Before you buy:

1. Check the showhouse thoroughly, one of the houses next door to us was a show house and it has a lot of the problems we have.
2. Ask for a written list of what is "extra", everything not on this list should be considered "standard"
3. Go to the homes of people who have already moved into homes near the one you are considering buying, it will more than likely have been built by the same tradesmen and to the same standard. Ask them if they have had any issues and if it would be OK to have a look around.
4. DONT BE SHY!!, YOUR PLANNING ON SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY

Once you've purchased:

1. Review websites such as those listed below for advice
   - Brand-newhomes.co.uk
   - Snagging.info
   - Snagging.org
   
2. You should get an inpection visit with the developers, take someone with you and take your time.  Inside check every room, wall, floor, cupoard, window, door, fitting & appliance.  Outside check the walls, windows, doors, pipes, gutters, roof, paths, driveway. Take a note and photo of every fault you find.
3. Consider getting a snagging inspection done by a private company such as BrickKickers or NewBuild Inspections. BrickKickers did not have an inspector that covered my area but recommended Newbuild Inspection.
4. Keep written and photographic records of all problems and correspondance you have with the builder.
5. Report any issues the builder hasnt resolved within 2 weeks of them being reported to them to your warranty provider probably NHBC or Zurich.
6. If you believe there are drainage problems with your garden do not make any changes to it and report it to your warranty provider probably NHBC or Zurich. The builder will use any changes you've made as an excuse to not fix it.
7. I know its hard but if you do have a lot of problems dont let it get you down and do not accept any excuses or lies from the builder.