callum_62]

Hit a call today from the folk handling the part exchange - trying to get 2 Estate Agents round on Wednesday

I'm really interested to see what they will. Offer.

I had 2 valuations already (both said exactly same price too) so I'm Intrigued what these 2 will come in at

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[H18 SFR]

Any updates, we are about to visit Cala today in Ayr.

My wife is a nightmare just now. Wants to move, wants to stay, move, stay.

[Callum_62]

Hi

Quick update - after a week or so of back and forth weve now reserved our new home!

It really paid off for us to keep asking for things and we are fairly happy with the deal in the end

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[Betty Boop]

I'd avoid Bellway Homes . I've been in a flat for seven months (Imperial Heights Abbeyhill) major problems with leaks, and dampness. Very disappointed to say the least.

[Callum_62]

Thats us confirmed today with all the required and the solicitor will now advance the missives

Hoping they let us in to measure up for 2nd bedroom wardrobe and have a look at the back garden (which we will be doing)

Completion meant to be 27th March, so really not long

Our Part exchange home went on market mid last week which 1st viewings on the weekend....showed our 8th viewer around tonight.

One of the couples have made an offer today, so this one will go pretty quickly too....hopefully not for too much more than we got from the builder!

I really wish we could chose who to sell to...seeing young families with small child etc is who we really want to give this house too, as they remind us of ourselves a few years ago

All down to money and chain situation for the PX company I imagine

[Hibrandenburg]

Thats us confirmed today with all the required and the solicitor will now advance the missives

Hoping they let us in to measure up for 2nd bedroom wardrobe and have a look at the back garden (which we will be doing)

Completion meant to be 27th March, so really not long

Our Part exchange home went on market mid last week which 1st viewings on the weekend....showed our 8th viewer around tonight.

One of the couples have made an offer today, so this one will go pretty quickly too....hopefully not for too much more than we got from the builder!

I really wish we could chose who to sell to...seeing young families with small child etc is who we really want to give this house too, as they remind us of ourselves a few years ago

All down to money and chain situation for the PX company I imagine

Good luck and be happy in your new castle.

[lugz]

We're currently going through a new build process through persimmon, I'm aware of the negativity towards them but for us it comes down to cost and they can offer us a 4 bed house that we need within our budget. I'm willing to take them on face value and leave any opinions till I go through a positive/negative experience my self.

Looking at moving in end of march/start of april and can't wait to have our own first house.

[Callum_62]

We're currently going through a new build process through persimmon, I'm aware of the negativity towards them but for us it comes down to cost and they can offer us a 4 bed house that we need within our budget. I'm willing to take them on face value and leave any opinions till I go through a positive/negative experience my self.

Looking at moving in end of march/start of april and can't wait to have our own first house.[emoji106]
We are moving to a Miller development the end of March

I found there is definately scope to negotiate but it will very much depend on popularity and house build stage

We managed to wangle quite a bit from it

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[danhibees1875]

We're currently going through a new build process through persimmon, I'm aware of the negativity towards them but for us it comes down to cost and they can offer us a 4 bed house that we need within our budget. I'm willing to take them on face value and leave any opinions till I go through a positive/negative experience my self.

Looking at moving in end of march/start of april and can't wait to have our own first house.

Persimmon are huge. The number of houses they build are staggering and so it's no surprise that they also end up being on the receiving end of the most negative press.

You've made the right decision to judge for yourself I think. :aok:

[pollution]

We're currently going through a new build process through persimmon, I'm aware of the negativity towards them but for us it comes down to cost and they can offer us a 4 bed house that we need within our budget. I'm willing to take them on face value and leave any opinions till I go through a positive/negative experience my self.

Looking at moving in end of march/start of april and can't wait to have our own first house.


Wow good for you. Your first home has 4 bedrooms? Not many first time buyers can achieve that.

Mine was two bedrooms at the age of 32.

[lugz]

Wow good for you. Your first home has 4 bedrooms? Not many first time buyers can achieve that.

Mine was two bedrooms at the age of 32.

Yeah I'm 32 as well but only came into money because of inheritance otherwise I'd be renting for all my days.

[greenlex]

Perhaps taking the plunge with Walker Homes.:greengrin

[Callum_62]

Perhaps taking the plunge with Walker Homes.:greengrinWe looked at a walker development. Couple of there floorplan were pretty Decent [emoji106]

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[-Jonesy-]

I bought a Taylor Wimpey house in July 2018, first home with help to buy, everything from pre sale to moving in and after sale/snagging has been handled really well from them and I’m very happy in general with the quality of the build so far. Came with all white goods too, only thing that wasn’t included in the initial price was flooring inside and grass in the back garden.
After 15 years of living in rented flats around Scotland it’s really nice to have a home that’s all mine (and the mrs) and a garden for my wee one to play in.

[greenlex]

We looked at a walker development. Couple of there floorplan were pretty Decent [emoji106]

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I’m looking at West Calder. (I’ve been in and around the area for 30 years now). I know the site manager very well so that could be a wee bonus.

[Barney McGrew]

Wish I’d noticed this thread previously! Our last two houses have been new builds, the first with Persimmon and the one we’re in just now with Taylor Wimpey.

As others have said, you can negotiate and it will depend on where they are with the build. We ended up getting £15k off the price of our current house and fully floored throughout....downside was they already decided on the kitchen by that point, but it isn’t the worst one in the world.

Best couple of bits of advice I can give are to firstly make sure you do a snagging list as quick as you can and don’t let them fob you off with anything on it - take as many pictures as you can and get it in as part of the list you submit.

Secondly, get to know the guys on site. Obviously this depends on the build stage, but you can usually find some of the small extras the builder will want to charge you quite a bit for can be negotiated directly with the workies for a reduced cost :wink:

Anything else I can answer/help with then fire away.

[HarpyHibby]

Anyone had issues with their address getting registered? I’ve had my new build flat since 20th Feb but still can’t arrange home insurance through compare the market etc. yet as it isn’t pulling my address through. Also can’t update my driving licence through the DVLA.

I’ve tried to register with the Post Office but any other suggestions?

[Danderhall Hibs]

Anyone had issues with their address getting registered? I’ve had my new build flat since 20th Feb but still can’t arrange home insurance through compare the market etc. yet as it isn’t pulling my address through. Also can’t update my driving licence through the DVLA.

I’ve tried to register with the Post Office but any other suggestions?

It updates eventually- I just had to phone the company’s where the online wouldn’t accept the address, explain to them it’s a new build and they could manually overwrite the address.

[IWasThere2016]

Done so twice - from Stewart Milne and West Development (smaller Dundee based co) - both excellent.

With SM we were last to buy on a small development and offer was fully carpeted, turfed gardens and discounted price.

Minimal snagging and attended to swiftly by both builders.

It was simple all in all.

[Callum_62]

Had my first look inside my new property earlier this week

Most things done just no flooring yet
Im sure they have co2 monitors in our master bedroom - any idea why?

Only 1 thing I really wasn't happy with and that was a filler panel on the kitchen not matching the door finish - surely they have to match?

Sales women thinks it stays but is checking.

Looks quite naff

Its top right panel above hob in this picture. Kitchen doors have a sort of gray running through them but that panel is just plain white

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200312/28d5034967a62b104e9f8e211cea1f56.jpg

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[speedy_gonzales]

Im sure they have co2 monitors in our master bedroom - any idea why?



New regs, the primary habitable bedroom must have a CO2 monitor.

[Beefster]

Only 1 thing I really wasn't happy with and that was a filler panel on the kitchen not matching the door finish - surely they have to match?

Sales women thinks it stays but is checking.

Kitchen looks very nice - plenty of space. I agree with you about the filler panel. I would be reluctant to accept that tbh. The company will try to avoid changing anything if they can get away with it. If it’s going to irritate you though, I’d be tempted to hold firm tbh.

