Couple's Linden Home in Devon 'Riddled with Mould' Becomes 'Biggest Regret of Our Lives'
For many, purchasing a brand-new home represents a significant milestone and a dream come true. However, for Leo and Fiona Maguire, this dream quickly turned into a nightmare. The couple, aged 38 and 36 respectively, purchased a £419,000 property from Linden Homes in Axminster, Devon, only to discover severe mould and damp issues that have since made them deeply regret their decision. Their ongoing struggle highlights the importance of thorough snagging inspections and vigilant oversight when buying a new build home.
The Maguires moved into their newly completed property in May of 2023 year. Within weeks, they began noticing alarming signs of mould in the kitchen cupboards and around the skirting boards. As the problem spread, it became evident that mould was present in every room, causing damage to their carpets, wallpaper, and personal belongings. The extent of the problem forced the couple to move back to their previous home just three months later.
Upon further inspection, Leo discovered that the skirting boards in every room adjacent to a brick wall were riddled with mould. This shocking revelation prompted him to remove all the skirting boards, exposing widespread dampness. In addition to mould issues, the couple found numerous examples of poor workmanship throughout the property, including cracked flooring due to improperly laid screed, puddling tarmac on the driveway, and mortar blocking the cavity wall ties.
Despite their continuous efforts to communicate with Linden Homes, the couple found the company's customer service severely lacking. Leo described their experience as 'distraught, livid, and frustrated,' criticising the developer's inability to provide timely updates or effective solutions.
The house has since been stripped back to its bare structure, with no kitchen, bathrooms, plumbing, or electrics. An independent surveyor confirmed that the bricks were damp, necessitating an intense drying procedure that would take four weeks. During this time, the Maguires had to return to their previous home, enduring double mortgage payments and living with minimal belongings. The rest of their possessions remain in storage in Exeter.
The couple's attempts to get Linden Homes to acknowledge and address the issues have been met with resistance and delays. Leo even threatened to take down his skirting boards and bring them to the developer's head office in Exeter to prompt action. Despite these efforts, progress has been slow, and the couple believes it could take another year to complete the necessary repairs.
Leo and Fiona are determined to see the problems resolved. They have engaged an independent damp and mould surveyor, whose report contradicted Linden Homes' assessment, stating that the property was unfit for habitation. The couple is now battling with the developer to either fix all the issues or buy back the property at a satisfactory price. However, they are sceptical about Linden Homes' willingness to do so, given the potential costs involved.
The Importance of Snagging Inspections
The Maguires' experience underscores the critical need for thorough snagging inspections before moving into a new build home. Snagging inspections can identify defects and issues early, ensuring they are addressed by the developer before they become major problems. This proactive approach can save homeowners significant stress, time, and money, providing peace of mind that their new home is safe and built to high standards.
Leo and Fiona's ordeal serves as a cautionary tale for prospective homeowners. The significance of comprehensive snagging inspections cannot be overstated, as they are crucial in safeguarding one's investment and ensuring the quality of a new build home. Investing in a snagging inspection can prevent nightmares like the Maguires' and help new homeowners start their journey on a positive note.
