New home checklist
- Do your research. If you are buying off plan, ask to look around previous developments or completed houses and talk to some previous customers.
- Don't forget that new homes come with very plain and dull gardens. It'll be down to you to add character, such as a rockery, trees, shrubs or flower beds.
- Do have a poke around the building site. When you visit, make sure it is tidy and well managed. A dirty and disorganised site is a sure sign of work being done badly or in a rush.
- Don't be seduced by cash incentives to move in on a certain date. If you later refuse to move in because in your opinion the house is uninhabitable, you may have to return the money.
- Do keep a diary of any problems with your new home and take pictures of any obvious cracks, leaks, etc.
- Do make sure your builder is National House Building Council (NHBC) registered. If your house is guaranteed and the work is poor, the NHBC may pay compensation. Call 01494 735363.