[Callum_62]

Kitchen looks very nice - plenty of space. I agree with you about the filler panel. I would be reluctant to accept that tbh. The company will try to avoid changing anything if they can get away with it. If it’s going to irritate you though, I’d be tempted to hold firm tbh.Yeah it's our favorite part of the house. Once we do the garden could be a really nice space out the back

It would annoy me but it's more so the fact I think it's a very poor finish. I thibk they have used an end panel instead of a finished piece

I'm going to ask them if they refuse to amend to show me any other forward facing part of the kitchen that is pure white. There is none. I don't see it any different then them using 1 white door instead of a finished door

See what they say anyway

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[danhibees1875]

It's a nice spacey kitchen there. Agree about the panel looking a bit odd.

I reckon if you ask them they'll change it. The builders at my site couldn't have done more for me, they were great.

[Just Alf]

Yeah it's our favorite part of the house. Once we do the garden could be a really nice space out the back

It would annoy me but it's more so the fact I think it's a very poor finish. I thibk they have used an end panel instead of a finished piece

I'm going to ask them if they refuse to amend to show me any other forward facing part of the kitchen that is pure white. There is none. I don't see it any different then them using 1 white door instead of a finished door

See what they say anyway

Sent from my VOG-L29 using TapatalkKitchen looks good, they've used the wrong filler panel, if it was supposed to be that colour then all your other panels would be the same, look at the 2 end panels each side of the cooker hood for reference.



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[Stick]

If the end gables off the two wall units at each side off the cooker hood match the doors then matching panel are available and should have been used. If they are white then it is possible that the kitchen manufacturer does not make matching panels. If that is the case they should have used a cupboard door cut to size. Personally I wouldn’t want a filler that size and would prefer open shelves, which can be made to any size.
Also noticed that there are plant on gable panels which reach to the floor on the tall unit unit at the rhs, the base units and the tall unit in the utility room, but not on the tall unit at the lhs, there should be, as it looks odd.
Don’t see any drawers, I presume they are hidden at the lhs off the picture, they should be closer to the hob and sink, bad design having drawers so far away, and other side off a door.
You paid a lot off money, things should be done correctly.

[Callum_62]

If the end gables off the two wall units at each side off the cooker hood match the doors then matching panel are available and should have been used. If they are white then it is possible that the kitchen manufacturer does not make matching panels. If that is the case they should have used a cupboard door cut to size. Personally I wouldn’t want a filler that size and would prefer open shelves, which can be made to any size.
Also noticed that there are plant on gable panels which reach to the floor on the tall unit unit at the rhs, the base units and the tall unit in the utility room, but not on the tall unit at the lhs, there should be, as it looks odd.
Don’t see any drawers, I presume they are hidden at the lhs off the picture, they should be closer to the hob and sink, bad design having drawers so far away, and other side off a door.
You paid a lot off money, things should be done correctly.

Good spot that re floor standing panel on the lhs fridge freezer

Actually not sure where the cutlery drawer is now you mention in, my wife can't remember either

There are pull out units underneath the hob

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[Danderhall Hibs]

Had my first look inside my new property earlier this week

Most things done just no flooring yet
Im sure they have co2 monitors in our master bedroom - any idea why?

Only 1 thing I really wasn't happy with and that was a filler panel on the kitchen not matching the door finish - surely they have to match?

Sales women thinks it stays but is checking.

Looks quite naff

Its top right panel above hob in this picture. Kitchen doors have a sort of gray running through them but that panel is just plain white

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200312/28d5034967a62b104e9f8e211cea1f56.jpg

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Exact same doors and handles I have in my kitchen mate - I don’t have a plain white door anywhere. Like someone said they must’ve used the wrong one.

There has to be a cutlery drawer somewhere?!

[Callum_62]

Exact same doors and handles I have in my kitchen mate - I don’t have a plain white door anywhere. Like someone said they must’ve used the wrong one.

There has to be a cutlery drawer somewhere?!That's good to know, thanks!
There are pull out units under the hob. I really can't remeber what they were like now but pretty sure one will be for cutlery

Sales girls at Miller said they will get intouch with the supplier (Symphony I think) and see what they can do. Agreed when you see it, it doesn't look like a good finish

I imagine it's a mistake as I'm sure most people would complain about this
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[heretoday]

The bedrooms always seem a bit pokey in new builds. That's coming from a three bedroom Edinburgh tenement.

[Callum_62]

The bedrooms always seem a bit pokey in new builds. That's coming from a three bedroom Edinburgh tenement.Our floorplan isn't huge either, but certainly not pokey

Infact quite a bit bigger than our current rooms in our house that were built about 20 years ago

These measurements don't include wardrobes. I've noticed even the larger 5 bedroom homes still have similar sized bedrooms

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200314/be9b908a4f9335b26a60c5110b829b99.jpg

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[H18 SFR]

There is a street in Alloway here in Ayr that my wife really likes, she’s a Health Visitor and has two families there, absolutely loves it. She literally goes on about it all the time. No properties seem to come up for sale there, well until Friday.

Our house will likely be on the market by Tuesday, the value of it will mean it’s a bit of a challenge for us to secure it, let’s just say we are going to have a go...sold the wife’s car today!

My work is only 0.7 miles from our current house so I will walk, plus I’m a teacher and we are expecting to be told we are off for around 16 weeks worst case scenario accoutring to the briefing on Friday so it won’t a problem for a while. I’m in the market for a cheap runaround if anyone has one.

[Callum_62]

Exact same doors and handles I have in my kitchen mate - I don’t have a plain white door anywhere. Like someone said they must’ve used the wrong one.

There has to be a cutlery drawer somewhere?!Miller are standing by there layout. Symphony have confirmed as it's a standard kitchen all filler panels are plain white

All very well but it's a 280mm filler, different if you were talking 40mm or something

Will run it by them again during demo meeting

Probably better taking it away and adding small shelves

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[Just_Jimmy]

Miller are standing by there layout. Symphony have confirmed as it's a standard kitchen all filler panels are plain white

All very well but it's a 280mm filler, different if you were talking 40mm or something

Will run it by them again during demo meeting

Probably better taking it away and adding small shelves

Sent from my VOG-L29 using TapatalkI wouldn't be taking no for answer. They can bolt with their standard policy chat.

In the grand scheme of the cost of a house, the cost of one filler unit is nout and it takes 20 mins to fix. Tell them get it done and don't let them mess you around further.

It's piss poor customer service.

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[danhibees1875]

Miller are standing by there layout. Symphony have confirmed as it's a standard kitchen all filler panels are plain white

All very well but it's a 280mm filler, different if you were talking 40mm or something

Will run it by them again during demo meeting

Probably better taking it away and adding small shelves

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Weird.

It's an easy and cheap fix for them.

There will be a new build customer survey coming your way once you're settled in the house - I'd have thought they'd be keeping you happy at least until then!

[Callum_62]

Weird.

It's an easy and cheap fix for them.

There will be a new build customer survey coming your way once you're settled in the house - I'd have thought they'd be keeping you happy at least until then!Yeah I think when I speak to them in person during demo meeting I will be raising that point

Looks like the finish of some diyer that had leftover panels [emoji23][emoji23]

Easy fix either way but id rather they done it

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[danhibees1875]

Yeah I think when I speak to them in person during demo meeting I will be raising that point

Looks like the finish of some diyer that had leftover panels [emoji23][emoji23]

Easy fix either way but id rather they done it

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Absolutely!

As a side note, did miller provide you with those light fittings? That's a nice touch. I've not heard of any builders doing that, not even the Miller my mate moved into.

[Callum_62]

Absolutely!

