Even during the first 6 months of occupation, the new owner is responsible for the proper running and maintenance of the property. The NHBC booklet ‘Guide to your new home’ offers practical advice on all aspects of a new home in a comprehensive, yet easy to read format. The NHBC DVD repeats this guidance in visual form and copies of both booklet and DVD will be given to you on or before legal handover. We do strongly recommend viewing the video and the careful study of the book.

We will also be providing you with the following NHBC booklets in A4 format:-

• ‘Buying a new home?’
• ‘Your guide to home energy rating’
• ‘A consistent approach to finishes’

These contain further useful information and should be read and kept for future reference.

By following these guidance notes, and the NHBC material you will help to ensure the proper ‘running in’ of your new house. This is important because inappropriate ‘running-in’ of a new home – for instance by high central heating temperatures and inadequate ventilation – can cause abnormally high levels of shrinkage and cracking in wall surfaces and between plaster and woodwork. Rosemullion Homes will not be responsible for large cracks caused by these circumstances.

The NHBC booklet also gives excellent guidance about long-term property maintenance, reminding owners of the disproportionate amount of damage caused by for instance blocked gutters and down pipes, fat deposits in drains due to excessive amounts of cooking fat and food waste being washed down kitchen sink waste pipes and rising damp caused by raising soil levels adjacent to the wall of the house above the damp proof course (DPC) and rendering it ineffective.

In a very positive way, the book is full of useful maintenance and DIY tips including wall fixing methods, decoration techniques, explanation of plumbing, electricity and drainage services, and even hints on tree and shrub planting for gardeners.

In general Rosemullion Homes will do everything possible to eliminate defects in construction and attend to any defects that do occur as quickly as possible. Our reputation has been built on not running away from defect problems, sometimes after the initial 12 month period. However, it is important to note that our responsibility is limited to remedying latent defects, not to carrying out maintenance work or repairing minor shrinkage cracks or blemishes.

If you have any queries about the information we have given you, or the operation of the services of your new house, please contact us immediately. We do hope you will enjoy many happy years in your new home.