Persimmon Homes Grumble

[TaketheCannoli]

Having seen a new build we like on a new estate I drove up there to check it out. The sales office was open so I attempted to discuss a viewing and possible purchase with the girl. I say attempted because there was no way she was ending her phone call to have a conversation about a potential sale.

She stuffed a brochure and site plan in my hand and told me I'd need to make an appointment. Good start.

The brochure and the website state there are three of the properties available and gave plot references. Those plots don't exist on the site plan. Still going well.

I've made an enquiry with them about the plot numbers via email, submitted their "Arrange a Viewing" online form twice and called them to arrange a viewing. No reply to any of those methods. My call went to voicemail and they've not called me back.

Do I have unrealistic expectations of Persimmon or any other builder? If they're as poor as this when you're trying to view, what will they be like once you're in and have a problem?

Buy the seller springs to mind.

[broxie]

You've had a lucky escape. Pop over to the Moneysavingexpert forums and search the House Buying/Renting/Selling forum for "persimmon" as part of your due diligence.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com...enting-selling

[TaketheCannoli]

Thanks but I couldn't find very much about Persimmon on MSE and certainly nothing horrendous.

You've had a lucky escape. Pop over to the Moneysavingexpert forums and search the House Buying/Renting/Selling forum for "persimmon" as part of your due diligence.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com...enting-selling

[Justin Case]

Thanks but I couldn't find very much about Persimmon on MSE and certainly nothing horrendous.

Seems fairly horrendous to me. YMMV of course.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com...e-persimmon/p1

Plenty other examples available on there if you use advanced search.

[TaketheCannoli]

Wow!!

Thank you.

Seems fairly horrendous to me. YMMV of course.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com...e-persimmon/p1

Plenty other examples available on there if you use advanced search.

[blackal]

You've had a lucky escape. Pop over to the Moneysavingexpert forums and search the House Buying/Renting/Selling forum for "persimmon" as part of your due diligence.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com...enting-selling

There are some great threads on that site !!

[thegreatdogwood]

Run.....

[andrewcregan]

Having bought a Barratt’s house two years ago, I would say steer clear of new builds if you can.
Everything has been cut right back, and everything is built to rock bottom specification.
The number of problems for almost every resident is incredible, and when a senior Barratt’s employee lets it slip, “I’d never buy one!”, they are a company best avoided.
Their sales information declares 5 stars for 10 consecutive years. Most people I know wouldn’t give them a single star!
Perhaps Persimmon being hopeless gives you an opportunity to dodge the bullet

[JasonM]

I found myself on a builders only Facebook group somehow and the shocking stories about Persimmon homes build quality were legendary.

[tixntox]

Misread thread title "Persimmons Homes Crumble"!

[Kevin Glover]

Well if it helps I have a mate who worked in land acquisition for them, he told me he would never buy one of their homes and now works for another large household name building firm!

[thegoat]

Just google Persimmon homes problems and see for yourself .

[Justin Case]

I can’t think of a house builder more disreputable. Avoid.

[Hooshabak]

Used to live in an Persimmon home, had the area manager and the MD round to discuss all the issues I had, too many problems to list hear but there isn’t a cat in hells chance I’d buy another from them but I suppose they’re built to a price and can be quite a bit cheaper than other builders.

One problem we had was shower waste pipe burst and leaked all over the wires on our smoke alarm so wouldn’t switch off, was blasting for hours, funny now but wasn’t then

[Speedyexplorer]

I live in a persimmon house, bought from new 16 years ago. I suppose it comes down to the level of professionalism of the site manager and the foreman for each location. Mine wasn’t so bad, snagging list mainly decoration that I done myself, couldn’t be arsed waiting any longer for them to do it. Wouldn’t buy from them again though, only reason we haven’t moved is we have good neighbours and that goes for a lot.

[Fraz01]

I think this picture says it all. 100% genuine as well as I live near Dundee and drove past it a few times.




Link to article for background info: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.eve...ling-work/amp/

[yumma]

As others have said. Run a mile. I wouldn’t touch a Persimmon Home with a barge pole, I reckon a Wickes shed erected by Reg Prescott would be better built.

https://youtu.be/MU2BO5Obg2k

[LRB255]

Lots of properties nowadays you'd be lucky to get a fag paper in between them, I'm amazed that the planners think this is acceptable and how on earth you would carry out gable end maintenance work baffles me :)

[Franky Four Fingers]

Trustpilot all of the major house builders and take a look at the reviews....all of them absolute shocking.

