Costa Cup Used as Vent Cover on Persimmon New Build Reveals Widespread Quality Issues
A shocking discovery of a Costa coffee cup being used as a makeshift vent cover on a £250,000 new build home has highlighted the critical importance of thorough snagging inspections for new property owners across the UK.
Justin Lee Anderson, a homeowner in Wallyford, East Lothian, uncovered this startling improvisation alongside numerous other defects in his five-bedroom Persimmon home, leading to a three-year battle with the developer to address the issues. His experience serves as a stark reminder of why professional snagging inspections are essential for new build properties.
Growing Concerns Over New Build Quality
The revelation comes amid increasing reports of quality issues in new build homes across Britain. Anderson's case is particularly noteworthy as it demonstrates the range of problems that can be discovered during thorough inspections, from major structural issues to bizarre shortcuts in construction.
Among the defects found in Anderson's property were:
The discovery of the Costa coffee cup being used as an external vent cover
Cross-wired heating controls, with upstairs thermostats controlling downstairs heating and vice versa
Incorrectly plumbed bathroom taps, with hot and cold water supplies reversed
Gaps between walls, roof, and windows causing draughts
Electrical issues including malfunctioning shaver sockets
An unvented bathroom extractor fan dumping moisture directly into the loft space
The Importance of Professional Snagging Inspections
Martyn Maxwell, Director of New Build Inspections, comments: "This case perfectly illustrates why professional snagging inspections are crucial for new build homeowners. Many defects aren't immediately obvious to the untrained eye, and some, like the improperly vented extractor fan, could lead to serious problems such as damp and mould if left unaddressed."
Maxwell explains that professional inspectors are trained to spot issues that might be overlooked during casual observation, from poor finishing to potentially dangerous building defects. "In our experience, nearly every new build property has some issues that need addressing. The key is identifying them early, before they become larger problems."
Call for Stronger Regulation
Anderson's experience has led him to campaign for stronger regulation of the house building industry. He recently presented his case at the Scottish Greens annual conference, where his proposal for a housing ombudsman was adopted as party policy.
"There is a presumption of competence given to house builders, which is just wrong and allows them to get away with shockingly poor standards without any real consequences," Anderson states. "Nobody's properly inspecting the work. Contractors are paid piecework and given too many houses to cover in a day, so they end up leaving rushed, incompetent work to be 'picked up in snagging'."
Persimmon Homes has responded to the situation, stating they were "disappointed" to hear about Anderson's experience. A spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that Mr Anderson did not receive the level of service we strive to provide, and we apologise for the inconvenience he experienced."
Expert Advice for New Build Buyers
Industry experts recommend that all new build buyers arrange independent snagging inspections before completing their purchases. These inspections typically cost a few hundred pounds but can save thousands in potential repair costs and prevent years of frustration.
"The key is to identify issues early and ensure they're documented properly," says Maxwell. "A professional snagging inspection provides buyers with a comprehensive report they can use to negotiate with developers and ensure problems are addressed before moving in."
Looking Forward
The case has sparked renewed calls for better regulation of the house building industry and stronger protections for buyers. Musselburgh councillor Shona McIntosh describes the current situation as "like the Wild West" with no effective oversight of developments or enforcement of standards.
For new build buyers, the message is clear: professional snagging inspections are not an optional extra but an essential step in protecting what is likely to be their largest investment. As Anderson's experience shows, thorough inspection before moving in can save years of frustration and potentially thousands of pounds in remedial works.
For more information about snagging inspections or to book a professional inspection click here or contact our team of experts who can guide you through the process of ensuring your new home meets the standards you expect and deserve.
