It’s hard to understate the excitement and anticipation that comes with purchasing a new home.
For many, a newly built property represents a fresh start; a home crafted to the highest standards. However, reality often falls short of expectations, especially when it comes to the actual quality and the protection offered by NHBC Guarantees.
Today, we’re shedding light on how our property litigation solicitors can help you resolve new build disputes effectively, minimising the disruption to your life and avoiding prolonged discomfort.
The challenges of a new build
The Guardian recently highlighted the challenges new build homeowners face, through the experience of a couple who purchased a new home.
Despite the initial joy of owning a new build, they soon encountered multiple defects, ranging from superficial issues like cracked tiles and poor plastering to more serious structural problems such as inadequate insulation and faulty roofing. Their journey through the maze of customer service interactions, repeated repairs, and the emotional toll it took on them underscores a common narrative for many new homeowners.
The couple’s story vividly illustrates the gap between expectation and reality in the quality of new builds, bringing to light the necessity for more stringent oversight and robust legal support for homeowners.
The myth of NHBC guarantees
For new homeowners, the National House Building Council (NHBC) warranty is often seen as a safety net – a guarantee that their home conforms to the necessary standards. However, this perception does not fully capture the scope and limitations of what the warranty covers. Many homeowners find themselves facing significant issues—ranging from minor but persistent problems to major structural failures—that the NHBC Guarantee does not comprehensively address.
The NHBC (National House Building Council) warranty is often a key selling point for new builds, touted as a peace of mind for buyers against structural and other defects. However, understanding what this warranty covers—and, more importantly, what it doesn’t—is crucial for homeowners.
Typically, the NHBC warranty covers major defects in the structure of the home, such as foundations, roofs, and load-bearing parts, for up to 10 years. For the first two years, the warranty also covers the cost of fixing issues with the work carried out by the builder, such as heating, plastering, and plumbing.
Yet, it does not cover issues that arise from wear and tear, weather conditions, or homeowner negligence. Additionally, many homeowners find the claims process challenging, with disputes often arising over the scope of coverage and the interpretation of terms.
Common issues with new builds
Despite stringent regulations, many new builds are plagued with issues. Some of the most common problems include:
- Structural defects: These can range from poor brickwork to significant concerns like subsidence or faulty foundations.
- Poor workmanship: This might manifest as uneven flooring, bad paintwork, or improperly fitted windows and doors.
- Systems failures: Issues with plumbing, electrical, and heating systems are not uncommon and can be both disruptive and expensive to rectify.
These defects affect the liveability of your new home and can profoundly impact your emotional well-being and financial stability.
Furthermore, dealing with these problems can be incredibly frustrating. Homeowners often find themselves locked in long disputes with developers or builders, with the process dragging on for months if not years.
This prolonged process can be draining both emotionally and financially. Many feel that their dream home turns into a source of constant stress and anxiety during what should be a joyful period of their lives.
How we can help
At Slater Heelis, we pride ourselves on being more than just solicitors; we are your partners in turning your new house into a true home.
Our property litigation team has extensive experience in handling issues with new builds and other residential property disputes. We work collaboratively with you to understand the unique challenges you face and develop a tailored strategy to resolve these disputes.
Our approach is proactive and focused on achieving results quickly and efficiently. Here’s how we can assist:
- Expert assessment: We conduct a thorough analysis of the issues at hand, using our deep understanding of property law and construction standards.
- Strategic advice: Our legal advice is designed not only to navigate current legal frameworks but also to anticipate potential future problems.
- Mediation and negotiation: We aim to resolve disputes out of court whenever possible, saving you time and money.
- Litigation: If necessary, we are prepared to take robust legal action to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Investing in a new home should not come with the burden of unresolved defects and endless disputes.
At Slater Heelis, we are committed to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the quality you were promised. Our team is not only trustworthy and professional but also deeply understanding of the emotional rollercoaster that property disputes can induce.
Should you find yourself struggling with new build defects, do not hesitate to contact us. Let us help you transform your new house back into the dream home you envisioned. Remember, the cost of resolving these issues now with our expert assistance can prevent more significant expenses and emotional distress down the line. It’s not just about finding a place to live; it’s about fighting for the home you deserve.
Reach out
For more details on how we can assist you or to schedule a consultation, fill out our online contact form, or call us on 0330 111 3131. We are here to support and guide you through every step.