First-time homeowners Georgina and Charles Barnes discovered 150 defects in their new property following an inspection by a snagging company. Among the issues were erroneous fire barriers and signs of water damage, highlighting potential safety concerns. The couple had saved for three years before purchasing their dream home in south Leicestershire for £299,995.
Widespread Defects in New-Build Homes
Swansea’s New Home Quality Control, co-founded by John Cooper, conducted the inspection, revealing the extent of issues faced by new-build homeowners. Cooper, who previously encountered poor workmanship in the construction industry, started the company to drive change. Defects commonly found include problems with brickwork, carpentry, and roofing, with some properties even featuring non-functional decorative elements like “fake” weep vents.
The New Homes Ombudsman Service reported that 93.7% of new-build buyers experienced defects after moving in, with over 25% finding more than 15 problems. Despite this, developers are required by the National House Building Council (NHBC) to ensure homes comply with building regulations.
Homeowners Seek Assurance
For Georgina Barnes, engaging a snagging service was essential after paying nearly £300,000 for their home. She recommended that new-build buyers hire a snagger to avoid being unaware of potential hazards. The couple had a two-year warranty, allowing for the defects to be addressed by the developer.
Vistry, which developed the housing project, supports independent inspections to reassure buyers about build quality. The company claims regular checks and remedial agreements occur after buyers move in.
Industry Challenges and Solutions
While the Home Builders Federation (HBF) acknowledges snagging is part of the homebuilding process due to the nature of construction, it asserts most issues are minor. They maintain that existing regulatory frameworks are sufficient, though supporting voluntary registration of builders with the New Homes Quality Board.
The NHBC advises that complaints should be raised with developers within the two-year warranty period. Though snagger inspections cost between £349 and £499 and take a few hours, they remain out of reach for some homeowners due to financial strain.
Cooper aims for independent inspections of all new-builds before occupancy, believing homeowners should receive quality reflecting their investment. His company’s inspections reveal significant defects that often leave clients in distress due to the outlay of life savings.
Official Responses and Future Outlook
The Welsh Government assures homebuyers of their protection and commitment to quality. The UK Government has invested £39bn in affordable housing and plans to train construction workers, addressing industry skills gaps. However, prominent property developers such as Taylor Wimpey and Barratt did not provide comments on the matter.
Reporting based on coverage first published by bbc.co.uk.