As a side note, did miller provide you with those light fittings? That's a nice touch. I've not heard of any builders doing that, not even the Miller my mate moved into.Yeah they are standard spec I believe

I do find the standard Miller spec is decent (barring the filler panels [emoji23])

Certainly feels better than the barret home we visited

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[danhibees1875]

Yeah they are standard spec I believe

I do find the standard Miller spec is decent (barring the filler panels [emoji23])

Certainly feels better than the barret home we visited

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Mine is a Barratt! 🙃

At least my kitchen panels match. :wink:

[Callum_62]

Mine is a Barratt! [emoji854]

At least my kitchen panels match. :wink:Hahaha different site than we visited I'm sure [emoji15][emoji23][emoji23]

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[danhibees1875]

Hahaha different site than we visited I'm sure [emoji15][emoji23][emoji23]

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We've no more left to sell, so probably. :greengrin

[Stick]

As I said in my previous post, they could cut down a door to use as a filler, or fit an open shelf unit.
The other option is for them to replace the 500mm wall unit at the rhs, and replace with a 300mm and a 400mm wall unit.
The 300 would match the 300 at the lhs so would look balanced. This would leave a very small filler that you would hardly notice.
If they refuse all off these options then they are being pretty unreasonable.
Hope it gets sorted to your satisfaction, something so easily fixed shouldn’t cause you so much hassle.

[Just Alf]

As I said in my previous post, they could cut down a door to use as a filler, or fit an open shelf unit.
The other option is for them to replace the 500mm wall unit at the rhs, and replace with a 300mm and a 400mm wall unit.
The 300 would match the 300 at the lhs so would look balanced. This would leave a very small filler that you would hardly notice.
If they refuse all off these options then they are being pretty unreasonable.
Hope it gets sorted to your satisfaction, something so easily fixed shouldn’t cause you so much hassle.This!

Looks like the sizes work so other than them doing stuff by 'default' I don't know why they didn't do it that way initially.



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[lugz]

Waiting to hear back today from persimmons regarding Sturgeons latest statement. I'm 2/3 weeks away from moving and looks like its came at the worst possible time

[Callum_62]

Waiting to hear back today from persimmons regarding Sturgeons latest statement. I'm 2/3 weeks away from moving and looks like its came at the worst possible timeOur solicitor got our funds drawn down early and we are now trying to complete tomorrow instead of friday

Miller rang to say they are closing on Sunday but that might obviously change

Hopefully it goes thro tomorrow as we keep keys on part exchange until friday giving us the chance to move slowly over a few days
I'd rather do that than face he uncertainly over next months or so

I don't even know what would happen if we didn't complete this week

Trying to keep dad etc away from helping so this will be beneficial

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[lugz]

I might phone both tomorrow and look at getting it pushed through. Not sure if they have all the necessary certificates though which could be a stumbling block. Really don't want it going any more than the next few weeks.

[lugz]

Our solicitor got our funds drawn down early and we are now trying to complete tomorrow instead of friday

Miller rang to say they are closing on Sunday but that might obviously change

Hopefully it goes thro tomorrow as we keep keys on part exchange until friday giving us the chance to move slowly over a few days
I'd rather do that than face he uncertainly over next months or so

I don't even know what would happen if we didn't complete this week

Trying to keep dad etc away from helping so this will be beneficial

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Hope everything goes well, just unnecessary added stress.

[Callum_62]

I might phone both tomorrow and look at getting it pushed through. Not sure if they have all the necessary certificates though which could be a stumbling block. Really don't want it going any more than the next few weeks.Yeah we had all the habitation check etc done

Be interesting to see what happens at 8.30

No idea what would happen if we don't complete this week. We have paid deposit etc so I hope we can get it done and get the keys tomorrow

Probably means we won't have new neibours for quite a while though

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[greenlex]

I got the home report done today on my house before it goes on the market. Perfect timing.:rolleyes: My new house would have been ready June/July. Gutted.

[greenlex]

Yeah we had all the habitation check etc done

Be interesting to see what happens at 8.30

No idea what would happen if we don't complete this week. We have paid deposit etc so I hope we can get it done and get the keys tomorrow

Probably means we won't have new neibours for quite a while though

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Good luck Callum.

[Callum_62]

That's us completed

Although they are trying to get cleaners in first before we are allowed near the house

Sort of strange but definatly rather compete that potentially be stuck in limbo

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[greenlex]

That's us completed

Although they are trying to get cleaners in first before we are allowed near the house

Sort of strange but definatly rather compete that potentially be stuck in limbo

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Good stuff. You got the flooring down?

[Callum_62]

Good stuff. You got the flooring down?Yeha all floor was part of move

Missing lawn at front and obviously needs a proper clean

Final snag etc not been done either

Exceptional circumstances though

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[lugz]

So land registers have closed and that's another delay on this never ending process. Proper annoyed.

[Callum_62]

So land registers have closed and that's another delay on this never ending process. Proper annoyed.Yeah sales advisor said she reckoned there were closing today at 5pm

That means no more moves?

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[lugz]

Yeah sales advisor said she reckoned there were closing today at 5pm

That means no more moves?

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Yeah solicitor emailed today to say as of now they cant finalise sales. Will keep me in touch when they hear more.

[H18 SFR]

Barclays withdraw 95/90/85/80/75/70/65% mortgages.

I really hope this isn’t the start of all the banking crisis style crap from the lenders. We went on the market on Friday and had several viewers over the weekend before the lockdown.

It irks me that the UK Gov have underwritten funds for the banks and it looks like banks will take it and sit on it banking crash style.

[Callum_62]

Barclays withdraw 95/90/85/80/75/70/65% mortgages.

I really hope this isn’t the start of all the banking crisis style crap from the lenders. We went on the market on Friday and had several viewers over the weekend before the lockdown.

It irks me that the UK Gov have underwritten funds for the banks and it looks like banks will take it and sit on it banking crash style.So they are only accepting people with 35pct deposit?

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[RyeSloan]

So they are only accepting people with 35pct deposit?

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They have withdrawn anything above 60% LTV as their underwriting capability has been impacted by corona related closures.

A temporary measure unrelated to funding or capital levels.

[H18 SFR]

They have withdrawn anything above 60% LTV as their underwriting capability has been impacted by corona related closures.

A temporary measure unrelated to funding or capital levels.

Thanks for adding that info. That wasn’t shared where I read it.

[Future17]

So land registers have closed and that's another delay on this never ending process. Proper annoyed.


Yeah sales advisor said she reckoned there were closing today at 5pm

That means no more moves?

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Yeah solicitor emailed today to say as of now they cant finalise sales. Will keep me in touch when they hear more.

I think the Law Society of Scotland advice on this point may have been a bit premature (although their priority will always be their own members).

I think you should hear from your solicitor today or tomorrow to say it's sorted through a workaround.

[Itsnoteasy]

How did people sell there previous house?

Has anyone used part exchange or part exchange xtra (they market your house first and if it doesn't sell it reverts back to part exchange offwr)

I'm guessing these things usually work in builders favor but must take some of the stress away from selling in a chain

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Part x is the easiest way.

The only thing about part x is you need to allow viewers in which is normal but you can't tell them what developer gave you for the house.
I got offered £345000 but knocked it back. They came back & offered me £365000 which I accepted.

The house goes on the market at offers over £345000. We had a few viewers but no offers were made to developer. After 8 weeks with no offers made the developer dropped to £315000 fixed price.

Next minute hunners are knocking on the door.

I got my guaranteed £365000 & the developer took a £50000 hit.

[Danderhall Hibs]

That's us completed

Although they are trying to get cleaners in first before we are allowed near the house

Sort of strange but definatly rather compete that potentially be stuck in limbo

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Good news mate - I think the cleaners go in to get all the dust cleaned up. I remember seeing my house a week or so before we moved and it definitely needed it.

