Glossary
Below is a short list of some legal and property related terms that you will come across either in discussions with your Solicitor, the Sales Advisor or as you read through your Essential New Home Guide:
Building Control
Local Authority Building Control is a publicly accountable independent building control provider dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in building, design, and construction.
Customer Care Department
Westpoint Homes Customer Care Department is here to make sure we follow our in-house Customer Service Programme, and deliver the highest possible levels of service at all times.
Deposit
A nominal payment that you make to secure the property. It is due to be paid when you enter into missives. The sales advisor will provide details of the level of deposit required.
Legal Settlement
Legal Settlement will take place just before you move into your new home. The settlement price will be the agreed value of the property, minus any payment - such as the deposit - that you have already made.
Missives
A legally binding agreement. There are usually two copies of this document, one for you and one that we will keep on file. Both copies are signed by you and by Westpoint Homes. These documents commit you to buying the property and us to building and selling it to you.
Move-in Date
The date on which you are scheduled to move into your new home. You will be advised of this date via your Sales Advisor.
NHBC
The National House-Building Council. The NHBC are the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK. They aim to help raise and maintain standards in regulation, construction and consumer protection within the industry. They register house builders, set standards, inspect properties as they are being constructed and provide insurance cover on new and converted homes.
Property Manager
They may also be referred to as "the factor". The Property Manager, as their name suggests, provides a management service to deal with all matters of common interest including the placing of common building insurance and instructing common repairs. They will also be responsible for organising maintenance, cleaning, gardens and (if applicable) lift maintenance contracts. These costs will be divided up and invoiced to each owner by the property manager. These bills will be issued every four or six months.
Reservation
The reservation process involves the payment of a fee that entitles you to "hold" or "reserve" the property for a limited period of time, prior to concluding a missive with Westpoint Homes.
Sales Advisor
You would have met the Sales Advisor for your development when you reserved your property. They are the first person you should contact with any questions and queries. They'll keep in touch with you throughout the building period and advise you on progress on a regular basis.
Site Managers
They are responsible for co-ordinating on-site construction work and making sure that all workmanship is of the highest standard. They are also responsible for health and safety on site.
Snagging
Once you move into your new home, you may notice some minor things that you think we should be aware of. A snagging list is a list of the things that you would like us to put right for you. The snagging list is agreed between us. We will also advise you on how long it will take to put things right. We aim to put things right within an agreed period; however, some items may be deferred to a later date.
Title
The document that provides evidence of your ownership of the property.