New-builds: Industry calls for quality as well as quantity

The Government has set out ambitious house-building targets, aiming to construct 1.5m new dwellings in the next few years. However, some observer fear such a gung-ho attitude to building will come at the cost of high quality homes. Although new builds provide a blank canvas and lower maintenance costs, issues such as poor workmanship and hidden costs have been common complaints in recent years. For Paula Higgins, the chief executive of HomeOwners Alliance, which campaigns for better rights for homeowners, new homes are often beset by problems - including snagging, lack of insulation and poor quality. But positive new-build outcomes can also be achieved. According to the Home Builders' Federation, in the year September 2022 to 2023 a customer survey of 50,000 people in newly-built estates showed 88% were satisfied with the quality of their home, and 90% would recommend their builder to a friend. 

The Sunday Telegraph (21/07/2024)