Mum shares the ‘awful reality' of having a new build social housing home – and people think the builders did her ‘dirty'
And not only did others claim to have experienced the same with their 'awful' new build properties, but people think the builders did this woman 'dirty'.
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Posting on social media, Kez, a single mother from the UK who recently moved into a social housing new build property and is currently on a mission to kit out her home whilst on a budget, gave her followers an insight into the 'snags' in her garden.
During a seven-second clip that was shared online just days ago, the savvy mum lifted up a patch of grass in her garden, only to reveal a layer of stones and rubble.
Alongside the clip, the bargain-hunter wrote: 'New build life be like…'
Not only this, but as she showed off the 'new build snags', she then explained: 'Reality of having a new build house … lawn laid on literal stone.'
She also added: 'Then they tell you to keep watering it so it doesn't die.'
According to Haywood Landscapes, a number of factors can cause water-logging of your garden and particularly in new build gardens, there are two common causes - soil compaction and shallow topsoil over clay subsoil.
The experts suggest that topsoil should be at least 15cm thick for satisfactory lawn growth, 30cm for shrubs and ideally deeper still for trees. If less, plant growth may be adversely affected.
Having 15cm as standard will ensure healthy root development, water retention and nutrient availability, which are all essential for plant survival and growth.
Kez's TikTok clip, which shows a clear lack of topsoil, was posted under the username @ kez1643 and has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 431,300 views.
Not only this, but it's also amassed 2,354 likes, 112 comments and 282 shares.
I've transformed my horrendous council house & now I want to buy it - haters say I'm contributing to the housing crisis
Social media users were gobsmacked by Kez's garden find and many eagerly flocked to the comments to share their thoughts.
One person said: 'New builds are required to have 30cm of topsoil… they did you dirty.'
Another added: 'I used to clean new builds... I wouldn't live in one. My friend got given one from the council, nothing but problems.'
A third commented: 'This happened to us with our new build a few years ago.
What to do if you fall foul of a dodgy builder
Under the Consumer Rights Act, anyone who enters a contract for goods and services can expect these to be supplied with reasonable care and skill - and this includes builders, plumbers, decorators and electricians.
It also includes materials, which should be of satisfactory quality, as described and fit for purpose.
If you've fallen victim to a builder, or had a dispute with your contractors, you should firstly collate all evidence you have, including paperwork, photos, videos, messages and bank statements.
Then, try to resolve the issues directly with the firm, before trying an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme such as mediation or ombudsman services.
If this doesn't work, contact your bank to find out whether you can recover any money spent using Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act (if the job cost between £100 and £30,000, your credit card company is jointly liable if something goes wrong).
If this doesn't work, report them to the police on 101.
While the lines between what is criminal and just bad practice are blurred, a contractor could be done for fraud.
It is also important to contact Trading Standards. Citizens' Advice has an online form to help you do this.
TS will then decide whether to investigate further based on the information you provide and help negotiate a settlement.
Even if it doesn't, the details may help if anyone else complains about the same firm.
It is also possible to take builders to a small claims court if you have been left out of pocket. However, you run the risk of racking up significant costs.
While most home insurance policies don't cover building work, it is worth confirming this with your provider.
And you should also, if possible, find out whether your builder holds liability insurance, which would also help.
"The builders put turf on top of builders rubble in the back garden. The turf lasted a few weeks!'
Not only this, but someone else wrote: 'Oh my god same!!! Mine's awful.'
At the same time, another user gasped: 'It's crazy how many people fall for the trap of buying a new build.'
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