CONSTRUCTION QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTION
The RICS COBRA Conference 2010 reported that the private house building sector has had results from seven customer satisfaction surveys since 2000, the latest being 2009 and each survey has shown an increase in snagging items in new houses (self-completion postal surveys initiated by two industry bodies -Housing Forum and the HBF to new home owners).
According to the surveys, the overall customer satisfaction in the quality of new houses was 77% in 2009 (HBF 2009). The survey revealed that between 2000 to 2009, there has been a marked increase in the number of home owners reporting ‘snagging’ items.
As a new home buyer or developer, there is no control over the quality of the finished product. Generally, if the builder constructs in accordance with the original specifications, they will consider the new home to meet the “quality standard”.
Watson (2004) comments that local authority building inspectors who must pass fit new homes as safe and fit for habitation are not looking for minor defects (snagging). Whilst press coverage and watchdog type TV programmes on defects and ‘snagging’ in newly constructed buildings ensures that the issue continues to be topical. NHBC (and others) offer a building warranty and mediate over defects claims, but NHBC are funded by the construction industry. Press and Journal (2005) suggest that the NHBC inspectors concentrate on the most significant points of construction which would be the most expensive to remedy should any problems arise.
Figures for claims paid to homeowners that claimed on their NHBC Warranty in 2008/09 went up from £46.4m in 2007/08 to £59.3m in 2008/09. NHBC claims figure for 2008/09 include 17.3% of claims related to foundations, substructure and ground floors (subject to building control inspections). The building envelope including intermediate floors accounted for 34.6% of all claims, again a fundamental structural aspect. The roof accounted to nearly as many claims at 33.9%, services, fixtures and finishes accounted for 11.5% and finally ancillary buildings such as garages 2.7%.
Taking all of the forging into account it is difficult to see what measures some of the industry is taking with regard to quality assurance of major structural aspects of the new house.
When a customer takes possession of their property there is the potential to discover many underlying defects which results in disputes, cost and customer dissatisfaction.
AHBSS carry out a construction quality control inspection service. Initially, we inspect the plans and specifications and identify all potential design inadequacies. We carry out site inspections (and can include CDM services) report on resources on site and identify potential defects. We can ‘snag; the premises prior to completion and issue Professional Persons Certification where requested. (source RICS The Construction, Building and Real Estate Research Conference of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
For further details Telephone 07775665493 / 07854660322 or email ahbss@hotmail.co.uk
