Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Property/DIY

Join our Property forum for renovation, DIY, and house selling advice.

Original poster

New Build Homes

30 replies

Andreadorward · 30/01/2025 21:52

BEWARE DO NOT PURCHASE A HOME FROM THIS BUILDER

I moved into my forever home (well I thought it was) on 22nd November 2024 after a stressful 7 months.
Sales girl was not transparent and held back information which if I had known prior I would never have been interested in the property
On the day I moved in it was not clean I had to clean house from top to bottom and the issues below are shocking
1.Front door took in water from the glass pane

  1. The trickle vent at the bottom of the front door behind the cill was higher than the cill itself, paving was loose and no where for the water to go but under the door frame into my house
  2. Brickwork not the best
  3. Paintwork shocking
  4. Plastering really bad in areas and bulging out
  5. Tiling in ensuite has 3 different shades and has lips on the tiles and bathroom tiles the same not straight.
  6. Subfloor not even it has a hump in the middle and Bellway refusing to put right. LABC have been notified.
8.kitchen sink and splashback scratched.
  1. Most of the window panes have scratches on them.
10. Kitchen vent covers do not stop the draft, cold in the kitchen, been advised that the ceiling may need to be replaced as a last resort. 11. Heating System was a nightmare it would never switch off and made to feel I was messing about with the thermostat when in fact the valves were fitted incorrectly. 12. Drainage issues. 13. Inside the garage wasn't finished off properly. 14. Still awaiting my new letterbox it has film that won't come off. Waited ages for my number plaque 15. Drainage cover left off at night which could have been a really nasty injury to myself.

New builds are getting worse please really think long and hard about going down this route. I have found all trades within my home have all failed,, truly shocking.

I have to say the girls in customer service I can't fault them and certain other people but contract managers and MD have no idea how to treat customers. My mental health has spiralled due to the constant stress of this house and I certainly will never buy another new build again.

Please tread with caution because once they get your money they do not care.

5* builder no chance.
If I could have given a rating of zero I would have

Advised that they also won an award for my estate.... laughable you could not write it....

OP posts:
devastatedagain · 30/01/2025 21:53

What builder?

Original poster
Andreadorward · 31/01/2025 02:47

devastatedagain · 30/01/2025 21:53

What builder?

Bellway Homes

OP posts:
Original poster
Andreadorward · 31/01/2025 02:49

BELLWAY HOMES

BEWARE DO NOT PURCHASE A HOME FROM THIS BUILDER
I moved into my forever home (well I thought it was) on 22nd November 2024 after a stressful 7 months.
Sales girl was not transparent and held back information which if I had known prior I would never have been interested in the property
On the day I moved in it was not clean I had to clean house from top to bottom and the issues below are shocking
1.Front door took in water from the glass pane
The trickle vent at the bottom of the front door behind the cill was higher than the cill itself, paving was loose and no where for the water to go but under the door frame into my house
Brickwork not the best
Paintwork shocking
Plastering really bad in areas and bulging out
Tiling in ensuite has 3 different shades and has lips on the tiles and bathroom tiles the same not straight.
Subfloor not even it has a hump in the middle and Bellway refusing to put right. LABC have been notified.
8.kitchen sink and splashback scratched.
Most of the window panes have scratches on them.
10. Kitchen vent covers do not stop the draft, cold in the kitchen, been advised that the ceiling may need to be replaced as a last resort. 11. Heating System was a nightmare it would never switch off and made to feel I was messing about with the thermostat when in fact the valves were fitted incorrectly. 12. Drainage issues. 13. Inside the garage wasn't finished off properly. 14. Still awaiting my new letterbox it has film that won't come off. Waited ages for my number plaque 15. Drainage cover left off at night which could have been a really nasty injury to myself.
New builds are getting worse please really think long and hard about going down this route. I have found all trades within my home have all failed,, truly shocking.
I have to say the girls in customer service I can't fault them and certain other people but contract managers and MD have no idea how to treat customers. My mental health has spiralled due to the constant stress of this house and I certainly will never buy another new build again.
Please tread with caution because once they get your money they do not care.
5* builder no chance.
If I could have given a rating of zero I would have
Advised that they also won an award for my estate.... laughable you could not write it....

