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19
Oct 2022
Boroughbridge couple's three-year new build nightmare
From lack of insulation to roof trusses being warped, Chris and Katie Eve have faced a three-year nightmare with their new build home in Boroughbridge.
(Left) Chris and Katie Eve, who bought their home on Hockley Croft in December 2019.
A Boroughbridge family has been left in limbo for three years after ongoing problems with a new build property.
Chris and Katie Eve bought the house on Hockley Croft estate in December 2019.
But they still have items stored in a shipping container outside because of unresolved issues.
The new build estate, constructed by Harron Homes, consists of eight properties.
Speaking to the Stray Ferret, Mr Eve said his family, which includes two young children, had looked forward to leaving Harrogate for a new home in Boroughbridge.
He said:
“We moved there because we wanted something slightly more rural.
“We liked the development itself and thought it would be good for the kids.”
Lack of insulation
But numerous problems, particularly with the insulation, has led to a three-year nightmare, including the couple having to store clothes and belongings in shipping containers on their drive. Other properties on the estate also have to use containers.
The Eves' garage ceiling has been taken down four times because of problems with the insulation and fire board, and damp has also been found in the property.
Mr Eve said the couple could “see their own breath” in the front room because of the cold temperature, and had endured “countless” other problems, including uneven bedroom floors and roof trusses being weathered and warped.
Site managers from Harron, council building control and customer service managers have been to the property to inspect the property.
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On two occasions, the family have had to move items stored in the garage into shipping containers — the latest container has been there for a year.
The couple said they are still waiting for Harron to fix the problems and, as a result, have been forced to employ their own structural engineer to look at the house.
Currently, they are staying in the living area above their garage. But despite the ongoing problems, Mr Eve said the family is determined to make the house work.
He said:
“We like the location and we get on really well with the people around us.
“I do not feel like we should move because Harron would buy it off us and sell it off with the same issues.”
Harron Homes response
The Stray Ferret approached Harron Homes for a response to the complaints made by the family.
Tony Lee, managing director for Harron Homes Yorkshire, said:
“Harron Homes prides itself on creating quality homes so we are disappointed that we’ve not reached that standard on Hockley Croft in the past.
“We are currently working with a small number of residents to agree start dates and convenient times to rectify defects. We are committed to resolving matters as swiftly as possible and I am confident that our operations are robust, and our teams have the resources to deliver the service and quality I expect for our customers.”
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