[PatHead]

They have withdrawn anything above 60% LTV as their underwriting capability has been impacted by corona related closures.

A temporary measure unrelated to funding or capital levels.

Halifax have done the same giving the same reason. Call me a cynic, but I wonder if it is really because they are worried about a crash.

[RyeSloan]

Halifax have done the same giving the same reason. Call me a cynic, but I wonder if it is really because they are worried about a crash.

Well quite possibly but in all honesty I’m not sure I’d be handing out huge loans backed by an asset that may suffer a large price correction downwards just now either!!

There must be a huge likelihood of a house price correction now and the underwriting due diligence on people’s ability to pay will have gone up massively so for once I’m understanding the banks moves here.

[Billy Whizz]

Well quite possibly but in all honesty I’m not sure I’d be handing out huge loans backed by an asset that may suffer a large price correction downwards just now either!!

There must be a huge likelihood of a house price correction now and the underwriting due diligence on people’s ability to pay will have gone up massively so for once I’m understanding the banks moves here.

When I was 1st buying in the 1980’s, you got around 3 times the highest salary, of you or your partner. The last house I bought in 2002, was based on 3 times as well
Hearing nowadays you can get up to 5 times

[Callum_62]

Good news mate - I think the cleaners go in to get all the dust cleaned up. I remember seeing my house a week or so before we moved and it definitely needed it.Managed to get a cleaner in today and what a difference

Managed to get couch in tonight and it's starting to feel a bit more homely

Real graft with just me and the wife and no one to watch our 6 year old [emoji23]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200326/3484f51504f57633b94c1e6ed395a84a.jpg

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[Callum_62]

Anyone ever seen an aco drain set up like this?

The actually drain hole in in the final section closest to the camera

So basically it's 3 separate sections that overflow into each other and only a few cms below the garage threshold

That surely isn't right?? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200622/91625ace62515841d9c9027a6a8562c4.jpg

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[GlesgaeHibby]

Anyone ever seen an aco drain set up like this?

The actually drain hole in in the final section closest to the camera

So basically it's 3 separate sections that overflow into each other and only a few cms below the garage threshold

That surely isn't right?? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200622/91625ace62515841d9c9027a6a8562c4.jpg

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How does the water flow into each section? Only when full and overflowing?

Ours is a continuous section end to end.

[Callum_62]

How does the water flow into each section? Only when full and overflowing?

Ours is a continuous section end to end.Yeah so the downpipe sits on top of the grate you can see at top of picture (taking the whole roof full of water)
Flows into first section which overflows. Into middle section (contains silt trap)
That then needs to fill up for it to go into end section and down the drain

I can't see why each section is capped, or walled.

I think these types of drains do sometimes have some standing water but it should be much lower than the garage threshold

Surely we are just a torrential day or so of rain away from overwhelming the system

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[Callum_62]

I just had our site manager say to me (after an entirely non confrontational discussion about some things needing looked at):

"I don't give a **** what you think"

Charming.

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[Barney McGrew]

I just had our site manager say to me (after an entirely non confrontational discussion some things needing looked at):

"I don't give a **** what you think"

Charming.

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Unfortunately, that’s pretty much par for the course with some site managers.

I’d be reporting that straight back to their head office though, it’s bang out of order.

[H18 SFR]

I just had our site manager say to me (after an entirely non confrontational discussion some things needing looked at):

"I don't give a **** what you think"

Charming.

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That’s an absolute disgrace. What can you do if he is the point of contact?

One of my best mates had a similar experience regarding after sales for a £40k+ car at the tail end of last year. The sales guy gave verbals like you have described then squared up to my mate who felt obliged to lash out as he felt he was about to be hit. The guy needed medical attention. The issue with the car was promptly dealt with. No idea what happened re the sales guy.

[McSwanky]

I just had our site manager say to me (after an entirely non confrontational discussion about some things needing looked at):

"I don't give a **** what you think"

Charming.

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Wow, hope he/she was just having a bad day - that's terrible customer service, and worthy of complaint. I assume there's an official snagging process that you're going through?

[Callum_62]

Unfortunately, that’s pretty much par for the course with some site managers.

I’d be reporting that straight back to their head office though, it’s bang out of order.To be honest I was shocked

It was a very small thing that he was being a smart arse about and I simply said

That's fine but no need to be cheeky about it

He said he wasn't and he doesn't give a **** what I think

I've left a voicemail on his bosses mobile to call me back

He comes across as an absolute twat to be frank

I'm not sure if he is usually customer faced or not but he displays zero customer service skills

He's always making smart arse comments
We have an issue with our aco drain where the middle chamber is having standing water (like 40cm deep)

That's ones of the things we were discussing today and I asked but if they come and fix it and we still have standing water that stinks, that's not acceptable is it?

His reponse.... well, life stinks

I let that one go although I'm thinking we have paid a big wad of cash for this and he seems to take zero responsibility of the issues

Isn't it his job to resolves these or what?

We arnt even that bothered by our issues,. We haven't been pestering them or being difficult in anyway, so we are really shocked at the way he is

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[skankomcphee]

That’s an absolute disgrace. What can you do if he is the point of contact?

One of my best mates had a similar experience regarding after sales for a £40k+ car at the tail end of last year. The sales guy gave verbals like you have described then squared up to my mate who felt obliged to lash out as he felt he was about to be hit. The guy needed medical attention. The issue with the car was promptly dealt with. No idea what happened re the sales guy.


Wouldn't surprise me if drugs were involved. Cocaine is rife everywhere these days.

[Smartie]

To be honest I was shocked

It was a very small thing that he was being a smart arse about and I simply said

That's fine but no need to be cheeky about it

He said he wasn't and he doesn't give a **** what I think

I've left a voicemail on his bosses mobile to call me back

He comes across as an absolute twat to be frank

I'm not sure if he is usually customer faced or not but he displays zero customer service skills

He's always making smart arse comments
We have an issue with our aco drain where the middle chamber is having standing water (like 40cm deep)

That's ones of the things we were discussing today and I asked but if they come and fix it and we still have standing water that stinks, that's not acceptable is it?

His reponse.... well, life stinks

I let that one go although I'm thinking we have paid a big wad of cash for this and he seems to take zero responsibility of the issues

Isn't it his job to resolves these or what?

We arnt even that bothered by our issues,. We haven't been pestering them or being difficult in anyway, so we are really shocked at the way he is

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The thing is...... even if you were being a cock about it, he has no right to speak like that.

The sales process (in my opinion anyway) isn’t over until you’ve left 5 star reviews everywhere based on the experience you’ve had, and that experience isn’t over yet.

If someone came to me with a complaint like that, the member of staff would have a lot of explaining to do, irrespective of what had gone before.

[Itsnoteasy]

To be honest I was shocked

It was a very small thing that he was being a smart arse about and I simply said

That's fine but no need to be cheeky about it

He said he wasn't and he doesn't give a **** what I think

I've left a voicemail on his bosses mobile to call me back

He comes across as an absolute twat to be frank

I'm not sure if he is usually customer faced or not but he displays zero customer service skills

He's always making smart arse comments
We have an issue with our aco drain where the middle chamber is having standing water (like 40cm deep)

That's ones of the things we were discussing today and I asked but if they come and fix it and we still have standing water that stinks, that's not acceptable is it?

His reponse.... well, life stinks

I let that one go although I'm thinking we have paid a big wad of cash for this and he seems to take zero responsibility of the issues

Isn't it his job to resolves these or what?

We arnt even that bothered by our issues,. We haven't been pestering them or being difficult in anyway, so we are really shocked at the way he is

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Who is the builder?

[Future17]

Who is the builder?

Miller

[Callum_62]

MillerYep, Miller Homes

They generally have a decent rep. I'm not sure our site managers attitude is all that good though

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[H18 SFR]

Let us know what comes of it.