OP posts:
Contraryjane · 31/01/2025 03:15

Didn’t you do a snagging list before you moved in?

Original poster
Andreadorward · 31/01/2025 08:03

No I was advised I didn't need a surveyor because I was a cash buyer.... how stupid I have been

OP posts:
Thethruththewholetruth · 31/01/2025 08:08

You don't need a surveyor to do a snagging list, do one yourself or get a professional snagger to come and then pass it to Bellway to rectify, snagging is fairly standard on a new build, I've bought quite a few and not one has been perfect but all my snags have been rectified when asked.

Seagullsandclouds · 31/01/2025 08:14

You’ve only been in for two months so it’s not too late - get a professional snagger in now (cost about £300) and get everything documented and over to Bellway.

Yes you could do it yourself, but they will catch things you don’t.

DON’T COMPLETE YOUR NEW BUILD SURVEY UNTIL THEY HAVE FIXED YOUR SNAGS. This is your leverage. They want a 5 star response from you and you can use this to negotiate.

reichs79 · 31/01/2025 08:23

Another vote to get a professional snagger in.

Lookingforwardto2025 · 31/01/2025 08:34

A professional snagger is essential for a new build. Bellway do have a bad reputation, I have heard them referred to as Hellway.

We bought a Lovell new build for our first home and it was lovely. Had a couple of snagging issues but overall was great quality.

Contraryjane · 31/01/2025 10:39

My decorator also works on the new-builds. He says the finishes are poor quality because they get the tradies in all at the same time to get them finished, and they are falling over each other.

I bought a Charles Church new build 30 years ago. It was a good solid house.
New builds today are not the same. I looked at one a couple of years ago and the show home’s kitchen build was shocking. Completely put me off.

Seagullsandclouds · 31/01/2025 11:17

Contraryjane · 31/01/2025 10:39

My decorator also works on the new-builds. He says the finishes are poor quality because they get the tradies in all at the same time to get them finished, and they are falling over each other.

I bought a Charles Church new build 30 years ago. It was a good solid house.
New builds today are not the same. I looked at one a couple of years ago and the show home’s kitchen build was shocking. Completely put me off.

By contrast, my 3 year old new build is bloody marvellous and done to a great standard. They are not all the same.

Bluevelvetsofa · 31/01/2025 11:24

If you want a new build, look at higher end developers such as Berkeley Homes. There will be snagging, there always is, but there will be more included as standard and the build quality will be better. Otherwise, a small local builder is a better bet.

All of the very high volume developers are putting up houses quickly, have very little as standard and charge the earth for the upgrades that will undoubtedly be needed.

Original poster
Andreadorward · 31/01/2025 11:41

I have done a snagging list but the issues I have had should never have been handed over. I have knocked on most of my neighbours doors and what issues they have had are shocking. I've paid a fortune for flooring Karndean upstairs the subflooring is the problem but Bellway have refused to talk to director of flooring company to fix this. I have paid a fortune to have polished porcelain floor tiles and the skirting boards are not straight. I have 3 different shades of tiles on one wall within the ensuite. I have drafts coming through windows because half of the vents are covered and part of my kitchen ceiling may need to come down, I have had issues with water coming through my front door, block paving is shocking, decorating and plumbing issues. Every trade that has cone to my house are all under par. Drainage issues throughout the whole estate and LABC have give an award to Bellway for the site which is laughable. I have put a complaint into LABC regarding this as well as my outstanding issues that Bellway are refusing to fix. I have also arranged to meet with my local MP on Tuesday to make these cowboy companies accountable. I paid cash for my new build and it has really affected my mental health. Companies take your money and do not have any morals of care how much customers are suffering all they think of is profit and bonuses. Something needs to give and I intend to try and do something about it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Andreadorward · 31/01/2025 12:06

Thethruththewholetruth · 31/01/2025 08:08

You don't need a surveyor to do a snagging list, do one yourself or get a professional snagger to come and then pass it to Bellway to rectify, snagging is fairly standard on a new build, I've bought quite a few and not one has been perfect but all my snags have been rectified when asked.

