New build snags - builder/developer inaction

[Dis86]

Moved in to our new place about 3 years ago. Significant list of snags which was accepted by the builder. Many have been resolved however we have about 20 outstanding.
Clear trail of correspondence on it. Multiple replies from themselves but despite asking repeatedly for a schedule to resolve they've not provided one and are now just giving us the 'it'll be done soon' treatment.
The builder and developer are two separate companies.

Does anyone know what the process is to start getting some actual enforcement against them?

 

[Dis86]

Is your property covered by NHBC? After post two year completion I believe you can make a claim through them if you have exhaustive the process with the developer.

Their claims guidance sets out what is covered by them - NHBC Link

It is. My understanding with the NHBC though is that they strictly cover deviations from standards and not necessarily aesthetic issues? A lot of our problems are things such as scratches shower enclosures and screens, bowed worktops etc

 

[Dis86]

Good luck getting the NHBC to do anything.

If the builder has sorted most of the snags, I'd think yourself lucky.

Not swamp garden is it?

Lol there was indeed a swamp garden. I sorted that myself by installing additional drainage.

 

[Dis86]

Sometimes you just have to do it yourself, at least you know it's done right.

Could be worse, fella at work just moved into a newbuild....they fitted the kitchen door frame wonky, so the joiner trimmed the door down to fit

That's pretty bad. We have 5 bedrooms on the first floor, 2 cupboards and a bathroom. Every single door frame on that floor was at a different height when we first moved in. Sorted now but that's just an example of the level of crap they think is acceptable.

 

[Dis86]

You can report it to the NHBC, but ultimately they are a waste of time. Our bath has now been sealed 4 times by the builders and it still leaks from behind the wall, the tiles need to come off to fully investigate but they keep sending the same builder back to apply more sealant near the area. Multiple walls have not been built straight but apparently its "just a guideline", you can't fit a wardrobe butted up to the skirting because the wall angles in far beyond the skirting. Settlement cracks within a year big enough to swallow a pound coin but they're not interested.

Unfortunately my property is a leasehold and the freeholder is saying I cannot make repairs unless NHBC admit they are issues, but NHBC won't because they know they'd be liable for it and don't want to pay.

That sounds like an absolute freaking nightmare

Ours is freehold at least.