Aftercare
IN YOUR NEW BUILD HOME
Upon moving into your new home, you might encounter various issues, both minor and more significant in nature. This guide aims to assist you in distinguishing between matters that require attention and those that may resolve naturally over time.
Newly constructed homes often undergo a period of adjustments, commonly referred to as a ‘settling’ phase. During this period, occurrences such as hairline cracks may arise, which are typical and not usually a cause for concern. However, it’s important to differentiate between such minor issues and more substantial problems, which are categorised as defects affecting the build or quality of your home.
SETTLING PROCESS
Your home is in a phase of gradual drying out, which contributes to the emergence of certain minor issues. Moisture remains present in the walls and materials of all new build properties, and allowing this moisture to disperse is crucial. To aid this process, ensure proper ventilation and maintain consistent heating within your property.
As the drying out continues, specific parts of your house will naturally ‘settle’. For instance, you might notice slight cracks around architraves, and doors or windows may become slightly more challenging to open. These are entirely normal and shouldn’t raise undue concern. Your home is simply adjusting to its new environment.
Remember, while some adjustments are part of the settling process, any concerns related to the structural integrity or significant functionality of your home should be addressed promptly.
DEFECTS
A defect signifies a more significant concern that arises due to the construction of your home. It could stem from materials used, design considerations, or the craftsmanship employed by the developer. It’s important to note that defects are distinct from accidental damage, general maintenance repairs, or matters related to property upkeep.
Common Defect include:
1. Roofing leaks
2. Pipe and Plumbing leaks originating from installation during construction
3. Improperly functioning doors thats do not close or lock as intended (excluding issued caused by carpet installation)
4. Noticeable cracks on Walls or Ceilings of a substantial nature.
Not Classified as Defects:
1. General Wear and Tear or Neglect-Induced Issues
2. Garden Maintenance Matters
3. Minor Decorative Concerns which as glass scratches or hairline cracks thinner than a £1 coin (these are considered typical due to ‘shrinkage’ tendencies associated with new build home)
Understanding these distinctions will enable you to recognise and address issues appropriately, ensuring your new home remains a comfortable and well-maintained haven.
ENSURING HIGH STANDARDS AND ADDRESSING DEFECTS
HAS MY HOME BEEN SNAGGED PRIOR TO BE MOVING IN?
In our commitment to maintaining a superior standard, our home undergoes rigorous inspections and approvals at various stages of the construction process, overseen by different experts. It is important to acknowledge that despite these measures, as homes are crafted by human hands, it’s not always feasible to eliminate every potential defect.
When the transition of ownership occurs, from the contractor to Harrison Hunt, our stringent quality control continues. Our technical advisors meticulously examine each property to ensure a quality, fit and overall finish. Any discrepancies identified during this process are documented, forming what we refer to as a ‘snag list’. Essentially, this list comprises items that warrant attention and resolution by the contractor.
This juncture provides us with tangible proof of the contractor’s responsibility for these issues and their subsequent rectification. Their liability is established as they are the sole individuals who have been inside the property during the development process. This procedure underscores our commitment to upholding the integrity and excellence of your new home.
DEFECT LIABILITY PERIOD AND RESOLUTION PROCESS
WHAT IS THE 24-MONTH DEFECT PERIOD?
The defects liability period for your new home spans 24 months, commencing from the moment the property transfers ownership from the contractor to Harrison Hunt. Within this duration, you possess the ability to bring to our attention any concerns you suspect may be defects. All genuine defects will be promptly addressed and rectified by the developer.
Upon conclusion of this 24-month period, an ‘end of defects’ inspection will take place. During this assessment, representatives from both Harrison Hunt and the contractor will visit your residence to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of any remaining issues. Together, we will determine which items should be classified as defects. Subsequently, the developer will get in touch with you to coordinate the necessary corrective measures.
Anticipate that the work to address these matters will typically be scheduled within three months following the inspection. This collaborative process underscores our commitment to ensuring your home remains a haven of quality and comfort throughout your homeownership journey.
REPORTing A DEFECT
Please contact our Aftercare Team, who will review your email and get back to you between 5 and 10 working days.
Harrison Hunt Aftercare: aftercare@harrisonhunt.org
ONCE YOU HAVE REPORTED A DEFECT?
As we assess the defect, our aftercare team may require additional information to better understand its origins. This might involve requesting pictures or videos showcasing the issue. these visuals aid in determining the urgency of the matter and identifying the appropriate personnel for resolution.
Once the aftercare team has reviewed the situation, they will forward the matter to the contractor. Subsequently, it becomes the contractor’s responsibility to get in touch with you to schedule a convenient appointment.
It’s important to note that the timeliness of the resolution relies on the contractor’s adherence to the agreed-upon timeline. Our team remains actively engaged, consistently following up on any outstanding defects on a weekly basis. In cases where the contractor doesn’t meet the stipulated timeframe for completion, we may explore the option of invoking an alternative contractor at no cost to you.
This process illustrates our dedication to ensuring your home remains in impeccable condition, prioritising your satisfaction and comfort throughout the resolution process.
COMPLAINTS
Our committed teams have worked hard to make sure that every detail of your chosen Harrison Hunt home meets the highest possible standard. If our service has not been to the standard required, please contact our complaints department.