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Original poster

Barrat Homes

21 replies

NannyL · 29/03/2006 19:28

Hello
I was wondering if anyone has any comments to make about moving into a brand new barrat home? They are building some locally and im considering buying my first place brand new...

any comments good or bad will be greatfully recieved! Smile

TIA

OP posts:
kid · 29/03/2006 19:30

I know they were on watchdog some time ago about the bad condition of their homes and lack of repairs in the months after contracts were completed.

mumatuks · 29/03/2006 19:33

I've heard them called "barratt shoe boxes", but think they have improved alot over the years.

GarfieldsGirl · 29/03/2006 19:39

Don't kno personally what they're like, haven't heard any stories, but they're building about 200 flats at the end of my road and they've all sold VERY quickly

gscrym · 29/03/2006 19:42

We looked at a 3 bed semi which had exactly the same floor space as the 2 bed. The living room could only take a 2 seater sofa and a telly. The detached ones are probably better though.

MrsMuddle · 29/03/2006 20:08

I lived in a Barratt semi for a while, and could literally hear the neighbours fart. That was many years ago, and the soundproofing might have improved since then.

bubblerock · 29/03/2006 20:21

What's the development like? With it being a new house you'll be covered for any problems. We nearly bought one a few years ago but went with an old house in the end. I'm really glad that we did because the new development now isn't a great area, the house wouldn't have gained as much value either. They sold half to private buyers and half to housing associations.

Original poster
NannyL · 29/03/2006 20:22

thanks for your comments.... ive just been to look at the sight.... its fenced off but they havnt even BEGUN building... but then they do say not ready until Autumn 2006...

i was worrying about the 'sounds' thing... as i can only afford an apartment... not a house down here yet)

I just love the thought of having everything brand new exactly as i want it Grin

Even on the plans tho they do look quite small ish.... but no chance of looking in a show home as nothing at all is even built!

The living areas are quite 'open plan' tho so i suppose that means you can be more felxible with the space rather than being constrained by walls.

OP posts:
morningpaper · 29/03/2006 20:23

They are VERY small

Measure the exact floor space in cubic feet and compare with other similar properties that are for sale

Also the walls ARE thin, you are in danger of falling through the wall into next door's kitchen if you trip over

morningpaper · 29/03/2006 20:24

Nanny they usually build exactly the same type of buildings on all sites, so ask for the location of another development where you can see the same model of apartment

Original poster
NannyL · 29/03/2006 20:24

bubble rock... they are selling some to housing associations and for key workers to buy etc.. but it looks like its only the quota that they by law have to do now.

Its not in the nicest area locally, but i was hoping the fact that we will have mostly all bought our properties will make a difference?

OP posts:
Original poster
NannyL · 29/03/2006 20:26

thanks for that helpful advice morning paper.. it hadnt even crossed my mind to look else where.

Im worrying about the walls now! Shock

OP posts:
bubblerock · 29/03/2006 21:00

What area are you in NannyL - don't be too specific if you don't want to Smile

Flossam · 29/03/2006 21:06

uh oh, you have br on the case now! you'll be moved in next month! Grin

bubblerock · 29/03/2006 21:11

PMSL - cheeky bugger! Grin

MamaG · 29/03/2006 21:14

I lived in a Barrat house which had very thin walls but was detached so not too bad. The room sizes were all really small though and I wouldn't live in one again.

Original poster
NannyL · 29/03/2006 22:07

LOL bubble rock!

in down south..... hants / sussex boarder

Houses are SOOOOO exepensive Sad

OP posts:
bubblerock · 29/03/2006 22:17

Did you see \link{http://www.oakleafhomes.co.uk/oak_leaf_homes.cfm\this link} on the barratt site? It's houses that they have part exchanged for new ones, they are offering deals with them too, might be worth keeping an eye on if you don't buy a new build - more might become available in your area with the new development being built. Smile

Original poster
NannyL · 30/03/2006 07:36

wow, no i havnt seen that! Thanks very much Smile

OP posts:
LillyPink · 30/03/2006 12:12

I don't live in a Barrats home, but I live in a new built house and the walls are terrible. You can hear every conversation next to door if telly is not on. Lots of arguments with horrible noisy neighbours. Would steer clear if not detached, they are crap.

FioFio · 30/03/2006 12:13

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chjlly · 30/03/2006 12:32

I bought a Barratt home and would never again!
It took ages for thinks to be sorted out and when other arose they always put it down to settlement and there was nothing they could do apparently although you could see a whole beam dipping through the ceiling Shock
In the end it took us ages to sell the house because of those problems so if you do don't sign anything when you move in until you are happy with absolutely everything

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