What happens when it just doesn't work?

Now it occasionally happens that we don't get the results we want from the developer. Imagine the situation, we have snagged the property, prepared the report and sent it to the developer and then... nothing!

Although lack of communication can be alarming, it is not always a symptom of problems. However, if nothing comes back ever again then it is obviously a sign of trouble.


Snagging Overseas will pressure the developer for you, as much as we can. In developments where we have many clients this frequently gives us the "critical mass" necessary to make the developer see that he should correct the imperfections that we have reported.


However, we have had some cases where the developer just does not respond nor correct anything that we have identified.


So, what do we recommend you do when it just doesn't work? What options are open to you?


1. Firstly, Snagging Overseas will already have liaised with your lawyer. With difficult cases we will request that your lawyer or legal representative communicates the list of defects to the developer with some strong "encouragement" to get them fixed. If this doesn't work then you can...


2. Inform the developer that you are not prepared to go to title deed unless these items are corrected. Your legal representative can advise you of the best way to do this.


3. Request that the developer provide an assurance and a time frame for the proper correction of the snags. In the meantime you can also...


4. Advise the developer that you will retain a small amount of the final payment until such time as the works are done to everybody's satisfaction. Snagging Overseas will be able to advise if the developer is complying with the assurances that he has given.


5. Do always liaise with other buyers if necessary. Again Snagging Overseas will be able to help, if required. It is important then to act collectively and try and ensure that the developer understands that you are not "rocking the boat", you are merely protecting your own interests and investment.


6. Don't agree to long term promises. We have seen in one particular case in Portugal that we had pushed for all snags to be corrected and then the clients, via the Condominium meetings, agreed that the developer had up to a year to correct all snags! This meant they effectively signed away their ability to react for a whole year and a day.


7. Do listen to the experts. Your legal advisers, Snagging Overseas and possibly even your real estate agents have all seen these things happen before. Their advice will be crucial to help resolve the issues.

So, instead of worrying all night long ensure that you get the best professional help for your new brick house! Make sure you have Snagging Overseas as your new build inspection specialists!