New Build Timescales

[Rachey22]

I know this is a “how long is a piece of string” question, but does anyone in the house building industry have any insight on how long a house takes from frame being up, roof away to go on until completion?

I’ve reserved and been told it will complete between July to September. The frame is up and I’ve been asking to confirmed kitchen this week as I believe that roof will go on shortly (and usually after that time you can’t select your finishes).

Do you think there is any chance they could try and speed up to meet year end in June? Will they prioritise my house once I’ve exchanged perhaps over others that haven’t?

I can’t Exchange for a few months as my house hasn’t sold yet, but it’s under offer.

Thanks

We have reserved in Jan- only foundations are up now and we have been told completion date of July/September.

I think it's depends on the size of the development etc? I'm so impatient though!

I would recommend you don't ask them to speed things up as they'll cut corners!

We've been in ours for 4 years now and are still trying to get issues sorted - the 2nd half of our estate all have plumbing issues because the company they subcontracted to let their apprentice do it all without checking; if we flush one toilet it comes up in the other (bathroom and ensuite on same stack), if heating and washing machine are on the water tank sounds like it's about to explode. We've also got structural issues because they went cheap and we have wooden joists rather than steel ones - this is fine in the smaller semis but we're in a 5 bed detached and the joists are too weak to cope with the weight of the ceiling especially in the middle of the house. The list goes on. Never again.

There are a lot of variables and they very very rarely complete ahead of time and usually a month or 2 over their estimate.

We have purchased 2 new build properties. One was watertight and first fix completed when we reserved, still took 9months to complete.

Most builders have a touch point facility which is usually pretty up to date with what has been done.

Your house is a priority to you but sadly the builder doesn't really see it like that and will work to their own schedule.

You'll be lucky to be by September. New builds are often delayed.

@ISeeTheLight

I would recommend you don't ask them to speed things up as they'll cut corners!

We've been in ours for 4 years now and are still trying to get issues sorted - the 2nd half of our estate all have plumbing issues because the company they subcontracted to let their apprentice do it all without checking; if we flush one toilet it comes up in the other (bathroom and ensuite on same stack), if heating and washing machine are on the water tank sounds like it's about to explode. We've also got structural issues because they went cheap and we have wooden joists rather than steel ones - this is fine in the smaller semis but we're in a 5 bed detached and the joists are too weak to cope with the weight of the ceiling especially in the middle of the house. The list goes on. Never again.

This is shocking! Have you claimed under the new build guarantee? The beam issue is appalling, no two ways about it.

We have put several complaints in directly to the builder, they're still saying they're going to come and fix it but people keep leaving internally and we start back from scratch.

Trying to avoid NHBC as they're totally useless (neighbours tried going this route), they're funded by the builders so they protect each other.

Ours was supposed to be October but ended up being January. This seems quite common. Strongly advise having a plan B for accommodation in any interim period.

Thanks everyone. I know it’s impossible to tell!

This is my second new build but first one was pretty much ready to go and we were in within 6 weeks. You don’t appreciate how long they take from earlier stages!

It’s a well known 5 star builder and they are throwing up the development so I’m hoping that’s a good sign, but there are lots of other houses too. It would be nice to have some sort of rough timetable that they use i.e in an ideal world X months from tiling roof to completion to give some sort of benchmark.

@ISeeTheLight wow that sounds like a horrific experience!! I would also be claiming under the new build guarantee for that?! Plus some compensation your way from the developer surely?

They always say the issue is with the subcontractors as they don’t give a hoot, but whoever signs off is equally to blame.

Hope you get it sorted soon!

5 star builder means nothing; well basically it means they asked all buyers to fill in their little paper questionnaire with a positive response, that’s literally it. Bellway are still known for their crappy customer care and shoddy cheap Subcontract work.

We were told November, moved in on the 6th march. 2 years ago this week.

Oh crikey - I didn’t realise that but surely their positive feedback is worth something!

Which builder Rachey

Also be warned that COVID is still used as a good excuse for any and all delays. The fact they're throwing up the houses on the estate isn't particularly a good thing either once you're in. All houses so far in my development need the front door replaced as they were put in quickly and are warped. Loads of work and upheaval to fix and we're still waiting 18months on. They also cut a lot of corners and just hope you won't notice.
Sadly their a law unto themselves and once they have your signatures on missives then your money in the bank they just don't care.

@Ohwhere2021 Barratts

@singlepringlenotbychoice yes I did wonder if the covid card would be played at some point. I’ll need to ask if the current homes which are now lived in all ran to schedule. Not sure if that helps or if I would even get a truthful answer. So many factors at play.

You’ve actually reminded me to look into an external snagging company this time around. There were so many things I’d missed with my current home. Which developer did you buy from?

If there's people living on the estate, Knock the door and ask them they'll tell you the truth the developer, not so much.

We bought with TW who boast about their tryst pilot rating. Their after sales service is atrocious. I don't think they're alone though Friends have bought with Barratt, Cala, Bellway and Millar and all having much the same experience.