In need of repair

[bonscott]

This thread discusses the Content article: In need of repair

We bought a Bellway home last year

We'd never ever buy a BELLWAY home again and in fact we'd never buy a new home again.

We had over 320 snags some life threatening.

This house was a shambles when we now look back at what we actually bought.

Because we were naive we didn't see things till weeks after moving in:

Nearly all of this house has been replaced, painted or repaired. Anyone who wants a copy of my snagging list, photos etc to see for themselves just let me know their address.

Please take my advice if you buy a new home:

1. Take digital pictures of EVERYTHING from the day you sign on the dotted line. This is a MUST and I cant express how important this is, even if you think you wont need it. I'm glad I did now. This is invaluable.

2. Get a professional snagger TO LOOK AT THE HOUSE BEFORE YOU SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE!!! House companies don't like you doing this as it is more than likely to point out numerous faults and put you off buying the house. Insist on it or DON'T BUY THE HOUSE! After all, what are they hiding? The money is well worth it. My brother is a snagger. Some house builders wont let you put snagging into the missives, mmmh why is that I wonder. I spent at least a week going round each room one at a time and checking everything, but you wont see everything until it breaks or you spot it one day when you are doing something else.

3. Keep your own snagging list and keep it up to date. Don't rely on their remedial office or staff. WASTE OF TIME. Break it up room by room and do it as a table in WORD etc. If there are a huge amount of faults you may not be able to keep on top of who did what and when. Tradesmen are good and bad, some do the job, some come in for 5 minutes and disappear without doing anything!

4. Keep a daily diary of events if you can. Spend 15 minutes each day until your snagging list goes to zero (if that ever happens) keeping your diary up to date daily. I cant express how important this is too if you need to escalate to MD or CEO level.

5. If you have done all the above and your snagging is getting nowhere fast then copy/ print out everything above on to a CD/ DVD/ paper and send it to their UK head office or media if you have to.

6. Don't let snagging take over your life or your family relationship. If you do all the above in an organised manner then you wont get stressed.

7. Don't deal with Peggy from the local office if snagging isn't started within days. Deal with management who will get things done if you have all the above at hand!!!

8. Don't give in like the neighbours. Most people give up too quickly as its too stressful etc. If you are organised and do all that I say from day one you'll look back and be glad you did all this.

Our last INTERNAL snagging issue is with our windows and patio door. The company who made and fitted these items have been to our home on no less than 13 times now and still haven't got it right with remedial work. Windows still leak and so does our patio door. Can anyone advise me of a Nationwide company that can survey and report on all our windows and also can find the leaks. What equipment do they use? I need to have it in writing that these leaks are here.

thanks

b

[Tony]

Great post - very informative