Top 8 most common defects in new build homes

From ill-fitted doors and windows to brickwork pointing, a new study has revealed the most common defects found in new build homes – and the potential cost of rectifying these issues.

While new builds offer open-plan spaces and an ease of purchase because there is no onward chain, they can present more costly structural or weatherproofing problems which owners don't often notice at first.

'We see some real horror stories with snagging issues in the new build sector but more often than not, it's the early issues that a customer might miss that they have the most trouble getting their house builder to rectify,' says Harry Yates, Founder and Managing Director of HouseScan.

'Poorly fitted windows and doors are the most common issues, that if not picked up early on or outside of the warranty period, can lead to the customer having to foot the bill for any remedial works.'

Not sure what to look out for? Take a look at the most common snags found when it comes to new build homes in the UK...

When you move into a new build, the last thing you expect to find is a faulty front door or window. However, some internal and external doors can be scratched, while incorrectly fitted windows can let in cold air.

'HouseScan’s thermal imaging inspection regularly picks up cold air ingress to windows and doors where they are bowed or incorrectly fitted and this is actually a very common occurrence,' says Harry. 'A replacement door starts at £120 to fit, while windows can be as much as £200 per window and surface repair companies can cost upwards of £200 per day.'

Tile vents are commonly found on the roof, helping to allow the release of vented or extracted air. While you won't find these on every new build, they usually sit just above the insulation level.

Harry explains some of the issues to keep an eye open for: 'The most common issue is that most of the time the ducting isn't even connected, while poor fitting will also cause issues along with connections being used not aligning with manufacturers installation guides. To replace them you’re looking at around £100 per fan.'

When it comes to new build homes, another issue can be brickwork pointing — which, over time, can lead to water ingress, frost damage and damp. To rectify this, it will cost around £20 per square metre.

A trickle vent – which is a small opening in a window to let in air — is great to help with circulation. If badly installed, however, they can allow heat to escape while increasing your energy bill in the process. To professionally fix, you'll be looking at around £60 per vent.

From peeling paintwork to shoddy plastering, decorative issues in the home can be expensive to fix — and could put off potential buyers too.

'Re-plastering a room can cost as much as £700 while a new paint job is still as much as £200 per day. Decorative inspections should always be conducted at a distance of two metres from the surface and in natural daylight to make sure you catch everything,' adds Harry.

READ MORE: The biggest contemporary paint trends for the home

'Whether it's been incorrectly fitted or it's missing altogether, issues with loft insulation are one of the biggest snagging issues with new build homes. At a cost of £400 to insulate a loft, it's not a cheap fix either,' says Harry.

Not only does poor sealant look rushed and messy, but it can also lead to water ingress and damp. Paying that £30 an hour to get it fixed is definitely worth it if you're able to.

If left, blocked gutters can cause rainwater to go back up under the roof, resulting in internal problems such as leaks and mould.

Harry says: 'It can cost around £30 a metre to repair. Some companies can use aerial photography equipment to properly investigate your roof from a bird's eye view, but again this comes at a greater cost.'

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