Common Problems with New Builds

 

New build homes are enticing, they’re ready to move into, and sometimes, you can even have a say in the materials used for the flooring etc. What’s not to love? Well, they can also come with their own problems. You must always do your own research on the development, and even the developer. 

 

Developments are built quickly, but this is sometimes viewed as a bad sign. To perfect a build, you need to ensure every stage is spot on, the materials are right, and the craftsmanship is top quality. 

 

Now I’m not trying to put down developers. They’re good at what they do, but because of their schedule, and the tight deadlines, they sometimes don’t have the time to put in to ensure everything is just right. 

 

Don’t let this put you off from buying a new build though. There are plenty of excellent houses out there, you just have to make sure you know exactly what you’re buying into. 

 

Some of the most searched questions regarding new builds relate to the problems you might encounter. So with that in mind…

 

What are the most common problems with a new build?

 

Cracks 

 

Cracks are common with new builds. This can often put off potential customers, but cracks are quite normal. Most new builds will experience some settlement cracks. This is literally where your build is simply settling on its foundations. 

 

The time it takes a build to settle is disputed and can vary from anywhere between 9 months to 3 years. The only time you need to worry about this is when the cracks keep growing or if they become very wide. 

 

If you’re concerned, contact your developer or tradesman, and they will inspect the cracks and put your mind at ease. 

 

Living in England doesn’t help, as the weather plays a huge part in cracks and when they develop. 

 

Condensation

 

When you buy an older property, you can experience damp and mould, but don’t think new builds are an exception. The problem here is that condensation can happen due to the amount of moisture in the building process. A new build property can take up to 12 months to dry out fully. 

 

Homes these days are constructed to be airtight. Yes, they have to have the right ventilation, but this is for the homes use, not to include the building process. 

 

Again, you need to research your builder, look at their portfolio. This isn’t a small purchase, and you need to make sure you have all the information. 

 

Make sure you ventilate your home. This is the first and foremost point when talking about damp and mould. 

 

Insulation Problems

 

We’ve all bought into the idea of being energy efficient, and looking after our planet and its future, and new builds are part of this. 

 

Once again, this comes down to research. You need to ensure that you’re getting sufficient insulation. In recent past, it has been reported that some new builds didn’t actually have the insulation required. This can be costly if you don’t find out until it’s too late. One way to ensure you know is to get the necessary surveys and checks done first. These can tell you what insulation you have and if it’s sufficient. 

 

Floors Separating 

 

This actually relates to cracks in the walls, in the same way they form, newly laid hardwood boards can also crack. This can often happen in the winter, but it’s completely normal. 

 

If the cracks become big or you experience cupping, this is when you need help from the professionals. 

 

So, there you have it, the basic list of problems common with a new build home. Just keep an eye on everything, and if you have any problems, go back to your developer. Homes need time to settle in, just like us.