Top ten maintenance issues to look for in new-build homes

New Build Maintenance Issues

There can be teething problems with anything that’s brand new and new build homes are no exception. From small instances of cracking, to occasional issues with the heating and decoration, these problems are often more irritating than detrimental, but they still need to be addressed. In this blog, we’re going to look at the top ten new build maintenance issues that can sometimes be found in new homes.

Cracking and gaps in new plaster

When new build homes are constructed, it will usually take around nine to 12 months for the entire structure to dry out. It’s not unusual to spot small cracks in the walls, often along hairline joins, such as plasterboard edges, or in corners of ceilings. Joinery too, such as skirting and architrave, can show gaps and these are a sign of shrinkage. They can easily be concealed using a gap filler and a coat of paint. As a tip, gaps can be reduced in the drying process, by allowing the new construction to dry out gradually.

Silicone sealant maintenance issues in new homes

Silicone sealant – around windows for example, or sanitaryware – should be smooth and secure in your new home. Sealant is designed to create a barrier between a wall or tiles and a component, such as a window frame or bath. When it’s not a true seal, it can cause problems. Water ingress is the most common issue and also the most damaging. If water can penetrate the seal, it can cause damage over time to timber and plasterwork of a new house. Another common fault with sealant is shrinkage. This causes the sealant to reduce in dimensions and pull away from where its fixed, leaving a clear gap for moisture to penetrate. Simple repairs can be done by taking out and replacing the problem sealant with new.

Doors and door frames of new builds

We’ve all moved in to a new home somewhere and found that there’s that one irritating door that doesn’t shut properly. The paint’s too thick, or the lock’s not quite reaching the receiver. This can be caused by warping. This usually occurs where there’s a rise in the humidity. A common place to find a warped door, even in old houses, is on the airing cupboard or bathroom door, where there’s a contrast between temperatures. It is caused by moisture in the air soaking into the wood. It is most common in external and bathroom doors, which is why it’s imperative to have adequate ventilation, especially in bathrooms. Door frames themselves can crack when the wood swells due to moisture and then reduces as it dries out. This ongoing process can cause the frame to buckle and can even cause problems with the wall.

Misaligned or stiff patio doors in a new house

Another door-related problem relates to patio doors. Misalignment can develop over time due to gravity, and warping of the frame can occur, due to expansion or shrinkage. Patio doors, especially the type that meet and close in the middle, are awkward to hang. Getting both doors to meet and close perfectly in sync is an art in itself. But if the doors become difficult to open or close, this can make the door stiff and difficult to use. As the tolerances are set within very fine degrees to reduce draughts, an expansion of a couple of millimetres can cause major problems. It may mean that over time, the doors need to be planed and rehung. 

Boiler maintenance issues

Newly-fitted boilers in new houses can take some getting used to, especially when they’re making noises, such as gurgling, whistling, tapping or banging. If a boiler is making noises above what you’d expect when it’s operational, it’s probably got air trapped in the system. Unless the problem is obvious, you’ll need a heating engineer to look at your boiler. Low water pressure could be another cause and venting/bleeding your radiators can stop them gurgling when in use.  That knocking sound you hear when the system kicks in is the expansion and contraction of heating pipes. Nothing can be done about this, but make sure pipes are not fixed with brackets to floorboards, skirting or joists too tightly, which will be constraining their movement.

Radiator issues

Another common fault with new-builds can be where radiators don’t function properly. This can either be them getting only partially warm or not getting hot at all. This is usually caused by air trapped in the system. A heating engineer can help you out, but it’s usually simply a case of ‘bleeding’ the radiator. This opens a valve, that allows the air to escape and the heat to flow properly, as now the heated water can pass freely around the system.

Painting and decoration of a new house

When it comes to decoration, painting touch-ups are among the easiest of maintenance jobs. With a new-build, there may be some areas that need another coat, due to patchy coverage, or to cover up after settlement cracks or making good after a minor leak. It’s a good idea to make sure that you have a supply of any paint that was used in the decoration, so you have an exact match. You should be able to ask the contractor which specific make and colour was used.

Condensation forming in your new home

New builds in particular are susceptible to condensation, as the building dries out.  This can be exacerbated by the use of boiling pans, showers, or drying clothes on airers. Use any ventilation you may have, or open windows if not, to allow the air to circulate and condensation droplets to dry out. If condensation is allowed to linger, it can cause mould.

Windows on new builds cause common maintenance issues

A further problem with windows is loose or broken handles, and stiff, broken or dropping hinges. These can be irritating, but can usually simply be replaced. Many windows come as units these days, but individual components can be ordered and replaced if need be. Sometimes a window that isn’t working correctly needs something as straightforward as the screws tightening up on the brackets.  

Scratches to glazing on new windows

Another window-related fault in a new home can be scratches or marks on the glazing. A scratch is difficult to rectify, especially in layers of double-glazing which will need the pane replacing. Marks and blemishes however can generally be removed using a window cleaning solution. 

Toilet flush, another maintenance problem

Any newly-fitted sanitary goods can cause problems, from dripping showers to stiff taps. One of the most problematic items is toilet flushes. Sometimes they can be stiff to operate, but more often it’s the cistern refill part of the process that causes problems – being too noisy, dripping after the cistern is filled, or the handle or push button not operating properly. As with other plumbing snags, it’s best to engage a professional engineer to rectify this maintenance fault.

We’ve been designing and building award-winning homes since 1981. From prestigious turnkey self-build projects, to distinctive developments and exclusive barn conversions, each bespoke home is built to the same exacting standards. We take great pride in every project we embark on to ensure the end result is as pleasing to its new owners as it is to us. This level of pride, passion and professionalism is epitomised in our craftsmanship and build quality, which has been recognised by many local, regional and national awards.

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Each of our homes is backed by our unique and dedicated personalised approach to customer service. This ensures every CB Homes development delivers ultimate peace of mind to its new owner, long after we’ve handed you the keys.

Contact CB Homes today to discuss your next move.