An Experience of Buying a Barratt / David Wilson Homes New Build Property

Waste Water Issues

Just over 2 years since we moved in and just outside of the builder’s warranty period, we started noticing some issues with our wastewater. Initially this was linked to the downstairs toilet, but when the ensuite toilet became blocked, we called an independent drainage company in. What transpired became the next chapter of events associated with moving into our new build...

Serious Fault?

After our sewers were 'unblocked' by One Flow Drainage services [making a considerable mess inside the house I hasten to add]; I questioned the engineers where the water was going, as with each flush, nothing was detected in any of the open manhole covers. Met with shrugged shoulders, I asked if they had a camera, they could inspect the pipes with. After signing my life away and agreeing to yet more eye-watering fees, a very shabby and faulty camera was run along the pipes, but it was working just enough to see the unseen!

It wasn't long before an additional buried manhole was discovered, then the real reason behind our issues was discovered. In their words, 'A collapsed sewer!', but from what I could see, a disconnected pipe-collar and displaced pipe.

There was also evidence of what can best be described as 'builders waste', collected in the pipe. Having had Barratts around on 3 occasions to re-fit our ensuite due to issues identified from a New Build Snagging Survey, I naturally concluded this was the likely ingress of such material as we ourselves, had not done any such building work... yet!

Despite informing the engineers that this was a new build and the issue is likely covered under warranty or NHBC insurance, they persistently urged me to agree to a repair bill of £3250+ for resolving the issue by sheathing the pipe. We were advised that that price would increase if I didn't sign up there and then. Needless to say, I was getting somewhat frustrated with this unprofessionalism and sent them on their way, albeit, £607.50 worse off, but in all honesty, I was glad to see the back of them!

Warranty / Insurance?

Armed with limited evidence, I contacted Barratts and the NHBC, both of whom appeared to be having issues with their IT systems that week, however, by Monday, Barratts responded and while outside of the warranty period, chose to support us.

Timeline

Here's the timeline of events relating to the wastewater issues with the house.

Continue on reading to Conclusion...