I have been told by lots of people who have recently bought a new build how shoddy new builds are. People are lucky if their house is fine

OP posts:
Original poster
Andreadorward · 31/01/2025 12:08

Seagullsandclouds · 31/01/2025 08:14

You’ve only been in for two months so it’s not too late - get a professional snagger in now (cost about £300) and get everything documented and over to Bellway.

Yes you could do it yourself, but they will catch things you don’t.

DON’T COMPLETE YOUR NEW BUILD SURVEY UNTIL THEY HAVE FIXED YOUR SNAGS. This is your leverage. They want a 5 star response from you and you can use this to negotiate.

I've already completed my 8 week review and they got a one star. I have a rough idea what snagging includes and I keep on finding things.

OP posts:
Original poster
Andreadorward · 31/01/2025 12:09

Bluevelvetsofa · 31/01/2025 11:24

If you want a new build, look at higher end developers such as Berkeley Homes. There will be snagging, there always is, but there will be more included as standard and the build quality will be better. Otherwise, a small local builder is a better bet.

All of the very high volume developers are putting up houses quickly, have very little as standard and charge the earth for the upgrades that will undoubtedly be needed.

I won't ever buy another new build again.

OP posts:
Janetfrommarketing · 31/01/2025 12:14

My new build is lovely. It’s so lovely that when we relocate we’re going to look into another new build. They aren’t all bad and they certainly aren’t all “getting worse”.

Definitely some iffy developers out there though, yes. But that’s the same in all industries ☺️

Bluevelvetsofa · 31/01/2025 12:34

We’ve recently moved into our fifth new build. We’ve learned plenty about developers along the way.

OP, you’ve had a bad experience, so your view is coloured by that, but there are plenty of issues with second hand houses too.

We had a post exchange visit and identified a few things to be fixed, mastic around some areas, a mark on a wall etc. When we moved in, there were a few other items. One internal glass door had a scratch, so has been replaced. The cloakroom door didn’t catch, but it’s been fixed. The garage floor is bumpy and that’s being done next week.

Bellway and a couple of other high volume developers don’t do the better ones any favours.

augustusglupe · 31/01/2025 12:44

Nothing much to add, other than I’m really sorry OP.
Not sure where you are but Bellway have built homes not too far from us and I’ve not heard great things tbh.

Seagullsandclouds · 31/01/2025 13:09

Have you followed the process for snagging with Bellway? What have they advised? I find it surprising that they are just saying they won’t fix things.

Usually there is a process for submitting your snags, then for them to work through fixing them. If they won’t fix them or don’t do them to an acceptable standard then they will have their own complaints process. If you are not happy at that stage you take it to a higher authority that deals with new build regulation.

This page from Which might help. https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/my-new-build-home-has-problems-what-are-my-rights-ab0tt2B3qLBr#what-to-do-if-you-have-a-dispute-with-your-developer

I doubt your MP will do much more than inform you of the process, unless of course you have already exhausted that process (but I assume not given it’s only been a couple of months). Building control will only be interested if it breaches a regulation (eg fire breaks).

You have unfortunately given away most of your leverage by already giving them a one star review. They have a budget of several thousand per plot to keep a customer happy to ensure that good review. Once the review is submitted - good or bad - the budget is rolled over so they will only fix what they contractually have to.

