Are new build homes better quality?

Creating new homes with built-in quality

Are new-build houses good quality? That’s a question being asked by everyone from senior Government ministers in Whitehall to house-hunters across the country. And it’s fair to say that over the coming years, the focus on quality is set to intensify.

To help drive up standards, the Government has created the New Homes Quality Board, which has been charged with establishing a New Homes Ombudsman Service and a New Homes Quality Code.

The aim is to ensure that every housebuilder puts quality first. That’s something which David Wilson Homes has always done. Committed to excellence from start to finish, we consistently create superior quality homes by:

• Using the best materials possible
• Employing the latest construction techniques
• Focusing on sustainability and energy-efficiency

Every David Wilson home comes with a National House Building Council (NHBC) Buildmark warranty, which gives you a 10 year structural warranty. It also includes a 2 year fixtures and fittings warranty that covers everything from windows and wardrobes to shower doors and sanitary ware. You can find out more in our article – ‘A guide to building warranties on new build property’.

With all that in mind, it won’t be a surprise to learn that David Wilson Homes has been awarded 5 Stars for customer satisfaction by the Home Builders Federation every year since 2010.*

How does the quality of new-build homes compare with older properties?

Some people are drawn to older properties because of their original features and character. But there’s no getting away from the fact that the charm of an older property can quickly fade if it needs costly modernisation, like re-wiring, a new heating system, damp proofing and more.

Brand-new homes can be full of style and character too. And you’ll enjoy a number of significant advantages. As a rule, a high quality, new-build home will:

• Require less maintenance
• Come with warranties to cover any building snags
• Deliver energy-efficient living – a David Wilson home could be up to 57% cheaper to run, compared to an updated Victorian equivalent^
• Feature exceptional finishes, so there’s no need for any renovation

Tips for buying a quality new-build home

When it comes to buying a new home, knowing what to look out for can help you move forward with confidence. So we’ve put together a few top tips to help you secure the quality home you’re looking for.

1. Do some ground work
Make sure the homebuilder has a proven track record for quality and excellence – from construction through to customer service.

2. Check for warranties
Is the company registered with the NHBC? If it is you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from being covered. With David Wilson your home is protected by a 10 year structural warranty.

3. Find out what happens with building snags
Fixing minor defects (snags) is part and parcel of buying a new-build home. So it’s important to know what your builder will make good if the need arises. David Wilson homes come with a 2 year fixtures and fittings warranty.

4. Understand the snagging process
When you move in, take time to check all the rooms. Take a good look at the paintwork, sockets, switches, cupboard doors, banisters. If anything isn’t what you expect, let the homebuilder know so they can look at fixing any issues.

5. Keep records
It’s always useful to have information you can refer back to. So make sure any changes you agree with the homebuilder are signed off in writing.

6. It’s good to talk
Keeping in touch with your homebuilder can make the process as smooth as possible. Our dedicated team of experts prides itself on customer service. We can guide you through the entire moving process – including putting you in touch with a Mortgage Adviser, and talking you through a wide range of offers designed to help first time buyers and existing homeowners move to a new home.

Come home to quality

There’s nothing better than living in a spacious, stylish home with quality always in mind. Discover what award-winning homebuilding looks like.

¹ Government announces new housing measures, GOV.UK

^ Source: Annual Household Energy Spend, Zero Carbon Hub

*We are the only major national housebuilder to be awarded this key industry award every year since 2010. “We” refers to the Barratt Developments PLC group brands including Barratt London, Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes. Based on HBF star rating scheme from 2010 to 2022 derived from the NHBC national new homes survey at eight weeks (https://www.hbf.co.uk/policy/policy-and-wider-work-program/customer-satisfaction-survey/latest-results/), over 90% of Barratt Developments PLC group customer would recommend our brands to a friend.[RL1]