With an estimated 183,000 new builds completed in the past year, there’s a high probability that a sizable proportion of readers are going to be preparing to move into one of these properties.
However, it’s a slightly different ball game to your standard property purchase. Aside from the glitz and glamour of shiny new kitchens and bathrooms, there are further considerations when it comes to newly built homes. Through today, we’ll now take a look at some of the best tips that you can adopt.
Make your snagging process as comprehensive as can be
Snagging. It’s one of the buzzwords of new builds – but for good reason.
After all, this is the process where you start to document each and every imperfection, all with the goal of ensuring that your developer resolves the issue as soon as possible.
There have been some horror stories in the press on this topic, with some new build owners reporting hundreds of defects.
Some owners will opt to do the work themselves, while others will employ professionals. The important thing is to take it seriously; there’s usually a small window where you can make these claims, and after that your developer will not have any obligations to fix them.
Hold off on the decoration
You might be itching to get the paintbrushes out as soon as you get the keys to your new property. However, it’s worth holding off for a little while.
This is because it can take a while for new properties to settle. Whether it’s sinkage or an initial build-up of condensation, it doesn’t provide for an ideal decorating experience. In most cases, within one-year things will be in a suitable state.
Be wary of the long-stop completion date
When you’re buying a new build, you’ll be given a long-stop completion date. This is the date by which your property will be finished, and it’s there to protect you in case of delays.
However, it’s important to be aware that this date is not always set in stone. In fact, developers often use these dates as a way of putting pressure on buyers to exchange contracts. If you’re not happy with the long-stop date, don’t hesitate to negotiate.
Quite often, these dates will be between a six-month window – which makes planning difficult. As such, always create backup plans, whether it is using a company such as Safestore or just making sure that your existing accommodation is going to be available right to the end of the long-stop date.
Get to know your neighbours
This might sound like strange advice. However, it’s worth getting to know your neighbours in a new build development.
This is because you’re all going to be in the same boat; you’re all going to be learning about the quirks of the development, and you might need to rely on each other from time to time.
As such, it’s worth attending any events that your developer puts on and introducing yourself to the neighbours that you bump into.