[Callum_62]

How does the water flow into each section? Only when full and overflowing?

Ours is a continuous section end to end.Does your aco drain have a silt trap installed?

They came this morning to have a look and said they'd punch the walls in to make it more a continuous section

The silt trap will always been full of water and only refreshed when it rains. It will leave about 30cms of standing water

I understand the concept of silt traps but my main concern is the standing water in the silt trap smelling



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[McSwanky]

FINALLY got the keys to our new build on Friday (we should have moved in in March, but hey ho), and starting to sort out all that needs done. The snagging list is growing by the hour!

Anyway, a specific question for anyone that has recently bought a new build. Fibre to the Premises is obviously installed (big hefty box on the wall), and Taylor Wimpey are telling us that we can only go with BT for broadband for the first 18 months. This seems a bit strange. SO two questions:

1. If you have FTTP installed, can you still go with a 'lesser' FTTC contract? That would be cheaper, and absolutely adequate for our needs.
2. Anyone have any experience of this 'tie-in' on a new build? We're not tied into anyone for gas, electricity etc, so unsure why it would be different for broadband.

Cheers!

[Craig_HFC]

FINALLY got the keys to our new build on Friday (we should have moved in in March, but hey ho), and starting to sort out all that needs done. The snagging list is growing by the hour!

Anyway, a specific question for anyone that has recently bought a new build. Fibre to the Premises is obviously installed (big hefty box on the wall), and Taylor Wimpey are telling us that we can only go with BT for broadband for the first 18 months. This seems a bit strange. SO two questions:

1. If you have FTTP installed, can you still go with a 'lesser' FTTC contract? That would be cheaper, and absolutely adequate for our needs.
2. Anyone have any experience of this 'tie-in' on a new build? We're not tied into anyone for gas, electricity etc, so unsure why it would be different for broadband.

Cheers!

We moved into a Persimmon new build in December & we were only to able to go with a few providers for the first 18 months or 2 years (can't remember how long exactly). I'm sure it was through OFNL & their providers or something like that.

I'd never heard of the providers we could choose from as none of them were Sky, BT, Virgin etc but we went with vFast Internet in the end and we've not had any problems so far.

[RyeSloan]

FINALLY got the keys to our new build on Friday (we should have moved in in March, but hey ho), and starting to sort out all that needs done. The snagging list is growing by the hour!

Anyway, a specific question for anyone that has recently bought a new build. Fibre to the Premises is obviously installed (big hefty box on the wall), and Taylor Wimpey are telling us that we can only go with BT for broadband for the first 18 months. This seems a bit strange. SO two questions:

1. If you have FTTP installed, can you still go with a 'lesser' FTTC contract? That would be cheaper, and absolutely adequate for our needs.
2. Anyone have any experience of this 'tie-in' on a new build? We're not tied into anyone for gas, electricity etc, so unsure why it would be different for broadband.

Cheers!

The FTTP connections on new estates are generally provided by one supplier so you will be limited to them as part of the effort to recoup their costs.

Does the house even have a copper connection? Openreach have been reluctant to do so for large sites for sometime....all part of the government drive for fibre.

[McSwanky]

Does the house even have a copper connection? Openreach have been reluctant to do so for large sites for sometime....all part of the government drive for fibre.

That's a good question. Not there at the moment, so can't check, but how would I find out? There's the big fibre box and what looks like a standard telephone point next to it in the hall cupboard, but never having seen a FTTP setup before I don't know if the phone point is just a spur from the fibre box or whether it's a full copper line. I suspect the former judging by your comments above.

So all this probably means I'm 'stuck' with FTTP and BT and I'm going to have to pay through the nose, unless I want to pay to get a copper line put in, which will probably cost more up front. Bummer!

[Callum_62]

We were stuck with BT for a bit too

Contract ran out few months after moving in and rang around all the suppliers but no one except BT could provide it

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[McSwanky]

We were stuck with BT for a bit too

Contract ran out few months after moving in and rang around all the suppliers but no one except BT could provide it

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Thanks! Are you FTTP as well?

[Callum_62]

Thanks! Are you FTTP as well?Yeah we are. Wee box in under stair cupboard

BT we're reasonably priced actually for there entry level I think about 80mB

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[GlesgaeHibby]

FINALLY got the keys to our new build on Friday (we should have moved in in March, but hey ho), and starting to sort out all that needs done. The snagging list is growing by the hour!

Anyway, a specific question for anyone that has recently bought a new build. Fibre to the Premises is obviously installed (big hefty box on the wall), and Taylor Wimpey are telling us that we can only go with BT for broadband for the first 18 months. This seems a bit strange. SO two questions:

1. If you have FTTP installed, can you still go with a 'lesser' FTTC contract? That would be cheaper, and absolutely adequate for our needs.
2. Anyone have any experience of this 'tie-in' on a new build? We're not tied into anyone for gas, electricity etc, so unsure why it would be different for broadband.

Cheers!

I'm not sure. We moved into a new Taylor Wimpey home last year and they told us the same. We went with BT as there were decent deals going at the time, and have found the broadband to be reliable and consistent at around 100MBps

[JeMeSouviens]

FINALLY got the keys to our new build on Friday (we should have moved in in March, but hey ho), and starting to sort out all that needs done. The snagging list is growing by the hour!

Anyway, a specific question for anyone that has recently bought a new build. Fibre to the Premises is obviously installed (big hefty box on the wall), and Taylor Wimpey are telling us that we can only go with BT for broadband for the first 18 months. This seems a bit strange. SO two questions:

1. If you have FTTP installed, can you still go with a 'lesser' FTTC contract? That would be cheaper, and absolutely adequate for our needs.
2. Anyone have any experience of this 'tie-in' on a new build? We're not tied into anyone for gas, electricity etc, so unsure why it would be different for broadband.

Cheers!

1. Don't think so. You certainly can't use fttc equipment because there is no copper local loop to your house. So I'd be surprised if they offer that pricing. There is usually a range of fttp speeds on offer though, the slowest won't be much faster than fttc.

2. That does seem a bit strange though. Assuming it's openreach, there should be multiple providers. Have you tried openreach's availability checker?

https://www.openreach.com/fibre-broadband

[McSwanky]

1. Don't think so. You certainly can't use fttc equipment because there is no copper local loop to your house. So I'd be surprised if they offer that pricing. There is usually a range of fttp speeds on offer though, the slowest won't be much faster than fttc.

2. That does seem a bit strange though. Assuming it's openreach, there should be multiple providers. Have you tried openreach's availability checker?

https://www.openreach.com/fibre-broadband

Phoned BT, you're correct. There is no copper in the area, all the packages I'm seeing on their website are FTTP, their naming is mighty confusing though!

I've looked on that Openreach site and it just says "you can get FTTP, click here for a list of providers" but it's just a list. So it's possible that I could try each one individually I guess. There doesn't seem to be a way of easily comparing prices/packages etc, so it would be a bit of work. Talktalk were one of the providers listed, but I just get an error when I input my address details on their site (not that I'd touch them with a bargepole!) so I suspect the tie-in is a thing.

Thanks for all the replies!

Edit: tried quite a few of the suppliers on the list, and they were all either more expensive or didn't offer me a service at all. So BT it is!

[JeMeSouviens]

Phoned BT, you're correct. There is no copper in the area, all the packages I'm seeing on their website are FTTP, their naming is mighty confusing though!

I've looked on that Openreach site and it just says "you can get FTTP, click here for a list of providers" but it's just a list. So it's possible that I could try each one individually I guess. There doesn't seem to be a way of easily comparing prices/packages etc, so it would be a bit of work. Talktalk were one of the providers listed, but I just get an error when I input my address details on their site (not that I'd touch them with a bargepole!) so I suspect the tie-in is a thing.

