Snags blight new home joy

examine the knottiest problems. The expert has found in his favour in some half of those raised.

However, some snags he identified have been withdrawn because although they exist, he says, they cannot be considered by the main new homes warranty provider, the National House Building Council.

After Crusader first highlighted the Kelletts’ troubles, A2Dominion group director of housing Dawn Wightman said: “We regret that Mr and Mrs Kellett’s experience of moving into their new home has not been what it should have been.

“We are responsible for ensuring our building contractor remedies faults that arise in the two-year period that follows the purchase.

“In Mr and Mrs Kellett’s case, we acknowledge there has been a higher number of faults than we would have expected. The outstanding issues have been extremely complex and challenging to deal with. We will continue to do everything we can to resolve this as soon as possible.”

After further discussion, and acceptance of 166 problems so far with 100 fixed, the developer said that it was in the process of finalising outstanding repair details.

But William and Sarah explained: “We’ve had warm words before, now it’s time for detail and action. We want a schedule of works that can be discussed and a guide to timings, then one for the clean-up. We need to be able to plan.”

Last week Ms Wightman replied: “We have received a report from a jointly appointed independent surveyor. Where the report has identified a defect we will be happy to carry out remedial work. We are in the process of finalising details and timescales for this programme and will be communicating this to Mr Kellett’s solicitor next week.”

Although still wary, the Kelletts thanked Crusader saying: “Without your help we’d still be on the journey rather than close to destination.”

Crusader has now asked for A2Dominion to investigate a complaint from another homeowner on the same development.