When dealing with a new build property, it’s so easy to run into problems that should be avoidable. If you don’t want to find yourself in this less than glamorous position, it pays to work out solutions prior to the problems actually becoming reality.
Of course, this is easier said than done. If you want to avoid problems when buying a new build, we recommend that you carry out the following services.
Check the area for problem signs
Before you commit to buying that property, be sure to look around the actual history of new builds in the area. Are you seeing any regular problems pop up in the comments and experiences of others?
If so, you should keep a close eye on what these problem signs are. If you do this, you should be much more likely to come out the other side with a better understanding of what the issue actually was in the first place. For example, issues such as poor connectivity in the area, bad water systems and similar might not be visible to the untrained eye but might be a regular feature in the negatives column for new builds in the area.
Read into the developers themselves
Of course, you could be moving into the ideal little area for you – but how ideal are the developers themselves?
It pays to read into this, as it can save any problems coming up later on down the line. Don’t just read the promotional materials, though: no developer sells themselves as “untrustworthy with a passion for exaggeration and hiding problems” – take a look at the local area and work out what the house is like based on their prior reputation.
Speak with locals
While not everyone is going to welcome you in for a cup of coffee and an hour of their time, many locals will be happy to talk to you about the experience with their own new build. This helps you to build a rapport with the locals prior to moving in, and allows you to get a better idea of what problems – if any – you should keep an eye out for.
Get a snagging report
This is probably the most important thing that you can do. A snagging report is carried out by experts who will spot the problems with the property and report back to you about what those problems might be. Not only is this very useful for spotting critical errors with the home, but it helps you to know what you are walking into.
This allows you to then take the problems back to the building firm and get them to sort the issues out. These issues can be hard to spot on your own, but a snagging report carried out by professionals will soon put an end to that uncertainty.
If you carry out the above pre-emptive plans, you should be able to avoid buying a home from your nightmares. Most importantly, though, get that snagging report carried out: it can be a godsend when you want to make sure your new property is the dream you were sold! Here is a useful reference check it.