On a personal level I would never deal with Persimmon homes, I was unfortunate enough to know a director of the south west area who without a doubt was the worlds biggest asshat.
Back to the houses....we waited and found a small house builder when we moved tail end of 2019, you’re not dealing with some faceless company and we dealt with people who had reputations they were proud of and looking to keep it that way.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.persimmonhomes.com

[junglebert]

If you’re grumbling before you’ve given them any money, imagine what it’ll be like when you’re a few hundred grand in the hole!

[TaketheCannoli]

I couldn't stand the stress.

If you’re grumbling before you’ve given them any money, imagine what it’ll be like when you’re a few hundred grand in the hole!

[CardShark]

Sounds like you've already got your running shoes on OP however, for what it's worth, based upon the experience of a work colleague of mine I'd be running away as well.

Very, very long story short he had to move out, at their expense, of his new build for something like a couple of months so they could pretty much rebuild the house. Plumbing, electrics, flooring, windows, walls... Last I heard he's now dealing with some kind of boundary dispute.

[bparker170]

Since when did quality and customer care trump cost reduction, profits, and fat bonuses?

https://www.standard.co.uk/business/...-a4373321.html


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[TaketheCannoli]

Bloody hell

Since when did quality and customer care trump cost reduction, profits, and fat bonuses?

https://www.standard.co.uk/business/...-a4373321.html


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[KavKav]

I am fortunate enough to have a nice home that was built in 1928 when houses were built properly by time-served craftsmen, not the ‘fly-by-night’ jobbing builders and plasterboard merchants that you get today. Volume house building today lends a whole new meaning to the word ‘shoddy’, they are just thrown up with gardens the size of a large dog kennel. I would not buy a new-build from the major companies at any price!

[TaketheCannoli]

To be fair, my current house was built in 1973 and is solidly built with a good size footprint, large rooms and more than enough garden to house our extension and still have a good size garden. I don't know when house building became like your description but it definitely has.

I am fortunate enough to have a nice home that was built in 1928 when houses were built properly by time-served craftsmen, not the ‘fly-by-night’ jobbing builders and plasterboard merchants that you get today. Volume house building today lends a whole new meaning to the word ‘shoddy’, they are just thrown up with gardens the size of a large dog kennel. I would not buy a new-build from the major companies at any price!

[draftsmann]

I think I’d rather nail my ballsack to the table and apply vitriol to it than live in a box on a “new development” housing estate.

[Justin Case]

To be fair, my current house was built in 1973 and is solidly built with a good size footprint, large rooms and more than enough garden to house our extension and still have a good size garden. I don't know when house building became like your description but it definitely has.

Begs the question, why bother Persimmon?

[Dave+63]

To be fair, my current house was built in 1973 and is solidly built with a good size footprint, large rooms and more than enough garden to house our extension and still have a good size garden. I don't know when house building became like your description but it definitely has.

I bought my first house in 1987 which was built in 72-73. I was also looking at new builds and they were noticeably smaller and more densely packed by then.

So in answer to your question, it started sometime between the mid seventies and mid eighties. It’s only got worse in the ensuing thirty five years!

[Ed875]

Bought our first house in 94, a small 3 bed new build semi which was built like a fortress; picture nails bounced of the walls. Over the following fourteen years we moved a further three times all into new builds and the quality of materials and construction notably declined on each move and even failed to meet building regs with the last one, which was a protracted battle with the builder to get put right; no help from the local council building control office either.

Now in an old house with stone rubble filled walls whose construction date is unknown but maybe 1700's and apart from ongoing age related maintenance a far better home than any modern new build, even managed to get the heating switched from oil to an air source heat pump, though more expensive to run than the same system in a well insulated eco home.

So unless the quality of the modern construction industry much improves I would not touch a new build.

[Chinese_Alan]

My sister has just reserved a plot with a small house builder and it looks a nice house, however I could write a list of the reasons why I wouldn’t buy a new build..

- HA allocations on sites (snobby but you’re paying a premium for a new build house).
- Visit 10 estates build in the last 20 years and there will be cars just absolutely everywhere at 9 of them.
- The amount of snags left behind.
- The absolutely astounding cost of any extras.
- You're only a top customer until you fill in the NHBC survey.

I could go on.

Persimmon are notoriously awful, avoid.

