New Builds – Your Go‑To Hub for Building, Buying & Maintaining New Homes

Thinking about a new build? You’re not alone. More people are choosing brand‑new homes because they promise fresh finishes, modern layouts, and fewer surprises than an old house. But ‘new build’ can mean a lot of different things, and it’s easy to get tripped up by jargon, hidden costs, or post‑construction quirks.

What Exactly Is a New Build?

A new build is simply a property that’s been constructed from the ground up within the last few years. That could be a house in a fresh development, a converted loft that’s been completely rebuilt, or even a custom home you’ve ordered from a builder. The key point is that you’re getting something that’s never lived in before – no previous owners, no hidden wear and tear.

In the UK, buying a new build comes with a few built‑in protections. For example, the builder must give you a 10‑year warranty covering structural defects, and you’ll often get a free snag survey to catch any finishing issues before you move in. Those are big perks, but they don’t mean you can skip due diligence.

Common Issues and How to Tackle Them

Even brand‑new homes can develop problems. One of the most common concerns is settlement – the slow movement of a building’s foundations as the soil adjusts. Our article “How Long Does It Take for a New Building to Settle?” breaks down the typical timeline (usually 6‑12 months) and offers practical tips for spotting early signs, like hairline cracks or doors that start to stick.

If you notice cracks, the “Foundation Crack Size: When Is It Serious?” guide helps you measure width, understand what’s normal, and decide whether to call a structural engineer. Most cracks under 1mm are just cosmetic, but larger gaps can indicate deeper issues that need professional attention.

Another frequent question is about TV wall‑mounting in fresh builds. The post “Wall‑Mounting Your TV in a New Build” walks you through checking stud locations, avoiding damage to fire barriers, and keeping your warranty intact.

Don’t forget insurance. New homes often need a specific policy that covers structural defects and the builder’s warranty period. Our “House Insurance and Foundation Issues” article spells out what to look for in a policy and how to avoid gaps in coverage.

Finally, if you’re still on the fence about buying versus building, the “Build or Buy a House in 2025?” piece gives a clear cost breakdown, helping you compare long‑term savings and potential pitfalls of each route.

Bottom line: a new build can be a fantastic investment, but you still need to ask the right questions, watch for settlement signs, and protect yourself with proper warranties and insurance. Use the articles on this page as a quick reference – they’re written for everyday people, not architects, so you’ll get the practical advice you need without the jargon.