Thanks for all the replies!

Edit: tried quite a few of the suppliers on the list, and they were all either more expensive or didn't offer me a service at all. So BT it is!

They might just not have up to date coverage. But I wouldn't touch them with a bargepole either.

[green&left]

Sorry for the thread hijack.

Has anyone bought a new build and do you have a MVHR system like this (https://www.i-sells.co.uk/nuaire-mrxboxeco3-heat-recovery-unit?gclid=CjwKCAjwkdL6BRAREiwA-kiczBnbgSYe4YlcZTs6ho6jSAZ-PE5mPWQ2xjcgi3pND8-smdL5jgiOURoCIM8QAvD_BwE)in your attic or cupboard?

If so do you get wind-noise and major drafts coming through the pipes to the rooms, particularly the upstairs rooms nearest the system?

[Peevemor]

Sorry for the thread hijack.

Has anyone bought a new build and do you have a MVHR system like this (https://www.i-sells.co.uk/nuaire-mrxboxeco3-heat-recovery-unit?gclid=CjwKCAjwkdL6BRAREiwA-kiczBnbgSYe4YlcZTs6ho6jSAZ-PE5mPWQ2xjcgi3pND8-smdL5jgiOURoCIM8QAvD_BwE)in your attic or cupboard?

If so do you get wind-noise and major drafts coming through the pipes to the rooms, particularly the upstairs rooms nearest the system?

Every house built in France over the last 40-50 years has some sort of centralised ventilation system (individual extractor fans are basically non existant), some with heat recovery, some not.

The units themselves are almost silent and you have to put your ear right up to the vents to hear the faintest hiss of passing air.

[RyeSloan]

Sorry for the thread hijack.

Has anyone bought a new build and do you have a MVHR system like this (https://www.i-sells.co.uk/nuaire-mrxboxeco3-heat-recovery-unit?gclid=CjwKCAjwkdL6BRAREiwA-kiczBnbgSYe4YlcZTs6ho6jSAZ-PE5mPWQ2xjcgi3pND8-smdL5jgiOURoCIM8QAvD_BwE)in your attic or cupboard?

If so do you get wind-noise and major drafts coming through the pipes to the rooms, particularly the upstairs rooms nearest the system?

A correctly designed and installed MVHR system should run very quietly and in effect be silent.

If you are getting wind noise and major drafts then there is defo a problem with either or both.

This article is a good starter as to why you might be suffering from those symptoms


https://www.bsee.co.uk/five-ways-to-eliminate-noise-in-mvhr-systems/

[greenlex]

Managed to get a cleaner in today and what a difference

Managed to get couch in tonight and it's starting to feel a bit more homely

Real graft with just me and the wife and no one to watch our 6 year old [emoji23]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200326/3484f51504f57633b94c1e6ed395a84a.jpg

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Im not stalking you or anything Callum but we’re you and the Mrs out walking the dog about three ish this afternoon? I think I passed you with a hello.:greengrin

[EI255]

Back to virtual viewings etc.

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[Callum_62]

Im not stalking you or anything Callum but we’re you and the Mrs out walking the dog about three ish this afternoon? I think I passed you with a hello.:greengrinNope - didn't have any borrow my doggies today

There can't be many 4 foot Filipinas around these parts though [emoji23]

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[greenlex]

.
Nope - didn't have any borrow my doggies today

There can't be many 4 foot Filipinas around these parts though [emoji23]

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Must be someone other couple mate. I only asked as it was just along from your place and thought there was something familiar about the young lady and it was bugging me. I thought it was a lightbulb moment that eventually led me to this thread. obviously not. :aok:
Someone out walking with your Mrs?:dunno::dizzy: :greengrin

[Callum_62]

.
Must be someone other couple mate. I only asked as it was just along from your place and thought there was something familiar about the young lady and it was bugging me. I thought it was a lightbulb moment that eventually led me to this thread. obviously not. :aok:
Someone out walking with your Mrs?:dunno::dizzy: :greengrinFunny she did pop out between 3 and 4.30

Stunk of sauvage too [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

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[Allant1981]

Back to virtual viewings etc.

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Sure I read you can still go view a house, we were planning on moving this year but may delay things a wee bit now

[danhibees1875]

Sure I read you can still go view a house, we were planning on moving this year but may delay things a wee bit now

I thought that too.

I'm sure it's one of the reasons you're allowed to leave your home - moving house, and actions relating to that including house viewings. I guess estate agents can decide of they want to do that or not though.

[Future17]

Nope - didn't have any borrow my doggies today

There can't be many 4 foot Filipinas around these parts though [emoji23]

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I was genuinely confused by what type of dog that was until I read back a few posts and saw the photo you'd put up. :greengrin

[Callum_62]

I was genuinely confused by what type of dog that was until I read back a few posts and saw the photo you'd put up. :greengrinShe can be snarly mate, for sure

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[greenlex]

I was genuinely confused by what type of dog that was until I read back a few posts and saw the photo you'd put up. :greengrin
:faf::faf::faf:

[Itsnoteasy]

Back to virtual viewings etc.

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Don't know where your getting your info. But in Scotland a viewing of your property is permitted for a 20 min period.

[Jones28]

Phoned BT, you're correct. There is no copper in the area, all the packages I'm seeing on their website are FTTP, their naming is mighty confusing though!

I've looked on that Openreach site and it just says "you can get FTTP, click here for a list of providers" but it's just a list. So it's possible that I could try each one individually I guess. There doesn't seem to be a way of easily comparing prices/packages etc, so it would be a bit of work. Talktalk were one of the providers listed, but I just get an error when I input my address details on their site (not that I'd touch them with a bargepole!) so I suspect the tie-in is a thing.

Thanks for all the replies!

Edit: tried quite a few of the suppliers on the list, and they were all either more expensive or didn't offer me a service at all. So BT it is!


You gat away with one there, Talktalk are ****ing awful.

[Jones28]

Back to virtual viewings etc.

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Government guidance states that property sales and associated activities are allowed - including viewings.

[Since90+2]

You gat away with one there, Talktalk are ****ing awful.

Agreed. Years back they were still charging me 3 months after I moved out a property despite it being cancelled 2 months prior to me moving out. Call centre based in India was absolutely horrendous to deal with.

I ended up having to email the CEO at the time Dido Harding to resolve it, to be fair to her it was dealt with within 24 hours of me contacting her but it shouldn't have come to that. Dido Harding is now in charge of track and trace.

[Jones28]

Agreed. Years back they were still charging me 3 months after I moved out a property despite it being cancelled 2 months prior to me moving out. Call centre based in India was absolutely horrendous to deal with.

I ended up having to email the CEO at the time Dido Harding to resolve it, to be fair to her it was dealt with within 24 hours of me contacting her but it shouldn't have come to that. Dido Harding is now in charge of track and trace.

I've pushed our problem out of my head but it was something similar to what you had. We moved out of our house in Grimsby, 6 months later we were getting letters saying our balance was due. It took dozens of phonecalls to resolve.

[The Modfather]

We, as in the whole development, are in a dispute with Cala around our gardens. They haven’t put in any drainage and poor quality soil so it’s wet and boggy most of the year round. We have a particularly bad quagmire in one corner. One of our trees also died, we’re lucky that one has survived as we’re in the minority. We dug a border in our garden and that revealed the extent of the issue as not that far down it’s just a layer of clay so the water has nowhere to go.

Cala are nearly finished in our development and just want to finish and disappear and then forget about us. Luckily there’s a group chat with the whole development so we have a collective voice and share Cala’s replies etc, which Cala don’t like one bit. The complaints are gradually being escalated higher up the Cala chain and talk of using Cala’s social media to further our cause. They have a #MyCala page where people show of their homes. Folk are keen to start putting a truer representation of things and pictures of our gardens on it.

