Snagging question on new build

[Vikkia1234]

Hi There,

I am new to the forum and hoping someone may be able to help.

We have just bought a new build flat (Persimmon homes) and have exchanged contracts today. We have been told that it could take up to another month - 2 months before we move in and get a completion date.

When i asked why they said they needed to complete the snagging, does this usually take this long? Initially they said it would be 7 - 10 days after exchange, and now they are saying 1 - 2 months.

Please can anybody advise if this is out of the ordinary?

[Tony]

7-10 days is unrealistic unless you are very lucky. 1-2 months would be good. The more effort you put into managing the process the quicker the snags will be resolved - if you are not proactive nothing much will get done. Sad but true.

Tony

[Vikkia1234]

Hi Tony,

Thank you for your response. What type of things do i need to do to manage the process, following up, looking over the property ourselves?

My dad is an archetect and has offered to do the snagging himself but I am not sure if persimmon will allow this, i think i will ask them today and see what they say.

[Maple Lodge]

make sure all your snags are completed before you move in, you do not want to have my experience of buying a home from Persimmon Homes.

Persimmon Homes my house of horror nightmare - Maple Lodge

[Vikkia1234]

Yeah I looked at your website when i joined the forum, I cant believe the poor standard of work its terrible, to sell a house in that condition and not doing anything about it is just horrific! We have been told by persimmon that we will not be able to have anything to do with the snagging either, the only time we can point out anything we are not happy about is on our home demo, by which point we will already have a legal completion date.

Luckily my boyfriend works in the trade and can do anything that needs doing to the inside of the property, and anything on the outside is covered by the maintenance we will be paying on the flat. My Boyfriends company are pretty close with the NHBC inspectors to so that should work in our favour if anything goes wrong!

[Tony]

Originally Posted by Vikkia1234

We have been told by persimmon that we will not be able to have anything to do with the snagging either, the only time we can point out anything we are not happy about is on our home demo, by which point we will already have a legal completion date.

You have exchanged contract on the property and have a legal interest in it. Speak to your conveyancer and get them to arrange access - it is possible. Completion can be delayed if there are significant defects, but this shouldn't be taken lightly as you will be liable to liquidated damages if you breach the contract without good reason. This is why is is better to get a professional to do it as their findings will have more credibility. Some examples off the top of my head for completion being delayed are trees too close to the property and the roof of the garage not being secured i.e. it was just sitting on the walls.

Tony

[Mark D]

Tony

Correct me if I am wrong but trees being close to a property would not stop it being occupied nor would the roof of a garage not being secured. The trees may be close but if the correct precautions have been taken then there would not be a problem. In respect of the garage roof only if the pitch is below 15 degrees, of lightweight construction or if the area is subject to uplift forces would holding down straps be required.

Items that would prevent occupation would be Health and Safety issues such as non compliance with some areas of the Building Regulations. For instance if the fire brigade access was not available, if the means of escape was not correct or if guarding was not in place.

As you say you need to be very careful if you refuse to take ownership of a property and should refer to the contract that you have with the seller. As we all know it may not be fair but the builder would normally win a breach of contract.

Regards

Shaun