[LRB255]

Bought a Persimmon home back in 2006 against my will but my ex wanted it so bad so ran with it, getting them back to complete snagging was hopeless and like painting the Forth Bridge

Couldn't sell quick enough, Brucie bonus was we made a very handsome profit albeit could never understand the popularity and frenzy of why people wanted to buy

[oldoakknives]

Having seen a new build we like on a new estate I drove up there to check it out. The sales office was open so I attempted to discuss a viewing and possible purchase with the girl. I say attempted because there was no way she was ending her phone call to have a conversation about a potential sale.

She stuffed a brochure and site plan in my hand and told me I'd need to make an appointment. Good start.

The brochure and the website state there are three of the properties available and gave plot references. Those plots don't exist on the site plan. Still going well.

I've made an enquiry with them about the plot numbers via email, submitted their "Arrange a Viewing" online form twice and called them to arrange a viewing. No reply to any of those methods. My call went to voicemail and they've not called me back.

Do I have unrealistic expectations of Persimmon or any other builder? If they're as poor as this when you're trying to view, what will they be like once you're in and have a problem?

Buy the seller springs to mind.

You've got more patience than me. I'd have walked at the second hurdle. Same with tradesmen these days. One chance, if they don't make an appointment to quote or to do the work I'm gone.

[rico]

I have a friend who used to work for Persimmon and having been personally involved myself with some 'higher end' housebuilders (Barratt, Berkeley etc) I would comfortably say i'd avoid like the plague. I wouldn't even know where to begin but there's many a scandal waiting to happen if things get 'hot'.

[LRB255]

I have a friend who used to work for Persimmon and having been personally involved myself with some 'higher end' housebuilders (Barratt, Berkeley etc) I would comfortably say i'd avoid like the plague. I wouldn't even know where to begin but there's many a scandal waiting to happen if things get 'hot'.

Barratt, high end house builder, hmm

[keitht]

I bought a New Charles Church house in 2009, these being the Posh end of Persimmon. ( supposedly ) £4 fixtures as opposed to £2.50 ones I expect..

It was in Malmesbury, and I could see their head office from my front windows.

Without going into huge detail about the problems, what I will sayis, I used to drive over, park my car in the Directors space, and sit in reception with my then 18mth old son and wait until somebody would come and speak to me

I was there so often the receptionists used to have my beverage made before I had even entered the foyer....


We di at least manage to sell it for a profit...so not all bad, and the new owner benefitted from some major defects having been rectified due to my tenaciousness.

[Franky Four Fingers]

I bought a New Charles Church house in 2009, these being the Posh end of Persimmon. ( supposedly ) £4 fixtures as opposed to £2.50 ones I expect..

It was in Malmesbury, and I could see their head office from my front windows.

Without going into huge detail about the problems, what I will sayis, I used to drive over, park my car in the Directors space, and sit in reception with my then 18mth old son and wait until somebody would come and speak to me

I was there so often the receptionists used to have my beverage made before I had even entered the foyer....


We di at least manage to sell it for a profit...so not all bad, and the new owner benefitted from some major defects having been rectified due to my tenaciousness.

Probably the same twat director I knew if it was Malmesbury.

[Yorkshiremadmick]

I think all major builders are struggling to get craftsmen, they basically died out when we had the crash & slump in the late 80’s. I have a degree in Building & Construction (1979) worked on the Barbican Arts Centre 1980.
We have a Persimmon home. Luckily ours is rendered. The brickwork on site has been done by YTS bricklayers. The joinery is not upto my standard. But we’ve not had any major problems other than normal snagging. There are horror stories everywhere and about all builders. Safe to say I have a decent 4bed detached. Been in it since January 2018.


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[broxie]

Perhaps the business went downhill after Charles Church slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God?

[Alansmithee]

I think it comes down to the local site manager - I bought my house in 2014 and it's been absolutely fine - they forgot to put in a shaving point I paid for but otherwise has been fine. Nice area and the last two houses that were for sale both went in a day so clearly in demand.

[southerner101]

I think all major builders are struggling to get craftsmen, they basically died out when we had the crash & slump in the late 80’s. I have a degree in Building & Construction (1979) worked on the Barbican Arts Centre 1980.
We have a Persimmon home. Luckily ours is rendered. The brickwork on site has been done by YTS bricklayers. The joinery is not upto my standard. But we’ve not had any major problems other than normal snagging. There are horror stories everywhere and about all builders. Safe to say I have a decent 4bed detached. Been in it since January 2018.


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Agree on the lack of good tradesmen and see it often. The best tradesman are in the building game themselves or work for smaller firms doing top end developments. Big sites tend to just have agency workers these days blagging it until they are booted off and on to the next one. Nothing more boring than house bashing where speed is key.

