West Lothian Couple's Dream Bellway Home Morphs into a Costly Nightmare

A couple from West Lothian, Sarah and Craig Cuerden, have shared their harrowing experience after moving into their new build dream home in the Almond development, Livingston. What was meant to be a joyous return to their hometown, close to Sarah's mother's grave in Adambrae cemetery, swiftly devolved into a distressing saga of home repairs.

Since their move in December last year, the Cuerdens have grappled with an alarming array of issues in their four-bedroom house. They have encountered persistent mould, burst pipes, and have had to replace both bathrooms and the kitchen multiple times due to various faults. The repair costs have already exceeded £32,000, with no resolution in sight.

Sarah, emotionally distraught, recounted the ordeal. She lamented the constant struggle with Bellway, the developers, over their partial acceptance of responsibility and the additional damage often caused by tradespeople during repair work. The couple's kitchen has undergone extensive replacements, including cupboards and doors, and they've had two instances of burst pipes leading to flooding. Even appliances like tumble dryers, washing machines, and hobs have been replaced due to faults.

But their troubles don't end there. The Cuerdens have faced issues with their flooring, windows, staircase, and doors. They have had to replace their front, back, and French doors four times, yet problems persist. Their living room window once remained unsecured for a week. Sarah has had to replace monoblocks, redo window and door renderings, and correct brickwork. She highlights that these are not mere cosmetic issues – she has gaps in flooring and an unsafe staircase.

The ongoing issues have not only caused financial strain but have also taken a toll on Sarah's health, leading to a diagnosis of vitiligo, which she attributes to the stress. Their neighbours have similarly faced significant issues, with one even experiencing a ceiling collapse.

Craig, a motor mechanic, expressed his frustration and disappointment, noting the irony of their situation given his profession's standards for quality and customer satisfaction. The couple, disillusioned, vows never to buy a new build home again.

Bellway's response acknowledged the issues and highlighted their commitment under the 10-year warranty, with the first two years covered directly by them. They mentioned ongoing efforts to resolve the issues and have agreed to cover some costs incurred by the Cuerdens due to third-party contractors.

The Importance of Snagging Checklists and Professional Inspections

This distressing story underscores the critical importance of employing snagging checklists and engaging professional snagging inspections for new build homes. A comprehensive snagging checklist, like the one offered by Snagging.org, can serve as a vital tool for new homeowners to identify potential issues in their property before they escalate into costly repairs. It acts as a thorough guide to inspect various aspects of a new home, ensuring that everything from the structural integrity to the cosmetic finishes is up to standard.

Enlisting the services of a professional snagging company, such as New Build Inspections, brings an added layer of expertise and peace of mind. These professionals are adept at identifying not only obvious defects but also underlying issues that may not be immediately apparent. Their detailed snagging reports provide leverage for homeowners in addressing these issues with builders or developers, ensuring that the home is not just aesthetically pleasing but also safe and durable.

Ultimately, these proactive measures can save homeowners significant time, money, and stress, as highlighted by the unfortunate experience of the Cuerdens.