The last point at which your developer is obliged to fix defects under the initial warranty period. Most people let it pass without using it.
For the first two years of a new home, the builder is responsible for defects in workmanship and materials. After that, cover narrows sharply to structural items only. The end of that period is a deadline, and it is the one moment where a written, evidenced schedule carries real weight.
By twelve months the building has been through a full heating season and has dried out. Shrinkage cracking, movement, sticking doors, failed seals, settlement to external works and heating or ventilation shortfalls have all had time to show themselves — none of which was visible on handover day.
A firm that inspects and also carries out the remedial work has an interest in what the report says. An installer photographing his own work only ever photographs what suits him. This practice has no installation arm and no remedial supply chain, so there is nothing to upsell and no stake in the outcome. The finding is the product.
Book with enough time to submit the report before the anniversary date, not after it.
An independent, room-by-room inspection of your new home before you complete — or while the developer is still obliged to put things right.
Read more →An independent view of what you are actually buying, written so you can understand it without a construction background.
Read more →Photographed, time-stamped schedules of condition — independent of both landlord and tenant, which is what gives a report weight if a deposit is disputed.
Read more →Independent inspection of empty and returning properties against your own void or lettable standard, element by element.
Read more →I'll tell you what it costs and when I can be there. No call-out charge and no travel charge within the coverage area.