[mickylall]

Agree on the lack of good tradesmen and see it often. The best tradesman are in the building game themselves or work for smaller firms doing top end developments. Big sites tend to just have agency workers these days blagging it until they are booted off and on to the next one. Nothing more boring than house bashing where speed is key.

That is spot on, you can spot the chancers as soon as they step on site. The smaller developers put a lot more effort into providing a better product, large sites now really are only about maximising profits

[Rodder]

The problem I’d imagine, is that good site managers aren’t sought after by these builders and don’t get to stay long. They prioritise speed over quality. And as others have said, they always seem to sell so until that stops quality is unlikely to increase.

[JasonM]

The problem I’d imagine, is that good site managers aren’t sought after by these builders and don’t get to stay long. They prioritise speed over quality. And as others have said, they always seem to sell so until that stops quality is unlikely to increase.

You are probably right, I expect they are measured on how little they spend on remedial work rather than customer satisfaction.

[blackal]

The problem I’d imagine, is that good site managers aren’t sought after by these builders and don’t get to stay long. They prioritise speed over quality. And as others have said, they always seem to sell so until that stops quality is unlikely to increase.

The first time a Site Manager goes over-budget, he will be history I reckon.

I guess his own livelihood is on the line every project.

[Middo]

House builders 'should drop appalling gagging orders' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-56376112

[RobDad]

Apart from the houses themselves, modern developments seem to be so packed together that everyone overlooks each other in the bath, the toilet, 3 neighbours watch you hanging out your washing in your pristine but postage stamp sized garden etc!. Our house was built by the original owner in 2000 (well, by the builder he employed) and we’ve had no issues in the 6 years we’ve been here at all. Decent large sized rooms, big plot, proper double garage etc. Out of curiosity we had it valued a couple of years ago, as we’d noticed brand new 4 bed houses on a local development, complete with garages you could barely fit a mower in and tiny gardens, on sale for considerably more than we’d paid for our 6 bed house (with a garden you could fit 3 of these plots on comfortably) - I was told ‘buyers pay a premium for a new house as you get all the kitchen equipment and fittings brand new’ - I pointed out the stupidity of this comment to the estate agent who out of nowhere added an extra £75k to our valuation! Quite clearly from this thread, newer most definitely isn’t better!


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[blackal]

Apart from the houses themselves, modern developments seem to be so packed together that everyone overlooks each other in the bath, the toilet, 3 neighbours watch you hanging out your washing in your pristine but postage stamp sized garden etc!. Our house was built by the original owner in 2000 (well, by the builder he employed) and we’ve had no issues in the 6 years we’ve been here at all. Decent large sized rooms, big plot, proper double garage etc. Out of curiosity we had it valued a couple of years ago, as we’d noticed brand new 4 bed houses on a local development, complete with garages you could barely fit a mower in and tiny gardens, on sale for considerably more than we’d paid for our 6 bed house (with a garden you could fit 3 of these plots on comfortably) - I was told ‘buyers pay a premium for a new house as you get all the kitchen equipment and fittings brand new’ - I pointed out the stupidity of this comment to the estate agent who out of nowhere added an extra £75k to our valuation! Quite clearly from this thread, newer most definitely isn’t better!


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Nevertheless - there is a new-house premium.

[RobDad]

Nevertheless - there is a new-house premium.

I’m sure there is for those who just want to walk in and everything is ‘brand new’ but it seems something made properly 100 years ago is a better bet than something thrown together in the last 6 months!
I do find property valuations an odd thing generally. You can see 2 houses very similar, one needs a new roof, lots of work, the garden is a mess, it needs rewiring, new windows etc, the other is well maintained amd they are on for the same price. It’s a bit like saying ‘this new 3 series bmw has done 200,000 miles, there’s rust on all the panels, the passenger seat is missing and it won’t start. It’s £30k. Or you can have this new one for £30k. Price vs what you get seems nonsensical!


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[walkerwek1958]

Nevertheless - there is a new-house premium.

True.....but there shouldn’t be!

Most new developments aren’t very appealing, houses all crammed together, crap garages too small for a modern car, limited parking space, small rooms, dubious build quality.........where’s the upside?

Interesting comments about skilled tradesmen, the guys who have worked on my bungalow extension/ renovation all seem excellent, but that’s a small local firm that specialises in extensions and renovation. Can’t praise these guys enough, not the cheapest but everyone we’ve dealt with has been excellent and its obvious they don’t employ numpties or lazy sods.