Professional Snagging in Swindon

What is the New Homes Ombudsman?

The New Homes Ombudsman is a service that homebuyers can access in the event that the new build home they're considering has not been completed to an appropriate level of quality. If you've bought a home and are unhappy or frustrated with the work done by the developer, the New Homes Ombudsman can review your case and decide whether it is in violation of the New Homes Quality Code.

What is the New Homes Quality Code?

The New Homes Quality Code is a code of practice, developed by the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB). This code of conduct looks to protect the customer, to a greater degree, in various aspects of the sales, inspection and construction spheres of industry. The new code will fill gaps in current protections, ensuring complete coverage for the customer at every point. For example, high-pressure selling is now outlawed and all deposits paid to builders are protected under this code.

The code also sets out requirements for a “fair reservation agreement,” as well as sales contracts that include a reasonable “cooling off” period after a purchase has been made.

What this means for us, here at New Build Snagging Ltd, is that you, as a customer, are now able to employ our professional snagging in Swindon and across Wiltshire before moving into an incomplete, poorly finished or, in the worst cases, dangerous home. We can complete this pre-completion for you, in good time and at affordable rates.

Contact us today on 07395 585 436 or complete our booking form for a quote.

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How Do the Ombudsman and the NHQC work together?

The point of these two working together is to make you, the customer, feel confident and empowered when you buy your home, where high-quality service, in accordance with strict industry standards, are delivered at all times.

What happens if the New Homes Ombudsman rules a breach of the New Homes Quality Code?

If the New Homes Ombudsman rules that the completed works are in violation of the New Homes Quality Code, the owner can submit a formal complaint. This will result in the developer being ordered to redress, either paying compensation to the customer or being expelled from the New Homes Quality Board scheme outright.

When can I make a complaint to the New Homes Ombudsman?

Complaints can be made at any point within the first two years of having purchased your new build home. This covers the actual issues with the property, as well as the quality of the work of the developer, as well as their conduct in the event of a complaint being made.

Why has the need for the New Homes Ombudsman arisen?

Usually, in the first two years following a new property's completion, repairs and fixes fall under what's known as the “defect liability period.” It is your developer's responsibility to set these right, yet warranty providers often carry them out on the builder's behalf. The issues usually occur from three to ten years after the completion of the building work, where the warranty provides insurance cover against the cost of repairing only specific defects.