Buying a young house in Deanside: what a pre-purchase finds
Movement cracks, drainage and safety items in homes only a few years old.
In short: A house a few years old looks new at the open. The inspection shows how it has settled in.
Movement shows early
Reactive clay moves with the seasons, and the first few years show whether the slab and drainage cope. Cracks at opening corners are the first sign.
Gardens added after handover
New owners build garden beds and paving, often against the walls, covering weep holes and changing how water drains.
Lintels and openings
Lintels out of level and doors that stick can follow movement and are worth measuring.
Safety items
Loose balustrades and trip hazards are reported clearly as safety items.
Builder warranty
If items are building defects, the statutory warranty may still be available to you as the next owner.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Deanside. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
