Terry Williams from Coventry University has done some research into defect analysis in new property and the role of the NHBC
His research led him to sample 32 properties, that had a total of 4523 defects, with at least one breach of the Building Regulations in each property. That equated to an average of 141 defects per property surveyed. Of the defects found; 4% posed a health and safety risk, with 18% of the defects compromising the building’s integrity. Of these, 8% presented a future structural risk and over half (51%) could permit moisture penetration.
His research found that 28% of the faults were due to a general lack of care with 72% being caused by sub standard workmanship.
To view the full version of this research report titled “An investigation of finishing quality in new housing” click on the link to download the PDF file. [download]
An at a glance summary of the areas where defects were found is illustrated in the charts below.
MOISTURE
PENETRATION
51%
VENTILATION
10% 
%
STRUCTURAL RISK
8%
DRAINAGE
14%
AIRTIGHTNESS
17%
LACK OF CARE
28%
SUB-
72%
Details of Builder’s Work defects
BUILDER’S WORKS
16%
GENERAL DAMAGE & POOR PRESENTATION
11%
PLUMBING 2%
INTERNAL DECORATION
37%
LANDSCAPING &
HARD SURFACES
2%
EXTERNAL FINISH
2%
INTERNALJOINERY
6%
INTERNAL SURFACES
(non-
23%
ELECTRICAL 1%
HEALTH & SAFETY
RISK 4%
BUILDING INTEGRITY COMPROMISED 18%
AESTHETIC
DILAPIDATION 78%
Research into defects
found in new homes
See also Chris Wood's study into Why defects occur in new homes
Another study: Customer satisfaction and snagging in the UK house building industry by Nigel Craig, James Sommerville and Tony Auchterlounew looked at both customer satisfaction and levels of snagging in new homes. They concluded that ”new homes continue to be beset with snagging items and the house builders continue to have a very relaxed attitude towards snagging which may directly affect customer satisfaction levels.”
Of snagging items the research showed that Aesthetic issues accounted for most snagging issues:
Omissions
0%
Technical Quality
2.3%
Aesthetic Issues
88.9%
0.7%
2.1%
7.1%
5.6%