Yorkshire family who found 180 faults with new-build home are forced out by flooding

Chris and Sarah Lambert bought the house in Cutlers Walk, in Wickersley near Rotherham, for £350,000 from Harron Homes last September.

Just before completion, they had a final viewing and identified a range of issues with the property, including poorly fitted windows and doors which would not open properly and a faulty boiler.

The couple, who have two children, attempted to pull out, but were told they had to go through with the purchase because they had already exchanged contracts and the issues would be fixed before they moved in.

Chris Lambert and his Sarah wife bought the house in Cutlers Walk, in Wickersley near Rotherham, for £350,000 from Harron Homes last September.

Mr Lambert said: “After you move in, Harron Homes gives you a week to make a list of what you think is wrong with the house. Myself and my wife identified over 180 issues.

"The frustrating thing is probably about 80 per cent of it is down to really shoddy workmanship.

“Since last September, we’ve had Harron Homes in and out of our house constantly sorting things out and the standard of workmanship is awful, so I’ve been having to take on a lot of the repairs at my own expense.”

After a series of small leaks, the property flooded in August because a pipe fitting had not been installed correctly.

The family had to move into a hotel in August, after their home flooded

Mr Lambert said they were forced to live in a hotel for three weeks, before moving into a rented property. The family have been told they may not be able to move back into their home for another six months.

He said. “My kids, who are nine and 12, are constantly asking myself and my wife how long it will be until they can go back home.

“To hear that as a parent is absolutely heartbreaking.”

He added: “I want the house that I thought I was paying for, not one with all these problems.

"I also want to raise awareness, so that anyone else that is thinking about buying with Harron Homes thinks extremely carefully before they do.”

A spokesman for Harron Homes said the developer has been working with the family since the leak was discovered.

She added: "As per our Customer Charter, we investigated the issue and offered to remediate the property, but the customers opted to channel the matter through their home insurers.

“All our homes come with a 10-year National House-Building Council warranty. We remain absolutely committed to providing the very best possible service to all our customers.”