Keepmoat Homes Apologises for Issues with New-Build Bradford Home
A property developer has issued an apology to a family who have faced a string of problems with their new-build home in Bradford.
The Khans purchased their home in Eccleshill from Keepmoat in the summer of 2023, but their experience has been marred by numerous defects including heating issues, missing insulation, problematic plaster work, incorrectly fitted doors and skirting boards.
Mr Khan also reported that slugs were entering the property through gaps between the floor and doors, adding to the family's frustrations.
A spokesman for Keepmoat, which has developed homes across Yorkshire and the UK, said the company was "deeply sorry" for the problems faced by the family.
Chris Clingo, regional managing director at Keepmoat Yorkshire West, acknowledged that the firm was "disappointed with the situation and issues the family has experienced". The developer has committed to "continue to work closely with the Khans to communicate the next appropriate steps" and discuss a "gesture of goodwill".
Ongoing Heating Issues
The most persistent problem has been the inability to adequately heat the property, despite the heating system being in operation for extended periods.
According to Mr Khan, the heating takes approximately eight hours to reach just 18 degrees Celsius. This lack of warmth has been particularly challenging for his wife, who has a heart condition, and their newborn baby who was born six weeks premature.
The cold conditions became so unbearable that Mrs Khan decided to stay with family in Aberdeen during the final stages of her pregnancy, where their baby was subsequently born.
"The house is absolutely freezing," said Mr Khan. "I want compensation. I want something to be done."
He expressed disappointment with the disparity between what was advertised and the reality of their home: "We went to the showhomes, they advertised it as energy efficient, everything's ready for you. But it's nothing like a home for us."
Multiple Repairs and Disruption
The family has endured considerable disruption as contractors have visited the property on numerous occasions to address various issues:
Recent thermal imaging tests revealed that insulation was missing in parts of the house
Contractors had to drill holes in walls to pump foam insulation, causing further discomfort
A loft hatch had to be refitted after it was found to have missing safety hooks
Both front and back doors required refitting
A bathroom fan needed fixing
Builders' rubble was discovered underneath the back garden turf, requiring the garden to be completely re-laid
"It has been stressful," Mr Khan explained. "I just wanted something easy - move in, start a family. It's been nothing but stress."
Communication Concerns
Mr Khan also highlighted frustrations with the communication process: "Sometimes you send them an email, no response. There's constant delay. I've had my heating on 24/7 to keep the house warm and that's been costing an arm and a leg."
With the property's warranty set to expire this summer, Mr Khan has expressed concern about future problems and has called for more rigorous checks on new-build properties.
"This has been an ongoing battle for nearly 24 months, and our patience has completely worn thin," he said. "We've been emailing, ringing. We're just waiting around for ages."
He added: "There should be more guidelines, more structures, whoever's signing houses off - there should be photographic evidence or some sort of procedure."
Developer's Response
In response to these concerns, Keepmoat's regional managing director Mr Clingo stated: "We are deeply sorry that Mr and Mrs Khan have experienced distress whilst purchasing their Keepmoat home. At Keepmoat we're committed to creating homes and communities that people can be proud of and will continue to work with the Khans to ensure this is the case.
"Whilst we're disappointed with the situation and issues the family has experienced, we're dedicated to rectifying the issues raised via our contractors and suppliers. We will continue to work closely with the Khan's to communicate the next appropriate steps and the gesture of goodwill."
At Snagging.org, we encourage all new-build homeowners to conduct thorough snagging inspections before completion. For guidance on how to identify potential issues in your new home, download our comprehensive Snagging Guide Checklist or consider booking a professional snagging inspection through our partners at New Build Inspections.
