Moved into a home which is newly built? There's some things you may need to know
What do I need to know?
Important information to be aware of as you prepare to move into a newly-built home
What is a defects period?
A defects period is a set period of time, normally 12 months, after new properties have been built during which a contractor is obliged to return to the site to remedy any defects.
Some items reported may be considered to be "snagging." By snagging we mean small faults to the property which will be resolved towards the end of the defects period and before sign-off. These items will include settlement cracks and minor issues which do not need to be seen to immediately.
How long does it last for?
A typical defects period lasts for 12 months after completion, your Housing Officer can confirm this.
What should I do if I have an issue and my property is still in the defects period?
When you contact the GHA maintenance team to report an issue and it is assessed to be a defect, the Maintenance Assistant will note all the information about the defect to determine whether it will be addressed immediately or added to the end of defects inspection.
The Maintenance Assistant will email the relevant information about the defect to the building contractor and the rest of the GHA Maintenance team.
The building contractor or subcontractor will contact the tenant to arrange a convenient time for the defect to be rectified. The time taken to complete the defect will vary according to the urgency but can be anything up to 2 weeks. The building contractor will contact the GHA maintenance team to advise of its progress and final completion.
The contractor is only obliged to return to site for genuine defects. Issues which are considered to be damage, may be rectified and the costs passed onto the tenant depending on the circumstances.
Please do not report any issues to the contractor, even if they are on site. All defects/issues with your property much be reported to GHA in the first instance.
What happens at the end of the defects period?
The Architect or Quantity Surveyor assigned by the GHA and the contractor will visit and inspect your property throughout. Any items considered to be in need of attention will be listed and the contractor will return afterwards to put them right.
If you so wish you can be present when the inspection takes place.
What can I do?
Prior to inspection the GHA will send you a report form whereby you can list the items which you consider to be snags to your property. This will be passed onto the GHA's lead consultant before the inspection for their consideration.