First world problems I know, but we paid a lot of money for our homes. Cala’s sales pitch was about luxury and being the best, so it’s not as if we bought budget houses. Drainage should be a given IMO and not an unreasonable expectation.

[Callum_62]

We, as in the whole development, are in a dispute with Cala around our gardens. They haven’t put in any drainage and poor quality soil so it’s wet and boggy most of the year round. We have a particularly bad quagmire in one corner. One of our trees also died, we’re lucky that one has survived as we’re in the minority. We dug a border in our garden and that revealed the extent of the issue as not that far down it’s just a layer of clay so the water has nowhere to go.

Cala are nearly finished in our development and just want to finish and disappear and then forget about us. Luckily there’s a group chat with the whole development so we have a collective voice and share Cala’s replies etc, which Cala don’t like one bit. The complaints are gradually being escalated higher up the Cala chain and talk of using Cala’s social media to further our cause. They have a #MyCala page where people show of their homes. Folk are keen to start putting a truer representation of things and pictures of our gardens on it.

First world problems I know, but we paid a lot of money for our homes. Cala’s sales pitch was about luxury and being the best, so it’s not as if we bought budget houses. Drainage should be a given IMO and not an unreasonable expectation.I think thats a common complaint of new homes

I'm not sure on what classes as passable or not to be honest

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[The Modfather]

I think thats a common complaint of new homes

I'm not sure on what classes as passable or not to be honest

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Cala have been out taking soil samples and admitted the soil doesn’t have enough nutrients. They have offered to hollow tine everyone’s gardens, once. That made folk even more irate as nothing to do with the drainage problems and won’t make any difference to the clay underneath. I replied saying I’d be happy to take them up on their offer but only after they have addressed the drainage. Suspect they wanted to do the hollow time as it’s cheap and can then claim they have addressed the drainage issue further down the line.

What annoys me is that the grass at the front is fine all year round. They clearly put in drainage there to give a good impression to prospective buyers. The Cala gardener told me informally that he’s encountered the same complaints at other Cala locations and Loanhead have been in dispute for 6 years! I’m hoping we’re more of a collective and that will help us get a resolution but it’s going to be a long slog.

[RyeSloan]

Cala have been out taking soil samples and admitted the soil doesn’t have enough nutrients. They have offered to hollow tine everyone’s gardens, once. That made folk even more irate as nothing to do with the drainage problems and won’t make any difference to the clay underneath. I replied saying I’d be happy to take them up on their offer but only after they have addressed the drainage. Suspect they wanted to do the hollow time as it’s cheap and can then claim they have addressed the drainage issue further down the line.

What annoys me is that the grass at the front is fine all year round. They clearly put in drainage there to give a good impression to prospective buyers. The Cala gardener told me informally that he’s encountered the same complaints at other Cala locations and Loanhead have been in dispute for 6 years! I’m hoping we’re more of a collective and that will help us get a resolution but it’s going to be a long slog.

Clay soil is a bummer...I know it only too well from my garden. Apart from the top soil I have added over the years the garden is basically just clay.

I don’t tend to suffer from permanent bogginess though.

What are you expecting them to do? Install a site wide garden drainage system of french drains and soak always? Seems unlikely that any builder would do that to be honest.

Hollow tining might actually work depending on how deep the tines are as the issue might be more down to the ground being severely compacted rather than the fact it’s clay?

[Callum_62]

You might be better biting the bullet and get some artifical turf put in

Might ease the stress if arguing with the builder for years

We fake turfed a portion of of back garden in our new build and it's way better than I expected

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[The Modfather]

Clay soil is a bummer...I know it only too well from my garden. Apart from the top soil I have added over the years the garden is basically just clay.

I don’t tend to suffer from permanent bogginess though.

What are you expecting them to do? Install a site wide garden drainage system of french drains and soak always? Seems unlikely that any builder would do that to be honest.

Hollow tining might actually work depending on how deep the tines are as the issue might be more down to the ground being severely compacted rather than the fact it’s clay?

From what I’ve read about hollow tine I doubt it will make much difference to the drainage issues, I think it also needs re-done so Cala doing it once is a short term fix if anything. I’ve spent a lot of money and time trying to get my grass looking as green as possible and can only ever get it to a certain level with the quality of the top soil. So would be happy to take the hollow tine-ing but not something I’ve ever thought of complaining about specifically. Having a corner that’s unusable all year round, and a garden that’s not suitable for my daughter 3/4 of the year isn’t something I’m happy to live with.

To be honest, it’s not really my concern what their development wide solution is. Cala were happy to charge a premium price for the house and talk up the quality of their build but the gardens have fallen well short of that. I just want a garden that isn’t soggy most of the year and a bog the rest of the time.

[RyeSloan]

From what I’ve read about hollow tine I doubt it will make much difference to the drainage issues, I think it also needs re-done so Cala doing it once is a short term fix if anything. I’ve spent a lot of money and time trying to get my grass looking as green as possible and can only ever get it to a certain level with the quality of the top soil. So would be happy to take the hollow tine-ing but not something I’ve ever thought of complaining about specifically. Having a corner that’s unusable all year round, and a garden that’s not suitable for my daughter 3/4 of the year isn’t something I’m happy to live with.

To be honest, it’s not really my concern what their development wide solution is. Cala were happy to charge a premium price for the house and talk up the quality of their build but the gardens have fallen well short of that. I just want a garden that isn’t soggy most of the year and a bog the rest of the time.

Yeah fair point in your expectations on the basic standard of use ability of your garden!

I wonder if your garden is suffering from run off from other gardens? It seems odd that it’s quite so bad.

Best of luck though as this sounds like a problem they will try and avoid as much as possible and one that will
bug the hell out of you at the same time.

While you are waiting for them to do something you could try some clay breaker or the likes if and when you are digging your borders.

As for the lawn, top dressing is not gonna do too much if the top soil is too thin and of poor quality and the clay is only a few inches below the surface....won’t do any harm either though!

I have seen liquid areation well talked about to help on that front but procuring said product in the UK at a reasonable price seems to be a challenge (well it has been for me anyway....back to the manual tines and lawn soil treatments for me!)

[greenlex]

I’m in a Walker new build and it’s exactly the same at the rear of the garden. Only moved in mid November. It’s an absolute swamp. I’m not even going to fight about it. My mate is the site manager and he says a good rotavator will improve immensely. They still have to do that but are waiting for a two to three week dry spell. I have my doubts. I know where the surface water rodding points are and I am just going to bite the bullet and put in a couple of field drains tied into them.
Like other builders the front is turfed and on the face of it looks just fine. Very disappointing,

[HH81]

Would all those that baught new builds on here buy one again?

We baught one a year ago. Few odd issues but they have been fixed or in the process of been.

Biggest issue seems to be back garden. On a slope just wish they had dug it all out and made it flat.

[greenlex]

Would all those that baught new builds on here buy one again?

We baught one a year ago. Few odd issues but they have been fixed or in the process of been.

Biggest issue seems to be back garden. On a slope just wish they had dug it all out and made it flat.
The house is great to be honest. Finished well and unbelievably warm. I honestly think if house builders want an edge on their competitors the little things like chucking three or four thousand at the garden area. (Turf fencing etc ) they would get that edge. I’ve bought new build before and other than the usual snagging they’ve been fine. I’d say better than an old building where my hand was never out my pocket all the time.

[Callum_62]

Would all those that baught new builds on here buy one again?

We baught one a year ago. Few odd issues but they have been fixed or in the process of been.

