Barratt Homes new builds
Discussion
I think you might find that your post contravenes PetrolTed's 'naming and shaming' policy somewhat!
Do you fancy a legal battle with one of the biggest housebuilders in the country, Ted?!
Still...I work for one of their competitors, and given a choice I would say, 'don't buy a spec-built house, period'. You've got to realise that these houses are the bricks-and-mortar equivalent of a Ford or Vauxhall. Perfectly servicable and efficient (most of the time) but built right down to a price.
Unfortunately, the buying public gets the housing they deserve. If you weren't all so greedily speculating on houses as a make-a-killing investment instead of a place to live, perhaps land prices wouldn't have spiraled and we could afford to build better quality homes at a price people could still afford!
Still, the end advice is the same. If you want a quality product, you have to go bespoke. Like cars, it needn't cost you any more to get something special (might even cost less), but it takes a lot more time, effort and care.
I'm available for private commissions should anyone want a decent house building for themselves!
Do you fancy a legal battle with one of the biggest housebuilders in the country, Ted?!
Still...I work for one of their competitors, and given a choice I would say, 'don't buy a spec-built house, period'. You've got to realise that these houses are the bricks-and-mortar equivalent of a Ford or Vauxhall. Perfectly servicable and efficient (most of the time) but built right down to a price.
Unfortunately, the buying public gets the housing they deserve. If you weren't all so greedily speculating on houses as a make-a-killing investment instead of a place to live, perhaps land prices wouldn't have spiraled and we could afford to build better quality homes at a price people could still afford!
Still, the end advice is the same. If you want a quality product, you have to go bespoke. Like cars, it needn't cost you any more to get something special (might even cost less), but it takes a lot more time, effort and care.
I'm available for private commissions should anyone want a decent house building for themselves!
Double Play said:
Don't buy one.
Period.
Can I just add that its not just XXXXXXX who are shite. The shower I bought my house off are shite, too! Oh the house is OK. Decently made of reasonable quality materials and finished to an acceptable, if not special, standard.
No what was apalling about them was their negotiating technique. Their "bully-boy" tactics. Their unreasonable terms. Their outrageous demands. Its not just the individuals in the firm - its the corporate culture. Its a culture of numbers and not a culture of customer service.
I will never, ever consider buying a new home from a big name builder ever again for any reason. Its a horrible experience.
In contrast some of their maintenance and technical staff are brilliant, customer focussed and a pleasure to have around your home as they sort out some problem or other!
My lot have a name that starts with B too...
Well I have nothing but praise for the Builder of mine, Robert Hitchins.
Excellent quality and value (especially as we are not talking top end market) Alas they seem to have given up building residentail properties and concentrate purely on commerial developments, which is a shame because after living in one for over five years I would have no hesitation in buying another
Excellent quality and value (especially as we are not talking top end market) Alas they seem to have given up building residentail properties and concentrate purely on commerial developments, which is a shame because after living in one for over five years I would have no hesitation in buying another
I work for a medium sized builder and we put up a lot of houses for housing associations. We only do tiny numbers of very upmarket houses speculatively.
Ive been around friends' homes on supposed 'executive developments' by big housebuilders and the finish of them has been extremely shoddy in places. The finish of the brickwork is often rubbish.
In contrast, the social housing we put up gets universally praised by the housing associations. (Shame that they are then handed over to chavs who don't get the message that you're not supposed to throw nappies down the toilet)
>> Edited by rsvmilly on Monday 31st January 16:40
Ive been around friends' homes on supposed 'executive developments' by big housebuilders and the finish of them has been extremely shoddy in places. The finish of the brickwork is often rubbish.
In contrast, the social housing we put up gets universally praised by the housing associations. (Shame that they are then handed over to chavs who don't get the message that you're not supposed to throw nappies down the toilet)
>> Edited by rsvmilly on Monday 31st January 16:40
Many new build seem to be very shoddy.
They have all the "tick boxes" filled, like en-suite, fireplace etc etc but the actual quality of the fittings is usually the lowest possible, like flimsy shower trays and baths.
Also, plumbing usually done by any local sub-contract bodger, paid on how many houses plumbed (therefore done in a hurry).
The list goes on - the whole house is usually thrown up in a rush but looks superfically fine with the shiny paint sloshed over bare unseasoned wood with no undercoat.
(I've had a new house and seen others built first hand - behind the scenes most are apalling.)
They have all the "tick boxes" filled, like en-suite, fireplace etc etc but the actual quality of the fittings is usually the lowest possible, like flimsy shower trays and baths.
Also, plumbing usually done by any local sub-contract bodger, paid on how many houses plumbed (therefore done in a hurry).
The list goes on - the whole house is usually thrown up in a rush but looks superfically fine with the shiny paint sloshed over bare unseasoned wood with no undercoat.
(I've had a new house and seen others built first hand - behind the scenes most are apalling.)
A guy called William Talman built ours, but they did things a bit differently back in 1712.
www.channelglidingclub.com/gallery/flying/cgc%20019.html
Only problem with it is it's not very conducive to going to work in the morning.
www.channelglidingclub.com/gallery/flying/cgc%20019.html
Only problem with it is it's not very conducive to going to work in the morning.
everybody said said:
Lots of sense and truth...
I bought my house because I thought I would be living there as a base as I am a contractor and get around a bit.
I did not buy it for an investment, but I'd be rather cross if I lost money on it as I now have to sell it. I did receive a customer survey form through the post and a 5 page letter with the snagging list attached giving the CEO, the Chairman, Director of Contracts and the Staff Onsite a severe bollocking did some of the trick.
90% of the snagging list now settled and only 8 issues remaining before I sell the house to go and live with my fiancee in Bonnie Scotland.
I can't wait to get rid of it.
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