I have a huge amount of sympathy for you OP. There is a temptation to thing that a brand new home will be perfect, but there are always snags even with the very highest quality builds. Try to work with them through the process and you should see results. Be calm and factual with them, but persistent.

My new-build home has problems, what are my rights? - Which?

Read our guide to understand your right to redress if you discover problems with your new-build home.

https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/my-new-build-home-has-problems-what-are-my-rights-ab0tt2B3qLBr#what-to-do-if-you-have-a-dispute-with-your-developer

Original poster
Andreadorward · 31/01/2025 15:34

Bluevelvetsofa · 31/01/2025 12:34

We’ve recently moved into our fifth new build. We’ve learned plenty about developers along the way.

OP, you’ve had a bad experience, so your view is coloured by that, but there are plenty of issues with second hand houses too.

We had a post exchange visit and identified a few things to be fixed, mastic around some areas, a mark on a wall etc. When we moved in, there were a few other items. One internal glass door had a scratch, so has been replaced. The cloakroom door didn’t catch, but it’s been fixed. The garage floor is bumpy and that’s being done next week.

Bellway and a couple of other high volume developers don’t do the better ones any favours.

You have been lucky. The site is a nightmare.

OP posts:
Original poster
Andreadorward · 31/01/2025 15:46

Seagullsandclouds · 31/01/2025 13:09

Have you followed the process for snagging with Bellway? What have they advised? I find it surprising that they are just saying they won’t fix things.

Usually there is a process for submitting your snags, then for them to work through fixing them. If they won’t fix them or don’t do them to an acceptable standard then they will have their own complaints process. If you are not happy at that stage you take it to a higher authority that deals with new build regulation.

This page from Which might help. https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/my-new-build-home-has-problems-what-are-my-rights-ab0tt2B3qLBr#what-to-do-if-you-have-a-dispute-with-your-developer

I doubt your MP will do much more than inform you of the process, unless of course you have already exhausted that process (but I assume not given it’s only been a couple of months). Building control will only be interested if it breaches a regulation (eg fire breaks).

You have unfortunately given away most of your leverage by already giving them a one star review. They have a budget of several thousand per plot to keep a customer happy to ensure that good review. Once the review is submitted - good or bad - the budget is rolled over so they will only fix what they contractually have to.

I have a huge amount of sympathy for you OP. There is a temptation to thing that a brand new home will be perfect, but there are always snags even with the very highest quality builds. Try to work with them through the process and you should see results. Be calm and factual with them, but persistent.

To be honest the complaints process is a complete shambles. The company is stretching itself to the limits with staff because everyone is jumping ship. The house should not have been signed over, every trade has been shocking. The site manager came to review my subfloor and he said its the flooring company I used, it's over 6mm difference on the floor. I asked for contracts manager to call and again he said its the flooring company we ended up having heated words. I've paid 4.5k fir karndean flooring and I cannot sell if this is not rectified. The flooring director and Karndean technical both have said its the subfloor. You can imagine I'm upset and Bellway are not budging and has created so much stress with other things going on in the house. I also have a brain tumour which they are aware of. My mental health has plummeted hence why I have taken it upon myself to reach out to LABC, MP and Building Control. I may not get anywhere with any of these but I'm not just going to roll over and let them take advantage. Lots have people on the estate have had bad issues too

OP posts:
Original poster
Andreadorward · 31/01/2025 15:48

augustusglupe · 31/01/2025 12:44

Nothing much to add, other than I’m really sorry OP.
Not sure where you are but Bellway have built homes not too far from us and I’ve not heard great things tbh.

I think I have just picked a really bad site, they have had at least 9 site managers on here. Thank you

OP posts:
Thisellis · 26/05/2025 16:57

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

XVGN · 27/05/2025 10:10

The Estate Charge scam puts me off 90% of new builds. I had Bloor (a typically great developer) offer me £25K off a home I was interested in but wouldn't negotiate to remove the Estate Charge. Their loss.

Swipe left for the next trending thread