That builder "has a bit of a reputation".. Am getting worried:-(

[GlitteringJasper]

I'm buying a new house.

Today a friend told me that the builder we are using has a 'bit of a reputation' for taking money but not finishing houses properly.

What can I do? How do I prevent getting swindled? Maybe it's just gossip but it's the first time I've bought a new house and I don't know what to do.

Any advice? I'm really stuck!

Don't buy the house!?

If it is part of a development can you ask existing owners? A lot of developers have appeared on Watchdog et al but they do vary within each company.

It's not a development. Just one of two houses he's building on a site.

Have you done a search for him? Have you seen any other projects he has done and spoken to clients? How far are you into the buy?

I can't find any info online about him. We've seen one house he's built, it looked ok to me but then I guess I don't really know what to look for.

Paperwork with the solicitors at the minute.

Are you using a Solicitor? Could you pay in stages with a biggest sum held back for snagging at the end?

Sorry, meant biggish.

We're having our house extended and are paying our builder in stages. Snag list at the end too before we pay the final amount.

What is a snag list?

Is it acceptable to ask the solicitor to put a part in the contract that a property inspection will be done before money is exchanged?

Maybe this happens anyway?

A snag list is done at the end and it's all the little jobs that still need doing before the build is finished. Things that need correcting or finishing. The builder should do a snag list and also you should do one. Then the builder should get everything done to your satisfaction. For example we had a few tiles that needed replacing and some painting that needed re-doing. Anything you want doing before you pay the final amount.