Biggest issue seems to be back garden. On a slope just wish they had dug it all out and made it flat.Weve been in a Miller home for about 9 months now

Usual settling issues and a few outside that

Had an absolute walloper of a site manager who was thankfully moved on

Definately slow to fix some remaining issues but on the whole I'd definately buy another

We like that it appears to make people get to know the neibours, I guess coz everyone is new

Definately lots of families too which is what we wanted

House is far warmer than our 20 year old house we had previously

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[HH81]

Weve been in a Miller home for about 9 months now

Usual settling issues and a few outside that

Had an absolute walloper of a site manager who was thankfully moved on

Definately slow to fix some remaining issues but on the whole I'd definately buy another

We like that it appears to make people get to know the neibours, I guess coz everyone is new

Definately lots of families too which is what we wanted

House is far warmer than our 20 year old house we had previously

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Funny we had an annoying site manager. He left on.

Agree on neighbours. We speak to ours now at the last House we never did.

[Callum_62]

Funny we had an annoying site manager. He left on.

Agree on neighbours. We speak to ours now at the last House we never did.We have a facebook group for the development and it's arealy good way to keep intouch with everyone/arrange stuff

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[patch1875]

I have a lawn care business all new builds are the same clay soiled gardens.Top soil is usually removed and sold before building starts and a sprinkle will be put back on over the top at completion.

Know many who have had disputes with the builders over this some have success in getting something done but many give up and deal with it themselves but it’s a big job to rectify once the garden laid and not guaranteed to work.
Once had a problem lawn in Haddington that was cala turned out a badly growing area of grass had a tonne bag of sand buried under it.

[danhibees1875]

Would all those that baught new builds on here buy one again?

We baught one a year ago. Few odd issues but they have been fixed or in the process of been.

Biggest issue seems to be back garden. On a slope just wish they had dug it all out and made it flat.

I would.

I liked being able to pick everything from scratch either with the builder (kitchen, bathroom tiles, additional wardrobes, mirrors) or externally (carpets and flooring) and having everything brand new. We moved from renting and only owned 2 bedside tables so we also had all furniture brand new at the time too.

I also have a new appreciation for my garden from the later parts of this thread.

That's not to say I'd only buy new builds though, I don't mind either way.

[Callum_62]

Apparently this is weathering and probably will be my issue to resolve

Weathering in a 10month old house with mortar I can rub away with my finger?

Surley not? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210112/cdf67d63bc068259dbc5ae022047be60.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210112/09c15674b6d4b015928971ece4cbaee1.jpg

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[The Modfather]

I can’t remember if it was this thread of not where I complained about the estate wide drainage issues in the gardens. Cala have relented and agreed to install drainage.

I think the fact we had an estate wide group chat for all our complaints made it difficult for Cala to divide and conquer in terms of fobbing us off. I’d recommend a similar group and collective voice for any new estates folk but at.

[Peevemor]

Apparently this is weathering and probably will be my issue to resolve

Weathering in a 10month old house with mortar I can rub away with my finger?

Surley not? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210112/cdf67d63bc068259dbc5ae022047be60.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210112/09c15674b6d4b015928971ece4cbaee1.jpg

Sent from my VOG-L29 using TapatalkA pal of mine had a huge battle with Taylor Wimpey over dodgy mortar.

https://www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/business-47816530?amp_js_v=a6&amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQHKAFQArABIA%3D%3D#aoh=16181435621536&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=Source%C2%A0%3A%20%251%24s

[Killiehibbie]

Apparently this is weathering and probably will be my issue to resolve

Weathering in a 10month old house with mortar I can rub away with my finger?

Surley not? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210112/cdf67d63bc068259dbc5ae022047be60.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210112/09c15674b6d4b015928971ece4cbaee1.jpg

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You're just supposed to accept what they say and fix their shoddy workmanship at your cost. NHBC are about as much use as a chocolate fireguard, only interested in major defects.

[Callum_62]

A pal of mine had a huge battle with Taylor Wimpey over dodgy mortar.

https://www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/business-47816530?amp_js_v=a6&amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQHKAFQArABIA%3D%3D#aoh=16181435621536&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=Source%C2%A0%3A%20%251%24sCrikey

Thankfully my issue seems reserved to a tiny bit of basically filler around the garage door

Not a huge issue but I'm hoping they tidy it up

Nothing external should be able to be rubbed away with your finger surely

Alterative solution would be paint the lintel white and fill over with sealant

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[patch1875]

You're just supposed to accept what they say and fix their shoddy workmanship at your cost. NHBC are about as much use as a chocolate fireguard, only interested in major defects.

We’re in a house built by a small developer in Edinburgh. It’s now 14 years old and we are still having issues with a leaking balcony. The fact it’s still not resolved 4 years after the warranty expired speaks volumes for NHBC hopeless

[gbhibby]

You're just supposed to accept what they say and fix their shoddy workmanship at your cost. NHBC are about as much use as a chocolate fireguard, only interested in major defects.
If you have a good residents association it makes a difference. All the residents on my estate sent letters off to NHBC about a issue with poor mortar on the edge of roof tiles and that it did not conform to building standards. They sent out an somebody to assess it. The NHBC found in our favour and each house got the necessary repairs done
Our residents took the builders to court about a land registration issue their appointment of factors for our estate, we won our case on the land registration issue and we sacked the factors who were rip off merchants.
From experience get a residents association set up as you have strength in numbers.
On the drainage issues we got the builders to put in drainage as well. So get together with your neighbours.

[Killiehibbie]

If you have a good residents association it makes a difference. All the residents on my estate sent letters off to NHBC about a issue with poor mortar on the edge of roof tiles and that it did not conform to building standards. They sent out an somebody to assess it. The NHBC found in our favour and each house got the necessary repairs done
Our residents took the builders to court about a land registration issue their appointment of factors for our estate, we won our case on the land registration issue and we sacked the factors who were rip off merchants.
From experience get a residents association set up as you have strength in numbers.
On the drainage issues we got the builders to put in drainage as well. So get together with your neighbours.

Nice to hear about the NHBC doing their job.
We were told, by their assessor, they only get involved if a house has major defects. Damaged windows, doors, floors, kitchen and bathroom are just snagging. Company existed long enough to cash the cheques.

[gbhibby]

Nice to hear about the NHBC doing their job.
We were told, by their assessor, they only get involved if a house has major defects. Damaged windows, doors, floors, kitchen and bathroom are just snagging. Company existed long enough to cash the cheques.
Your builder will say your mortar is the correct mix for the job etc. At the edge of our roof tiles the mortar had the same consistency as yours. One resident got fobbed off but 56 complaints did the job. Check with neighbours as builders tend to make the same mistake in more than one house. Its all about strength in numbers dealing with builders and NHBC.Your builder should have given you the NHBC booklet so check out the small print.
Get the council involved as well. Had a drop at side of house that was ridiculously steep. Builders refused to do anything as building a wall was not on the plan. Got the planning officer to visit and the local area manager from the builders. Result got retaining wall built no cost to me.
Keep pestering them it is tiring but keep at it.

[Jamesie]

If you have a good residents association it makes a difference. All the residents on my estate sent letters off to NHBC about a issue with poor mortar on the edge of roof tiles and that it did not conform to building standards. They sent out an somebody to assess it. The NHBC found in our favour and each house got the necessary repairs done
Our residents took the builders to court about a land registration issue their appointment of factors for our estate, we won our case on the land registration issue and we sacked the factors who were rip off merchants.
From experience get a residents association set up as you have strength in numbers.
On the drainage issues we got the builders to put in drainage as well. So get together with your neighbours.

Would echo the benefits of a good residents association. I live in a development with circa 108 privately owned apartments. We have a facebook group of about 70 owners / residents. Sadly, when it comes to any AGMs / meetings with the factor, you are lucky if literally ten owners at the very most turn up. This in turn allows the factor to not really bother engaging with this development given the lack of interest. Whether it’s absentee landlords or a cultural thing (we have a substantial EU population here) I’m not so sure, but it’s very frustrating!