The Top 5 Most Common Defect Queries in New Build Shared Ownership Homes — and What to Do About Them

Moving into a brand new home is exciting, but it’s completely normal to come across a few small issues in the first weeks and months of living there. In fact, according to the National New Home Customer Satisfaction Survey and HBF Star Ratings 2025 report, 93% people reported problems with their home to their builder when you moved in.  

These are known as defects or snags, and during your defect period the New Build Defect Team (NBDT team) will support you with getting genuine installation faults corrected. Below are the five most common queries we receive — along with guidance on whether it’s something to report or something you can easily take care of yourself.

1. Leaks and Drips

Water leaks — even small ones — should always be reported promptly. If you spot damp patches, water staining near pipework, dripping joints under sinks or unusual noises from plumbing, it may indicate a poorly sealed connection or installation fault, which is typically covered under warranty.

Turn off the water supply if necessary and report it to the NBDT team so it can be assessed quickly. However, slow drainage or blocked sinks can be caused by everyday use (like food, hair or soap buildup) are classed as home maintenance, and would need to be cleared using appropriate products by the homeowner. If they persist, reach out to the NBDT team.

2. Front and Back Door Adjustments

New homes settle slightly as the structure dries out, which can affect how doors sit within their frames. It’s very common for front or back doors to feel stiff, scrape at the bottom or fail to close smoothly a few months after moving in. This is generally a minor alignment issue rather than a defect.

Most modern composite or uPVC doors are fitted with adjustable hinges, which allow you to lift or tilt the door back into place with a simple Allen key. If you are comfortable attempting minor adjustments, your warranty pack may include manufacturer guidance. However, if the door is misaligned from the outset or fails to lock correctly, it should be reported immediately as a security-related defect.

3. Heating and Boiler Concerns

Nearly all homeowners experience heating worries in the early days — from radiators taking longer to heat up to unfamiliar boiler pressure warnings. The first thing to check is whether low pressure or trapped air is the cause. Most boilers simply need a quick top-up using the filling loop or their radiators bleeding, which are considered routine homeowner tasks. If you are unsure how to do this, consult the NBDT or a qualified professional. Do not attempt to do this yourself unless you have experience.

If, however, the boiler fails to start altogether, keeps locking out, or you notice ongoing error codes, this may indicate a faulty component or installation issue, which should be logged with the NBDT team — especially if still within the manufacturer’s warranty period.

4. Flooring Gaps or Lifting Edges

Slight gaps between flooring boards or vinyl edges curling upwards can happen as a result of natural shrinkage as your home dries out, particularly in rooms with changes in temperature or humidity. If it’s purely cosmetic and minor, this is usually considered settlement rather than defect, and can be resealed or re-glued as part of normal upkeep.

However, if the flooring is poorly laid upon completion, with excessive movement or visible ridges, this should be reported early so it can be corrected before the defect period expires.

5. Cracks in Walls or Around Door Frames

Light cracking — especially above doors, along skirting or where walls meet ceilings — is extremely common in new builds and almost always caused by settlement, not structural problems. These do not fall under defect responsibility and can be filled and painted as part of standard maintenance. Only large cracks (over 3mm wide), diagonal patterns or cracks that continue to worsen should be reported for investigation.

If you’re ever unsure whether an issue is a defect or everyday maintenance, it’s always best to log it early. Small problems are easier to resolve before they escalate — and the NBDT team is here to assess and advise, even if the outcome is reassurance rather than repair.