This section refers to information provided by Andrew Noble.

Make a List of All Known Defects With Your New Home.

Many home-owners or householders don’t know the precise details of the problems affecting their property. Creating a list of “all known defects” is essential as a first step if any communication with your house builder or developer (and in any following discussions with other parties or legal professionals) is going to be constructive.

Create a floorplan

Draw a floorplan for each floor of your house labelling each room A, B, C etc (including bathrooms and hallways).

List the Problems / Defects

Making a list of the property defects and updating it regularly is important - including the type of problem (e.g. crack in a wall, leak from a pipe etc.), the location, the size, and any related damage being caused by the fault.  

Take Photographs

Photograph each defect; but stand back to give context to the photo. (This is to enable the viewer, who have not seen your house, let alone visited it, to understand the photograph and the defects).

Cracks, Steps, Bumps or Bulges in Walls

If there are humps, steps or cracks (which might be more serious) highlight the more serious defects on your list.

Cold House? …Insulation Problems

If you have a cold house or apartment it may be that the insulation is insufficient or poorly installed (which is a common defect) and requires special handling.

Cost of Remedial Works and Repairing any Damage

Try and estimate how much the remedial works will cost. Don’t forget that larger repairs will often require project management and superintendence costs.

Make a record of all communications with your builder/developer

Keep a diary including a record, logging the dates, each time you make a complaint in respect of each item on the list and to whom the complaint is made. It is best to communicate via email or send by post (but obtain a receipt / proof of postage). If you do have a spoken conversation, confirm all details afterwards in writing. The reason being that arguing about whether notice was given about a defect can be expensive.